There was a time last century when fashionable young ladies regularly enrolled in charm schools to polish their manners and feminine style. Lessons included walking in heels while balancing a book on one’s head to improve posture. Fun (not).

Fortunately, today we women determine our own style and are more concerned with balancing the books of our companies than balancing books on our heads. But that doesn’t mean you have to give up girliness if that’s what your heart desires. Chie Mihara is here to school you, and every one of her shoes provides a lesson in the three F’s: femininity, functionality, and fun!

Slip on a pair of Chie Mihara shoes, and you’ll instantly become a Chie charm school graduate! Here are a few of the colorful courses she’s offering this spring at Ped:

When it comes to charm, nothing’s more charming than a classic mary jane. Chie Mihara gives the m.j. a modern spin with the new Onna:

You have to love how Chie takes a neutral—the Onna‘s sesame body and platinum trim work with everything—and makes it anything but middle-of-the-road! Dig the wooden heel!

Another “lady” shoe that gets the Chie Mihara treatment this season is the timeless spectator pump. Behold the fantastic Zelia:

Everything from the stacked heel to the leather’s perforated edges to the ridged rubber outsole is so well thought out! And the cream and tomato red color combo is to die for!

Red also amps up the charm of Chie Mihara’s Joelia heeled sandal:

The playful houndstooth-patterned leather and the oversized patent rose on the toe offer a wink and a nudge to more conservative styles in a way that’s sexy, artistic, and wearable!

Want even more whimsy? Then consider lacing up the new Chie Mihara Bandera:

Ped fans know a beautiful green shoe always makes me sit up and take notice! Needless to say, the Bandera has my full attention. A checkerboard heel? Chie at her very best!

Love oxfords but prefer yours with a lower heel (but no less style)? Then feast your eyes on the spectacular Chie Mihara Isias:

How cool is that color combo? Everyone at Ped HQ is crazy about the braided-leather detail that Chie introduced this winter, and wow, does it ever look fantastic on the Isias for spring! (If rosy colors are not your thing, you might prefer the black, cream, tan, and gold version.)

“Fine,” you may say, “but what I really dream of is an oxford that’s more open-air.” Well, Chie fulfills your wish with the fresh-as-can-be Ingra:

Wearing this breezy lace-up is guaranteed to lift your spirits—and brighten the day of everyone who sees you! Imagine how cute the Ingra would look with a pair of skinny ankle-length pants!

To give your winter-weary feet a true taste of the sun, though, we suggest you buckle up the Chie Mihara Present:

Talk about charming! The stylized black leather bow on the cream toe band makes the understated Present the valedictorian of Chie Mihara’s charm school!

Even more lucky charms from Chie Mihara are waiting at Ped’s main site, so click over and go girly this spring and summer!

February is the shortest month of the year—at least, in rational, according-to-the-calendar logic. But, Ped fans, the truth is it feels sooooo looooonnnngggggg! Winter makes 28 short days seem endless.

Ped’s antidote? First suggestion: Start planning for warm days and green grass—what would you most like to wear once your winter coat is stashed in the back of the closet? Even better suggestion: Take a midwinter vacation to a tropical destination, where you can break out the warm-weather wear and give your sun-starved flesh a welcome dose of Vitamin D!

Either way, Ped is ready to help since fresh spring and summer goods are arriving daily at the warehouse! We’ll have new eye candy to show you throughout the month, but for now take a gander at these sunny temptations just unpacked from Cydwoq!

If you need an infusion of spring stat, the style doctors at Cydwoq have the cure for what ails you: the Link!

Doesn’t this jazzy flat instantly make the world seem sunnier? Because the Italian leather is hand-painted, each individual shoe is unique—so fun! Time to throw your toes a party!

Although we love a big dose of color, we also realize many of you prefer to keep things black. You can air out your tootsies and still keep your urban edge in Cydwoq’s Train:

Chic day in and day out, this gladiator-inspired sandal will be your constant companion in warm weather because it looks fantastic with everything! We love how the Train‘s body, with its cage-like design, is cut from one piece of leather, accented by the stand-alone toe ring.

Another example of Cydwoq’s virtuosity at cutting leather is the lean and lovely Prospect:

The perfect transitional shoe for going from spring to summer to fall, this simple flat is a breath of fresh air for feet that have under wraps all winter! If you need one shoe to do it all, the Prospect is IT—dressy when you need it to be and casual when you just want to relax. Also, two words: Travel. Shoe.

You know me, I live and die for anything green. Happily, Cydwoq has plenty to fuel my fantasies of new grass and leafy trees! A favorite among the latest arrivals is the Artery:

The aloe-colored brushed leather is so soothing, and the cobalt blue strap, which secures with a simple rivet, provides the perfect accent. In a word, yum!

Another fantastic shoe for making the seasonal jump is Cydwoq’s luscious new Cover:

This is the one that has Ped’s Laura beside herself with love! An innovative interpretation of a mary jane, the Cover turns heads with its brick-red leather, complemented by a natural-colored thong knotted over the forefoot.

Looking for a little more va-va-va-voom? Cydwoq’s red-hot-and-ready-to-rock Steam is guaranteed to steam things up:

Holy moly! This heeled beauty is so likely to set hearts on fire, it should come with a warning label! But no matter how much trouble you manage to stir up in the Steam, your feet will be cool and comfortable, thanks to Cydwoq’s superb all-leather construction.

We started this post with a knockout example of Cydwoq’s amazing hand-painted leathers, so let’s end with another—the jaw-droppingly gorgeous Boomerang:

When we took this stunner out of the box, we were speechless; all we could do was sigh with admiration as we fell hopelessly in love! It’s that beautiful!!! Yes, this sandal features a gorgeous etched resin heel and an amazing design, but it’s the leather, with its layers of green, silver, fuchsia, and ochre, that walks off with the show! (Winter, what winter?)

Just writing this post brightened up our day! At Ped, we aim to make it easy to find something wonderful—Cydwoq or otherwise—to sustain you through winter or to carry you off on a tropical adventure! (Take pics—we  love to live vicariously!)

(By the way, this week’s Sweet Treat is another wonderful transitional shoe: Trippen’s Vivienne, a perennial Ped favorite! Simply click “be sweet to your feet” in the upper right corner of any Ped page to land at the Vivienne with the code that will bring 20% off at checkout!)

It’s the dead of winter. Holiday parties are long past. It’s weeks before the first crocuses sprout. And daylight is still in short supply.

Time for a little pick-me-up, wouldn’t you say?

Well, that’s just what we at Ped Central have in mind! Welcome to the Ped Winter Sale, where those shoes you’ve been drooling over for months suddenly have a nicer price! Here’s just a taste of the sweet deals we hope will brighten your smile on even the greyest day!

First up, one of our favorite ankle boots this season: Argila’s oxford-inspired Lauren!

Argila serves up a lot to love, from the perforations on the toe to the leather’s pinked edges to the sculpted wooden wedge! Drool-worthy at $418, it’s even more delicious at $209!

Another wonderful suede style, unlike anything else on the street, is Accessoire’s Euro-chic Ulrich:

Here at Ped HQ, we just can’t get enough of that luscious cassis color! Plus, the tie in back is so distinctive! Fabulous at $358, the Ulrich is off the charts at $179!

As long as we’re on the topic of gorgeous suede shoes, take a gander at the Chie Mihara Pasion:

We heart this heart-embellished t-strap! Because it’s from Chie Mihara, you know it will baby your soles with comfort! Lovable at $358, it’s simply irresistible at $179! (Anybody else suddenly have Robert Palmer singing in their heads?)

At least six more weeks of winter awaits (we’re making the prediction ahead of Punxsutawney Phil), so every Ped fan could use a great new pair of boots! Our suggestion? The Cydwoq’s Bend!

Crafted from Cydwoq’s a-maz-ing double-dyed leather, we love the way the red underside of the black outer reveals itself in the top flaps and along the seam that runs down the front and snakes over the toe! Sizzling at $458, the Bend is burning down the house at $229!

Maybe a saucy little ankle boot is more up your alley? If so, one of the best this season is Cydwoq’s Artisan:

The mod look of this heeled bootie is smashing! We’re wild about the ultra-cool and subtle plaid pattern of the textured leather beneath the brown leather overlay! And you can’t beat a zipper up the back for sexiness! A looker at $368, it’s a head-turner at $184!

If you’re looking for a bootie that’s less femme and more rock ‘n’ roll, consider the Trippen Brace:

The steel leather is fantastic, and the industrial embossing of the cut straps around the ankle is cooler than cool! (In fact, it’s ice cold, a la OutKast’s “Hey Ya!”.) Rocking at $318, it blows the roof off at $159! (Shake it like a Polaroid picture!)

Finally, we know many Ped fans wait with bated breath for us to put anything Fiorentini + Baker on sale! Well, rejoice because the “Bordeaux Wine” and “Blue Moon” versions of F+B’s Emmy Boot temporarily have a sliced price that’s oh-so nice (act fast because only a few sizes remain)!

Fantastic Italian construction is always in style! Boots to love for a lifetime! Worth every penny at $518, they’re the bargain of the century at $399!

As always, these are just a taste of the delicious deals awaiting you in Ped’s sale section! What a way to give your puppies a little extra woof during these icy three-dog nights!

(One more special to tempt you: the Sweet Treat this week is Cydwoq’s stupendous Regiment Boot, which is much more interesting than the rank-and-file boots out there! Simply click “be sweet to your feet” in the upper right corner of any Ped page to be whisked to the Regiment with the magic code that will bring 20% off at checkout!)

We hope all Ped fans in the U.S. enjoyed a wonderful Thanksgiving last week, and our Canadian friends, last month! We at Ped are truly grateful you’re out there!

Since our fridges are now stocked with turkey leftovers (the pumpkin pie is already devoured), it can only signal one thing: the holiday parties have started! Which means we all face the annual dilemma of what to wear to sparkle and shine? Ped is here to help with shoes that will have you looking stellar and feeling like a million bucks through hours of cocktail-fueled mingling! Just add your favorite LBD, and you’re all set to dazzle!

When you want to amp up your feminine charms, Chie Mihara is always your best friend. One of the prettiest party-ready shoes this season is her Insomnia:

So romantic, the lovely application of rhinestones calls to mind the gorgeous beaded dresses worn by flappers in Paris in the 1920s! And the 2.5″ heel will keep your dogs from howling even if the celebration lasts until sunrise!

The truly amazing thing about Chie’s designs is that no matter how high the heel, they remain comfortable! Case in point, the fun and flashy Uja:

Sure, the heel is a statuesque 3.75″, but both the 1″ platform up front and Chie’s anatomically designed footbed make the Uja a breeze to wear! With its retro styling and red faux-croc embossed leather, this shoe is a party all on its own—what a way to sass up a cocktail dress!

Feel like going arty to the party? Consider letting your funky light shine in the Trippen Leaf:

Glittery, bold, and sexy, this decidedly Euro-chic wedge will have all eyes on you wherever you go! And wherever you go, you’ll be comfortable, thanks to Trippen’s t-shaped rubber wedge sole.

Speaking of attention magnets, check out Cydwoq’s new Science:

The buckles take this strappy shoe from Cydwoq to a whole new level! Gorgeous and incredibly sexy—the heat of the Science may cause you to be declared a fire hazard! (Worth it!)

Looking for something in a bootie to spice up the festivities? How about setting off some sparks with the Cydwoq Seek?

The antiqued wine-colored leather has a lovely sheen and black undertones that look luscious with evening wear! Plus, the zipper up the back is so saucy!

Another Cydwoq ankle boot that’s ideal for tripping the light fantastic is the elegant Elevate:

Talk about a femme fatale—Cydwoq’s fluid combination of patterned and matte leathers is sure to generate a lot of oohs and aahs as you mix and mingle!

Ready to go all in for all-out glam and romance this holiday season? Then step out in the Cydwoq Rescue boot:

Cydwoq takes its spectacular burnt-out paisley pony leather, used so effectively in the Elevate, to even greater lengths in this knockout. The Rescue  is sexiness x 2 with its lace-up front and zip-up back! (Once you get the lacing the way you like it, you need only use the zipper to get in and out of this beauty.)

If your social calendar calls for something else, there are even more head-turning styles to help you kick up your heels over at Ped’s main site! Here’s to dressing up and enjoying the Holidays in high (heeled) spirits!

(This week’s Sweet Treat would also make a funky addition to any party: the rockin’ cool Trippen Wicked Put on your red boots and dance for 20% off by clicking “be sweet to your feet” on any Ped page, which will whisk you to the Wicked with the code that will bring 20% off at checkout!)

Around this time every year, we start thinking about how things feel. We’re layering up to keep the cold out, and it starts to matter whether things are scratchy or soft, coarse or silky. Our fingers crave something nice to touch—and nothing’s nicer than reaching down and finding the satisfaction of suede on our feet!

Suede has the added benefit of making its colors really pop! Want to know the remedy for an overcast day? Hued suede shoes for dancing down the street! Allow us to show you what we mean:

When it comes to beautiful suede designs, Accessoire is in a league of its own! Say hello to the head-turning Ulrich:

How yummy is this shoe? The design is innovative and chic, and the cassis color is, in a word, intoxicating!

If you’re looking for a neutral, perhaps you’d like to slip on Accessoire’s Ueda:

Versatility gets a flash of French flair in this super-soft number, which easily shifts from a day in the office to a night on the town! (Mocha too low key? Then check out the Ueda in brilliant red!)

Work schmork—this time of year, it’s all about the after-five parties! Accessoire once again has just the thing with the Vram:

If you’re hoping to tie a certain someone around your little finger, this knot-embellished suede hottie is a good place to start! Holy moly—don’t be surprised if the sprinkler system kicks on when you walk in the door!

Fiorentini + Baker is also famous for having a way with suede! One of our favorite ankle boots this season is F+B’s Pansy (which we just got back in stock):

Simple yet devastatingly sexy! And because it’s made by F+B’s master craftsmen, every detail is meticulously rendered! Get ready for a lot of boot envy! (We also have the Pansy in luscious brown!)

Looking for a suede bootie that’s a little less “lady”? Let your inner cowgirl out to play in Fiorentini + Baker’s Enola:

Sassy city! Crafted in F+B’s go-with-everything grey ice suede, this little honey is flirty and kickass all at once. (Its brown version will also let you lasso hearts!)

Suede also plays well with matte leather in creative combos, as demonstrated by Cydwoq’s Regiment boot:

Pairing the zigzag-patterned suede shaft with the mocha leather body is a scheme I dreamed up and Rafi & co. executed! Hope you love this lace-up as much as I do!

Another terrific suede and leather ankle boot comes from Argila! Behold the oxford-styled Lauren:

From the wooden wedge to the perforated design over the toe to the pinked edges, this boot’s details are all pitch perfect!

Want even more funk and an even higher heel? Chie Mihara is happy to oblige with her fantastic Tamaia:

Plum suede, gold dots, and luxe black leather—what a tasty treat that will have everyone wishing they were in your shoes! It’s the heel deal!

Even more deliciously tactile suede designs are waiting at Ped’s main site. Let yourself be swayed by suede—your feet and fingertips will thank you!

(Speaking of tactile delights, this week’s Sweet Treat takes the cake: Cydwoq’s flirty Victim! Turn every head at every holiday party! Just click “be sweet to your feet” in the upper right corner of any Ped page, which will whisk you to the Victim, where you’ll find the magic code that will bring 20% off at checkout!)