As much as we love summer at Ped HQ, it’s always a treat when the fall styles begin to arrive at the warehouse! It seems like an eon has passed since the orders were placed, so opening the boxes leads to a whole new round of oohing and aahing.

And no one gets more oohs and aahs than that Spanish apple of our eye, Chie Mihara, who has truly outdone herself for autumn! Her whimsical and feminine creations, so meticulously detailed, make us sigh over and over again! Given what a scorcher this summer has been, it’s lovely to imagine brisk fall days and what we might wear with this shoe or that! Try it yourself with this taste of Chie Mihara’s fall feast!

It’s so hard to choose what to show you from the 15 new Chie styles now in the Ped house—every single one is GORGEOUS! But let’s begin with Ms. Mihara’s new Vedet:

Mary Jane to the MAX! Who knew such a sweet classic could look so sophisticated and seductive? The mix of the brown mock croc leather with a textured black toe, heel, and cross strap is genius! Sexy schoolgirl, indeed!

For those of you who prefer a lower heel and a slightly quieter voice, Chie Mihara offers several options, one of the prettiest being the Gual:

The heel is more down-to-earth and the mink grey suede is a softer approach than the Vedet, but don’t be fooled—the Gual has plenty of stylish gas in its tank! Patent leather dots strewn over the toe and gold-infused black leather trim give this versatile neutral a flirty edge!

To be honest, though, we most heart the designs in which Chie goes all out! Exhibit A: the Exito!

Look at that leather!!!(!!!!!!) We simply can’t stop smiling at how stunning it is—a textured and marbled combo of bronze, gold, and silver that dazzles and shines in this modern heeled oxford!

Let’s pump of the volume further—or at least the height! Presented for your approval (and drool), Chie Mihara’s Zanzubar:

Paying homage to the platform shoes of the 1970s, Chie Mihara has created a heeled oxford like no other! The chevron pattern created from braided black, white, and burgundy leather is out of this world!

Another retro-rocking style is Chie’s new Uja:

Holy cow! We love the “red pepper” faux croc leather of this peep-toe hot tamale! The heel is a take-no-prisoners 3.75″, but the Uja‘s pitch is an easy-peasy 2.75″ —that’s the function supporting the fun of the 1″ platform under the toe.

Maybe you enjoy vintage-inspired designs but prefer the flair of the Big Band era. If so, you’ll adore the Chie Mihara Pam:

What a bombshell—the ankle strap and flower blossoming on the toe are so dreamy in red suede! And the khaki grosgrain piping adds just a charming drop of contrast!

But the shoe you might just lose sleep over until you make it your own is Chie’s stunning Insomnia:

Romance is alive and thriving in this rhinestone-bedecked jewel of a shoe! Perfect for dancing the night away, this plum suede beauty will instantly make you the belle of the ball!

Are you starry-eyed imagininghow you’d look and what marvelous adventures you’d have in Chie Mihara’s latest designs? Well, the above stunners are just the beginning of the all the Chie Mihara gorgeousness awaiting you at Ped’s main site! Why resist? Go ahead and fall for fall!

(By the way, this week’s Sweet Treat is Trippen’s Aloe, a style that’s ideal for making the transition from summer to autumn! Click “be sweet to your feet” in the upper right corner of any Ped page to reach the Aloe, where you’ll find a magic code that will bring 20% off at checkout!)

Ped fans, you know how it goes: you’re window shopping on the Internet when you run across a shoe or a bag that makes your heart beat faster. You think, “Oooh, I LOVE that!”  Then you quickly rein yourself in with the follow-up question, “But what would I wear it with?

We know certain styles and colors may seem daunting. Chances are, though, they’re easier to wear than you think! To help you see the possibilities and spur your imagination, we offer a few visual prods below.

All the gals at Ped HQ are committed to ease—the less fuss in getting ourselves out the door, the better. With that in mind, each of the following five ready-to-go outfits consist of only four elements.

Here Vialis’s Claudette peep-toe clog offers an ideal complement to the the textural interest of the drape-y top and skirt. Add the Cydwoq Cedar Bag in turmeric, and all the colors become richer! Easy and elegant.

Maybe you want to incorporate a mod Mad Men-esque look into your wardrobe?

It’s all about geometry and balance! We love the chunky-heeled Coclico Vidal paired with this fun shift dress! Square everything up with Fiorentini + Baker’s sleek Milano Shopper and Jamie Joseph’s Smoky Quartz Ring. (Did we mention every Ped item in this look is on sale?)

If you have a penchant for black and your aesthetic trends toward urban sophistication, why not give it an artistic edge?

Riveting (literally)! Cydwoq’s versatile Bright Bag and Trippen’s fantastic Agave sandal boot anchor the dazzling patterns of the skirt and jacket. Sure, it’s “a lot of look,” as Tim Gunn would say, but it’s a lot of look we like!

What’s that? You say you simply want something comfortable to dash from class to lunch and then off to run errands? No problem!

Easy as pie and just as tasty! Fiorentini + Baker’s Ding Clog‘s fringe echos the movement of the striped skirt, and the Dean Towner Bag makes an ideal everyday satchel.

Maybe you’d like to amp up the femininity for a garden party or date night? If so, florals and jewel tones are your best friends!

Although not exact matches (that would look twee), Dean’s green suede Thimble Bag, Jamie Joseph’s Orange Chalcedony Ring, and Accessoire’s Sagan in the prettiest shade of dahlia all work with the dress’s colorful palette!

And to demonstrate the versatility of these styles, imagine how terrific  F+B’s Ding Clog from outfit #4 would look with the shift dress in the second outfit, or how beautiful outfit #1’s Vialis Claudette would be with the skirt in outfit #4. Feel like creating edgy contrast? Then envision pairing the Trippen Agave from outfit #3 with either outfit #1 or #5! Fun and unexpected!

A great way to figure out how a tempting shoe or bag might work with your wardrobe is to play around—like we did—at Polyvore!

(Speaking of tempting bags, this week’s Sweet Treat is Cydwoq’s Flap Bag! Get Flap happy for 20% off by clicking “be sweet to your feet” in the upper right corner of any Ped page, which will take you to the Flap Bag with a magic code to enter at checkout.)

Free your toes, and the rest will follow! Okay, so that’s not quite how the song goes, but it’s still good advice! After all, it’s sandal season!

We love spending sunny days almost barefoot in a great pair of run-around flats! This year many of them offer a little extra something in the way of metallics, ranging from subtle shimmers to out-and-out, razzle-dazzle shines. Here are a few ways to make your tootsies sparkle.

Fact: Cydwoq makes THE BEST sandals! As evidence, we present Exhibit A: Cydwoq’s Form:

Ped fans know about my fondness for all things green, but Cydwoq takes it to the next level by adding a little metallic shimmer! Oh my! The Form‘s straps wow with their artistic cut. And how about that sweet circular buckle? So much to love!

Another sandal that benefits from a pearly polish is the Cydwoq Naked:

Blue is the color of the moment, and it looks especially beautiful glimmering like a moonlit sky. Looking for something more neutral? We also have the Naked in pewter.

For those of you who appreciate a slide, Cydwoq also gives the pearl treatment to the Samba:

Simple and pretty, just the way we like it, with the warm burnish of a well-worn penny!

Another understated way to add some metal to your mettle is with Cydwoq’s wonderful Thong:

There are two reasons why this classic Cydwoq design remains popular year after year: 1) its incomparable comfort and 2) its ever-modern style! The silver sparkle makes the Thong shine in a sea of black sandals.

Maybe you’re someone who likes to amp up the dazzle, in which case, Cydwoq’s Tomcat will put a twinkle in your eye (as it did in mine):

The antiqued silver and gold leather is stunning, and yet for being so eye-catching, these sandals are go-everywhere wearable! I wore mine all over Barcelona, for instance—here’s proof:

My Tomcats look pretty sassy on this Gaudi-esque bench!

But let’s get a little shinier, shall we? Everyone at Ped HQ is over the moon for Cydwoq’s new Admit:

Such a great sandal! The leather looks like it was worked in a silversmith’s shop! Gorgeous in every way!

Finally, for all-out gleam, the Trippen Careless takes the prize:

Sure, the Careless is shiny and bold, but its leather is also unbelievably soft! This sandal feels so good against your skin and under your sole, and it provides fantastic support for walking wherever the map takes you!

Slip on any of these breezy sandals, and  your feet will instantly be as dazzling as the sun on a cloudless summer day! Let your toes out to shine!

(Psst, have you oohed and aahed over this week’s Sweet Treat? It’s worthy—Vialias’ saucy Sara! Click “be sweet to your feet” in the upper right corner of any Ped page to arrive at the Sara with the magic code that will bring 20% off at checkout!)

Whenever June gets close, we still get that giddy feeling we had when we were kids and counting down the days to summer vacation. (Here’s what’s running through our heads!) Whether your ideal holiday is hanging out in a Montana mountain cabin, shopping on the Champs-Élysées, or lounging on a Balinese beach, one thing is certain: the key to a happy getaway is comfortable shoes, good for walking all day or kicking back with a cocktail! So without further ado, here are a few of Ped’s ideal traveling companions.

One of the most charming styles this season is also one of the most practical: Accessoire’s Suisse!

Airy! Chic! But with added protection for your toes! This sandal easily transitions from day to night when you only want to pack one pair. We like black for travel because it goes with everything, but if you prefer a jolt of color, the Suisse is also available in summery green.

Another great sandal for meandering through bazaars or taking a stroll down the boardwalk is the Cydwoq Cobra.

As Vicky E. told us in her “Tale of the Sole,” Cydwoq sandals are great for ambling around ancient ruins, yet they’re stylish enough for  evening drinks al fresco! We especially like the Cobra because its enclosed heel doesn’t impede the ability to just slip it on and go!

Lots of people prefer an enclosed toe for catching trains, planes, and rickshaws. With Cydwoq’s Rocket, you can have a full shoe and breeziness, too!

We love the tab and tiny window over the toe. Plus the color is so much fun! Other travelers will definitely want to know where you got your fantastic shoes!

A Cydwoq style just made for the life of leisure is the Orient:

Effortlessly chic! And isn’t that what we all want to be on vacation? The Orient’s knit leather is so cool, both literally and figuratively! (It also comes in black, although sizing is limited since that color flew out the Ped warehouse door.)

Trippen is another company whose shoes are designed for walking, walking, and more walking. One of the best travel sandals this season is the Sensual:

You simply have to feel the leather of this great flat to believe how deliciously supple it is! The design holds your foot securely through a long day of sightseeing, but it instantly becomes elegant when you slip on a LBD for a night on the town.

Looking for more of a moc for your days away? Consider Trippen’s Chip:

The asymmetrical design adds flair, and the slits on the toe box add ventilation! Perfect for moseying from here to there and back again on a hot day!

If you like the idea of a full shoe, but you want to stay light on your feet as you travel, then Trippen’s Cream is calling your name!

Ultra soft and ultra comfortable, this simple shoe is constructed on Trippen’s “cups” sole, which will keep you nimble no matter how many miles you log. The pistachio color and double laces will have you smiling the whole way.

There are lots more travel-worthy options over at Ped’s main site! No matter what your destination, a new pair of comfortable shoes or sandals is just the ticket to get your trip off on the right foot!

(Speaking of shoes that feel wonderful, Trippen’s Aloe is this week’s stellar Sweet Treat! Just click “be sweet to your feet” in the upper right corner of any Ped page to land at the Aloe with the magic code that will bring 20% off at checkout. Get the wedge edge!)

Bring on the ice tea and turn on the fans because it’s as hot as blazes! When midsummer gets sultry, we like open-air breezes—and that goes for our feet, too! Although we love prancing around barefoot, feeling green grass beneath our soles and squeezing sand between our toes, it’s not always practical. Which is why a great summer sandal is a Ped fan’s best asset!

And do we ever have some terrific ones! Behold Ped’s favorite tried-and-true sandals that are almost better than barefoot:

Of course, the masters of summer sandal design are Rafi and Ari at Cydwoq! The way the leather of every pair conforms to your feet is simply heaven. Case in point, Cydwoq’s Copy:

So easy to wear anywhere, the Copy cradles your heel with a riveted back that comes around to tie at the ankle! Cool and sexy, just the way we like it! (And it comes in brown, too.)

Another stellar Cydwoq style is one I personally own: the Tomcat!

The way Cydwoq has meticulously cut the toe ring, so that a strap branches off it to arc gracefully over the foot, is elegant without being fussy! (Fans of black, rejoice, we also have  it in your favorite color.) I love mine so much that I recently took a pic of my happy feet :

My Tomcat-wearing toes are smiling and sparkly!

Perhaps you love the feeling of a wooden sole against your skin and the gentle sound it makes when you walk? Well, you’re in luck because Ped just received our summer shipment of Cydwoq’s fantastic Revolt sandal clog!

Ped’s Laura is wild about the beautifully textured turquoise and brown leather, but we also have the Revolt in black. Whichever you choose, it’s guaranteed to be your go-to summer shoe.

Those German design geniuses at Trippen also know a thing or two about strolling through summer in comfortable, arty style! Check out Trippen’s eye-popping Knit Sandal:

Yes, that’s right, the section running up the middle of your foot is literally knit leather! Meanwhile, the heel features Trippen’s sinuous seams running up the back! Cutting. Edge.

For Ped fans who love metallics (and I’m a card-carrying member of that club), the Trippen Nepal is just the ticket:

It’s an ideal travel sandal for long days of sight-seeing! Even as you turn every head you pass, your feet will stay comfortable with every step, mile after mile. (Plus it’s so pretty and shiny!)

But perhaps our favorite sandal this summer for sheer funky drama and all-out impact is Trippen’s Tarantula:

KA-BOOM! Now that’s how to amp up the style! You’ll look as hot as the weather wherever you walk in this super-sexy sandal boot that stands on Trippen’s über-comfortable t-shaped wedge! (We love it!)

As always, there are plenty more sandals at Ped’s main site, ready to help your dogs survive the dog days of summer! So, slip on something airy and let your toes frolic in the sun!

(By the way, although not a sandal, this week’s Sweet Treat is about as sweet as it gets: Fiorentini + Baker’s spectacular Paula Boot!!! Simply click “be sweet to your feet” in the upper right corner of any Ped page to arrive at the Paula with the magic code that brings a cool 20% off at checkout! Happy Fourth of July!)