Usually, the idea of “Blue Monday” doesn’t bring a smile, but at Ped Central we intend to change that, at least for today. After all, not all blues are bruised and stormy—consider sky blue, robin’s egg blue, and Caribbean blue, all so beautiful. Even darker hues like sapphire and cobalt are dreamy and romantic like a midnight rendezvous! At Ped, we’ve definitely got the blues, but they’re not making us sad. Here are a few reasons why:

When I saw the Cydwoq Vintage Ionic, I couldn’t resist making it my very own:

This Zen-like slide is the loveliest slate blue. More interesting than either grey or navy, the shade works as a neutral that’s easy to wear with absolutely everything. And although it’s a simple summer sandal, the hand-sculpted wooden heel and the design’s clean lines give the Ionic an air of sophistication that lets it go dressy.

Another of my favorite blue sandals this season is Coclico’s deep sea blue Reef:

The jewel tone of the soft suede straps makes me sigh—so unusual and lovely. This little sapphire number is the ideal sandal to take on vacation since you can wear it sightseeing all day, but it’s nice enough to wear out to dinner at night, too.

And speaking of shoes that are ideal for spending long days on your feet, how pretty is Trippen’s 40s?

Honestly, we can’t emphasize enough how comfortable Trippen’s cross-shaped wedge is. And this particular blue is so rich and seductive! Add in the peep-toe and ankle strap, and you’re all set to make ’em sweat.

Of course, nothing beats a t-strap for sex appeal! And Ped just happens to have a spectacular one in—you guessed it—blue:

Between the strappy design and the juicy color, we can’t decide what we like best about Giraudon’s Odette. Fortunately, we don’t have to choose—we can simply love it all!

Even when you’re facing a long haul with a lot to carry, a good blue can make the world a little brighter. Case in point, 49 Square Miles’ hold-everything Bookworm Slim Tote in turquoise blue:

Everything pops with this blue beauty that features the softest leather complemented by lime green topstitching and hammered brass rings.

Are you feeling blue yet? If so, we hope you’re smiling!

Well, I’m back at Ped HQ, and I’m happy to report that, as usual, I had a complete blast while working hard in Paris! A few notes about what you have to look forward to next fall and winter: The “in” colors are cool tones—greys, ranging from graphite to elephant grey, and blues, running from slate to cobalt to teal. And good news! Black is the new black! The style trend dominating Paris is the boot—both short and tall—worn all seasons of the year. It’s a look I personally love. I think a breezy summer dress paired with chic boots is so fresh! Stay tuned because new Fiorentini + Baker boot styles arrive in June. (Yippee!!!!) Plus, I’m excited about the amazing Cydwoq and Trippen designs coming for fall. 

My favorite men in shoes: Rafi of Cydwoq, Michael of Trippen and Pierre of Anatomica (which carries the best selection of Cydwoq and Trippen in Paris).

Of course, while in France I made time for a little personal shopping.

Photograph by Andri Beauchamp

Gals, if you don’t already know about Cotélac and Noa Noa, you definitely need to acquaint yourself with these wonderful clothing shops the next time you’re in Europe! They are always at the top of my Paris to-do list. And, of course, I had to stop by Ladurée to pick up some macaroons for my sweetie! Terry is so terrific about holding down the Ped fort while I skip around Paris, eating Lebanese food, drinking espresso, and soaking up everything from shoes to architecture, that the least I can do is bring him his favorite treat!

When I got home, I discovered Ped transformed into Sandal Central! We have so many eye-popping new designs, and they are ALL so fabulous that I hardly know where to begin. But here are a few of my favorites (with more to come in a later post):

Oo-la-la, ladies, how sexy is Coclico’s Odalisk? Every time I look at this gorgeous heel (which is so, so soft to the touch), all I can think of is movie-star glamour! Wearing this suede beauty, you could truly stop traffic.

Next…

The Cydwoq Vintage Feel makes me feel like going on a romantic picnic on a sunny afternoon (and maybe turning a few cartwheels). This flat sandal captures the very spirit of summer! Plus, you have to love, love, love the orange insole—what a fun detail!

For those of you who like a more earthy look:

Trippen has wowed us again with the Curls sandal! The look is hippie-retro but with a modern edge (and, needless to say, it’s ultra-comfortable). The design of the leather is truly ingenious (notice how the braid running up the front organically emerges from the solid strap over the toe). Plus, we’re crazy about the fringed knot at the back, which is both functional and fun.

Now let’s all do a warm-weather dance to bring on spring! I’m in the mood to let my toes run free.

We were wowed last month by Michelle Obama’s unfaltering style and grace throughout the long day of inaugural festivities. The fact that she was on her feet in heels for hours got us thinking about her tired tootsies and what kind of shoes might make her White House life a lot more comfortable! In our first set of proposals, we nominated several Cydwoq Vintage styles as winning candidates for Ms. O’s (and your) wardrobe. Now, we’re back with Round 2, this time turning to Chie Mihara, with a dash of Coclico and Trippen(!), as possibilities for keeping the First Lady well-heeled.

First up, the Chie Mihara Frieda:

With spring just around the corner, this sling-back could well be Ms. Obama’s perfect shoe. Its palette is dignified enough for welcoming heads of state, and yet its design has uncommon zing, thanks to the faux ostrich leather and the way Chie has overlapped the leather petals. The heel is not too high–but even if it were taller, those who’ve worn Chie Mihara know that her shoes achieve the nigh impossible: heels that are comfortable enough to stand in all day.

Next up, the Chie Mihara Enko:

We know Michelle O. is not afraid of spicing up her outfits with color, and since we think she looks especially great in green, why not the Enko?  This t-strap is so fresh and sophisticated—a lot like the First Lady herself. Again, the heel is perfectly manageable for touring facilities or walking to and from Air Force 1.

Another fabulous walk-all-day shoe ideal for springtime in D.C. is Trippen’s new 40s.

Standing on Trippen’s deliciously comfortable x-shaped wedge, the 40s’ interwoven design is simple yet ingenious. And the cobalt blue color is luscious. With its riveted ankle strap, this peep-toe offers a bit of European flair, which would win Ms. Obama style points when she meets French President Nicolas Sarkowzy or German Chancellor Andrea Merkel.

Since we’ve heard the President likes to keep his Friday nights free for “date night” with his wife, we think Coclico’s Chiba would be an ideal choice for Ms. O. when out on the town with Mr. O:

I ask you, have you ever seen a prettier sandal? It’s absolutely perfect for an evening stroll along the canal beneath the cherry blossoms (which we’re sure the Obamas will do since it’s the best part of spring in the Capital).

Finally, for those kick-back weekends at Camp David, Michelle Obama can’t go wrong with Chie Mihara’s Moisson:

The First Lady is famous for her love of J. Crew separates, and we think this lace-up flat would look fab with her casual wear. After all, a sandal that’s cute and comfortable always gets everybody’s vote!

As Ped’s summer sale continues (stock is getting low, so jump on it while you can), we’re getting in big boxes of what we love best: BOOTS!!! Ankle boots, in particular, are smokin’ hot this year, but there are also a lot of gorgeous tall and mid-calf boots ready to style up the pavement. Every day, a few new designs arrive, and I find myself wondering how to decide which to buy for myself. It is the best boot year ever! Here are just a few of my new BFFs–Boot Friends Forever (if I posted all the ones I love, though, I’d be here all day).

For sheer sizzle, Coclico is definitely cooking with gas. Last year, they brought us the stellar Mick (which we happily ordered again this season for any of you who missed it). This year, we’re swooning over the tall Obama:

and the ankle-height Ophelia:

We’ve also got a new line, NDC, a Belgian company that uses the loveliest leather to handcraft their footwear. Check out the gorgeous green Emily (you know us– we so love green…):

The Caitlin is another NDC style that’s captured Ped’s heart because it looks both badass and sophisticated all at once (kind of like the way I feel most days). And the suede is something else:

And, finally, I give you two Cydwoq Vintage styles because Rafi is really outdoing himself this season with the new heeled styles. This tall Pine Boot is a wonder of beautifully pieced-together leather (click through to Ped’s site and go to “Views” to see just what I mean–or just click “Views” there to the left or here– see how easy I made that for you?). I love that its neutral combination of grey and bronze goes with everything:

And, last but not least (and not even last since I haven’t gotten to Ped’s amazing collection of Fiorentini + Baker boots or our Trippen selection), it’s back to green for me with this sweet Solid Bootie, which is so, so sexy.

Normally, I don’t look forward to cold weather, but this year there are  not enough chilly days ahead to wear all the boots I want to put on my feet! The great thing about Ped’s boots, though is they’ll all look and feel just as good when they come out of the closet next year! Timeless quality–Ped’s committed to it.

Okay, sure, Ped has relocated to sunny Santa Barbara, but that doesn’t mean I don’t remember how chilly November days are in other parts of the world. In fact, I kind of long to put away my flip-flops and slide my legs inside a beautiful pair of boots—that’s one of the best things about fall and winter. The boots come out of the closet and go out for a walk!

This season Ped has some truly spectacular boots in stock. (I went a little boot crazy at the shoe shows!) First up, we’re carrying a new line, Coclico, which has designed the boot I’ve wanted my whole life but didn’t find until now:

Let me tell you, this boot—the Mick—is made of the most wonderful leather that allows you to either scrunch it down or pull it up to full height, depending on your mood. It’s minimal, but its lines and spare details are perfectly executed.

Perhaps you prefer a super-sexy heeled number? Then Chie Mihara’s got you covered. How sizzling is this:

Zing! Zip Chie’s Zom up, and, instantly, you look like a million bucks!

On the other hand, you might be an earthier gal who likes a little Euro-style with your comfort. How about these beauties from Trippen then:

Oh, and lest we forget, we are so psyched that Cydwoq is venturing into making full-length boots. I was so wowed by this pair in the Vintage line that I had to have them for myself!

Flip-flops are seriously overrated!