We Ped-sters tend to resist trends, but I admit we’ve fallen hard for the latest “in”: platform sandals! Wedges and sky-high heels have dominated the runway for several years, but now they’ve received a jolt of retro power via the addition of platforms á la the 1970s (and before that, the 1940s). This vintage kick has more going for it than just being cute; it makes adding a few inches of height oh so comfortable. With a 1.5″ platform up front, a 4″ heel suddenly becomes a cinch to wear because the pitch is only 2.5″. No pain, all gain!

We went a little crazy with the platforms this season, but we think you’ll agree each one is something special. Here are just a few to whet your appetite for height.

There’s no better way to welcome warm weather than with a big pop of color! So, say, “Good day!” to Chie Mihara’s Hito:

You’ll be walking sunshine in this curry suede number! Make that tall walking sunshine because the wedge is a sassy 4″—but figure in the 1.25″ platform, and the pitch is an easily manageable 2.75″. You’ll have your head in the clouds from all the compliments swirling around you!

Another platform that seems like summer incarnate is Cordani’s Erin:

Who doesn’t love an espadrille? The combination of the braided raffia on the platform and the pistachio green suede is so fresh!

These shoes may look substantial, but all of them are light on your feet. Case in point,  Coclico’s cork-soled Metalmark:

We love the modern, urban edge the straps and rivets bring to this sole that’s reminiscent of disco days.

Speaking of 1970s vibes updated for the 21st century, check out Chie Mihara’s Riana:

The laser-cut circles that form the straps on this chunky-heeled platform really come to life once this beauty is on your foot. The 3″ heel—which would be fine even without the platform—is super easy with the 1″ lift up front.

But if you’re a little more ambitious about enhancing your height and setting fire to the streets, then look no further than Chie’s Voy:

Ay, caramaba! This knockout is so hot it just might give the sidewalk blisters (but never your tootsies)! You’ll be a modern-day disco inferno walking on the Voy’s 4.5″ heel, but the 1.25″ platform in front will keep your stride cool and confident.

Head over to Ped’s main site for even more ways to stand tall while staying comfortable. We’re sure you’ll find a platform to believe in!

February may be the shortest month, but given the wintry storms currently pummeling many Ped fans, it may feel like the longest. Thank goodness, there’s a sweet something in the middle to make February worth it: Valentine’s Day!!! What could be better than a day dedicated to showing your sweetheart how much you love her? It’s the perfect time to express your affection for any woman who really matters in your life! (Remember how you used to give candies and cards to your friends, your teachers, your sisters, and your mom?)

So let your love light shine by putting a sparkle in your favorite gal’s eye with a sparkly something from Ped!

It may be chilly outside, but these gorgeous Jamie Joseph Indian Ruby earrings are guaranteed to warm things up wherever you are:

The color is so juicy, like a ripe pomegranate! And the faceting catches the light in the loveliest way.

Maybe the woman you have in mind agrees with Marilyn Monroe  that diamonds are a girl’s best friend. Then assure her you, too, qualify as a BFF with this understated but stunning Jamie Joseph silver circle necklace that twinkles with three gold-set diamonds:

Jamie has a way of making the simplest designs worthy of “Wow!”

As long as we’re doing song references, maybe you should take Beyonce’s advice if you want to keep your sweetheart from joining all the single ladies—i.e. if you like it, you should put a ring on it! Now, it doesn’t have to be that kind of ring; we’re pretty sure this Jamie Joseph Onyx ring will keep her by your side:

Featured in Vogue, this design is the epitome of chic! We love how the tiny diamond adds a little extra dazzle. Going out to dinner on Valentine’s Day? Imagine how terrific this ring will look with your darling’s little black dress.

“Hmmm,” you may be thinking, “I want to give her jewelry but maybe something more low-key.” How about this Green Onyx and Apatite bracelet from Debbie Fisher?

It’s pretty and fresh without being over-the-top.

The again, maybe the object of your affection is a free spirit whose taste is more whimsical, in which case look no farther than Pepita:

This Eleonora necklace, with its hand-sewn fabric beads blooming from within brass petals, is sure to appeal to her love of one-of-a-kind treasures! A unique beauty deserves something uniquely beautiful!

And if your sweetheart could use a little dose of spring about now, Sophie Digard has just the thing to remind her warmer weather is right around the corner:

Sophie’s cheerful Three Flower Brooch (you can also opt for a single-bloom pin) will brighten up any winter coat or sweater.

Of course, it’s the thought that counts, but a beautiful gift that makes your favorite gal feel more beautiful is a wonderful way to show how much you care! (And if you need to drop a hint or two, remember you can mark anything at Ped as a “favorite” and then share that list with the one who loves you best.)

Happy Valentine’s Day in advance! May love fill every Ped fan’s life!

At Ped, we have a long history of loving the traditional oxford. You can’t beat a classic lace-up that never goes out of style! So, we’re amused but also delighted that this season oxfords are THE shoes to have—the sexy schoolgirl look is definitely in! (Should we thank Gossip Girl?) The wonderful thing about the trend, though, is that after it’s come and gone, the timeless oxford will still be as sophisticated as ever.

So study up on all the different oxfords we have at Ped—no matter which you pick, you’ll end up on the honor roll, graduating summa cum style! Below are several of our favorite lace-ups this season.

For gals who love a heel, Chie Mihara will have you looking both demure and too hot to handle in the Cibeles:

We are crazy about the way Chie’s paired a 3″ chunky wooden heel with a clean-lined oxford in black leather. Classic marries funky, and the result is one gorgeous shoe! Sass it out, sisters!

Another heeled oxford from our gal Chie is the eye-popping Ganz:

Ms. Mihara always works magic with the way she cuts and combines leathers. The teal and grey appliques are so unexpected and pretty with the taupe body and lilac laces!

Speaking of working magic with leather, Cydwoq knows exactly how to cast a spell:

Every time we look at the Recess oxford, all we can say is, “Wow.” The combination of the brown floral-embossed body of the shoe with the black antiqued leather where the laces come together is visually stunning. And the perfectly placed wooden heel—well, that’s just bonus. Oxford goes arty!

For you Ped fans who love a flat, Cydwoq has your oxford number:

This Plot Oxford is such a practical shoe, but that doesn’t mean it’s not edgy and fun. Who says an oxford has to lace up the middle?

Clearly, Cydwoq’s Rafi has enjoyed taking the traditional oxford into modern territory because here’s another winning design he delivered to Ped this season:

Don’t you love the Set‘s minimalism? Just the basics, ma’am! And who couldn’t use a go-to black oxford, especially one that looks so terrific with patterned socks and striped tights (think about it)?

Here’s a Ped haiku in honor of our affection for the oxford:

Laced-up and bow-tied

Oxford, you are a classic

Forever stylish

When I discovered Coclico a few years ago, I knew immediately it was a match made in Ped heaven. Named for coquelicots—the poppies that bloom all across the Brittany countryside—Coclico is the brainchild of French-born Sandra Canselier, who founded the NYC-based company in 2000. Since then, she’s teamed up with famed shoe designer Lisa Nading (Ped’s Laura still sighs about a pair of purple Lisa Nading slingbacks her dog chewed up when he was a puppy), and the two now produce the most beautiful designs, crafted using environmentally aware practices, that make style-loving gals sigh with desire.

Per Ped’s stringent standards, though, Coclico shoes don’t just look like a million bucks; they feel fantastic, too. This season Coclico has really outdone itself in making our hearts beat faster with each new arrival at the Ped warehouse. See for yourself:

When you need a tall boot that’s sophisticated enough for work but hot enough to wear on a date, look no further than Coclico’s Ether:

The light grey leather is luscious and looks terrific with everything from a suit to a mini skirt. Plus, the streamlined design is so lean and lovely! (Your gams will look gorgeous.)

But for those of you who like to go even more feminine, especially if the girliness is spiced with a little vintage-inspired glamour, Coclico’s Pebon peep-toe is singing a siren song to you.

Wow. Just wow. Need I say more? I didn’t think so. Wow.

Then again, maybe girly isn’t your thing. You like to steam up the streets with a bit more of a badass attitude. No problem—just pull on Coclico’s Telesto boot and head out the door with your bad self.

Again, Coclico has thought out every detail for maximal impact. Plus, the steel grey suede looks fabulous with everything in your closet, guaranteed.

But if you really want to turn up the heat to the max, well, the most direct way to do that is with Coclico’s Ndakinna ankle boot.

Oo la la!!! It just doesn’t get much edgier or sexier than this wood-soled number! The way the toe peeps out from beneath the overlay of pebbled leather is so saucy, and the tie at the back is like pouring gasoline on the flames! HOT!

Is it any wonder that everyone at Ped Central goes crazy for Coclico? Come on, join our party!

My, oh my, here at Ped, we are up to our ankles in ankle boots—and we are loving every minute of it! Although booties have been “in” for a couple years, this year’s crop is especially beautiful. We love the impact of short boots worn with skirts, but what’s really great is they’re equally easy to wear with pants (not always the case with a tall boot, much as we love the knee-high look). Ped has scads of great ankle boots from which to choose, but here are a few fresh ones that have us oohing and aahing.

Wow, wow, wow—when you’re ready to hit the streets and take no prisoners, Cydwoq’s new Future is the boot to wear. Tough and sexy all at once, this boot has us over the moon with the exposed violet edges of the black Italian leather. Leave it to Cydwoq’s Rafi to make a buckle boot this special!

Lordy, just looking at the Cydwoq Vintage Seek makes me break into a sweat! As I said to Laura the other day, “SEXOLA!” The cut-outs and combination of textured leathers are trumped only by the sizzling back zipper running up this bootie’s heel!

Speaking of back zippers, we love how the zipper running up the rear of Fiorentini + Baker’s Ella allows you to unzip this mid-calf boot halfway and fold down the top to make a cuffed ankle boot. Now that’s versatility since both looks are smoking with F+B’s inimitable Italian style!

For sheer cuteness and comfort, no bootie surpasses Trippen’s new Tie. You have to wear this ankle-height beauty to fully appreciate how soft and supple the elk leather is—truly a treat for the feet! And Trippen’s “cups” rubber sole keeps your steps light as you dash all over town.

If you’re a gal who’s determined not to get back in black no matter what the fashion pundits say, or if you simply want to add a bit of color to your wardrobe, check out Giraudon’s knockout Nelle! We adore the chic and curvaceous cut of the leather and the way the Nelle subtly echoes a cowgirl boot. Plus, the cognac color is to die for!

So, pick your passion—any of these ankle boots will have every eye on you this fall!