Gold rush

I may look like a total bumblebee in this outfit, what with the yellow-and-black color combo, but I absolutely love both pieces--the vintage dress in that awesomely bright yellow-gold hue and my Guess peep-toe boots. However, a word of warning: these are not the most comfortable shoes. The soles are slippery and the heels high, so whenever I know I'm going to be on my feet for an extended period of time, I try not to wear them. Like any good fashionista, I have a ton of black and white staples in my closet, but I love bright colors best even if I don't get the chance to wear them as often.

On Sale: Ed Hardy's shin boots

I'm going to take this opportunity to express how much I love my Ed Hardy shin boots, which I've blogged about in the past. I wore them for the first time to the office the other day (thank God for workplaces that allow us to dress pretty much however we want!) and got an avalanche of really nice compliments. Of course, there was a smattering of glitter on the floor when I got up to leave, and some other people in the building (who must adhere to stricter dress codes) gave me strange looks in the elevator, but I was so excited to show off my awesome shoe purchase! It has recently come to my attention that the boots, in this brown version on the left, are on sale, about $30 less than when I bought them at the Wild Pair store. So if you're itching for a new pair of stylin' kicks, hurry and snatch them up before they're all sold out!

Ed Hardy's shin boots

As soon as I set foot for the first time into the Wild Pair store (owned by Bakers Shoes), I saw the display of Ed Hardy shoes up front and made a beeline for these shin boots. I was torn between the black "Love Kills" style or the silver/white "Geisha" one, but eventually went with the latter (after contemplating the purchase of both... I mean, they did have a 15% off discount if you bought any two Ed Hardy items!). The lace-up boots are super comfortable--just like my Converse sneakers, except decorated with crazy glitter and funky art. The circumference is also perfect for my calves: they're not too loose, always a problem whenever I buy a new pair.

Fall's peep toe boots

I've noticed that girls in Los Angeles strut around in some of the coolest shoes, and me and my comfy flats just can't compete with the crazy strappy, lace-up, towering 5-inch heels that some fashionable Angelenos wear. So I indulged in a pair of Guess peep toe boots called the Naemazza, which go with pretty much everything from skinny jeans to little dresses. In black suede with a stacked heel and dramatic laces, it's the perfect boot for wearing with all the romantic fall trends. Not to mention, the few times I've worn the shoes out, they've been surprisingly comfortable... though I'll always keep a pair of flats stashed in my car trunk for painful emergencies.

The best fall bootie

The hottest little shoe for fall I've seen yet is this Norland Scalloped high heel bootie by L.A.M.B. Gorgeous black suede is embellished with bold red stitching and layers of petals down the front. That towering 4.5" covered heel is tall--especially for me, a self-professed comfy flats girl--but for a shoe this beautiful, I'd happily suffer any pain. Too bad the price tag, at $425, is hard to swallow. I've been on the lookout for a good copycat and the online Topshop boutique offers the Sicily Frill boot, which is a watered down version with less frills, zero topstitching, and is priced at a far more affordable $135. Unfortunately, other discerning customers must have snatched it up already because it's completely sold out on the website. If you know of any similar shoes, please let me know!

The perfect nude pump

My dear friend Tammi has a very cool personal style—even though she's always humble about it—and for a little while now, I’ve coveted her pointy toe, nude, glossy pumps. The shoes are perfect for work dressed up with a pencil skirt and ruffled blouse, but I also envision them dressed down for movie night with the girls (think flared dark jeans and a breezy top). This beautiful Claudia Ciuti pump is that perfect shade of beige which helps elongate your legs, and a 4" heel doesn't hurt either. Conservative pumps may be dropping off the radar now that chunky platform heels and strappy sandals are so in, but I've always thought that they add a touch of sleek & sexy which is still totally appropriate for the office!

Affordable & stylish jelly flats

I happily wore jelly flats when I was in the seventh grade, but lately I've noticed that the trend is making a comeback. This time around, I did not embrace it, but after spotting these Melissa gold zig zag jelly flats, I'm sold.

You can hardly tell that these are incredibly affordable $37 jelly shoes. The intricate zig zag pattern shows off a little skin and keeps your feet cool, which is perfect for hot weather. And I'm a big fan of shoes in metallic gold or silver, because they're so eye-catching and pretty much match with anything in your closet. And as you all know, I'm all for wearing flat shoes in favor of heels, so just think how comfortable this pair will be for running errands or rushing to work! If more jelly shoes looked like this, I'd jump on the bandwagon immediately.

A zipper rosette shoe

As if Gwen Stefani couldn't get any hotter, I just discovered this zip rose sling back pump by L.A.M.B. Yeah, you heard right. Look closely and you'll see the pretty rosette balanced on that shoe is outlined by a zipper, which gives it a very funky, very Gwen rock 'n roll vibe. With a whopping 5" stacked heel, this shoe isn't for everyone, but imagine how amazing this would look paired with the right pants (for me, cropped and form-fitting chinos) or a pencil skirt! I love shoes that have a little character and these satin L.A.M.B. beauties, with their zipper detail and towering heel, scream of self-confidence and spunk--just what every woman needs! These will set you back just over $315, but hey, who ever said that money can't buy you assurance?

Comfortable and colorful: Purple wedge flats

Most people know me as a flats girl. I rarely walk around in high heels unless I need to dress up for an event because I'm too at ease schlepping around in flats. These Les Prairies de Paris suede shoes offer an interesting but still comfortable alternative--a wedge slip-on in colorful violet suede with a peep toe and thick band. The 3/4" stacked heel is tolerable for walking around in, while the vibrant notice-me-now color is such a refreshing shade for a shoe. I've also grown a tad bored with the basic ballet flat silhouette that is so common now! Les Prairies de Paris offers an adorable and chic version of the flat that's perfect with a romantic blouse and high waisted shorts.

Urban Outfitter's Lattice Boots: Yes or No?

These suede lattice boots, exclusive to Urban Outfitters, aren't for everybody, but if you've got the long legs, confidence, and that indescribable je ne sais quoi to pull it off, I'd say go for it! The shoes remind me of Rihanna's totally fierce Balenciaga gladiator boots from a little while back, which she rocked. The boots are a tad elaborate--there's a pattern of geometric cut outs along the sides, metal eyes down the front through which the black laces criss cross, a peep toe, and a low 2-inch heel. Obviously, with shoes this busy you won't want to wear a complicated oufit. I'd suggest your sheerest black tights, denim cut offs, and a simple top in a solid color, perhaps accompanied by a blazer or vest in case of cold weather. No matter what, go for simplicity and keep the focus on your boots. I'm still debating whether or not I should get them...Any thoughts?

On Sale: Red gladiators

Sure, gladiator sandals are all the rage now, but if you really want to make a statement, why not try these Tristan Blair beauties in red? In patent lipstick red leather with soft suede laces, these shoes are superbly fashion forward and happen to come in my favorite color. The crisscrossing straps and soft laces are a pleasing color contrast in two complementing shades of red. Shoes like this are meant to be paired with cute shorts (like these indigo wash denim shorts) or a body conscious skirt, anything that shows off the stunning design and attention-grabbing color!

Discount Spotlight: Jeffery Campbell's wedge shoe

This wedge shoe by Jeffrey Campbell, with its beige-colored linen fabric, reminds me a little of the Tashkent by Cheyenne heel. The adorable bow at the ankle and cool cut outs at the sides make for one unique shoe. Since I don't usually favor too-high heels, I like the 1/2 inch wedge heel on this pair that will still give me extra height without sacrificing comfort. This wedge is definitely one of the most fabulous, fashionable, and affordable (a steal at $78) shoes I've come across yet.

Plus, purchase it online (or anything else you may fancy) from Urban Outfitters and receive an extra 20% off with code "secretsale."

On Sale: Tashkent by Cheyenne's Metallic Sandal

These Tashkent by Cheyenne sandals, made of linen threaded with hints of metallic gold,
must be the ultimate summertime shoe. The shoes pretty much go with anything, from a long summer dress in an ostentatiously bright color (to offset the shoe's neutral shade) to a patterned bohemian top-and-jeans combo. What I like most about the shoe are the elegant straps that tie at the ankle and the undeniable quality of the linen, which gives off a subtle sheen. Though truthfully I am more of a flats girl myself, it is precisely these kind of shoes that are slowly converting me to the world of high heels.

Love it or hate it: The Ashiko Boot

Summer may be the season for gladiator sandals, but it's never too early to think about fall shoes! What do you think of these Ashiko Boots by Y3? I'm an avid collector of awesome boots, and this pair has sporty, rounded rubber soles (perfect for splashing around in the rain!) and is made of stretchy nylon mesh for a sleek futuristic look. You also get your choice of black or white elastics. I'd personally go for black, which is a little less daring, but whatever the color, these boots will be hard to ignore. I appreciate the athletic twist--these shoes are sure to be a lot more comfortable for walking around in than my pair with 3-inch heels!

Wanted: Python coil sandals

Jean-Michel Cazabat's flat thong sandal is one of the most stunning summer shoes I've laid eyes on yet. The python stamped leather and ankle coil are, of course, reminiscent of snakes and while this may be a turn off to others, I absolutely love the look. It's perfect for summer--exotic and Mediterreanean-like! In shiny gold, this sandal was designed to stand out in a crowd. I'd wear them with a simple outfit, like linen shorts in tawny olive and a floaty summer blouse, like this one with a delicate bow-tie. After all, you wouldn't want to detract any attention away from those gorgeous ankle coils!