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!

Spring probably seems as distant as the moon for many Ped fans this week! So much snow in so many places! Perhaps you could use a trip to sunny Spain about now? Well, if you can’t rearrange your schedule to jet off to Madrid or Barcelona or Majorca, Ped has the next best thing: a bevy of new Spanish styles that will remind you green grass and warm weather are only a few weeks away!

One designer who knows how to turn up the heat is Chie Mihara, who lives and makes her shoes in Elda, Spain. Her vintage-inspired styles are always girly and fun without being fussy. Plus, Chie is the undisputed queen of creating comfortable heels! Case in point, the Rocosa:

Be still our foolish hearts! What a glorious heel, full of retro funk in a modern, wearable package! It’s all about the details with Chie Mihara, and the way the laser-cut design, the topstitching, and the seam down the front all work together is stunning. Plus, the Rocosa’s 3″ heel is perfectly comfortable due to the 1″ lift up front!

You may prefer your heels a little lower, though, in which case, join us in sighing over Chie’s new Cidra:

Delicious! Who doesn’t love a red sandal? Chie found her inspiration for the t-trap in Indian paisley. (Fun fact: the paisley shape echoes the shape of a mango). So pretty, and the heel is an easy 2″.

But maybe you’re a gal who thinks flat is where it’s at. In that case, we’re sure you’ll agree the new Chie Mihara Wonder is well-named:

Too cute! In fact, Ped’s Laura has been chattering about the Wonder ever since it arrived last week. “Look at the fringe! Can you believe they’re little bows? Don’t you think this sandal would be good for my vacation in March?” We’re all kind of relieved she finally decided to buy it (not that it’s not worth talking about).

Another line we love from Spain is Argila. Founder Pep Monjo grew up in a family of shoemakers, but he also studied shoe design in Milan, Italy and worked for several European shoemakers before returning to his hometown of Menorca to set up his own business. And what a biz it is! Argila wows us every time with cutting-edge designs and expert craftsmanship. To see what we mean, take a look at the just-in Eliana:

We are wild about the cool aloe color of the suede–so fresh for warm weather! And the style? Well, it speaks for itself (and in a beautiful voice)!

Argila also has your number if you’re a gal who likes to show a little skin when the mercury rises. People will be mopping their brows, when you step out in the Zoe:

What’s a four-letter word for Zoe? SEXY!!! But for all its bareness, this strappy sandal will last for years because it’s so beautifully made.

Speaking of hot sandals that will let you salsa through spring and summer, how gorgeous is Cydwoq’s Gaudi?

Although not technically from Spain (this knockout is handmade in California), the Gaudi sprang from Rafi Balouzian’s recent trip to Barcelona, where he fell in love with the city’s art and architecture. The eye-opening cut-work is inspired by Spanish architect Antoni Gaudi’s artistry.

Looking at all this loveliness from Spain, don’t you feel a little sunnier already? And there are more Spanish stunners to keep you smiling at the Ped site. Muy bonita! Bring on the spring!

Happy New Year, Ped fans!!! Here’s hoping your holidays were everything you wanted them to be and more!

If you’re like me, though, after all the hoopla and good cheer, your wallet’s feeling a little lighter. Still, a gal’s got to have good shoes and boots to get through the chilly winter months! Don’t worry. Ped’s here to help by taking our prices down a notch, so they’re a little friendlier to soles in need. We bet you’ve been generous to everyone you love, so now it’s time to treat yourself!

Who knows, maybe those cute Chie Mihara’s Santa forgot to bring you are still waiting for you to slide in and step out on the town?

Ped blew through its first shipment of Chie’s knockout Ninke practically overnight and reordered, which means we just might have your size in this vintage-inspired heel! With it’s beautifully stitched and scalloped toe, it was worth every penny at $328, but now it’s super stylish at $262!

Or perhaps you’ve looked longingly at the Cydwoq Vintage Game Boot, but always heard your mom or maybe Sister Mary Francis saying in your head, “Tis better to give than to receive…,” and turned away with a sigh.

Well, turn back around, gal, and give yourself a break and a gorgeous pair of boots! I own these wood-heeled beauties and wear them all the time! Surely, your thrifty mom or penny-pinching Sister Mary Francis would approve of your skipping past the original price of $498 to a sweet $398!

Most people I know are always on the hunt for a shoe they can slip on to go grocery shopping or into the suitcase for a vacation of strolling and sightseeing. Our recommendation?

Cydwoq’s Tibet, which is equally comfortable walking miles through the narrow streets of Venice or the wide aisles of IKEA! Wonderful at $268, this go-everywhere ankle boot will have your feet and your bank account feeling healthy at $214!

And that’s just a smattering of the cool deals Ped has to warm up your winter! In addition to Chie Mihara and Cydwoq, all Argila, Coclico, Giraudon, and Swedish Hasbeens styles are now on sale. And if you’re jetting off on a tropical vacation (lucky you!!!), we have a few cute sandals left from last summer that will leave you with plenty of dinero in your pocket to buy froofy drinks on the beach!

Happy New Year! May 2010 be the best year ever!

Admittedly, what follows is not exactly a “tale,” but we felt so happy after reading Frances Hersey’s note that she immediately became our October favorite. We really do think of you Ped fans as our friends—people who are unique and interesting—so it makes our day to find out that affection is mutual. Plus, we love the photo Frances sent, which had everyone at Ped Central smiling. (We do love a cute pooch!) So, without further ado, here’s what Frances wrote that made us blush and feel warm all over:

Oh, my gosh!! I am in love with the shoes and boots that you sent to me. I love them so much, and they are both so special and beautiful. I have the Chie Mihara’s on today, and they are just to die for.

This morning as I was getting ready for work I had the Fiorentini + Baker Emma Boot on, and I could live in those boots. They are incredible, and I truly think they are a work or art.  (Thank you also for the kind note that you sent—it made my day.) I really appreciate you remembering that I wanted to try the boots. They are even more incredible in person. I must have looked at them online a thousand times, and now I have them. I am in heaven.

Thank you for wonderful you and for your wonderful online store. Everything you sell is special and beautiful, and I am so appreciative and grateful that I found you. I also love my scarves and wear them almost everyday. Thank you for helping me look stylish and for being so great to work with. I am so thrilled with my new shoes and boots. Thank you, Dayna.

Frances and her sweet dog, Ruth, looking gorgeous in Sophie Digard scarves and Chie Mihara heels.

You are welcome, Frances!!! Doesn’t she look fantastic? She’s radiant! We like to think wearing Ped will do that for a gal. For being such a sweetheart and sending us such a great picture and lovely note, Frances gets $100 in Ped credit!

Do you have a Tale of the Sole? Tell us—and show us (we LOVE pictures!!!)—what happened to you while wearing a Ped item, and you, too, might be the recipient of $100 in Ped credit. Each month we pick the most sole-ful tale to share on the blog. So, let us know what in the world you’ve been doing in your Ped!

Thanksgiving is just around the corner, so it’s the perfect time to sing a big THANK YOU! to the wonderful blogs that have given Ped attention in the past few months. It’s always a thrill to discover others share our appreciation for beautiful things. Here are just a few of the people and sites that have said kind words about Ped recently:

• The wide-ranging and wonderful blog, Grace’s Birdcage, found our Chie Mihara’s lust-worthy.
• Designer and jeweler Katy at Grayling, who loves all things inspiring and well-designed, gave a shout-out to some of our best black shoes and boots (think Argila, think Trippen, think Fiorentini + Baker).
• Christina Williams, who writes the blog you can call me chris, found inspiration in Ped’s Chie Mihara Nerrine, as did the wonderfully fashion-conscious gal at Golden Means.
• And how much do we LOVE Michelle Taylor at Blue Moss? Time and again, she surprises us by picking our personal favorites to share with her design-conscious fans. (Plus, she has a wonderful way with repurposing old baubles into dazzling new jewelry, so drop by her Etsy shop and take a look.)
• We hold Mrs. French at Bliss in the same high esteem. Not only does she write a fantastic blog, showing us eye-opening items and places that make our hearts sing, but she also takes the loveliest pictures. Love these arty, blogging gals!
• After our wonderful Coclico Ndakinna turned up on notcouture.com (a daily must-visit), it wound up featured here, here, here, here, and here. Thanks to all!!!

Hello, lover.

• Our lovely Chie Mihara Saura found itself featured on both Pretty Neat Designs and Rock My Socks.
• We’re always thrilled when fashion-savvy Nanashi at If-I-Owned-A-Boutique finds something to like at Ped, as she did with Giraudon’s Nelle.
• Blueheart hearted our lovely Antipast socks.
• Lex S. at Lexography gave some love to the Cydwoq Deck Boot.
• Paint it. Black. appreciated our Fiorentini + Baker Emma boot.
• A couple of online magazines also gave Ped boots special attention: 1) the all-things-eco-conscious White Apricot, and 2) the fine-life-loving I Heart Luxe.
• Finally, although we can’t read these blogs, we are so happy to share the global language of style: mamma damen, Lilla Kvinna Oola-Laa!, and Got Outfit.

If we missed the kiss you threw Ped’s way, we apologize, but please know everyone here at Ped HQ appreciates you from the bottom of our collective heart. We are truly grateful to have such wonderful friends! If we could, we’d give each of you a rose! Happy Thanksgiving!