Stiletto Swap

Stiletto Swap Custom Designs

2011-02-24T18:47:00.000-08:00

Have you seen? Have you heard? Do you know one of my clients? If you aren't able to say yes to one of theses questions then you've been out of the loop. I started embellishing shoes(a.k.a. Designing) as a way of expressing who we really are, fierce shoe loving divas! I want MY Shoes, personally and business wise, to speak volumes. I want to express my inner self through my footwear all while amazing onlookers. As always my motto is "Step and Be Seen" because if you aren't doing that, then your shoes aren't doing their job *wink.

Winter: Is It Too COLD For Open Toe Shoes?

2011-01-03T11:25:00.000-08:00

So someone asked me recently if it’s too cold for open toe shoes, and for the first time ever I was a bit biased. I mean, I’ve never really given it too much thought, though except for putting together an outfit to go out in during the winter season, but generally I grab a shoe that is “appropriate” for the season and temperature. But this question really caused me to think. Should I not wear that sexy peep toe or that divalicious strappy open heel because it’s cold? And my answer is…. Drumroll…. More drumming… Lol…….. Depnds! lol, but it really does. I think when it comes to something so broad such as the "cold” this can be misinterpreted and someone could think I mean snow, sleet and hail lol, and I assure you I do not.
So, it’s cold, you’re heading out and looking fierce, dress is fitting right, blouse is showing cleavage, leggings are on point and now you go to grab your heels and realize its cold out. I agree that there are some temperatures where it just isn’t a good look for you to be in a strappy open shoe. But for the most part if it’s a cute peep toe but most of your foot & toes are covered then I say go for it. However there are other variables to take into consideration as well, such as your form of transportation for the evening.
Now, if you’re heading out and will be in a vehicle all night, meaning someone is driving or you will be using a cab service then I say as long as the temperature isn’t freezing, go for it! But if you are on the trains or buses (I would hope you can avoid the bus, but it happens lol) then I am quite opposed to open strappy sandals in the winter. Public transportation means that you will be waiting much longer, on your feet and in the cold.

Now if you’re having a hard time trying to figure out what temp is not the right temp to try to be cute, let me help. If you have on a fur, then there is a good chance that you should not have on a strappy exposed shoe!! Simple! But if the season is transitioning from Fall into Winter then a strappy shoe could still work depending on your outfit. For transitioning weather I think that a strappy shoe where a lot of your foot is exposed is much more doable if say, you're wearing jeans as opposed to a short dress. The Jeans at least cover your legs and have the potential, depending on the style of the jean, to provide some coverage to your feet as well, taking the temperature into consideration.
Now, I'm not sure, but do I really need to address weather conditions such as snow, hail, sleet? Lol, Just in case, in my opinion, it is not wise, nor is it recommended that you wear strappy, open toe or peep toe shoes during those weather conditions. But if you’re dead set on wearing them and there is no other shoe that compliments, then travel in a boot and change in the car before going inside (Some change in the club or at the event they’re attending, to each their own). If it's a must, for safety in wearing heels during bad weather conditions, I recommend paying close attention and walking carefully if you must wear heels. Often the ground is wet and turns into black ice which isn’t seen and you can take a dangerous slip, so be careful during the winter, look fabulous and have fun.
(Shoe shown above is Kate Spade)
*Shoe Kisses,
Sy

What's Your Favorite Style?

2010-08-16T18:33:00.000-07:00

With so many shoe styles to choose from, it can be difficult finding a favorite. Designers tend to conjure up the most delicious styles and we, us shoe vixens tend to love them all *wink!

Let's visit some of the most common loved styles.

Here we have a Steve Madden Platform Pump (Stilettoswap.com) in neutural snakeskin print with a gold platform. The Platform provides an additional comfort for the ball of the foot by allowing the platform to provide a sort of cushion between the ball of the foot and the floor, which on shoe without the platform, you might notice, will have a lot of pain on the ball of the foot.

(Guess, If interested, email: stilettoswap@gmail.com)
This is a newer take on the classic shoe known as the Mary Jane shoe. Mary Jane's were typically known as a girl's shoe, round toe with a strap across the foot (near the ankle) or around the ankle and came mostly in leather & patent leather. Now, designers have taken that same concept and spiced it up for a more adult look. Some styles replicate a "for work" approach, some still with a school style and some, like this one, well let's just say with a more sexy woman in mind.

(Naughty Monkey, If interested email: stilettoswap@gmail.com)
We can't forget one of my fav's, the Peep Toe. To me, the peep toe adds an entire new level of sexiness. My belief, every woman should have a peep toe and they should be worn with eye catching nail polish. The key here is just a look peek of pretty groomed toes peeking thru a small hole of a gorgeous shoe. And Don't forget there are plenty of people who love toes *wink.

(Michael Antonio, If interested email: Stilettoswap@gmail.com)
Wedgesssss! Another one of my true favorites! These wonderfully designed shoes are my favorite style because of the even support the wedge provides for the entire foot. Unlike heels or stiletto's which put the pressur on the heel of the foot (because the heel/stiletto is there) and the ball of the foot (supporting the height of the foot). The Wedge is wonderful and truly, you'll be able to stand much longer before your feet start hurting, lol.

Feel free to chime in, what's your favorite style? Let Us Know.
*Shoe Kisses

Long Big Toe + Wrong Styled Peep Toe = A No No! Lol

2010-08-09T17:27:00.000-07:00

Ladies am I the only one noticing that women with long big toes (the first toe on the foot) are wearing the wrong style peep toe / open toe shoes? Generally, the standard size peep toe shoe will only allow for the Big toe & half of the second toe (the one directly next to the BIG toe) to be seen. For Example:

Designer: Poetic License
Color: Plum

These Plum Poetic License Double Bow Ankle Heels are a good example of a standard peep toe which wouldn't & shouldn't show more than the first two toes. If your first toe is longer then your other toes, having a shoe that has a smaller peep toe may help stop your toe from hanging over the edge because the hole is smaller which will help constrict the toe from pushing further through the hole / opening. Now if for some reason your fashion preference is a wider hole, especially because a lot of summer heels are open cut and a lot of companies are utilizing the wider opening style, MY suggestion is to get a shoe that has ankle straps and still keep within an opening that isn't too wide. For Example:

Designer: ALDO
Color: Red

This ALDO shoe not only provides you with a fashionable peep toe but gives support with the ankle strap & the strappy design, which will help assist in keeping your foot in place. This open peep toe is a bit larger then the above shoe (the toe opening) but it still provides a cute open toe look and may still provide the support you need so your toe doesn't hang. You can choose other styles, but a wide opening isn't a style I would suggest, simply because the open provides too much room for the foot to push through from the force of standing on a heel. Also, be conscience of your sizes, some shoes may require that you get a half size smaller or bigger, or use an insert to help keep your foot in place.
It is only natural that your foot pushes and/or slides toward the front of your shoes once standing in heels, but ladies let's always do our best to look good & fashionable in them.
*Shoe Kisses

It's A Recession.... Let's Shop!

2010-03-29T19:13:00.000-07:00

Ok Ladies, I know it's a recession, however I know that won't stop us from making sure our feet are encased in a sexy shoe. I also know that finding a great, beautiful, yet AFFORDABLE shoe is always a bonus. So, look what I've found :0)

This cute and Spring friendly Fergalicious Shoes By Fergie: "Jezebel" Color: Taupe and can be found on JCpenny.com Price: $34.99
These darlings are perfect for that trendy Networking function, Happy Hours, your girls night out, or to any weekend wardrobe.
Speaking of wardrobe, I suggest a pair of shorts (that stop above the knee), an off the should peasant blouse, gold accessories (long necklace w/ pendant, bangles, and a great ring) and of course to seal the deal, a stylish handbag. Trust Me, a stunning & trendy spring weekend outfit that will gain admirers! Do It Ladies!

2010-03-16T11:05:00.000-07:00

* Does weight matter when it comes to wearing high heels? – Do you feet hurt less if you weigh less? And/or can you go longer wearing heels before your feet hurt if you’re smaller (weigh-less)?
(Be&D "Bleeker" High Heel Sandals With Belt Detail, Color: Taupe, Price $475, www1.Bloomingdales.com)

As women we are a sea of shapes, sizes, curves, flatlands and mountains. We are different from one another in so many ways and when it comes to weight that’s at the head of the list. Some women are thin, thick, skinny, plump, voluptuous, medium, big boned, plus size, petite, but one thing is certain, you can fin a woman in any weight category rocking a sexy, fly and delicious pair of shoes. Now, myself, I’d say Im Fluffy lol, a voluptuous woman with just a little extra and I love shoes like I love my life. However, unfortunately I am not in the category of women who can throw on heels to just simply grocery shop, run errands at Target on a Saturday morning, or to hit SoHo to shop. Why you wonder? My feet just aren’t built for it, I will almost always wear a heel if I am hitting a party or attending an outing of some sort. But for some reason I can’t last in them that long. Now I’ve been to tons of parties and at first I just thought I was the only one unable to wear my heels all night and my feet will end up aching. Then I started paying attention, and it’s not just me, a lot of women have the same issue. Shoes off, feet resting, flip flops in hand, there’s a sorority of us lol. Now, I’ve lost weight before and been slightly slimmer, and I noticed a difference in the comfort of my feet in heels. The difference, less pressure on my feet, they didn’t end up hurting as quickly, and I just felt better overall wearing them.

So the question I pose… Does weight matter when it comes to the comfort of wearing heels? Do women who weigh less experience more comfort then those of us on the thicker end of the spectrum? I’m not certain weight is “the” issue, I’m sure that it plays a major role of course, because the heavier you are the more pressure there is to be applied to the ball of the foot and the heel. But I have definitely seen my share of petite women with their heels in hand and flip flops adorned. So, what is it? Hmmm, the brand, style, make of a shoe? Whatever it may be, women will forever keep their beautifully pedicured feet in a sexy shoe no matter the cost. So I salute all my achy-foot divas with an ill shoe game. May we find a cure but if not, there’s always Sunday’s for resting our feet. ~SS~

Who Doesn't Love A Discount

2010-02-19T09:37:00.000-08:00

If you're anything like me, then that means you love finding discounts. Its almost like an added incentive to shopping. I've found some online Free Shipping discounts that I'd like to share with you all.

Nordstroms:
is currently providing Free Shipping on all orders $200 or more.

http://shop.nordstrom.com/C/2376778/0~2376778?origin=tab

I found these on Nordstroms.com. These delights are Michael Kors Gansevoort Platform Sandal
Cost: $164.95 Colors: Black, Teak, Pumice (shown). Copy & Paste the link below for direct access to this shoe.

http://shop.nordstrom.com/S/3066979?refsid=276497_2&refcat=0~2376778~2372808~2372949~2376189&SourceID=&SlotID=2&origin=related&cm_Sp=Related-Items-_-Product-_-Auto

Steve Madden:
is currently providing Free Shipping on all orders $75 or more.

http://www.stevemadden.com/category.aspx?id=155

While browsing for specials I found these New beauties, Steve Madden Mainst.
Cost: $109.95 Colors: Black, Gray, Blue Leather (shown) and Taupe Suede

http://www.stevemadden.com/item.aspx?id=50566&path=|womens%20shoes|womens%20new%20styles|

Bloomingdale's:
is currently having a 30% Off Sale and Free Shipping on Orders $300 or more Or on orders over $150 if you use your Bloomingdale's Card.
http://www1.bloomingdales.com/catalog/index.ognc?CategoryID=16961&PageID=72847022540303

This sexy boot you see to your right is on Bloomingdales.com
They are Dolce Vita Flash Bootie with Chains.
Cost: $138.60 (reg. $198) Colors: Gray & Black (shown)

http://www1.bloomingdales.com/catalog/product/index.ognc?ID=454609&CategoryID=18027&LinkLoc=16961&LinkType=SiteAd&AdID=16290&PageID=18027*1*96*-1*-1*6

Saks Fifth Avenue:
is currently offering Free shipping on all orders of $150 or more

http://www.saksfifthavenue.com/main/SectionPage.jsp?catID=2%2C534%2C374%2C306%2C418%2C049&FOLDER%3C%3Efolder_id=2534374306418049&prp8=t1&PRODUCT%3C%3Eprd_id=845524446229857&ASSORTMENT%3C%3East_id=1408474395222441&bmUID=1266619273193

This pretty heel is the Dolce Vita Trinity Studded Pumps
Cost: $210 Colors: Black and Grigio (shown)

http://www.saksfifthavenue.com/main/ProductDetail.jsp?PRODUCT%3C%3Eprd_id=845524446229857&FOLDER%3C%3Efolder_id=282574492713843&ASSORTMENT%3C%3East_id=1408474395222441&bmUID=1266622830638&ev19=1:56

Introducing Stiletto Swap

2010-02-17T13:38:00.000-08:00

Ahhhhhhhhhhh Shoes!
Welcome my shoe carnivores to the ultimate Blog dedicated to the newest creation in celebrating the love of shoes, Stiletto Swap. Stiletto Swap was designed for the buying, selling and most of all, the swapping of beautiful shoes. SS is the creation of seasonal events whose primary focus is to swap unused (preference) and/or lightly worn shoes with other shoe lovers who have shoes that are not being utilized.

Have you ever looked at your collection of shoes and realized that you have several pairs of beautiful shoes that for some reason have gone unworn?
It begins by seeing the shoe store, and knowing that you don't NEED another pair of shoes, you give yourself a pep talk that you will go in and just look. But somehow the "I'm just going to look" turns into, "May I please see these in a size 9". And before long there are several boxes at your feet and next to you on the seat. You begin to envision outfits that would be perfect, events they'd be just right for, how your sweetheart would love to see you strut your stuff in something so delicious. You are in love, and without even a thought, the credit card swipes.
But now its a year later and those same shoes you love, and still do, have gone unworn. Why not meet another woman who has the same dilemma and also has a HOT pair of shoes and swap! Its that easy. Or maybe you aren't interested in her shoes, but she's sure interested in yours, why not sell them to her, either way, you still gain.

Stiletto Swap is also your outlet for sharing with other shoe lovers. Brands that you will see here range from the more common like Steve Madden, BCBG, Nine West, Jessica Simpson to Christian Louboutin, Jimmy Choo, Tory Burch, Via Spiga, and everything in between.

Here you will find the newest styles to hit the market, Stiletto Swap's upcoming events, pics, info on the current up to date sales, clearance, discounts, and deals. So relax, grab a glass of wine, kick up your heels and join me for the latest forum designed for the true appreciation of what we love most... Shoes.

Yours truly,
Stiletto Swap