leighton meester's pierre hardy platforms...ohhhh
aren't they pretty? like a golden-turquoise peacock!
image via style bistro.
scottish tartan plaid
in a dorky way, I've always liked scottish tartan plaid. I think it's because my mother used to order me pajamas with that pattern from land's end and LL bean when I was little, so I came to associate it with warmth and coziness.
even so, I don't think I've actually owned anything since with said plaid, save maybe a skirt or two. it seems you just don't come across it that much! hence my pleasant surprise to see these from jerome c. rousseau. how different and refreshing! the pumps would look great with solid black knit tights...
I also think they're charming for winter. scottish tartan plaid is inherently cozy, wouldn't you say?
tacky or not tuesday: lipstick heel
I've said before that it's nice to see some humor and personality in shoes, and I still believe that. but this, by albert guardiani...? I just don't know!
on one hand, I give the guy credit for trying to come up with an original idea that's actually an interesting piece of art. and besides, shoes + lipstick? could anything be a better girl's dream?
on the other hand, though...it's not something I'd ever see myself – or anyone I know – wearing outside the familiar, accepting confines of the home.
verdict? tacky. sorry, alberto!
so, dear readers, what do you think?
image via shoeper woman.
cyber monday deals
why is cyber monday on a monday? because people have nothing better to do at work than shop?
in any case, here are some great cyber monday deals via shoeaholics anonymous! don't miss nine west for $39.95 or less...
fun flats by marc by marc jacobs
I stopped by the marc by marc jacobs store the other day and wowsa, found some gorgeous shoes (including a to-die-for pair of loafer pumps! for $350...sigh.) also while there, I saw these fun flats. not that I'd run out and buy them, necessarily, but it's kind of nice to see humor and personality incorporated into design, particularly where shoes are concerned. my favorite is the "playing card" flat in the middle!
reader mail monday: socks with shoes – yes or no?
dear hip hip shoe-ray,
I'm seeing more and more women wear knee or calf-height socks with shoes these days – and paired with skirts or shorts so you can really see the socks. I can't tell if it's a good look, which makes me think that it's not. any suggestions for wearing socks well?
yours truly,
timid
dear timid,
socks. even just the word evokes kind of a dorky sentiment, doesn't it? not necessarily in a bad way, just...dorky. though the fall 2010 runways suggested socks with shoes was the next big thing, a lot of everyday people were hesitant, seeing as it wasn't the easiest look to pull off.
BUT! it can be done! I've started to see it around more lately as well, and for the most part, with good results. it particularly works with lace-up oxfords or ankle booties, like here:
just be sure to keep the shoe ankle height or lower (the heel can be however high you'd like). if you choose a calf-high boot, for instance, the shoe ends up competing with the sock.
some candidates:
above: the J shoes sidesaddle for $175.
above: the seychelles bismuth for $125.
above: the nine west cassie for $130.
above: socks can also work well with flats, particularly oxfords like the worn with love oxfords from ruche for $47.99.
good luck!
sincerely,
hip hip shoe-ray
got a shoe question for hip hip shoe-ray? email us at hiphipshoeray@gmail.com. we're happy to help!
top photo via new york magazine.
chuck taylors and keds and shoppers, oh my
while doing a little bit of black friday shopping, I spotted an alarming number of fellow shoppers in chuck taylors and keds. I'm thinking it was probably the comfort factor. they reminded me of this incredibly fun and pretty composite by oh happy day blog author jordan ferney...
celebrity sunday: christina aguilera's shoe closet
I remember seeing this photo in an issue of instyle several months ago, and I'll admit it, I was jealous.
they're organized by designer. if you had that many shoes, think of all the ways you could organize them – by color, heel height, type of shoe, like most, like least...
sigh.
holiday party shoe #1: the velvet shoe
does any pair of shoes scream "yay for the holidays!" more than a pair of velvet shoes in deep red or black? I think not! don't you just want to hug them, they look so soft? from top to bottom: the baisley by aldo ($80 and hands down my favorite), the new york fling by kate spade ($150), the ballet by kurt geiger ($340), the impress by betsey johnson ($175), and the new york jaylee by kate spade ($250).
friday's shoe of the week: hasbeen knee-high striped boot
you can get this hasbeen boot in black-and-white stripes or rainbow stripes, both of which are pretty noteworthy in themselves! but even more interesting is that all profits from the rainbow boot will be donated to helping support the LGBT movement. learn more here.
via shoewawa.
black friday online shoe deals
check out these great online deals for shoes via shoeaholics anonymous. we're talking up to 70% sam edelman, sofft and more!
Read more...stocking stuffer alert!
in the spirit of black friday, kick of your holiday shopping with these adorable shoe clips from ban.do. just slide them on and instantly transform your shoes for a different look with every clip. they'd make a great stocking stuffer for the shoe-lover in your life.
my favorites are the light blue silk chiffon pom-poms (in the middle image).
happy thanksgiving
the harlow stitch oxford by frye is almost like a pilgrim shoe! happy thanksgiving! 
thrifty thursday: steven by steve madden's isolate boot
as luck would have it, while poking around for this week's thrifty thursday, I stumbled across an ankle/calf-height boot that I was pining for just a couple of weeks ago, the isolate boot by steven by steve madden. down 33 percent at nordstrom.com, from $159.95 to $106.90!
the reason I didn't buy them then, though, was that leg-warmer-thing on the back on the ankle. I mean, it's ribbed fabric, intended I'm sure for comfort's sake. (and if you've ever worn a pair of boots that cuts into your ankle in the back when you walk...ouch!) I bet these are actually super comfortable...and the back is much less noticeable on the black boot. I just don't like the way the fabric interrupts the line of the boot!
what do you think? should I get these while they're on sale? 
electric blue sandals
I'm diggin' olivia wilde's spring 2011 jimmy choo sandals that she wore to the opening of the tron pop-up shop last week. the platform and heel are plexiglass! and I love the double ankle straps...
via stylebistro.
iterations
check out these three iterations of a shoe design by angeline catteeuw, a women's shoe and clothing designer in belgium. which one do you like the best? it'd be fun to be a shoe designer, like the shoe girl – nah, I'm not completely jealous or anything...!
what's new wednesday: diane von furstenberg spring 2011
co-designed by yvan mispelaere, diane von furstenberg's spring 2011 shoes are bright, bold and graphic – perfect for summer (although san francisco these past few days feels like anything but summer, so it's hard to think ahead).
aren't the rope laces on the sandals above adorable? I'm not sure I like the treatment of the heel though, not to mention the dual-tone aspect...what do you think?
image via elle.
artisan shoes...sigh
I stumbled across this recent story in the new york times and found it fascinating – it's a spotlight on three artisan shoemakers in venice. there's something so appealing about shoes handmade to order, using only the highest quality leather and materials.
the story focuses on the fact that these artisans create shoes for durability, comfort and fashion – and all three attributes share equal importance.
can you imagine how comfortable and beautiful a pair of custom-made shoes would be?! considering that prices start somewhere around $900, I'm not sure I'll ever know...but, dare to dream!
above: a look at artisan gabriel gmeiner's shoes.
tacky or not tuesday: fergie's spike pumps
every tuesday is "tacky or not tuesday" here at hip hip shoe-ray, where all of you lovely readers weigh in: tacky or not?
first up, it's the ever-daring fergie, wearing peep-toe spikette pumps from ruthie davis' spring 2011 collection. I have to say, I like that the hot pink soles provide a straight-up girly flair – a nice contrast to the, uh, spikes.
okay, okay, I'll admit: even those have grown on me since I first saw these shoes. I also like the silver-stud detail and the fact that these peep toes actually shoe some toes! so, tacky or not? verdict: not! do you agree or disagree?
via stylebistro.
buy one get one half off at payless shoesource!
need I say more? at payless.com through wednesday.
Read more...oh, katy...I love your shoes
I might not be a huge fan of katy perry's music, but I sure am of her shoes. how darling did she look at the american music awards last night? she usually dresses so over-the-top – it was nice to see something a bit more subdued and pretty, rather than overtly sexy. I love the champagne color of her (satin?!) platforms.
contrast that muted shade with this bright blue patent leather (sergio rossi's cachet slingback – the pair shown blown up below are suede...not sure which I like more) that just leaps right off the shoe. so playful and daring! she wore these at MTV's european music awards earlier this month.
via shoehunting.
reader mail monday: thanksgiving day nerves
every monday, I'll answer a question from a reader regarding one thing...shoes!
dear hip hip shoe-ray,
I'm going to my boyfriend of a year's parents' house for thanksgiving, and I'll be meeting them...for the very first time! I need some good ideas for shoes. I want to look fashionable and cute, of course, but also conservative and sweet. nothing too over-the-top!
I plan to wear a simple, knee-length black dress that's slightly fitted and has a square neck.
sincerely,
hiding behind the the turkey
p.s. I'm on a budget and can only spend about $100 on the shoes.
dear hiding,
don't hide – you won't need to! besides dazzling the parents with your personality, you'll look just right.
it sounds like the dress you chose is conservative, and that's fine – as long as your shoes and accessories serve to liven things up. otherwise, you run the risk of looking like you're headed to the office and, well, boring. as you mentioned, you want to look nice, but you also want to show some personality and your fun side. remember, you're going to a festive holiday get-together, not a funeral! while super-high heels are pretty much out of the question, a smaller lift – 3 inches or so – will give look elegant and you a confidence boost.
since your dress is solid black, your shoes provide a great opportunity for a pop of color, preferably a warm shade. try the woodpecker by seychelles, in either berry or mustard: 
the bow adds some personality and playfulness, as long as you keep your accessories fairly basic.
if you'd rather be more creative with accessories, opt for the sadock by nine west. it's basic, but the wedge heel gives it some personality as does the suede and the beautiful, deep color. 
nothing makes flat black pop more than an animal print. and if you simply feel more comfortable in flats, try these ballet flats from old navy in either a zebra or leopard print. bonus: at $19.50, you'll be showing that budget who's boss! 
good luck!
sincerely,
hip hip shoe-ray
got a shoe question for hip hip shoe-ray? email us at hiphipshoeray@gmail.com. we're happy to help!
celebrity sunday: save the children auction
sundays are celebrity sunday on hip hip shoe-ray! we'll feature a celebrity-related shoe post. let's begin!
shoes from alexander mcqueen...monolo blahnik...ted baker...drooling yet?
check out this kick-ass auction for a worthy cause: the save the children campaign, aimed at combatting preventable children's diseases such as pneumonia, malaria and measles. the campaign solicits celebrities to donate their prized party shoes, and now through december 10, you can bid to win. the auction includes more than 40 pairs of gorgeous shoes donated by the likes of nigella lawson and sienna miller.
a few of the shoes up for bid:
above: alexander mcqueen (the skulls have Swarovski crystals for eyes!)
above: melissa shoes (double-bonus: melissa shoes are totally eco-friendy – no animal parts and completely recyclable)
above: ted baker (silver studs! studly.)
via shoewawa.