Reaching Haute New Heights

Shocking fuchsias, lush mint greens, electrifying sapphires (not to mention intensely alluring blacks) glaze the translucent boutique windows in a wash of intense hues. A myriad of all possible shades are majestically displayed for admirable eyes - all in the form of shoes. Yep, shoes. Not candy, not paintings, not flowers or anything else one would conjure up at the thought of such tempting colors. Shoes of all colors, materials, designs, and heights are the norms these days, no longer a necessity or an accessory, but rather an art form. With so many - and yes, I mean many as in an unbelievably exorbitant amount - shoes out there (the majority of which are so deliciously gorgeous!) this 2008 summer season, the dilemma we shoe addicts are faced with isn't one of color or material, or even designer, but rather the ever-eternal dilemma of shoe addicts everywhere surfaces again: which style and at what heights? Sweet and simple flats, sexy wedges, and dangerously tempting heels - oh my indeed! There are shoes tailored to fit every taste - enticingly so, may I add - from the gal seeking a durable flat to the one seeking to boost herself to new heights. Despite the on-wash of the popular new flats trend (ditto for the wedges), however, I must admit that I am a heels gal, always have been, and it looks like, always will be. Heels are to be adored; in particular, those lethally sharp thin heels that I so love. Just like any classic handbag or those old cars from the 50s' that men go ga-ga over, stiletto heels are an undying legacy in the shoe world. Flats, wedges, and esparadillas will come and go, no doubt, but one type of shoe, heels, always lingers, whether in the form of pumps or stilettos, at 2 inches or 7, as is currently in. High heels are the staple of shoes, as powerful and sexy now as they were back when they only took the form of 3" black or white patent pumps. They never die out, they merely transform (sometimes into seemingly impossible-to-wear, yet nevertheless temptingly risqué items). When it comes to the dilemma of what type of shoe to choose, high heels win out hands down any day. Forget the girlish flats that make feet look two sizes larger and do nothing to flatter a gal's overall shape, and those imposter of a shoe wedges that are better fit for that spring break back in the Caribbean! Heels are adored by shoe addicts, myself (unashamedly) included, for good reasons: they add height (of course!) and appear alluringly risky, not to mention that they enhance legs to give the much-desired appearance of longer, leaner legs, and a trimmer body. Now how many shoes can get a gal to feel elegant, glamorous, sexy, and lavish? With all its delicious abilities, it's certainly a no-brainer as to why heels still dominate the runways and the designer shoe market. Like anything else that's luxurious and good, high heels keep growing and transforming into more alluring and enticing objects. Gleaming patent leather, smooth satin, candied colors, geometric designs, wooden heels, cork heels, plastic heels, platform open-toes, peep toes, straps wrapping up to the ankles, no straps, intense 7 inch heels - those are what high heels are today. Being an avid shoe - correction, high heel -- addict who probably collects more than wears, I'm no stranger to tempting my eyes with the latest designs. When it comes to high heels, every designer has some, from Miu Miu to Christian Louboutin, creating a constant stream of ravishing and riveting designs, from texture to color to impossibly gorgeous designs. Such designer heels are the epitome of heels, at times subtle yet elegant, at other times outlandishly glamorous, but always luxuriously classy and never a disappointment. Any true heel is able to dress up any look, and is an accessory in and of itself. Sleek and riveting, 5" gray patent beauty "Atlas" is a top favorite for the summer with its multiple gladiator-type straps and reflective coating. This is the ideal heel that enables high heels to have its legacy standing: perfect to dress up dull work trousers and blouses, yet not overly stunning to take away from an extravagant evening gown; subtle enough for day, but just as gorgeous for evening. Its colors are absolutely workable into any outfit color scheme. Enthrallingly adorned with an antique-looking faux jewel clasp at the front, Giuseppe Zanotti's "Jeweled Satin Pump" is a looker, from its sensual jeweled peep toe all the way to its luxurious gold trimmed bronze satin body which elegantly slopes upward in accordance to the 3 ¼" heels. Its overall subtle appearance makes it ideal for day, and for any outfit, while the jewel's flirtatious presence provides the possibility of its doubling as an evening pair. From work clothes to cocktail dress, this pair of pumps is purrfect.

Elegant, yet bold, the "Tweed Pump" by Oscar De La Renta is a tempting possibility that brilliantly combines two materials - plastic and tweed - to create a deliciously twisted version of the classic old office work pumps of the 50s. A plastic tortoise trim forms a playful strap across the vamp and glazes the heel and back of the shoes. These are adorable (and so comfortable!) for the work day, a luncheon, or a stroll in their not-quite 4" heels. The shades beautifully play off any brown in a handbag or outfit.

Bold, blazen, and sexy, this rouge pair of Valentino's "Dentelle Lace Pump" is a drop-dead-gorgeous stunner. Peep toed, lace trimmed, and bowed - what else could a gal ask for? Sexy and sweet, bold and flirty, this 5" shoe conveys all the subtle sugar and spice of any of its wearers. I adore this particular pump for its simplistic design, yet empowering feel by way of its sensual suede texture and powerful hue. This shoe alone will draw eyes, so it shouldn't be paired with too many reds... A confining sensuality is evoked by the black lacey trim that lines the couture of this 4" Valentino "Grosgraibn Bootie", further enhanced by the sloping curves of the overall shape draped in fine gray suede. The black satin bow that seemingly ties the lacey trim together just draws eyes to the spaces from which skin may be glimpsed. An ethereal beauty of a shoe, these heels are ideal for pairing with a dress or a skirt, but are not to be covered by the hems of any trousers! With its color, these are sure to be a breeze to pair up with clothing. Art takes form in these heels! Perfect for a summer evening by the water, Giuseppe Zannoti's "Jeweled Fish Sandals" are unlike any I've seen before - a pure creative twist on the classic jeweled 4" stiletto heel. A black silk and leather body is provocatively contrasted with the glamorous silver of crystal hardware, which forms the striking figure of a fish that wraps up to the ankle. Chicly simple, this design is brilliant...and I'm not referring to the sparkling faux jewel, either. From stunning strappy sandals to elegant pumps (all old shoe legacies with a twist!), heels are the only shoes that are able to draw eyes away from the Bvlgari jewels and Chanel bag to take center stage and the rapid fire compliments. Of all the possible heavenly heels flanking the displays out there this summer, it's a visibly far cry from mother's selections!