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Party Shoes 2012

Evening and Party Shoes with Holiday Sparkle

By , About.com Guide

From Christmas to Hanukkah, and Kwanzaa to New Year's Eve, the winter holiday season is filled with special occasions and events. And if you're like a lot of women, there's a good chance you'll need at least one pair of party shoes.

Holiday parties are fun, and normally, any excuse to shop for evening shoes is a good thing. But, let's face it, the season is also a hectic one, and you may not relish the idea of adding one more item to your shopping agenda.

Fortunately, the list below will make finding the perfect party shoes one of the easiest tasks you'll face. These styles sparkle, they shimmer, they shine. In fact, they could just be the best decorations you'll see this year.

Badgley Mischka 'Wynter' - Crystal Heeled Party Shoes

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Combining sexy styling and enough sparkle to turn heads at any affair, these pretty sandals have so many features that add to their appeal: barely-there vamp bands, lush fabric uppers, dainty ankle straps, and chunky heels. But, what really makes these ankle strap shoes the ideal "party shoes" is, of course, the crystals that adorn those covered 4" heels. Available in black, peach, watermelon, and white, shoes like these do more than make an entrance, they make the whole evening something special.

Stunning Evening Pumps - ZiGiny Black Label 'Shiny'

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These stunning dress pumps have all the wow factor of the other shoes on this list, and then some -- in fact, they might have too much wow factor for some, but if head-turning, traffic-stopping, entrance-making party shoes are what you're after, then you'll definitely want to have a look at these.

The scary-high 5.5" heels, the cool and unique inset platform soles, and the luxurious black suede uppers are all decorated with shimmering silver rhinestones, which would be eye-catching enough, but then add to the package that these shoes have a unique layered platform design and sexy open toes, and the results are definitely worthy of all the attention they'll receive.

Steve Madden 'I-Dreemy' - Dress Flats with Holiday Sparkle

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If like me, you prefer flats over sky-high heels, then you might already know how difficult it can be to find a pair of flat shoes that are as shimmery and dynamic as stilettos can be. That's why, when I find a pair of really dress flat shoes, I tend to jump rather quickly, even if I don't need a pair of new dress shoes at the particular moment.

Such is the case with these pretty, feminine ballerina flats from Steve Madden. Available in fuchsia, blush, and two versions of black, these satin shoes have 1/4" heels, and would be ideal for dressing up jeans, dress pants, or leggings.

Low-Heeled Evening Shoes - Sacha London 'Implore'

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If you're looking for a special evening shoe, with just a hint of shimmer and a reasonable heel, have a look at these stunning and subtle peep-toe pumps from Sacha London. With wearable 2.5" heels, these shoes are available with fig, blue or black uppers, all of which feature a delicate raised pattern, and rhinestone adorned bows.

Bourne 'Grace' - Glamorous Party Shoes

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No matter how glamorous the party, or well-dressed the crowd, I guarantee you will steal the show in these fabulous evening shoes from Bourne. They're glamorous, they're shimmery, they're sexy; and as an added plus, they're as unique as they are stunning.

With 4" heels and smoke, cameo or black uppers, parts of these shoes feature rhinestone-dotted fabric, while the straps are satiny and uncluttered.

Charles by Charles David 'Glitz' - Metallic Evening Shoes

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Available in gold, black, and silver glitter, these evening sandals have several appealing features that set them apart from the crowd, including: combination leather and fabric uppers, covered 4" heels, and a price tag of just under $125. But I really love about these shoes is that -- thanks to the glittered backs and heels -- they're just so shimmery, while also being very unique.

Rhinestone-Embellished Evening Shoes - Steve Madden 'Brilance'

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While I doubt I'll ever tire of evening shoes that feature rhinestones on their heels, I love that these sexy pumps from Steve Madden take the concept a little further, and also feature shimmery rhinestone embellishments on their 1" platform soles.

Available in black and purple satin, these special occasion shoes look far more expensive than their $100 price tag, but if you're not used to high heels, don't be tempted by the fact that they're so reasonably-priced: they're still 5" stilettos, after all.

Christian Louboutin 'Sexy Strass' - Crystal-Covered Evening Pumps

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It's not every day that you get to wear a pair of crystal pumps. So, when you do get the chance, you might as well make them something really special -- and as far as I'm concerned, these glamorous shoes are about as special as they come.

With stiletto heels that measure up at just over 4-inches, classic pump styling, and open toes, these shoes absolutely ooze sex appeal and luxury. But, I better warn you, if you're prone to sticker shock, you may just want to admire these shoes from here, as they're some of the most expensive shoes I've ever featured on this site.

Rhinestone Booties - Steve Madden 'Sparrkk'

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Some women like a little sparkle, and some like a lot. If the latter sounds more like you, then you're going to love these shimmery, rhinestone-encrusted booties from Steve Madden. Completely covered with tiny rhinestones, these sexy party booties feature 5.5" heels, 1.5" hidden platform soles, and back zippers.

Whether you pair these lookers with jeans or a short little dress and tights, there will be no hiding in these sky-high heels.

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