Many Ped fans are about to enter that confusing season when it’s warm enough to shed the wooly socks and tights but not quite warm enough to bust out the sandals. We know you love your winter boots, but we’re pretty sure your tootsies have the foot equivalent of cabin fever and would appreciate a breath of fresh air and some time in the sun. So, when the snow melts and you’re ready to bare some but not all, here are a few ways to make your toes happy.

Let’s start with an appropriately named cutie from Cydwoq: the Warm!

Made from the prettiest berry-colored newbuck, this laid-back flat practically sings, “Spring!” No muss, no fuss, just a great skip-around-town shoe that looks fantastic with warm-weather skirts and walking shorts.

Another charmer in the color category is Trippen’s Light:

Purple Mary Janes!!! Is there a more fun way to put the drab days of winter behind you? Nope, we didn’t think so! What’s nice about the Light is not only is it wonderful worn barefoot, thanks to a cork insole that molds to your foot, but it’s also terrific with tights on those not-yet-summer days when the mercury dips.

Need something a little dressier for the office or perhaps a cocktail party? Then slip your foot into Cydwoq’s Town:

We love how this vintage-inspired shoe is just conservative enough without losing its sauce! The leather is gorgeous, and the heel is a Gaudi-inspired work of art (be sure to check out the additional views at the Ped site to appreciate the etched design).

But maybe you want a shoe with a true bohemian edge. The coolest women at the Paris shoe show were all wearing Trippen’s Omen:

Leave it to our favorite Germans to create a style that echoes a boot but is more open to the elements. The color is a beautiful grey that leans toward lavender, and the riveted strap around the ankle pulls it all together!

Another cutting-edge contender is Cydwoq’s Alter:

The washed leather (our new favorite!) of this shoe-sandal hybrid is the most luscious shade of olive green, with exposed edges the color of budding leaves. So urban and arty, it’s the perfect way to take your feet out and about as the seasons change.

We’ve barely skimmed the surface of what’s new at Ped to help you make the transition from winter to spring and on into summer. Click over to the main Ped site to get an eyeful of even more options for what to wear as the weather warms up!

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!

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!

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