February is the shortest month of the year—at least, in rational, according-to-the-calendar logic. But, Ped fans, the truth is it feels sooooo looooonnnngggggg! Winter makes 28 short days seem endless.

Ped’s antidote? First suggestion: Start planning for warm days and green grass—what would you most like to wear once your winter coat is stashed in the back of the closet? Even better suggestion: Take a midwinter vacation to a tropical destination, where you can break out the warm-weather wear and give your sun-starved flesh a welcome dose of Vitamin D!

Either way, Ped is ready to help since fresh spring and summer goods are arriving daily at the warehouse! We’ll have new eye candy to show you throughout the month, but for now take a gander at these sunny temptations just unpacked from Cydwoq!

If you need an infusion of spring stat, the style doctors at Cydwoq have the cure for what ails you: the Link!

Doesn’t this jazzy flat instantly make the world seem sunnier? Because the Italian leather is hand-painted, each individual shoe is unique—so fun! Time to throw your toes a party!

Although we love a big dose of color, we also realize many of you prefer to keep things black. You can air out your tootsies and still keep your urban edge in Cydwoq’s Train:

Chic day in and day out, this gladiator-inspired sandal will be your constant companion in warm weather because it looks fantastic with everything! We love how the Train‘s body, with its cage-like design, is cut from one piece of leather, accented by the stand-alone toe ring.

Another example of Cydwoq’s virtuosity at cutting leather is the lean and lovely Prospect:

The perfect transitional shoe for going from spring to summer to fall, this simple flat is a breath of fresh air for feet that have under wraps all winter! If you need one shoe to do it all, the Prospect is IT—dressy when you need it to be and casual when you just want to relax. Also, two words: Travel. Shoe.

You know me, I live and die for anything green. Happily, Cydwoq has plenty to fuel my fantasies of new grass and leafy trees! A favorite among the latest arrivals is the Artery:

The aloe-colored brushed leather is so soothing, and the cobalt blue strap, which secures with a simple rivet, provides the perfect accent. In a word, yum!

Another fantastic shoe for making the seasonal jump is Cydwoq’s luscious new Cover:

This is the one that has Ped’s Laura beside herself with love! An innovative interpretation of a mary jane, the Cover turns heads with its brick-red leather, complemented by a natural-colored thong knotted over the forefoot.

Looking for a little more va-va-va-voom? Cydwoq’s red-hot-and-ready-to-rock Steam is guaranteed to steam things up:

Holy moly! This heeled beauty is so likely to set hearts on fire, it should come with a warning label! But no matter how much trouble you manage to stir up in the Steam, your feet will be cool and comfortable, thanks to Cydwoq’s superb all-leather construction.

We started this post with a knockout example of Cydwoq’s amazing hand-painted leathers, so let’s end with another—the jaw-droppingly gorgeous Boomerang:

When we took this stunner out of the box, we were speechless; all we could do was sigh with admiration as we fell hopelessly in love! It’s that beautiful!!! Yes, this sandal features a gorgeous etched resin heel and an amazing design, but it’s the leather, with its layers of green, silver, fuchsia, and ochre, that walks off with the show! (Winter, what winter?)

Just writing this post brightened up our day! At Ped, we aim to make it easy to find something wonderful—Cydwoq or otherwise—to sustain you through winter or to carry you off on a tropical adventure! (Take pics—we  love to live vicariously!)

(By the way, this week’s Sweet Treat is another wonderful transitional shoe: Trippen’s Vivienne, a perennial Ped favorite! Simply click “be sweet to your feet” in the upper right corner of any Ped page to land at the Vivienne with the code that will bring 20% off at checkout!)

Well, we took a little hiatus from our exploration of the spectrum, but we’re diving back into color today! You probably won’t be surprised to learn I saved my favorite color for last: GREEN! Ped fans know how much I adore all things verdant, and this season I’m in heaven—so many shades of green, all lovely! Let’s take a tour, shall we?

Since ankle boots are de rigueur these days, let’s start with Trippen’s splendid Pillow:

The forest green color of the vegetable-tanned and washed leather is so refreshing—you can practically smell pine needles when you look at it! Artsy without being over-the-top, the Pillow is definitely a German treat for your feet!

Another great Trippen low boot, the Fountain, shows off our favorite leather trend: colorful exposed seams!

Something about this lace-up boot makes us thing of grasshoppers—maybe it’s the deep green body complemented by the light green laces and exposed seams? Whatever the reason, the Fountain makes us smile! And its comfort is sure to make you smile, too! (Want the Fountain in blue? Your wish is granted!)

Taking things down to shoe level, green adds zing to several kick-around flats, like the Cydwoq Downhill:

If you’re looking for a shoe to walk from here to there and back again, season after season, put the Downhill at the top of your list! The roomy toe box and excellent arch support make it a friend you’ll want to wear every day! And the more you wear it, the better it gets!

Another fantastic shoe to leave by the door (since it’s the one you’ll lace up day in and day out) is Cydwoq’s Mud Doctor:

The combo of the natural leather laces with the delectable sage green leather is yummy in every way! Cydwoq’s Mud Doctor is just what the doctor ordered! (FYI, we also offer this foot tonic in chocolate brown.)

Trippen takes the lace-up shoe and gives it a twist, putting the lacing in back! We love it! The Trippen Oven is cooking with style gas:

Not only is the Oven delightful to look at, it’s also delightful to wear, thanks to Trippen’s ultra-lightweight “Penna” rubber sole. Tie up the back of this organic green cutie, and dart around town like a forest sprite!

Maybe you’re thinking, “Fine, fine, all green and beautiful, yes, but give me something girly!” Chie Mihara knows just what you want! Drink in the loveliness of the Ilaria:

Feminine and fun without being prissy, the Ilaria is a vision in green suede! We especially like the way the taupe twill ribbon at the ankle adds contrast in texture as well as color! When you step out in this beauty, everyone will be green with envy!

Winter days may be grey, but you’ll do the world a world of good by being seen in green!

Before we go, here’s a tip for our Facebook friends (and if you haven’t yet “liked” us, please do). You may have found yourself frustrated that Facebook isn’t showing you all of Ped’s posts. Well, Facebook has a new way to ensure you hear what’s what with Ped! On the Ped page, hold you mouse over the checked “Liked” button up on the right under Lulu’s picture. When the drop-down menu appears, check “Get Notifications.” Now you’ll always be in the Ped know!

Last spring when I returned from the shoe shows in Paris and Milan, I told you this fall and winter would be colorful! Now, as promised, we’re off and running with the hued shoes! First up, RED!

In our previous post, celebrating Trippen, we showed you the spectacular Corset boot. But it’s just one of the red temptations from Trippen this season. For instance, who can resist the Wicked?

We are totally taken with the way Trippen has subtly stitched the  buttery leather to create folds that cascade down the front of this bootie! Stunning—yet comfortable and light, thanks to the “cups” rubber sole.

Trippen takes the same shade of red to new heights with the knockout Mexico boot:

Everyone at Ped HQ is in love with this “Rubin Red,” which reminds us of cayenne peppers. Spicy and delicious! Plus, the extra-long laces offer a wealth of ways to style the Mexico!

Trippen uses a slightly darker shade of red leather to create the smashing new Captain:

Take a closer look at the buckle on this great low boot—the strap extends right out of the leather that forms the shaft! Clever! And the Red Wine color makes us thirsty!

As long as we’re on the topic of wine-red leathers, the burgundy shade of Cydwoq’s Seek is intoxicating!

Deep and delicious, this darkest of dark reds makes the sexy Seek even more seductive! Pair this with your fave little black dress, and take your pick of the hearts beating faster at the sight of you!

And if going glam is your game, then consider buckling up Chie Mihara’s Quesquece:

Holy cannoli, this curvy t-strap gives new meaning to the term “red hot”! The combination of the deep red patent leather trim with the crimson suede is dazzling!

Of course, menswear-inspired styles are also au courant. Perhaps the red version of the Fiorentini + Baker Eliza might be your cup of tea:

Heaven help us, we LOVE this shoe! The Eliza is truly the oxford to end all oxfords, and a ruddy color just enhances its rugged beauty!

Which brings us to our rosy finale, another Fiorentini + Baker favorite looking lovely in red, the timeless Eli ankle boot:

As beautiful as a sugar maple tree in fall, this luscious red looker will rev up your style! Motors all over the world will run a little hotter after seeing you out and about in the Eli!

And that’s not all the red at Ped—lots more spicy styles are ready to set your heart on fire over at Ped’s main site. So get the lead out and put the red on!

Stay tuned, Ped fans, next we do blue!

(By the way, this week’s Sweet Treat is the Vialis Greta. It may not be red-hued, but it’s definitely red hot! Just click “be sweet to your feet” in the upper right corner of any Ped page to land at the Greta with the discount code that will bring 20% off at check0ut!)

Every season we go on and on about what geniuses the German designers at Trippen are, how amazing their leathers and craftsmanship are, and how they’ve really outdone themselves with the latest styles! But honestly, Ped fans, every season it’s TRUE!

This fall is no exception. When the latest Trippen boxes arrived at the Ped warehouse, every boot and shoe we unpacked had us shouting, “WOW!” Think we’re exaggerating? Please see for yourself:

Just when all the beautiful boots out there start to blur together, along comes Trippen to open our eyes to things utterly new and different! Consider the Wind:

WOW! Too cool for school (but feel free to wear them there anyway), this mid-calf boot’s blue-edged seams vine around the shaft, while a zipper zings up the back!

Like the seams but looking for something lower to the ground? Here’s a tasty temptation: the Trippen Oven:

WOW! Longtime Ped fans know if there’s one way to turn my head, it’s with a great green shoe! And the Oven keeps it turned with its seaming and saucy lace-up back!

Trippen also uses back lacing to fabulous effect in the new California boot:

WOW! Be still our fringe-loving hearts! What a Bohemian beauty! The way the natural edges contrast with the petrol-colored leather is spectacular!

Prefer your lacing up front? Trippen’s got your number in the sizzling Corset:

WOW! The structural design of this boot is stunning—vertical seams create a “corset” around your ankle and then flare into a dramatic ruffle around the top. Industrial down below and flirtatious above!

Taking the ankle boot in a completely different and pared-down direction, Trippen dishes up the Diesel:

WOW! We heart this little boot so much it leaves us breathless! The dual zipper is fun and clever, and the curry-colored leather is lip-smackingly delicious. (Plus, if you forget to pack your clutch, it can do double duty…)

If you’re charmed by the Diesel’s zippy zipper design but wish it were on a taller boot, Trippen grants your wish with the Super:

WOW! Versatile and comfortable yet with super-sized style, the Super is definitely a contender for the title of Must-Have Boot of the Season!

Trippen hasn’t forgotten those of you who like to step out the door with flash and panache! Brace yourselves:

WOW! Futuristic, industrial, and as chic as the day is long, Trippen’s Brace is the boot for making maximal impact! Shine on, sisters!

And those are just the tip of the eye-opening Trippen iceberg that’s definitely keeping things cooler than cool at Ped HQ! Lots more Trippen styles await your ogling over at Ped’s main site, so go get an eyeful!

In our last post, we showed you a few options for taking boots as low as they go. Today we move on to ankle boots that stand a little taller, peaking just above the ankle bone. It’s a height we love at Ped because it looks fantastic with skirts and plays nicely with jeans (without having to confront the over-or-inside-the-boot dilemma).

First up, one of our favorites this season,the Coclico Willa:

In a word: YUM! The gorgeous Willa is on trend with its laceless good looks, yet it’s streamlined and classic, so it will never go out of style!

Of course, laces also have their place, as illustrated by Argila’s Lauren:

This suede and leather beauty checks three things off the au courant list in one easy sweep. Wooden wedge? Check. Oxford styling? Check. Ankle boot? Check! And scene (or should we say “seen”)!

Taking things in a more mod direction, the Artisan from Cydwoq has everyone at Ped HQ swooning:

Wow. Just wow! The brown leather lattice over the textured metallic leather, sparkling with a subtle plaid pattern, is FAN-TAS-TIC! Can’t you just imagine Megan on Mad Men wearing this with a micro mini ? (Don would be a helpless drooling puppy.)

Looking for something a little less overtly feminine?  Then get your attitude on in the Trippen Fence:

The sliced-up and laced-up (in back) Fence has held court at Ped for several years, but it still looks fresh and futuristic! Great barefoot but also sensational flashing colorful tights between its straps, the Fence will make friends everywhere you walk because everyone’s going to ask where you got your boots!

There are plenty more ankle-high ankle boots to tempt you over at Ped’s main site. (And just to ring the Fiorentini + Bell one more time, the new Pansy is super juicy!)

Stay tuned because we’re about to heighten the boot interest again in the next day or two.