Shoes

I love floral embellishments -- especially when they happen to be on a pair of thong sandals. They're such a great way to add a bit of femininity to a style that can sometimes seem sporty or too casual.

Ranging from fun and flirty to really, really pretty, this week's 5 For Friday is all about thong sandals with floral embellishments.

Above: Donald J Pliner 'Nemi', Image: Zappos.com (Buy Direct)

Above: Enzo Angiolini 'Tebeto', Image: Endless.com (Buy Direct)

Above: Dr. Scholl's Iris, Image: FootSmart.com (Buy Direct)

Above: Roper Jeweled Wedge Sandal, Image: Zappos.com (Buy Direct)

Pictured at Top: Brighton 'Astor', Image: Zappos.com (Buy Direct)

Between looking for unique styles and sizes, and searching for older footwear from classic designers, I tend to browse a lot of vintage shoe sites. Every once in a while, I come across one that's really special for one reason or another. Today, I'm going to share with you a site that I actually didn't come across on my own. Rather -- and fortunately -- the site's owner contacted me -- and I'm so glad he did.

AVintageSole.com is run by a man who grew up in the footwear industry, and it's different from other vintage shoe sites I've visited for a couple of reasons. First, they only sell shoes -- so they have lots, and lots of them. And, secondly -- also most impressively -- the vintage shoes they do offer have never been worn.

I know!

It's difficult to believe, but so cool to browse women's shoe styles from the 1940s, 50s, and 60s and see styles that look as if they've just been unboxed, because they have just been unboxed. Actually, in some cases, they are still in their original boxes, but you know what i mean.

What quickly becomes apparent while browsing AVintageSole.com, is that they really just don't make shoes like they used to. If you've ever slipped into a pair of mid-century shoes, you already know this, but sometimes, when you're looking at previously-loved footwear from the past, it can be easy to forget, since you're more focused in on whether that little tear or mark will distract from the overall beauty of the shoes. Since the shoes at A Vintage Sole are in mint condition, their quality is apparent -- even in pictures, and even though most of the available styles and brands weren't particularly high-priced in their day. Below are a few images from A Vintage Sole to illustrate the point.

Another thing that was absolutely unique about browsing this vintage shoe site was the range of sizes and widths that are available. Since the owners are often dealing with the manufacturers of the shoes, styles are often available in more than one size.

For a fun browse, more information, or to place an order, be sure to check out one of the links below.

• AVintageSole.com
• Frequently Asked Questions

Pictured:

• Top: Grace Walker 'Ballancia' suede pumps from the 1950s
• Center Top: 'Gabby' faux snakeskin spectator pumps from the 1940s
• Center Middle: 'Polly' 4" suede Mary Jane heels from the 1940s
• Center Bottom:'Tally' patent leather mod slingback pumps from the 1960s

All photos courtesy of AVintageSole.com

Anyone who's read more than one of my articles probably knows that I'm a big fan of colorful footwear. I'm especially smitten with certain shades of red and pink, but really, I just love color. Often, that color comes from solid-colored shoes, or from shoes that feature a multi-colored print. And while both of those options are great, there's something extra special about a pair of color-block shoes (shoes that feature distinct areas of different colors).

A few years ago, color-blocked footwear was all the rage, and while you can still find a decent selection of these types of shoes, they're not nearly as prevalent as they were then. Which is really a shame, considering good use of color shouldn't really be a trendy sort of thing. Yes, pinks will be big one year, and oranges the next, but really, colors that work well on you should always be a part of your wardrobe.

In addition to the fact that color block shoes will work with any of the colors represented in the shoes themselves, there's another great thing about multi-colored footwear: it adds a stylish pop of color to any neutral outfit. Kind of liking putting turquoise pillows on a gray sofa. You get the idea.

Anyway, my love for color-blocking now established, I give you this week's 5 for Friday: color block shoes.

Above: Boutique 9 Linya, Image: ShoeBuy.com (Buy Direct)

Above: Guess 'Edee 2', Image: Heels.com (Buy Direct)

Above: Sam Edelman 'Sophie', Image: Endless.com (Buy Direct)

Above: Luxury Rebel 'Judith', Image: Endless.com (Buy Direct)

Pictured at Top: Joan & David 'Deanza', Image: Zappos.com (Buy Direct)

If you've been looking to jump on the wedge sneakers bandwagon, but you've had trouble finding them here in the United States, where the trend hasn't quite caught fire like is has in the U.K. and some other European countries, then I'm about to make your day: Heels.com is now carrying Blink shoes, which means: high heel sneaker wedges, in lots of blocky color combinations.

At this time, I believe they're the only online retailer in the States that is stocking the brand, and they have a great selection. So, if you're feeling all trendy, be sure to pop on over and have a look.

Pictured: Blink 'Adirr' (Buy Direct)
Image: Heels.com

A nice change of pace from classic pumps, slingback shoes are ideal for when you want something a little bit different, but you still want to appear polished. They're very foot-flattering, and as long as you skip the really trendy-details, they're as versatile as your everyday, close-backed heels.

I've put together a list of some of my favorite  slingbacks for 2012 -- thus far. And, there's definitely a little something for everyone on the list: low heels, crazy high heels, trendy styles, and classic designs. Be sure to check them out.

Pictured: Nine West 'Malibudaze' (Buy Direct)
Image: Endless.com

Needless to say, there are a lot of shoes I can't say "no" to, but easily, the one of the most difficult things for me to turn away from is a pair of pumps with bows on them. However, I will admit, that as much as I find bowed pumps irresistible, I'm very particular about the bows themselves -- not just any bows will do.

As a general rule, I don't care for tiny, stringy bows, and I'm not a huge fan of small grosgrain bows either -- although, there are a few exceptions to that last rule.

Oversized bows, elaborate bows, embellished bows, flat bows, back bows, and asymmetrical bows all have their time and place, but this week, I'm going to focus on my favorite of all bowed pumps: pumps with big, centered vamp bows.

Feminine, flirty, and fabulous, here are five bowed pumps for Friday, May 11, 2012.

Above: Badgley Mischka 'Sail', Image: Endless.com (Buy Direct)

Above: J. Renee 'Fame', Image: Zappos.com (Buy Direct)

Above: Valentino Couture Bow d'Orsay Pumps, Image: Nordstrom.com (Buy Direct)

Above: Butter 'Shamrock', Image: Endless.com (Buy Direct)

Pictured at Top: Ted Baker 'Philesia', Image: Zappos.com (Buy Direct)

Shoes with sky-high heels certainly aren't new, in fact, women have been reaching for higher and higher heels for as long as they've been wearing pumps. Shoes with 5- and 6-inch heels have been growing in popularity over the last couple of years, and the trend is showing no sign of stopping anytime soon.

A recent article I read in The Sun stated that sales of 6" heels have quadrupled in the last year, and that 7" high heels are looming on the horizon.

Personally, I can't wear heels that high. And, while I love the look of some of the higher heels -- and I adore platform soles -- I also think that some of the styles have become so extreme that they're not even pretty anymore; rather, I find some of them to be clunky and nearly comical.

Of course, "pretty" is a relative term, and maybe you're one of those women who believe that the higher the heels, the better the shoes. You might even be considering having a "Loub job." They're your feet, and I'm not here to judge.

I am here, however, to talk about lots of different shoe styles, and to offer suggestions to a variety of people.

If you're in search of heels that are a bit less trendy -- and a lot less scary -- be sure to have a look at these tips for finding stylish medium-high heels.

Pictured: Calvin Klein 'Shelley' (Buy Direct)
Image: Zappos.com

One of the most notable shoe trends for 2012 -- the one we'll most likely look back on, and think "... Really?" -- is the trend of extreme heels and platform soles. And, by "extreme," I don't just mean super-high and extra thick. I also mean, eye-catching, shimmery, sparkly, and, well, extreme. Here are five shoes that could illustrate the point far better than I ever could with words alone.

Above: Steve Madden 'Haadly-S', Image: Zappos.com (Buy Direct)

Above: Aqua 'Moxie', Image: Bloomingdales.com (Buy Direct)

Above: Giuseppe Zanotti 'E20009', Image: Endless.com (Buy Direct)

Above: Zigi 'Jayla', Image: Zappos.com (Buy Direct)

Pictured at Top: Vince Camuto 'Grady', Image: Zappos.com (Buy Direct)