In addition to flowers, new leaves, and green grass, another hallmark of spring is the sudden flood of occasions that require us to spruce up and deck out. The calendar bursts into virtual bloom with weddings, graduation ceremonies, and garden parties. Personally, we Pedsters love to dress up, especially since slipping on a pair of heels no longer means our dogs end up whimpering after a few hours!

At Ped, we are committed not just to artistry and craftsmanship in what we carry, but also to C O M F O R T! Our highest heels and girliest shoes still feel great on your feet hours after you step out the door—all gain, zero pain! Plus, a little heel height is guaranteed to make a gal’s gams look like a million bucks!

Here are a few of our favorite ways to ensure your style stands head and shoulders above the crowd:

If you want to get big bang for your shoe buck, Chie Mihara’s Xantili is one of the most versatile heels of the season:

It’s strappy good looks and snake-printed leather are distinctive, but its neutral color story means it will work with practically everything in your closet—a one in a million shoe for a million occasions! Plus the .75″ leather-covered platform under the toe makes the 3.25″ heel a breeze to wear.

Chie Mihara not only excels at creating comfortable heels, she’s a whiz with whimsical details. Case in point: the zingy red poppy on her new Josy:

It’s so neat how the caramel leather straps provide a virtual trellis for the red suede flower! And, again, a .75″ platform up front offsets the 3.5″ heel, bringing the pitch to an easy 2.75″!

If you want to bring the height down a notch, without losing an inch of style, check out Chie’s Quory:

Talk about sophisticated fun! You can be a lady who lunches and go dotty, too! Plus, this to-die-for t-strap’s heel measures an ultra-manageable 2″.

Cydwoq is another friend to those who don’t like their heels too high. You don’t need many inches to make an impact, as Cydwoq’s Blast proves:

Whoa, Nelly!!! When you make an entry in this cutting-edge sandal, every eye in the room will be on you! Such a beauty, and the sculpted resin heel is a mere 2″!

If you prefer a closed-toe shoe, Cydwoq’s Volcano will also leave a trail of sparks wherever you walk:

Way more interesting than your average ankle-strap heel, don’t you agree? The Volcano will instantly elevate the sexiness of your favorite LBD, but imagine how fantastic it also looks with colors and prints! (Update March 10: We also just got this beauty in a stunning textured mocha leather!)

Lots of you Ped fans adore wooden heels. Well, this season Coclico has just what you want. Get an eyeful of the new Klucia:

The design is beautifully balanced, and yet it offers surprising details, like the laser-cut chevron pattern in the leather and the twill lacing that ties everything up! Although the wooden heel is 3.5″, it’s really a cinch to wear, thanks to the 1″ platform under the forefoot.

If you’re looking for something that will really turns heads, you can never go wrong with red (and every woman needs a pair of red heels)! How juicy is Coclico’s Yoni?

Delectable! This bombshell of a shoe is effortlessly chic, with a sculpted 3″ wooden heel made extra comfortable by the 1″ covered platform under the toe.

But we’ve saved perhaps our favorite heel for last: Fiorentini + Baker’s knockout Nene:

Take a minute to drink in the beauty of its design. It doesn’t shout. It doesn’t have to—its simple sophistication will make you the talk of the party and the envy of everyone there! We think that’s 4″ of heel well-spent! Plus, the 1″ platform beneath the toe keeps it all manageable, and Fiorentini + Baker means this femme fatale feels as wonderful as it looks!

So don’t be afraid to amp up your height when you put on your glad rags this spring! It’s suprising how empowering—and comfortable—a high heel can be!

(Psst, this week’s Sweet Treat is Cydwoq’s wonderful Bright Bag! Haul everything you need in this all-time Ped favorite for 20% off when you click “be sweet to your feet” in the upper right corner of any Ped page, which will take you to the Bright Bag with a magic discount code to enter at checkout!)

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!)

Ped fans, take a short break from holiday preparations or online ordering to watch this great video about our beloved Cydwoq, which we found posted at shoes.tv.

Isn’t Ari a doll? He’s the designer behind a lot of the latest styles coming out of Cydwoq, working alongside his dad, Rafi, as a true father-son team! Whenever we hear them talk about their philosophy and the effort they put into their shoes, it makes us so proud to carry Cydwoq! We’ve added a few new designs recently and gotten some of your favorites in new colors, so check out the freshest Cydwoq on the sidewalk:

You know by now that the oxford is the shoe of the moment, but Cydwoq’s Classic Oxford is really something special:

As Ari points out in the video, what sets Cydwoq apart is the cut and construction of the leather, as well as the internal architecture, which is so apparent in the way this oxford is put together. When I saw this design for men, I begged Rafi to adapt it for women, and he did! We love!

Another Cydwoq men’s design we cajoled Rafi into doing for women is the Sparta:

What a great lace-up bootie in beautiful washed grey leather! The Sparta’s so practical—easy to wear on all kinds of outings, and it’s sassy with skirts as well as stellar with jeans. (Bet you wish you’d had this number on when you went to pick out your tree!)

If you’re lucky enough to live somewhere unchallenged by wintry snow and ice (or if you carry your cool shoes with you to slip into after you’re out of your galoshes), you can’t beat Cydwoq’s brand new Smile Mary Jane for all-season cuteness:

Such a winner in every way, from the stylish ankle strap to the comfortable toe construction! If you have the good fortune to be going on a mid-winter vacation, this is the shoe to pack; it will take you through sightseeing during the day and out to dinner at night. Your tired feet will thank you for keeping them happy!

On the other hand, if what you really need is a good boot, you can’t go wrong with Cydwoq’s new Flood:

This Flood has everything to like: a practical mid-calf height; four adjustable buckles that require no fuss, thanks to an inside zipper; and twin exposed seams running up the back! Plus, the leather is emerald green!!! (You know how I love green…)

As for new colors, we now have the oh-so-chic Pi Bootie in antique silver (oo-la-la):

And the go-everywhere Buckle flat now comes in a to-die-for blue marble:

So whether you’re new to Cydwoq or a long-time fan, it’s a terrific time to indulge in a new pair! There’s nothing like shoes that feel good and that you feel good about wearing—which is the very essence of Cydwoq!

One of the best things about this time of year is the chance to get together with friends at holiday parties! It’s so fun to see everyone at their sparkly best! And, of course, it’s the perfect excuse to dress up.  (We live for the chance to amp up the razzle-dazzle!)

So if you’re looking for some extra ‘zazz to take your favorite little black dress to the next level, Ped has just the thing!

Here to help is Seattle-based jeweler Jamie Joseph, who has “how to dazzle” down to a science!  The hand-selected gems she uses are truly special, and her minimal designs show these spectacular stones off to their best advantage (and yours). Drink in the loveliness of Jamie’s latest cocktail rings, which just arrived at Ped HQ:

Every time we look at this Blood Tiger’s Eye ring, our hearts skip a beat because the stone is so unusual. The rose-cut faceting pulls in the light, amplifying the filament-like streaks that run through the gem. This ring is a guaranteed show stopper!

Another new JJ design that has us swooning is her Dark Drusy ring, which gets extra sparkle from a gold-encircled diamond set in the stone.

A drusy is commonly called a geode, which, as you may know, has a crystalline interior. We think the diamond floating on the sugary background looks like a full moon shining in a star-filled night sky. Go for high drama by slipping this unusual ring on your finger! No one will be able to resist you!

If you really want to pull out all the stops, though, there’s no better way than with Jamie Joseph’s Square Rock Crystal Ring.

You’ll be as glamorous as an old-school Hollywood movie star when you wear this sparkler! Want to flirt with someone across the room? Simply flash this ring with a wave and soon you’ll feel a tap on your shoulder or maybe even an arm around your waist!

You say rings aren’t your thing? Don’t worry, we have other ways for you to turn every head at the party! Look no further than the whimsical creations of Pepita!

What a fabulous necklace! Beautiful circlets of sanded glass cascade down from an antiqued brass chain to create an eye-opening sensation! Not only does Pepita’s Fabiana necklace look gorgeous, but it also makes a lovely sound when you wear it! If you prefer something brighter than these earthy hues, it also comes in a lovely combination of blues and greens!

Another wow-worthy piece is Pepita’s Fortuna necklace:

Crafted from a combination of coral, red, and burgundy silk, entwined through a brass chain in one section, this necklace looks so festive for the holiday season! Imagine how it would enliven a dark party dress!

But if you wish to be the belle of the ball (and why not?), then Pepita’s Mumbay necklace is a must-have for making your mark:

WOW! A necklace like no other, this knockout features lightweight copper beads hand-sewn to a printed piece of Italian fabric. You will feel like an Indian princess when you tie the Mumbay’s grosgrain ribbon around your neck. (And everyone will bow down to your royal style!)

Whether you slide a Jamie Joseph sparkler on your finger or deck your neck with a one-of-a-kind Pepita necklace, you’ll be the spiciest thing at your holiday parties since mulled wine and eggnog!

(And just fyi, you’ve got one more day to enjoy Ped’s current “sweet treat,” Cydwoq’s oh-so-chic Kappa Boot! Simply click “be sweet to your feet” in the upper right corner of any Ped page, and you’ll arrive at the Kappa the magic discount code that will take a a cool 20% off when you enter it in the designated box at checkout!)

February may be the shortest month, but given the wintry storms currently pummeling many Ped fans, it may feel like the longest. Thank goodness, there’s a sweet something in the middle to make February worth it: Valentine’s Day!!! What could be better than a day dedicated to showing your sweetheart how much you love her? It’s the perfect time to express your affection for any woman who really matters in your life! (Remember how you used to give candies and cards to your friends, your teachers, your sisters, and your mom?)

So let your love light shine by putting a sparkle in your favorite gal’s eye with a sparkly something from Ped!

It may be chilly outside, but these gorgeous Jamie Joseph Indian Ruby earrings are guaranteed to warm things up wherever you are:

The color is so juicy, like a ripe pomegranate! And the faceting catches the light in the loveliest way.

Maybe the woman you have in mind agrees with Marilyn Monroe  that diamonds are a girl’s best friend. Then assure her you, too, qualify as a BFF with this understated but stunning Jamie Joseph silver circle necklace that twinkles with three gold-set diamonds:

Jamie has a way of making the simplest designs worthy of “Wow!”

As long as we’re doing song references, maybe you should take Beyonce’s advice if you want to keep your sweetheart from joining all the single ladies—i.e. if you like it, you should put a ring on it! Now, it doesn’t have to be that kind of ring; we’re pretty sure this Jamie Joseph Onyx ring will keep her by your side:

Featured in Vogue, this design is the epitome of chic! We love how the tiny diamond adds a little extra dazzle. Going out to dinner on Valentine’s Day? Imagine how terrific this ring will look with your darling’s little black dress.

“Hmmm,” you may be thinking, “I want to give her jewelry but maybe something more low-key.” How about this Green Onyx and Apatite bracelet from Debbie Fisher?

It’s pretty and fresh without being over-the-top.

The again, maybe the object of your affection is a free spirit whose taste is more whimsical, in which case look no farther than Pepita:

This Eleonora necklace, with its hand-sewn fabric beads blooming from within brass petals, is sure to appeal to her love of one-of-a-kind treasures! A unique beauty deserves something uniquely beautiful!

And if your sweetheart could use a little dose of spring about now, Sophie Digard has just the thing to remind her warmer weather is right around the corner:

Sophie’s cheerful Three Flower Brooch (you can also opt for a single-bloom pin) will brighten up any winter coat or sweater.

Of course, it’s the thought that counts, but a beautiful gift that makes your favorite gal feel more beautiful is a wonderful way to show how much you care! (And if you need to drop a hint or two, remember you can mark anything at Ped as a “favorite” and then share that list with the one who loves you best.)

Happy Valentine’s Day in advance! May love fill every Ped fan’s life!