Ped fans, we know how it is. You fall in love with a pair of rockin’ shoes, sandals, or boots, but then you resist their siren call because you can’t envision what you’d wear them with—and who wants to spend money on something that’s lovely yet languishes in the closet?

Don’t despair, we’re here to help! Below, you’ll find ideas for how to wear several of our bolder designs this season. With luck, these outfits will jump-start your own creativity, and before you know it your imagination will be off and running with ways your sole desire would work with your wardrobe.

Not surprisingly, one of the most whimsical styles this season comes from Chie Mihara! Her Ingra is the essence of  “summer,” but its color palette may seem challenging at first glance. It’s actually more adaptable than you might think. Here’s one way we’d love to wear it:

This easy-going dress from Cotélac falls just above the knee, with a hint of a drop waist and a dash of 1920s pizazz, which works perfectly with the Ingra’s oxford sensibility. We’ve added Sophie Digard’s Etoiles necklace for added flapper-esque flair. Nothing here matches per se, but it all “goes” in a wonderful way! Sunday brunch, anyone?

Another Chie Mihara shoe that we adore is the Obara, with its mix of textures and colors. Don’t underestimate its versatility:

The lovely Accessoire Babeth is perfect for a night on the town, but it plays equally well as a casual day shoe:

We love the look of a wedge platform with cropped trousers—it’s the ideal antidote to frumpiness! We’re also all for mixing patterns! Combining Epice’s striped Montauk Scarf with the abstract floral of the Cotélac top creates a visual party that will have people smiling everywhere you go.

As every Ped fan knows, we advocate boots all year long, but we realize some people think boots and sundresses look a bit jeune. But they don’t have to, as illustrated by this use of Fiorentini + Baker’s Nicky Boot:

This is how to go retro-mod while still looking sexy and modern! The clean and bold lines of Cydwoq’s Bright Bag work beautifully with the dress and booties—three easy pieces for day-tripping in the city of your choice!

If your penchant for vintage runs to an earlier era, check out this idea for showing off the Vialis Zarita:

Red will always turn heads, especially when you look like a 1940s Hollywood starlet! (By the way, read this study of just how persuasive wearing red can be.) Just for fun, we’ve pushed the red envelope with Jamie Joseph’s knockout Round Carnelian Ring!

See? When you open your mind to the possibilities, every pair of Ped shoes becomes infinitely wearable! (Otherwise, we wouldn’t carry it.) The whole idea is to have fun with what you wear! Go forth and be bold with your soles!

Ped fans, suede is everywhere this season! It looks fantastic and feels sumptuously soft, but how much do you really know about suede?

Here’s a quick lesson. The word “suede” comes from the French “gants de suede,” meaning “gloves of Sweden,” a term first used in the mid-19th century. Tanners create suede by sanding the underside of leather to yield a soft nap. Ever wondered what the difference between suede and nubuck is? Well, nubuck results from sanding the exterior of a hide. Both suede and nubuck feel wonderful, but nubuck is less supple and a little more rough-and-tumble.

We adore suede not only for its tactile quality, but also for how it enriches color! This spring and summer, Ped has suede styles galore in glorious shades perfect for soaking up the sun. Take a look!

Accessoire is a virtuoso when it comes to color-saturated suede—it’s what they do best! Bask in the beauty of the Accessoire Bahia:

Accessoire calls this color “papaya,” and it certainly is juicy! What an easy way to make a sundress even sunnier!

One of Accessoire’s many charms is their ability to give their designs an aura of vintage romance, as they do with the Alabama:

This lovely sandal looks like something Lana Turner would have worn in 1940s Hollywood. Glam meets chic in Accessoire’s combination of butterfly-printed leather and coral-pink suede!

Another feminine sandal in a beautiful shade of suede is Chie Mihara’s Gipsy:

Could that cobalt blue be any more luminous? We also love the way Chie contrasts the airy straps up front with the enclosed heel in back. Now that’s a phat flat!

Looking for something less girly? Another down-to-earth sandal made in suede is Pep Monjo’s Angelina:

The grey suede complements the urban edge of this style, and since grey is a neutral, it works with all your favorite warm-weather clothes.

Fiorentini + Baker takes suede higher and in a retro direction with its 1970s-inspired Dina sandal:

Holy hotness! The burgundy suede straps make a bold statement, while the cork sole adds inches in a light and comfortable way! (FYI, we also have the Dina in mustard leather.)

This fantastic sole also adds ‘zazz to F+B’s Ding clog, back at Ped by popular demand:

Suede that swings! The fringe has our hearts, but the teal color is what really sends us over the moon! (But if you prefer black, we’ve got your back.)

Wishing for a lace-up shoe? This season we’re offering Fiorentini + Baker’s beloved Eliza oxford in several shades of suede, including sienna:

In a word: YUM! This suede shoe exemplifies why Italian shoes are prized; it’s so well made and comfortable it will be your best friend for years. Be sure to check out the teal and verde versions, too!

Vialis’ sweet suede lace-up mixes the best of a sneaker with the lightness of a dance shoe. Behold the wonderful Pepita:

Simple and easy to wear, the Pepita is made for dashing around town followed by kicking back on the porch! The midnight blue color is so pretty, but you can also opt for the Pepita in spicy mustard.

Finally, if you’re like us and love the look of boots with summery skirts and dresses, check out the Fiorentini + Baker Emil:

At last, an “air-conditioned” boot—perfect for wearing barefoot and showing off bare legs! (Of course, it will also look great with tights and funky kneehighs when the weather cools off.)

Even more suede sweethearts are waiting for you at Ped’s main site! Discover why we’re soft on suede, especially in the summertime!

(Speaking of suede, there are two suede versions—as well as two leather versions—of this week’s super-duper tasty Sweet Treat: Fiorentini + Baker’s Emmy Boot! Did we just give you a heart attack? Simply click “be sweet to your feet” in the upper right corner of any Ped page to land at the Emmy, where you’ll find the magic code that will bring a sweet 20% off at checkout!)

There was a time last century when fashionable young ladies regularly enrolled in charm schools to polish their manners and feminine style. Lessons included walking in heels while balancing a book on one’s head to improve posture. Fun (not).

Fortunately, today we women determine our own style and are more concerned with balancing the books of our companies than balancing books on our heads. But that doesn’t mean you have to give up girliness if that’s what your heart desires. Chie Mihara is here to school you, and every one of her shoes provides a lesson in the three F’s: femininity, functionality, and fun!

Slip on a pair of Chie Mihara shoes, and you’ll instantly become a Chie charm school graduate! Here are a few of the colorful courses she’s offering this spring at Ped:

When it comes to charm, nothing’s more charming than a classic mary jane. Chie Mihara gives the m.j. a modern spin with the new Onna:

You have to love how Chie takes a neutral—the Onna‘s sesame body and platinum trim work with everything—and makes it anything but middle-of-the-road! Dig the wooden heel!

Another “lady” shoe that gets the Chie Mihara treatment this season is the timeless spectator pump. Behold the fantastic Zelia:

Everything from the stacked heel to the leather’s perforated edges to the ridged rubber outsole is so well thought out! And the cream and tomato red color combo is to die for!

Red also amps up the charm of Chie Mihara’s Joelia heeled sandal:

The playful houndstooth-patterned leather and the oversized patent rose on the toe offer a wink and a nudge to more conservative styles in a way that’s sexy, artistic, and wearable!

Want even more whimsy? Then consider lacing up the new Chie Mihara Bandera:

Ped fans know a beautiful green shoe always makes me sit up and take notice! Needless to say, the Bandera has my full attention. A checkerboard heel? Chie at her very best!

Love oxfords but prefer yours with a lower heel (but no less style)? Then feast your eyes on the spectacular Chie Mihara Isias:

How cool is that color combo? Everyone at Ped HQ is crazy about the braided-leather detail that Chie introduced this winter, and wow, does it ever look fantastic on the Isias for spring! (If rosy colors are not your thing, you might prefer the black, cream, tan, and gold version.)

“Fine,” you may say, “but what I really dream of is an oxford that’s more open-air.” Well, Chie fulfills your wish with the fresh-as-can-be Ingra:

Wearing this breezy lace-up is guaranteed to lift your spirits—and brighten the day of everyone who sees you! Imagine how cute the Ingra would look with a pair of skinny ankle-length pants!

To give your winter-weary feet a true taste of the sun, though, we suggest you buckle up the Chie Mihara Present:

Talk about charming! The stylized black leather bow on the cream toe band makes the understated Present the valedictorian of Chie Mihara’s charm school!

Even more lucky charms from Chie Mihara are waiting at Ped’s main site, so click over and go girly this spring and summer!

Around this time every year, we start thinking about how things feel. We’re layering up to keep the cold out, and it starts to matter whether things are scratchy or soft, coarse or silky. Our fingers crave something nice to touch—and nothing’s nicer than reaching down and finding the satisfaction of suede on our feet!

Suede has the added benefit of making its colors really pop! Want to know the remedy for an overcast day? Hued suede shoes for dancing down the street! Allow us to show you what we mean:

When it comes to beautiful suede designs, Accessoire is in a league of its own! Say hello to the head-turning Ulrich:

How yummy is this shoe? The design is innovative and chic, and the cassis color is, in a word, intoxicating!

If you’re looking for a neutral, perhaps you’d like to slip on Accessoire’s Ueda:

Versatility gets a flash of French flair in this super-soft number, which easily shifts from a day in the office to a night on the town! (Mocha too low key? Then check out the Ueda in brilliant red!)

Work schmork—this time of year, it’s all about the after-five parties! Accessoire once again has just the thing with the Vram:

If you’re hoping to tie a certain someone around your little finger, this knot-embellished suede hottie is a good place to start! Holy moly—don’t be surprised if the sprinkler system kicks on when you walk in the door!

Fiorentini + Baker is also famous for having a way with suede! One of our favorite ankle boots this season is F+B’s Pansy (which we just got back in stock):

Simple yet devastatingly sexy! And because it’s made by F+B’s master craftsmen, every detail is meticulously rendered! Get ready for a lot of boot envy! (We also have the Pansy in luscious brown!)

Looking for a suede bootie that’s a little less “lady”? Let your inner cowgirl out to play in Fiorentini + Baker’s Enola:

Sassy city! Crafted in F+B’s go-with-everything grey ice suede, this little honey is flirty and kickass all at once. (Its brown version will also let you lasso hearts!)

Suede also plays well with matte leather in creative combos, as demonstrated by Cydwoq’s Regiment boot:

Pairing the zigzag-patterned suede shaft with the mocha leather body is a scheme I dreamed up and Rafi & co. executed! Hope you love this lace-up as much as I do!

Another terrific suede and leather ankle boot comes from Argila! Behold the oxford-styled Lauren:

From the wooden wedge to the perforated design over the toe to the pinked edges, this boot’s details are all pitch perfect!

Want even more funk and an even higher heel? Chie Mihara is happy to oblige with her fantastic Tamaia:

Plum suede, gold dots, and luxe black leather—what a tasty treat that will have everyone wishing they were in your shoes! It’s the heel deal!

Even more deliciously tactile suede designs are waiting at Ped’s main site. Let yourself be swayed by suede—your feet and fingertips will thank you!

(Speaking of tactile delights, this week’s Sweet Treat takes the cake: Cydwoq’s flirty Victim! Turn every head at every holiday party! Just click “be sweet to your feet” in the upper right corner of any Ped page, which will whisk you to the Victim, where you’ll find the magic code that will bring 20% off at checkout!)

Ped fans, sorry to leave you hanging! We meant to give you another color infusion much sooner, but this, that, and the other thing kept us from it. Nevertheless, it’s never too late to sing the BLUES! Definitely one of the “it” colors, blue comes in myriad shades this fall. Let’s explore, shall we?

If anyone knows a thing or two about color, it’s Chie Mihara! Check out her blue-licious Zuli heeled oxford:

The platform may be ’70s retro, but the styling is utterly modern. The Zuli‘s combination of matte black leather (love the perforated edges!!!) and cobalt blue suede is mesmerizing!

Need something a little more conservative (but not too) for the office? Cydwoq’s Trasmit is just the semi-rebellious ticket:

How cool is this lake-blue pump? Sure, it’s “lady” enough to wear with jacket and skirt, but that faux croc toe let’s everyone know you’re ready to take a bite out of them with your style!

If you like that particular shade of blue but want something casual, consider lacing up the Cydwoq Display:

Cydwoq remakes the oxford in a new way, with angled edges and a squared-off toe! And the lake-blue leather once again looks luscious!

Cydwoq takes blue into boot territory with the terrific Statue:

The way the design shows off the natural edge along the exposed seams, in contrast with the Statue‘s inky blue leather, is stunning! What a rock star—this low boot will have people asking for your autograph!

Natural-edged seams also amp up  the charm of Trippen’s California bootie:

The tumbled leather of this back-laced lovely is sooooo soft, and the petrol hue is a muted teal blue. Fun, funky, and comfortable—Trippen does it again! Swing that fringe!

Another blue boot that will be your true-blue friend forever is Fiorentini + Baker’s Emmy:

As many of you have discovered, the quality of Fiorentini + Baker’s craftsmanship make their boots worth every penny! We particularly love how the Emmy‘s tough-girl design looks in this romantic Blue Moon color—as pretty as a night sky!

But maybe buckles, laces, and zippers are not what you have in mind; all you want is an easy slip-on in a cool color. Behold the Vialis Kate!

A clog unlike any other you’ll encounter—the leather-lined wool felt will bring the house down with its rich petrol color! But the Kate‘s beauty is more than skin deep; it also feels oh-so comfortable on, with a curved sole designed to roll with the motion of your stride!

Our last blue indulgence doesn’t quite follow the rules, but it’s just so cool we can’t resist including it! Take a gander at Trippen’s Treasure:

This brown boot gets its high-voltage “wow’ from its electric-blue edges! The exposed seams open and close to flow over the boot in wavy rivulets! Beyond gorgeous! When you want to wear a show stopper, your fortune lies in the Treasure!

So many blue-tastic choices—luckily, every option is a winner! Who knew having the blues could be so much fun?

(By the way, you have until Tuesday to snag this week’s blue-edged Sweet Treat: the Trippen Wind Boot! Click “be sweet to your feet” in the upper right corner of any Ped page to land at the Wind with the magic discount code that will bring a sweet 20% off at checkout!)