Shoe styles define decades more than any other accessories. I’m mean what’s more ‘70s than a pair of platforms?! We’ll be celebrating each period with a look back at its most iconic shoes, starting with the 1950s when Sandra Dee was rocking saddle shoes and circle skirts. Don’t be afraid to wear them with a pair of socks to get the sock hop style right. Just proceed with caution – later generations have failed to make them chic (see sandals with socks). Here’s what you need to bring the ‘50s to 2013:

Saddle Shoes
Bass Eloise Pump: This saddle shoe elevates the look to new and brighter heights. There’s nothing wrong with giving icons a little facelift! At Nordstrom for $66.29 (from $98.95).

Penny Loafers
Church’s Sally Leather Penny Loafers: At the same time, a classic is a classic. Wear your black pennies with a cute mini skirt to give them the girly touch. On NET-A-PORTER for $455.

Pumps with Bows
Bottega Veneta Bow-Embellished Leather Pumps: After all, Snobs in the ‘50s indulged in their feminine sides to the nth degree, wearing bows everywhere from their hair to their skirts to their pumps! On NET-A-PORTER for $780.

T-Straps
Miu Miu T-Strap Jeweled Heel Sandal: Ladies loved t-strap shoes to ensure the ultimate security when dancing the night away. These platforms aren’t exactly dancer-friendly, but it’s not as if we do as much Hand Jiving today anyway! At Barneys New York for $1,390.

Wedge
Salvatore Ferragamo Suna Wicker-Wedge Sandal: Fun fact – Salvatore Ferragamo invented the wedge in the ‘30s after a woman came into his shop complaining about her uncomfortable pumps. He went on to design shoes for countless Hollywood starlets, including ’50s temptress Marilyn Monroe. At Neiman Marcus for $695.

The post Design Through the Decades: The 1950s appeared first on Shoe Snob.

Alejandro Ingelmo has a knack for taking footwear to unexpected extremes. These aren’t what you think of when you envision cage shoes, yet they’re impossible to resist. With metallic accents and angular cutouts, Alejandro’s heels look like they’ve just been beamed in from the future. The icy Odysseys ($1,295) are definitely worthy of the trip their moniker suggests – most likely one whirling around the dance floor. Pair the shimmery scales with a trendy holographic clutch to really play with the space chic vibe. For something more wearable, go with the black suede and gold leather Colliders ($1,295). You could throw on the slicked up slingbacks with just about anything and look good. They’re cages you’ll never want to break free from. Available at Bloomingdale’s.

The post Alejandro Ingelmo Cage Sandals: All the Right Angles appeared first on Shoe Snob.

Nicole Kidman grabbed lunch in Cannes recently with her hubby while wearing a laid-back outfit that included some great summer sandals by Jimmy Choo. These sandals are summer essentials with their laser-cut suede straps, small heel and classic style.  They pull on and off easily with a zipper back and can be worn from the beach to the pool and dinner after without a care in the world.  The sweet chic shoes would look great with any summer dress or paired with jeans and an easy, breezy tank. Pick these summer staples up in nude at Net-A-Porter for $795.

The post Nicole Kidman Chills-out with Choo appeared first on Shoe Snob.

You can’t spend everyday in platform pumps. Just ask Sarah Jessica Parker – her doctor told her that all of those years strutting around the Sex and the City set in heels actually created a bone in her foot. Truly disturbing. So let’s try some shorter heels on for size. To make up for the length-slimming effect of super high heels, I’ve chosen all pointed toe pumps like these cap-toed Prada slingbacks (at Saks Fifth Avenue for $650). The shorter, the more you can get away with – in this case, that’s metallic shine! Here are the best silver short stacks:

3.1 Phillip Lim Dove Metallic Leather Pumps: Phillip Lim went full metallic, even down to the sole of the shoe, which makes the black elastic strap all the more of a contrast. At Saks Fifth Avenue for $485.

Miu Miu Crackled Metallic Leather Single Sole Pump: Crackled leather normally has a worn-in look, yet in metallic silver, the style seems almost futuristic. At Saks Fifth Avenue for $590.

Stuart Weitzman Poco Kitten-Heel Glitter Pump: The kitten heel height suggests that these are Cinderella shoes for the sensible Snob, but all of the glitter says Mariah Carey diva. At Neiman Marcus for $199 (from $298).

The post Metallic Shoes: Silver Short Stacks appeared first on Shoe Snob.

The post Jessica Biel Magical in Manolos appeared first on Shoe Snob.

Miley’s been getting some miles out of her Givenchy embellished suede sandals lately. She was spotted out in Hollywood wearing them with a leather T and jeans, then again on the red carpet at the Billboard Music Awards in Vegas Sunday with a Balmain jumpsuit. These pretty little pumps are soft suede with a gold-tone heel cap and can clearly be worn from day to night with anything from jeans to a red carpet outfit. These pumps will be your go-to summer shoes. Head to Net-A-Porter and pick them up for $850.

The post Miley Cyrus’ Summer Staple: Givenchy Embellished Suede Sandals appeared first on Shoe Snob.

Miu Miu’s black and white pumps are the perfect graphic shoes for toned-down Snobs who want to be trendy without investing in heels that will go out of style as soon as the season ends. They’re great for when you feel like dressing colorfully and need unfussy shoes to ground a vibrant look. The style is a minimalist play on wingtip brogues, adapting the design to some seriously sizable platforms. These pointed beauties guarantee height and an elongated silhouette (don’t let the photo fool you – the shoes are sleek, not stumpy). Even if you haven’t been hitting the gym, they’ll give you sculpted calves so that no one will be the wiser. Best of all, the double-stacked platforms mean that even though you’re towering over the masses, these are really just like three-inch heels! Available at Saks Fifth Avenue for $675.

The post Miu Miu Leather Platform Pumps: A Study in Contrasts appeared first on Shoe Snob.

The Great Gatsby has the fashion world in a ‘20s tizzy, but this flapper fringe is not the look. Even in the famous era of excess, I can bet Fitzgerald himself would tell Charlotte Olympia to tone it down. As if covering the entire wedge in bright pink strands wasn’t enough, there’s a pompom on top. When you strut in sky-high shoes, you want to inspire awe, not fits of laughter. For a great pair of Olympia wedges, check out the black and gold Carmens (on Matches for $889) Tina and I bought. Leave Gigi for the Moulin Rouge. Available at Bergdorf Goodman for $1,085.

The post Charlotte Olympia Gigi Fringe Wedge: Pink Friday appeared first on Shoe Snob.

These Prada pumps are the most versatile shoes I’ve bought all year. Without being basic or boring, the black and white style coordinates with essentially everything in my wardrobe from fitted Victoria Beckham sheaths to colorful slacks. The classic cap toe adds a polished touch of old world elegance. If you’re looking for something a little vampier, trade the cap toe in for slim black straps on the brand’s equally covetable criss cross pumps (at Neiman Marcus for $690). Spring’s monochrome madness might be a trend, but the fact of the matter is that black and white never goes out of style. Available at Bergdorf Goodman for $750.

Pair with: Jason Wu’s bright eel Karlie box clutch (at Jason Wu for $1,630) will add a few stripes of color to your outfit while still playing with the shoe’s bi-color combination.

The post Prada Black & White Cap-Toe Pumps: Bi-Color Coordinated appeared first on Shoe Snob.

It’s a little early to be giving out any fashion awards just yet, but in the first day alone, we’ve already seen a legion of exceptional contenders. Not surprisingly, The Great Gatsby ladies are leading the pack. Isla Fisher’s angelic white Dolce & Gabbana dress is a far cry from her character’s vampy wardrobe. The simple elegance of it was sweetly pulled together with Roger Vivier’s open toe pumps. Who needs tons of color when you have a gorgeous red mane and pucker to match?

This is not the first time we’ve spotted Carey Mulligan in her Saint Laurent t-strap pumps (on NET-A-PORTER for $825). It’s clear why our Daisy loves her heels – at 5 inches, she gets serious height and with the sleek straps it’ll be easier to stay on her feet.

Nicole Kidman was just named the new face of Jimmy Choo, so like any good spokeswoman, she arrived on the red carpet in a pair of the label’s hottest heels. The coral patent pumps were just the shock of electricity needed to bring out the vibrant florals on her Dior gown. Shop Jimmy Choo on NET-A-PORTER.

Pretty pixie Audrey Tautou coordinated her sweet Red Valentino sundress with nude patent pumps. Minimal makeup and jewelry made the festival’s mistress of ceremonies the picture of simple French sophistication.

The post Cannes Film Festival: Shoe-Ins to Win appeared first on Shoe Snob.

Jimmy Choo’s sleek, pointed-toe pumps get down and dirty with not just degradé color but with a transfixing transition of shiny leather to suede. The whole design is brilliant from metallic top to bottom. And it isn’t just a visual delight – placing the soft suede up front gives you the comfort you need to stay on your feet. So the only question is which will it be – the black or the tan? Silver shimmer fades to black on the 5-inch Anouk pumps creating a clash of color that’s perfect for nighttime fun, while the more casual 4-inch Abels are an exciting update on the must-have nude pump. The way the golden tan fades smoothly into sandy suede will excite but never overwhelm, making it the perfect replacement for those feeling disenchanted with the basic. Available on NET-A-PORTER in black ($750) and nude ($695).

The post Jimmy Choo Degradé Pumps: Fade Into You appeared first on Shoe Snob.

Image Credit: WWD

Derek Lam Calf Hair Pace: Derek Lam’s Pace heel gets wild with giraffe print. Ironically, the heel’s not very tall, making it a great on-the-go summer sandal. Exclusively at Barneys New York for $545.

Anyi Lu Ballet Flats: All of the Fall 2013 shoes will be going for top dollar. If you steal some deals now, you’ll have enough saved up later for the brand new must-haves. At Bloomingdale’s for $255 (from $425).

Avec Moderation Calf Hair Dress Slippers: The Tuscan brand’s decadent flats come in everything from python to satin to of course, calf-hair. On Farfetch for $321.

Paloma Barceló Calf Hair Wedge Sandals: While the rich feel of calf hair is an autumnal staple, you can enjoy the textured style during summer when it’s on top of a rope-covered wedge! On NET-A-PORTER for $305.

Charlotte Olympia Kitty Cat Calf Hair Slipper: When better than summer to sport Charlotte Olympia’s playful designs? Her cute kitty flat gets a jungle makeover with chic leopard spots. At Bergdorf Goodman for $825.

The post Fall Trend: Animal Print Calf-Hair Shoes appeared first on Shoe Snob.

Gisele Bündchen attended the Dolce & Gabbana Fifth Avenue Flagship Store Opening in New York recently wearing a pair of Lizard-effect leather sandals from their resort 2013 collection. These pumps add another 5 inches to Gisele’s frame, and thank god for that because she just gets lost in the crowd sometimes. The luxe leather pumps are a great summer shoe to invest in, as they will go with almost anything for an evening out, and are subtly sexy with gold accents that catch your eye. Pick up these sandy sandals at Net-A-Porter for $825.

The post Gisele Steps out in Dolce & Gabbana appeared first on Shoe Snob.

Not everyone is daring enough to wear cheetah-print on a dress or coat, but you don’t need to cover much real estate to answer the call of the wild. I love wearing animal-inspired shoes because even though they’re fun, the colors are neutral – you can coordinate them with all sorts of wild patterns and bright hues. The tame don’t survive in the jungle and that philosophy applies to fashion, as well. Go crazy with your style – heaps of gold, a vampy dress, etc. Jimmy Choo follows the animal instinct on the Lumina pumps with sumptuous calf hair that just begs to be touched, and punctuates its print with cap-toes and patent heels (all trimmed in mirrored metallic leather for good measure). In shoes this striking, you’ll be able to take down any and all prey that crosses your path. Available at Bergdorf Goodman for $950.

The post Jimmy Choo Lumina Cheetah-Print Pumps: Ready to Pounce appeared first on Shoe Snob.

Jessica Alba was out and about in New York City to support The Honest Company’s Ultimate Baby Shower on Tuesday wearing some retro color-block heels by Sigerson Morrison. Jessica looks cute as a baby button here in a floral Dolce & Gabbana dress and Burberry jacket paired with the sweet suede pumps. These open toe buckled beauties have a partially clear-heel adding a little more of a 70’s vibe to the throw-back look. To get this gorgeous, groovy look yourself pick these up in red-multi at Bloomingdale’s for $450.

The post Jessica Alba Steps Out In Corista by Sigerson Morrison appeared first on Shoe Snob.

Miranda Kerr attended a screening of The Great Gatsby in New York wearing Alexander Wang Antonia High Heel Sandals and a Vivienne Westwood Anglomania jumpsuit. These sweet summer shoes have padded leather straps and a crisscross at the ankle. They are the perfect neutral sandal to wear with anything your summer wardrobe has to offer. I love Miranda’s look here; minimal makeup, neutral shoe, floral jumpsuit sans jewelry. Simple, chic, and elegant, Miranda has been really stepping it up in the style department lately. I guess that’s what happens when you no longer have to wear handle bars around your waist while modeling lingerie as a teenager who comes up to your knee cap sings a song and dances hip-hop circ les around you. Life on the other side is looking pretty good for Ms.Kerr- or, let’s not forget, Mrs.Bloom. Pick these pumps up at Shopbop for $495.

The post Miranda Kerr and her Summer Sandals take in Gatsby appeared first on Shoe Snob.

Okay, not red all over – just on the bottom! Single sole pointy pumps are the style of the moment, but the flats version is just as chic and flattering. It will elongate your legs and add a dash of sophistication that rounded toe flats can’t provide. Diane Kruger proved the point brilliantly in a pair of Christian Louboutin Corbeaus. While she can strut circles around most anyone in a pair of heels, a smart girl knows that when you hit the Manhattan pavement to go shopping, comfort trumps all else. These flats merge spring’s black and white trend with PVC just in time for summer, racily revealing all save for your toes and heels. Paired with seersucker pants, a playful polka dot blazer, and a white hat, I’d say Diane’s style is more than ready for the season ahead. Is your wardrobe? Available on NET-A-PORTER for $595.

The post Diane Kruger x Christian Louboutin Corbeau: Black and White and Red All Over appeared first on Shoe Snob.

Not everyone at the MET Gala dressed for the punk theme. Those who did, did it well, though. While Michelle Dockery slipped out of her leather jacket before hitting the carpet, her Fall 2013 Gianvito Rossis ensured that she kept her cool. The Lady of Downton Abbey went wild with black python Edgiles (to be available at Gianvito Rossi). I love the blue pair, but on a punk rock night, I can see why she went dark. See what the other celebs wore…

Rooney Mara accessorized her gorgeous lacy Givenchy gown with the house’s white shark tooth sandals. Available on Farfetch in black for $850.

It’s no surprise that Jennifer Lawrence arrived to the Gala in Dior (although I don’t know if I would call the look punk), but these Brian Atwood Shina platform sandals were a great surprise. She coordinated her gown’s sequined florals with the shoe’s flowery appliqués. Unfortunately, Atwoods are never comfortable. As pretty as they are, I won’t be picking these up for myself. Available at Brian Atwood for $2,495.

Jennifer’s Hunger Games costar Elizabeth Banks came to play in a bold gold Atelier Versace chainmail jacket. Her daring leather fringed shoes? Oh, just some custom Brian Atwood “Elizabeth” sandals. It looks like the odds really are ever in her favor.

I couldn’t leave out SJP. Between her Philip Treacy mohawk headdress and these custom Christian Louboutin Monica boots, she definitely took the event’s theme to heart. She made sure to flash the red velvet tartan boots (and her knickers!) all night long.

The post The MET Gala: Shoes That Rocked appeared first on Shoe Snob.

These Casadei wedges are the tallest shoes I’ve seen in a while at nearly 6.5 inches (160MM to be exact!). Doesn’t that kind of height put them under the category of stilts?? The wedge itself is an intriguing mix of woods ranging from pale to cherry that’s topped with a tonal leather sandal. Chic, right? While walking in tall shoes is something I’ve mastered, I’m no circus performer. The pitch doesn’t even look forgiving. Aesthetically, I like these – it’s just that in practice, a terrible tragedy seems inevitable. Falling on your face is never cute. Save these for the Cirque du Soleil performers. Available on Luisa via Roma for $995.

The post Casadei Wood & Leather T-Bar Wedges: Patchwork Stilts appeared first on Shoe Snob.

If you’ve you ever come home from a sun-soaked vacation only to have friends tell you that you don’t really look that tan, I can’t say I can relate. Kidding, but not really, I am naturally dark so for me I can always use a flash of gold highlights. For those who need to work for it, there is nothing like gold tones to really show off your fresh dewy glow! Next to bright colors and florals, metallics are most definitely summer essentials. Layer on a mix of metals and then step into equally reflective footwear. The price of gold may be up, but the price of these sandals is down!

Badgley Mischka Afton III: Instead of diving headfirst into the gold rush, a raffia wedge like this can give you just a hint of shimmer. On Zappos for $235.

Diane von Furstenberg Daphne Flat Sandals: If you prefer rose to yellow gold, DVF’s sleek sandals will suit your fancy. Flats like these will make you shine bright without overpowering your outfit. On Shopbop for $198.

Rebecca Minkoff Bettina Flat Sandals: Rebecca Minkoff has a similar pair for Snobs who think thong sandals are uncomfortable. On Shopbop for $132 (from $165).

Loeffler Randall Starla Star-Embellished Metallic Leather Sandals: Gold stars orbit around your ankles for added sparkle and shine. The enviable embellishments easily could have looked kitsch, but Loeffler Randall kept them sophisticated with just a light dusting of whimsy. At Saks Fifth Avenue for $175.

Jean-Michel Cazabat Metallic Wooster: Looking for a new cork wedge? The mix of metallics on this tricolor pair is on trend and on budget. At Barneys New York for $225.

The post Frugal Friday: Gold Under $250 appeared first on Shoe Snob.