We clean house, and you clean up! What could be better? Those boots you’ve been pining for since August now have a price to warm your spirit (and tootsies) during winter’s chilly days! Here are just a few of the temptations:

You’ve probably noticed blue is one of the IT colors this season. We’re especially fond of it in Accessoire’s Martiza:

The classic oxford gets extra oomph from a wedge heel, which also happens to be ultra comfortable! And, gals, three words: Blue. Suede. Shoes! Totally rockin’ at $328, the Martiza brings down the house at $199!

The other must-have color this year is grey, which Cydwoq crafts into a stellar low boot, aptly named the Vision:

A little vintage, with its cool button-up closure, a bit modern rocker chick, and a whole lot chic, comfortable, and go-with-everything, the Vision will wind up on your feet every day! Sweet at $342, it’s utterly delectable at $268!

Needless to say, black never goes out of style. But it certainly does get amped up in Chie Mihara’s Maison:

Oooh-la-la, what a hot heeled number—you will leave a trail of sparks in your wake wherever you walk! Saucy at $578, its sex appeal is irresistible at $289!

Another absolutely to-die-for boot is Vic Matie’s Olivia Boot:

The leather workmanship is truly stunning! (The Italians do know a thing or two about crafting fabulous footwear!) Worth every penny at $648, this masterpiece of a boot is a veritable steal at $299! (You clever art thief!)

Another one of our favorite tall boots this season is Trippen’s Nightingale:

The wine color of the supple nubuck is luscious! Plus, we’re wild about the red inside zipper! Trippen is always so good at fun and funky details! A treat at $448, it’s mana from heaven for your feet at $348!

If you’re looking for something dressier and perhaps a tad more understated, the answer is Coclico’s fabulous Beckett Mary Jane:

The perfect shoe for all occasions, the Beckett may be quiet, but it still exudes style for miles! Wonderful at $338, it’s even prettier at $268!

Of course, it wouldn’t be a spectacular sale without offering a break on everyone’s favorite, Fiorentini + Baker. Grab ‘em while they last, gals, because we’ve reduced the price of the ever-popular Emmy Boot:

So tough-girl chic, this boot will become the backbone of your wardrobe! Spectacular at $528, it’s nothing short of WOW at $422. (Wow, wow, wow!)

And those are just the beginning of the bargains! So jump over to Ped’s Sale pages for some sweet pickin’s guaranteed to provide a wintry pick-me-up! (And stay tuned for the garden of spring styles about to burst  into bloom!)

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I had been looking forever for a comfortable pair of RED boots that I could wear to work and also wear as I was riding my motorcycle. I went online and hit “red boots,” and these fabulous red Trippen boots appeared. They were a little more than I wanted to spend, but I had just visited my dad in assisted living and saw how everyone had on orthopedic shoes. I went home and clicked “buy,” and I’m so happy I did. I love them!!!

I was recently featured in a Cleveland Plain Dealer “Fashion Flash” article, and I wore my red boots. Everyone loves them! I work at a very busy public library as Circulation Supervisor. Customers are coming in shouting, “Hey, I love those red boots!” I will be that lady in assisted living that won’t take them off.

Cindie M. looking absolutely fantastic in her red Trippen Warrior boots! Clearly, the most stylish library circulation specialist EVER!

We love the idea that Cindie will still be rockin’ her Warrior Boots years from now as a senior citizen! To thank Cindie for telling us about her boot happiness, we’re giving her $100 in Ped credit!

Do you have a Tale of the Sole? Tell us—and show us (we LOVE pictures!!!)—what happened to you while wearing a Ped item, and you, too, might be the recipient of $100 in Ped credit. Each month we pick the most sole-ful tale to share on the blog. So, let us know what in the world you’ve been doing in your Ped.

AND if you like Cindie’s boots, you’ll be delighted to know the Trippen Warrior Boot is . . . wait for it . . . this week’s Sweet Treat!!! Yes! Just click “be sweet to your feet” in the upper right corner of any Ped page to be instantly transported to the Warrior Boot with the magic code that will bring 20% off at checkout! (If red’s not your thing, the Warrior also comes in caramel brown or black.) Go forth and be a style heroine!
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Our latest shipment includes both old favorites and new styles to brighten your fall and winter! Here are a few ways Trippen will have you skipping through the chilly days ahead:

If you’re looking for a boot that’s understated and versatile, but also a little different, Trippen’s wonderful new Nightingale is just the thing:

This boot’s deliciously soft nubuck is further textured by a few carefully placed folds sewn along a seam near the back. The wine color is rich, but the detail we love is the zingy red zipper running up the inside of the shaft! It’s just a little detail, but it brings so much to the party.

Like the Nightingale, the go-anywhere Apart Bootie is also built on Trippen’s super light “cups” rubber sole. (You have to wear it to believe how comfortable it is!)

Big bang for your boot buck, the oh-so-supple Apart offers several ways to wear it: pulled up, scrunched down, or folded over into a cuff!

Offering options in a different way is Trippen’s Bomb Bootie:

This little beauty comes with both brown AND black straps that let you cinch up the ankle just the way you like it. Change them out as your fancy strikes you—or go strapless! The Bomb comes in the great espresso brown pictured above, as well as in matte black! It is THE BOMB!

Another terrific black ankle boot is Trippen’s new Fox:

Such a cutie!!! This innovative style pays homage to the lace-up oxford but raises the style ante with a supple gaiter that forms a loose ruffle around the ankle. Both funky and feminine, the foxy Fox stands on Trippen’s comfortable t-shaped rubber wedge!

We’ve also brought back the boot that won everyone’s heart last year: the Holy!

Those swooping exposed seams and the way the ankle strap laces through and around the upper make us sigh with love! So funky yet utterly wearable!

For those of you who want a jolt of color, check out Trippen’s Blackbird (cousin of the Nightingale above):

How luscious is that blue? Note the folds in the supple nubuck that radiate from the top of the heel to the seam that sinuously curves from the inside ankle over the foot to the outside edge. Such artistry!

If you want something even bolder, Trippen has just the ticket: the Mild Bootie. It’s our favorite!

Red hot! Definitely more wild than mild, this boot will have everyone talking! Buckle up because you’ll be the center of attention everywhere you go! (We also have the Mild in black for you fans of all things noir.)

These are just the tip of the iceberg of Trippen styles that will have you looking both cooler than cool and hotter than hot, no matter how wintry the day!

(By the way, this week’s Sweet Treat is also a bonfire of hotness: Vialis’ Marguerita Boot! Simply click “be sweet to your feet” in the upper right corner of any Ped page to arrive at the Marguerita with the discount code that will bring 20% at checkout!)

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This season offers a veritable boot feast, including quite a few sporting a new height that’s a smidge taller than an ankle boot but  stops short of mid-calf. These low boots are not only sassy to see, but they also offer versatility, playing well with both pants and skirts! Here are a few of our faves:

Almost everything Chie Mihara cooks up is a tasty treat, but her new Jonathan Boot is especially delicious:

Don’t just take our word for it. Here’s what a customer in Portland e-mailed: “Hey guys – just wanted to give you some feedback on the Chie Mihara “Jonathan.” They are unbelievably comfortable. I even fell asleep in my chair wearing them. Weird, I know, but they are awesome.”

Another terrific low boot with a heel is Argila’s Suzanna Bootie:

So streamlined and stylish, this boot gets oomph from the elephant grey shade of its soft leather. Grey is the IT color of the season! Plus, the simple cinch around the top that ties in back is the perfect detail.

Want to amp up the  va-va-va-voom? Then consider Cydwoq’s steamy Texture low boot:

Meow! From the faux-croc embossed leather to the perfectly cut snub nose to the sexy heel placed directly under your weight (makes all the difference in comfort), there’s everything to like about this little black boot. (Just like a LBD, everyone needs an LBB!)

But maybe you prefer a little less femme and a little more funk in your boot, in which case, Cydwoq’s Grinder is waiting for you to lace it up!

Low lace-ups are all the rage this season, especially those with an industrial edge! But the best thing? This boot’s style will never fade—it’s a classic. (Plus, the Grinder’s luxe leather is cobalt blue—how cool is that?)

Of course, Fiorentini + Baker has several players in the low-boot game, including the fabulous Emmy!

We can’t get enough of styles that combine sex appeal with tough-girl attitude! And we are WILD, wild, wild, about F+B’s new antiqued silver leather with natural edges! This boot + that leather = Perfection!

On the other hand, there is always something to be said for sleek minimalism, as exemplified by Trippen’s Deer Bootie:

What a lean, green style machine! The supple leather is to die for, and the zipper on the outside gives this no-fuss boot just the right edge!

What’s that? You say you love green, but you want a low boot that can go from casual to dressy in a heartbeat? Fiorentini + Baker grants your wish with the luxe and luscious Pia boot:

Here’s what a Seattle customer had to say about this green suede stunner: “Ok, now you have really done it. This new F& B Pia boots are the hottest thing I have ever seen. I can retire all other boots and shoes and die happily. They are so sexy, tough, simple, practical. My entire wardrobe has taken on a new personality. Yay!” Recommendations don’t get any better than that!

So, click on over to Ped’s main site and linger over all the low boots ready and waiting to liven up your fall! Going low will make your style high and mighty!

(By the way, this week’s Sweet Treat is one of the sexiest boots ever to stroll into the Ped warehouse: Cydwoq’s Podium! Simply click on “be sweet to your feet” in the upper right corner of any Ped page to land at the Podium with the magic code that will bring 20% off at checkout!)

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Being of Spanish (Catalan) descent, when the Picasso (a Catalan) exhibit arrived at the SAM, we were ecstatic! My mom (the Catalan) actually scheduled her trip to Seattle so that she could see the show. As an artist myself, I’m often fascinated with the person behind the art. So, as we wandered through the crowded but luminous exhibit, I found myself gravitating to a hall where Picasso’s old black and white photos stood by themselves, revealing a small window into his personal life. In one particular photo, he stood proudly in front of his many canvases stacked carelessly against a wall, wearing his trademark striped boatneck fisherman’s shirt and short pants. As I got closer to examine every detail, my husband pointed to Picasso’s slipper shoes and said: “His shoes look almost like yours!”

I was wearing my Casanovas – which is fitting since Picasso himself was considered quite the Casanova!!

Patrice out for a stroll in her Trippen Casanova!

I don’t mind in the least that my shoes are reminiscent of an extraordinary male artist. It made me love them (and him) all the more. For me, I find romance in these shoes, hence my adoration—so befitting of the name.

Wonder if Picasso's shoes were as comfortable and loved as Patrice's Casanova?

Thanks, Patrice! We’re thrilled when Ped’s “works of art” go out and about in the art world! For letting us imagine Picasso wearing a pair of Trippen shoes, we’re delighted to give Patrice $100 in Ped credit!

Do you have a Tale of the Sole? Tell us—and show us (we LOVE pictures!!!)—what happened to you while wearing a Ped item, and you, too, might be the recipient of $100 in Ped credit. Each month we pick the most sole-ful tale to share on the blog. So, let us know what in the world you’ve been doing in your Ped.

(By the way, there’s no Sweet Treat this week because we’re celebrating PED’S 18TH BIRTHDAY!!! Whoop it up with us by getting 20% off ANY full-price item when you enter “HAPPY BIRTHDAY” at checkout from October 19-24! PARTY ON, PED FANS!)

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And do we ever have some terrific ones! Behold Ped’s favorite tried-and-true sandals that are almost better than barefoot:

Of course, the masters of summer sandal design are Rafi and Ari at Cydwoq! The way the leather of every pair conforms to your feet is simply heaven. Case in point, Cydwoq’s Copy:

So easy to wear anywhere, the Copy cradles your heel with a riveted back that comes around to tie at the ankle! Cool and sexy, just the way we like it! (And it comes in brown, too.)

Another stellar Cydwoq style is one I personally own: the Tomcat!

The way Cydwoq has meticulously cut the toe ring, so that a strap branches off it to arc gracefully over the foot, is elegant without being fussy! (Fans of black, rejoice, we also have  it in your favorite color.) I love mine so much that I recently took a pic of my happy feet :

My Tomcat-wearing toes are smiling and sparkly!

Perhaps you love the feeling of a wooden sole against your skin and the gentle sound it makes when you walk? Well, you’re in luck because Ped just received our summer shipment of Cydwoq’s fantastic Revolt sandal clog!

Ped’s Laura is wild about the beautifully textured turquoise and brown leather, but we also have the Revolt in black. Whichever you choose, it’s guaranteed to be your go-to summer shoe.

Those German design geniuses at Trippen also know a thing or two about strolling through summer in comfortable, arty style! Check out Trippen’s eye-popping Knit Sandal:

Yes, that’s right, the section running up the middle of your foot is literally knit leather! Meanwhile, the heel features Trippen’s sinuous seams running up the back! Cutting. Edge.

For Ped fans who love metallics (and I’m a card-carrying member of that club), the Trippen Nepal is just the ticket:

It’s an ideal travel sandal for long days of sight-seeing! Even as you turn every head you pass, your feet will stay comfortable with every step, mile after mile. (Plus it’s so pretty and shiny!)

But perhaps our favorite sandal this summer for sheer funky drama and all-out impact is Trippen’s Tarantula:

KA-BOOM! Now that’s how to amp up the style! You’ll look as hot as the weather wherever you walk in this super-sexy sandal boot that stands on Trippen’s über-comfortable t-shaped wedge! (We love it!)

As always, there are plenty more sandals at Ped’s main site, ready to help your dogs survive the dog days of summer! So, slip on something airy and let your toes frolic in the sun!

(By the way, although not a sandal, this week’s Sweet Treat is about as sweet as it gets: Fiorentini + Baker’s spectacular Paula Boot!!! Simply click “be sweet to your feet” in the upper right corner of any Ped page to arrive at the Paula with the magic code that brings a cool 20% off at checkout! Happy Fourth of July!)
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I’ve decided to split my report into two parts. In this installment, I’ll tell you all about who I saw and what we did. And tomorrow, I’ll tell you the latest trends and how you can make your style cutting-edge and oh-so chic!

First, let’s talk biz in Paris. As usual, I had my wonderful morning and evening walk through the Jardin des Tuileries going to and from the show.

It's tempting to sit down and just spend the day people watching in the park!

The stroll really was the perfect way to begin and end the day. By the way, my home away from home was the Hotel La Perle.

The  booths of interesting items at the show were seemingly endless!

The show's tents are visible in the distance to the statue's left. On the right, booth after booth, on and on...

I get so many great ideas not only from browsing through the displays but also from seeing what everyone is wearing! (Stay tuned for Part II.)

Of course, it wouldn’t be a Paris show without Cydwoq’s Rafi and Trippen’s Michael!

Rafi and Michael take a gelato break!

Sure, they make fabulous shoes, but the geniuses behind Cydwoq and Trippen are also just great guys!

When you spend as much time at shoe shows as I do, you get to know a lot of other nice retailers, like Louise from Gravity Pope!

Isn't Louise's smile great? We're about to have dinner with Rafi and Michael.

Another friend I met years ago is the lovely Amy Gardner, who owns Scarpa in Charlottesville, Va. We met up in Milan, along with Terry, for a few days of business and pleasure!

Amy and Terry take in the view from the roof of our hotel!

We loved where we stayed: The Hotel Milano Scala, an amazing “green” hotel with a delightful rooftop deck!

Of course, because we were in Italy, it wasn’t all about shoes—it was about eating, too!!!

Terry trying to make sure his eyes are as big as his stomach!

If you like mozzarella, by all means go to Obika, which is a fantastic “mozzarella bar.” We also enjoyed the fresh fish and ceviche at Pescheria de Claudio.

There were signs of Ped all over Milan—literally:

I came back to my desk at Ped HQ refreshed from seeing old friends and enjoying a dose of European culture, and excited about all the beauty coming Ped’s way in the fall!

Home is where the shoeboxes are!

Check back tomorrow for Part II, when I’ll tell you all about what’s on the horizon for fall and how you can get a jump start on your cutting-edge style! (Why wait?)
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* Michelle Taylor not only makes gorgeous jewelry out of vintage bits and bobs, but she also puts together the noteworthy design blog, Blue Moss. We love that she gave props to Vialis’s Rambla Bootie.

* Another blogger who is a wonderful friend to Ped is Mrs. French at the always interesting and newly redesigned Bliss, where she recently admired Argila’s Riley. (By the way, she also makes lovely photographs.)

* We heart Lindsey Cochran at Every Clog Has Its Day for giving a virtual hug to Ped’s entire Vialis line, even though, as she points out, they’re not technically clogs.

* Fernanda van der Laan included a tribute to Fiorentini + Baker boots on her eponymous blog, which discusses all kinds of things! (We hope she’s enjoying her red Eternity boots!)

* We think Kristin at Lovely Apidae has amazing style, and we’re so glad she thinks her Chie Mihara Loti beauties are perfect!

* Julie, creator of the The Accidental Frock, may be a “reluctant blogger,” but we like what she does and are happy she likes Chie Mihara’s Rumi. Plus, she’s a fabulous textile designer!

* Si, a lovely French lass, blogs in English about beautiful things at French By Design. We are thrilled she called attention to Chie Mihara’s Ruala!

* We are excited Sally McGraw at Already Pretty mentioned we carry Trippen! Sally has such bold style and offers great advice on body image and fashion.

* Of course, we also love it when our overseas friends write about us, even if we are often language-challenged by their words. (We’re sure they’re kind!) Here are a few foreign blogs that have recently mentioned Ped: Portion de vie, Lolapinso, and en Oby Ting.

Since all of us at Ped have so much fun bringing you wonderful things, it makes us feel fantastic when others notice and say so!

THANK YOU!!!!!!

(One last thing: the Sweet Treat this week is Sophie Digard’s fabulously fun Flower Petal Necklace! Just click “be sweet to your feet” in the top right corner of any Ped page to land at the Flower Petal Necklace with the discount code that will bring 20% off at checkout!)

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When we started unpacking Trippen’s latest, though, everything came to a momentary halt while we all gathered around to smile. Such innovation! Such fun! Such sheer funkiness that makes everyone want to dance! The fact that Trippen is socially committed to treating its workers well and making shoes with as little environmental impact as possible makes us love them all the more! Give it up for German ingenuity and genuine ethics!

Here, for your viewing—and wearing!—pleasure, are a few new Trippen favorites:

Embodying everything we like about Trippen, the new Match is the perfect kick-around shoe for spring (and every other season, come to think of it):

Constructed on Trippen’s “penna” rubber sole, this pebbled brown flat will keep you light on your feet. We love the exposed seams and the back-to-back button closure in front!

Another winner in the lightweight category is the Trippen Sioux:

So soft and utterly featherweight, this simple leather charmer redefines “comfortable.” Once you wear it,  we predict the rest of your shoes are going to get a little dusty.

Another great wear-everywhere shoe, also built on Trippen’s “cups” rubber sole, is the Knife:

What’s fantastic about the lacing is it not only looks great, but it also adjusts to accommodate almost any foot width. Form and function = the best!

For those of you looking for little more height and a jolt of urban edge, check out Trippen’s Tarantula:

Not nearly as terrifying as a big, hairy spider, but heart-stopping in its own way, the Tarantula will have all eyes on you! But you’ll be comfortable in the spotlight since this stunning sandal boot stands on Trippen’s super-cushy 1.75″ t-shaped rubber wedge.

It’s hard to single out one design, but perhaps the favorite of all our favorites is Trippen’s new Good:

This sliced and spiced interpretation of the classic mary jane is off the hook! Plus, we adore the “black ice” leather—a color like no other! Too cool!

And lots more Trippen fabulousness  resides over at Ped’s main site! So click over, and put a German spring in your step this spring!

By the way, this week’s “sweet treat” is Trippen’s Medea Boot, which looks terrific any season! (Ped fans know I love boots with summer dresses!) Simply click “be sweet to your feet” in the upper right corner of any Ped page, to arrive at the Medea with the discount code that will enable you to take 20% off at checkout! Give the people behind you something to see, while you give your feet a gorgeous and comfortable treat!
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I want to tell a tale about my really dear friend, Jenny.  Jenny and I met online; we’ve actually never met in real life. I’m in New Jersey, and she is in Portland, Oregon, but we talk everyday through e-mail or on the phone.  She has been so kind in sharing some of her Ped shoes with me—we send shoes and jewelry back and forth across the country! She has let me try and even given me her Trippen Fence and Skylla boots. I’ve also had the pleasure of trying out her Fiorentini and Baker boots, such as the Eternity and Emma, so I could figure out my size.

The generous and lovely Jenny P in her Fiorentini + Baker Emma boots.

She even sent me her Jamie Joseph Chrysoprase Teardrop Locket to wear for Thanksgiving!  (I told her not to, but she sent it anyway.) She is so generous and just an awesome person, who puts the care of her husband and children before herself.  She never says, “I can’t do this,” or “It’s hard for me”— she just does. I strive to be like her and embody the outstanding qualities she has.

Jenny P's feet looking sassy in one of her latest Ped purchases, the Cydwoq Vintage Micron. (Perhaps they'll soon visit Michelle?)

What a great testimony to fantastic friend! How fun to have a deep bond reinforced by the exchange of shoes and jewelry! In appreciation of Jenny P’s generosity, we’re sending her $100 Ped gift certificate! She makes us grin from ear to ear!

Do you have a Tale of the Sole? Tell us—and show us (we LOVE pictures!!!)—what happened to you while wearing a Ped item, and you, too, might be the recipient of $100 in Ped credit. Each month we pick the most sole-ful tale to share on the blog. So, let us know what in the world you’ve been doing in your Ped!

(By the way, the “Sweet Treat” this week is super delicious: Fiorentini + Baker’s Eliza Oxford!!!! Get 20% off this drool-worthy classic by clicking “be sweet to your feet” in the top right corner of any Ped page, which will magically take you to the Eliza Oxford, where you will find the discount code! Lace it up Italian style!)