If you are looking for a fun alternative to the booming wedges that are on every corner, try the Rag & Bone Durham booties on for size. These cute tan and brown little guys have button strap closure, elastic paneling at the sides and a 2.25” heel giving you a little boost without hurting your back come 5pm. These are the perfect shoes for a laid back weekend look that you can Christmas shop all day in and still be comfortable. I’d throw these on with some GoldSign leggings and Free People button down top to go poking around the shops in. Boots like this can be worn day after day and only look better with time. If you’re looking for a different bootie this season, you may want to give this a whirl.

Ssense for $495.

Katie’s Holmes and Yang silk jumpsuit is the most flattering thing I have ever seen on her– no wonder this is her second outing in the silk-and-lace piece, which is originally from the duo’s first season back in 2008. Elongating her legs and so fluidly slimming, it was an instant favorite for me back then (in white), and still is now.
This time, for her 33rd birthday in NYC, she paired the black-and-white one-piece (I love the juxtaposition of the gorgeous, vintage lace top against bold, dark silk) with the perfect pair of shoes: T-strap pumps by Rodarte that pose a similar contrast. The shoes are just graphic enough to ground the romantic look; something at once modern and classic is precisely what such a bold silhouette requires. And notice the clever lack of jewels! The entire look is simple, clean, and impossibly chic

Play with similar dual-tone T-straps, like these elegant pumps by Roger Vivier or Manolo Blahnik’s take on the spectator shoe.

Roger Vivier T-Strap Pumps at My Theresa for $459 (from $919).

Manolo Blahnik Leather T-Strap Spectator Pumps at Saks Fifth Avenue
for $785.

In the sea of color-blocked shoes out there, from perky Charlotte Olympia to quirky Fendi to sophisticated Stella McCartney, and the equally vast spectrum of boldly color-blocked creations (including some bordering on the garish), it’s none other than a pump out of Brian Atwood’s little-sister line (just call her “B”) that take the prize as the best of the season.
When it comes to successful color mash-ups, proportion is just as important as hue. And so is attitude. These suede 5.25” shoes hit all the right notes: a palette elected for a flirt with a sense of humor, a combination of childlike tones fit for a super-chic Barbie. A body of pink sets the tone, shades of blue define the doubled platform and a thin heel is the perfect spot to inject a shot of hot yellow – so you know they won’t forget you when you walk away. At Neiman Marcus for $350.

Pair with: A tee that’s cute and relaxed with a splash of the hyper-feminine. Red Valentino’s heather-gray modal T-shirt is topped with a refreshing panel of sheer pink lace, which hints at one of the shades of your pump.

At Net-a-porter.com for $250.

A wise snob knows to shop the sales for shoes to take her into 2012. Now if the Pantone color forecasts are any indication (and they always are), pinks and purple are going to rule the next year. Find that unsettling? You shouldn’t! Purple shoes are quite easy to carry off – I have a pair of purple suede Marni platforms I wear with grays, blacks, creams, browns, and certain shades of rose pinks!

I eased you in with plummy shoes, great for welcoming the fall, but purple is much more youthful. The key is a clean silhouette with very few embellishments (like Miu Miu’s jeweled heel, which gives its simple style a shot of glam) – this color is vivacious enough to stand on its own. Hey, if it’s good enough for Prince, it’s good enough for me!

Burak Uyan Cutout Suede Sandals: Revealingly etched-out straps and a contrasting gray suede sole make these multi-seasonal. Burak Uyan has a way of devising ordinary sandals that are a cut above the rest, and these strap-happy shoes are no exception. On Net-a-Porter for $422.50 (from $845).

Miu Miu Bow-Embellished Suede Peep-Toe Pumps: Regal and ladylike, these boxy-meets-dainty pumps are fit for the Duchess of Cambridge. Wear them as Kate would, with nude legs and a simplistic frock. On Net-a-Porter for $342 (from $570).

Miu Miu Jeweled Platform Pump: If the bow-trimmed pumps are fit for a duchess, these bejeweled shoes are made for a partying princess. A wildly angled heel and mirrored front platform make for an edgy take on a rebellious color. At Barneys New York for $719 (from $1,195).

Yves Saint Laurent Myranda Slingback: YSL knows how to imbue disco flair in their footwear better than anyone. And what says, “dance the night away” like purple suede melded into a layered platform and trimmed with metallic gold leather? At Barneys New York for $599 (from $995).

Marc by Marc Jacobs Chain Strap Wedge: The most frugal bargain of the bunch exudes decadence. Is it the grand color or the flirtatious chains that dangle from the ankle strap? It’s both; playfully sexy is the way to go when it comes to purple. At Barneys New York for $209 (from $350).

Dior Miss Dior Velvet Pump: One word: Sumptuous. An all-velvet shoe is plush enough, but set it in enchantingly soft amethyst, and I’m over the moon. Pick up on the jewel tone and wear these with plentiful white diamonds. At Neiman Marcus for $428 (from $640).

Gucci Huston Mary Jane Platform Pump: With a hint of seventies-era glamour, Gucci gives a nod to its glorious days of Tom Ford’s reign. A classic shape and a classically confident color. At Neiman Marcus for $515 (from $770).

This sneaky siren has the perfect amount of peep to be sexy yet classy when you want a little something different to slip into. The Alexander Wang Eden mesh platform pumps are suede trimmed with a stacked platform and spiked heel giving you all the elements of va-va-voom without an in your face feel. I would pair these with an elegant BCBG dress for a night out on the town or even NYE. These would also look great with a pair of J Brand skinny pants and a bright top by Jenni Kayne for a work day look. These shoes are as elegant as they are eye catching. If you’re looking for a shoe that’s seasonally appropriate but with a little edge, look no further.

Pick these up at ShopBop for $425.

And now I present you with the most bizarre shoes of the week! A walking oxy moron of sorts, this is the highest heel-without-a-heel that you could possibly attempt to saunter in. Pick your poison: minimalist black or white grained leather, and that’s about the only minimal thing about them. Raising you up a colossal 10.5”, this heel-less bootie props you on a platform of 6”, which is higher than most of our loftiest platforms.

Purchasing these Noritaka Tatehana creations, engineered for Gaga’s Workshop (who else but the reigning lady of wacky, fearless fashion?) at Barneys, the Night Maker boots will also set you back a hefty sum. Over four grand to risk breaking your ankle? While it would be an amusing experiment to see yourself nearly a foot taller, at this price, I would think these platforms come with a personal valet to hold you while you walk.

At Barneys New York in black and white for $4,100.

Pair with: Dauntless “little monsters” should be willing to go all out with the Schott NYC motorcycle jacket. With a pair of ripped fishnets and a bodysuit, you’ll be all good to go in trademark Gaga style!

At Barneys New York for $625.

Cutting-edge spring shoe or wearable picnic basket? Gucci’s straw-colored woven boot is one of those things that we see everyday in the fantastical world of couture: it’s conceptually cool but has no actual function. Yes, there are times when fashion wins over function, no contest (although the only shoes I covet feature both qualities, in equal measures), but I have to say: even if you’re talking looks, it is a bit odd to wear lawn furniture on your feet. Especially when your new warm-weather heels come in the form of a knee-high boot (I can feel the sweat now). You know how you get waffle butt when sitting on a rattan chair?  Imagine the a perfectly waffled calves and feet. But I’m still looking at them, aren’t I? Actually, I can hardly peel my eyes away, although I’m content to keep them at a distance.

Leave it to Gucci to make even wicker stand out – they have achieved the look of the processed tropical palm with woven leather. And I’ll admit, it is an intricate and taut weave; however, the bag versions are preferable. Though either way, I’m still not yearning for the look of it unless I’m lounging in it with a Mai Tai in hand.

On Net-a-Porter for $3,750.

Looking for the last piece of your holiday outfit puzzle? The Charlotte Olympia Origami platform pump will be the perfect fit. This unique fun shoe will catch eyes and turn heads with its origami inspired look and tall metallic platform. Shoes like these should be paired with a bit more muted outfits so not to come off looking like a Lohan. I would strap these on with a simple, yet sexy Dallin Chase long sleeved dress for a holiday party with friends. I would also pair these with some Helmut Lang leather pants and a Tibi tank for a night on the town. These shoes are fun so you can’t take them too seriously and try to wear them to church or something equivalent. Wear them when you are going to go dance the night away with the champagne is popping and mistletoe is plentiful.

$1,195 at Neiman Marcus

I’m not feeling too groovy at the moment. When I saw these babies, Austin Powers immediately came to mind. These are right out of the International Man of Mystery’s closet, sitting next to his velvet suit and lace-trimmed dickey.
Here’s a case where metallic doesn’t work. You know I love the shiny texture, but I insist on metallic in small doses, like on a strappy sandal or accenting a chunkier shoe. On a clunky silver boot like Giuseppe Zanotti’s design? This is more mod-meets-Space Age than modern and chic. Or more out of a Seventeen magazine editorial, circa 1996. And that hideous block of a heel doesn’t help (coming in at 3.5”, it’s neither here nor there. I say all or nothing!). Either way, they were going for menswear-inspired glam-rock, but they ended up with something less than shagadelic. Yeah baby?! No way!

On Net-a-Porter for $895.

This patent leather sidewalk skimmer by Madewell is the perfect go-to flat for any occasion; they are baby shower perfect, holiday party pretty, and can go from date night to work day in no time. This flat will not only demand attention but glam things up with its unique green color and soft patent leather. Looking for something a bit dressier? No problem. Add on the Madewell Jolie shoe clip and you instantly have added a prepster feel to a laid back classy flat. I love LOVE this because it’s a simple way to completely change the look of a shoe and get more wear and options out of it. Have a lunch date with friends? Slide these on sans bow with a pair of Hudson jeans and a Juicy sweater for a casual chic look. Have a hot date but don’t want to look like you’re trying too hard? Slip these on and clip on the bow and throw on this dress by Madewell for an easy seasonal feel. These shoes are cute as a button even with out the bow, but for $14 and numerous possibilities, I say bow it up. Pick it all up at Madewell: Skimmers are $88 and the bow is just $14!