It’s a new month, Ped fans, and we are beyond ready for the official start of spring in a few weeks! But looking at forecasts across the board, winter is not quite done with its chilly ways. So, what to wear?

Well, up top, we leave it to you to figure out the right mix of cashmere and cotton, coats and cardigans, but down on the ground, have no worries! Ped has the seasonal transition question solved in a bunch of stylish ways!

Behold shoes that let you air out the differences between winter and spring!

We love oxfords, but after the long slog through cold weather, we wish we could open them up a little! Pep Monjo to the rescue! Check out Pep’s new Lila lace-up:

Ta da! Perfect with socks or tights when the snow has melted but the grass is not yet green, the Lila is also ideal barefoot when the garden is in full bloom!

Mr. Monjo also works his design magic at Argila, where he has us wowed with another aired-out oxford, the Pilar:

So much charm for one easy-going shoe! We especially like the rounded stacked-leather heel, black leather piping at the seams, and sweet cutouts by the heel and over the toe!

If you prefer a lace-up that’s less traditional, then feast your eyes (and feet) on the air-conditioned Trippen Chill:

Crafted from twice-dyed leather that’s black on one side and white on the other, the Chill leaves no grey area—it’s simply the coolest shoe to stroll down the street! Über-edgy and über-fun!

Oxford-esque shoes aren’t the only way to swing into spring. The Argila Arianna offers a breezy buckled option:

Isn’t that caramel leather delicious? The Arianna offers the same winning ways as the Pilar above, but in a t-strap design that we adore!

Perhaps you flip for a zip? Then do a back flip for the back-zippered Trippen Skipper:

This strap-happy design just makes us smile! Saucy with socks and tights for the remaining chill days, the Skipper is ready and waiting to let your bare skin soak up the sun!

Looking for something more lady-like? Then let your femininity out to play in the cute-as-can-be Cydwoq South:

A true blue shoe to see you through the seasonal shift, the South features Rafi’s latest innovation: an easy ankle tie of leather petals! Sweet as an April breeze! (Wishing this design had a little height? You’re in luck! Check out the South’s well-heeled cousin, the Cydwoq Market!)

Of course, if you really want to spring into Spring, then set your sights on the Cydwoq Sight:

You don’t have to wait for May flowers when you can put the garden on your feet in March! The Sight gives your winter-weary dogs a literal and figurative breath of fresh air!

As always, there are even more ways to walk from winter into spring over at Ped’s main site. Remember change is good, especially when you’ve got the right shoes to let you swing the shift with ‘zazz!

(Psst, this week’s Sweet Treat is the Cliff Dweller Canoe, which just happens to be another terrific season spanner! Click “be sweet to your feet” at the bottom of the box on the left at Ped’s main site to reach the Canoe, and then simply pop it in your bag to instantly receive 20% off at checkout! Easy-peasy and oh-so breezy!)

It’s that time of year, Ped fans, when your inbox starts to overflow with invitations to holiday shindigs. No doubt, your favorite LBD will get a workout, night after sparkly night! But what to put on your feet to make sure you’re still standing comfortably after all those hours of socializing while quaffing eggnog, wassail, and champagne?

Ped to the rescue with a few festive ways to keep your dogs from howling at the moon!

Chie Mihara knows all about letting your inner girly girl out to shine without sacrificing your soles (and arches and toes). One of the prettiest shoes of the season is the Chie Mihara Kitaro:

Ooooh, we adore the textured gold leather trim with the blue suede heel and brown suede toe! What a way to add color and sparkle to a little black dress!

Colorful suede also makes the Accessoire Doisneu a welcome guest at any party:

Gorgeous and soooooo comfortable! This beauty’s suede-covered platform slopes from 1.75″ in back to .75″ up front, making the pitch a delightful 1″! And the stylized rosette is beyond chic! (We adore the “grenat” (garnet) version pictured here, but the Doisneau also comes in amethyst.)

Another flower-adorned shoe that will have you shining is Chie Mihara’s Karta:

This glittery oxford is tied up and ready for cocktails! (We also offer the Karta in a red that’s as pretty as a poinsettia.)

If you’re looking for something sparkly but a little airier, you’re guaranteed to wow in Cydwoq’s Gaudi:

Hi ho, silver! In this gorgeous sandal, you’ll turn every head in the room. (And those behind you can swoon over the design on the etched heel!)

Perhaps you like your metallics a little more low-key. If so, say hello to Cydwoq’s understated yet oh-so chic Fluid:

The Fluid is perfect for when you need to go straight from work out for evening drinks—it makes the transition in the most fluid and stylish way!

Another work-to-play knockout is Cydwoq’s strap-a-licious Young:

The Young is so very sexy but in a socially acceptable way! (Make sure you click “Views” to see the saucy corset-like closure in back.)

The same closure adds even more fuel to the fiery hotness of Cydwoq’s Knee, which is ideal if you want to party in a dressy ankle boot:

Isn’t that burnt-out paisley leather breathtaking? The Knee is guaranteed to make you the modern and edgy belle of the ball!

For you Ped fans whose style is more funky than femme, consider rocking the holiday cocktails in Cydwoq’s Love Ankle Boot:

We love the idea of wearing an LBD with this black and red badass beauty! You’ll light hearts on fire! (Where you can roast some chestnuts…)

As usual, there are more ways to make your feet festive over at Ped’s main site (don’t miss Cydwoq’s Skate and Rotate, which we showed you a few posts back).

‘Tis the season to take your tootsies out on the town!

. . . or at least for next fall and winter! Ped fans, in March I again jumped across the pond to visit the European shoe shows in Milan and Paris. These are the trips where I place orders for next season’s goods, trying on and closely examining all the styles to make sure they’re up to Ped’s high standards for comfort and quality.

For Ped to carry a line, it has to persuade me of four things: 1) it’s made with an eye to social and environmental ethics; 2) the company prioritizes outstanding craftsmanship using the very best materials; 3) the designs are comfortable and easy to wear; and 4) the goods must have style for miles!!!

I work hard on these trips! But I also have a lot of fun! I love soaking up European culture and observing new trends. Come along for a vicarious ride!

When I landed in Milan, spring was in full swing, even though it was early March. The colors were so beautiful!

A Milanese flower vendor's stall on the way to the Fiorentini + Baker showroom! Gorgeous!

Flowers weren’t the only colorful spectacle—check out this dazzling display for Louis Vuitton:

What a creative use of arrows!

Fabulous shoes were everywhere! Even in the gourmet food section of La Rinascente!

Have your shoes and eat them, too! Chocolate shoes for 40 Euros.

Granted, not everyone in Milan was there for shoes. I saw these McDonald’s chefs on a photo shoot at Galleria Vittorio Emanuele (a must-visit indoor shopping arcade).

Pretty sure their meals weren't as happy as the ones I ate in Milan!

Speaking of food, on my day off I walked for five hours straight, visiting the famous Corso Como, and rewarded myself with gelato!

Pear and guava gelato! YUM!

Whenever I’m in Milan I make sure to light a candle for my much-missed father at Il Duomo.

Candles in Il Duomo.

Then it was off to Paris, where my morning “commute” is about as stress-free as it gets.

The beautiful Seine was glass-like on my walk to work.

At the show, Cydwoq had so many beautiful styles I had a difficult time choosing. I think you’ll be pleased, though!

A booth of swoon-worthy Cydwoq shoes and boots!

Wondering what looks are popular for next fall and winter? Well, the love affair with oxfords and menswear-influenced styles continues. Plus, booties are still big (the kind you wear on your feet!), worn unlaced and unbuckled in a casual European way. Vintage looks, as well as polka dots and stripes, are also on trend.

The big story, though, is a renewed emphasis on COLOR! Ruby red, mustard yellow, leaf green, royal blue—every saturated hue imaginable! I don’t want to give too much away, but here’s a little taste of what you have to look forward to!

After a long day, I had a delicious Lebanese dinner with Cydwoq’s Rafi and Trippen’s Michael. This was our view as we walked home:

Oooooh, sparkly!

Ped fans, I love my job!

The Holidays were so much fun at Ped HQ that we were feeling a twinge of post-party blues. We asked ourselves what would lift out spirits, and the answer came like a bolt of lightning: Let the Winter Sale begin! We’ve gotten a little slap-happy with the price-cutting, but we think you’ll approve!

Here are a few favorites we’ve recently marked down:

Although Vialis is new to the Ped family, this gorgeous line from Spain has become instantly popular. The double-collared Guell Bootie shows why:

What could be better than a wooden heel on a luscious leather lace-up? You can wear the collar folded down to expose the inner suede layer or pulled up to show off the matte exterior. Versatile and chic, the Guell was delicious at $362, but it’s even sweeter at $289!

Speaking of lovely heels, we are big fans of the metallic ones Cydwoq uses for some of its Vintage styles, like the Seek:

The combination of the burgundy textured leathers makes us swoon! Add the back zipper and, well, let’s put it this way, you won’t have to “seek” admirers—they’ll be following you like drooling puppies! The Seek was sexy at $304, but it’s even hotter at $243!

Another knockout heeled number is Chie Mihara’s Vasca:

No one does retro-glam like Chie! We adore the pinked edges of the rosettes, and the deep teal color is to die for! Slip on this beauty, and you will instantly radiate the sex appeal of a 1940s Hollywood femme fatale! Lovely at $438, the Vasca is drop-dead gorgeous at $349!

Another heel with vintage appeal is Cordani’s Remy:

This grey suede mary jane is so practical—a neutral that’s equally good for going to the office or going out to dinner—but the details keep it interesting! Worth every penny at $318, it’s a steal at $199!

Couple Of’s stellar Ava Oxford is another shoe that’s fine for a board meeting but also has enough edge for an art opening:

Everyone at Ped is amazed at Couple Of’s skill at keeping designs clean and comfortable while at the same time adding just the right accents to set them apart! The folded and crinkled leather on the Ava’s toe box and heel is unlike anything we’ve seen before—so cool! Stylish at $328, it’s especially chic at $262!

Forget the heels, you say, you want a head-turning flat! Cydwoq has just the thing—the Measure Boot!

The Measure perfectly balances retro, with its spats-look and buttons, and modern, with the interesting way the dual leathers come together! And because it’s from Cydwoq, you know this bootie is as comfortable as it is stylish. Terrific at $320, it’s absolutely fabulous at $256.

What about taller boots? Yes, Ped fans, we have those on sale, too! One of the best is Ellen Verbeek’s Camille Boot:

We love the ultra-chic minimalism of this mid-calf boot that combines deliciously supple leather with a hand-sculpted wooden heel! Easy to wear on almost any occasion! Wonderful at $594, it’s unbeatable at $475!

And those are just the tip of Ped’s bargain iceberg! So click over to the main site and snag your favorites before they melt away. The prices are scorching hot and definitely worth celebrating!

(Also, fyi, this week’s “sweet treat” is especially shiny: Jamie Joseph’s White Topaz Ring! Just click “be sweet to your feet” in the upper right corner of any Ped page, and you will be instantly transported to this dazzler, where you’ll find the magical code that will bring a 20% discount at checkout.)

The days are rarely frigid here in the Bay Area, but I know winter has been running roughshod over many of you Ped fans! I see photos of mounds of snow in the Midwest and on the East Coast and hear about day after day of icy temperatures everywhere. Brrrrr!!! When you’re simply trying to stay warm, style often gets relegated to the backseat.

But it doesn’t have to be that way! Ped has lots of ways to keep cozy that also let you turn up the style temperature! (After all, your admirers count on you to lift their chilly spirits!)

Our mothers always told us, “Put a hat on!” They were wise because there’s no cuter way to combat the cold than with a Karin Wagner flower-embellished cap:

Our beloved Swiss mistress of textile art first hand-knits a cap of 100% soft wool and then pretties it up with her one-of-a-kind, hand-felted blossoms.

Now that your head is covered, let’s go to the other extreme and make sure your toes are toasty.

These striped tights from Antipast aren’t just snazzy (which they definitely are), they’re also 71% wool to keep your whole lower half warm when it’s cold!

One of the most practical fashion trends to come along has been arm warmers, which keep your wrists and palms snug while leaving your fingers free. We especially love the ones from Rain + Jack:

Rain + Jack combines the softest Australian lambswool with the most wonderful colors to warm your heart as well as your hands!

And, of course, you need a scarf! The winter wind will just have to blow down someone’s else’s neck when you wrap up in one of Sophie Digard’s woolen wonders:

We just got in this Wildflower Scarf and is it ever GORGEOUS!!! Each little velvet-centered flower is unique. With this wool beauty twined around your neck, you’ll be the envy of everyone who sees you!

But perhaps you live somewhere more temperate and only need a little something to stave off the chill. Sophie’s still your go-to gal because our Parisian queen of crochet also makes lighter linen scarves, like this Pastille Pop stunner:

Winter won’t last forever, but as long as it’s here, pull on your Ped and look and feel wonderful! Don’t let the ice keep you from feeling nice!