Spring probably seems as distant as the moon for many Ped fans this week! So much snow in so many places! Perhaps you could use a trip to sunny Spain about now? Well, if you can’t rearrange your schedule to jet off to Madrid or Barcelona or Majorca, Ped has the next best thing: a bevy of new Spanish styles that will remind you green grass and warm weather are only a few weeks away!

One designer who knows how to turn up the heat is Chie Mihara, who lives and makes her shoes in Elda, Spain. Her vintage-inspired styles are always girly and fun without being fussy. Plus, Chie is the undisputed queen of creating comfortable heels! Case in point, the Rocosa:

Be still our foolish hearts! What a glorious heel, full of retro funk in a modern, wearable package! It’s all about the details with Chie Mihara, and the way the laser-cut design, the topstitching, and the seam down the front all work together is stunning. Plus, the Rocosa’s 3″ heel is perfectly comfortable due to the 1″ lift up front!

You may prefer your heels a little lower, though, in which case, join us in sighing over Chie’s new Cidra:

Delicious! Who doesn’t love a red sandal? Chie found her inspiration for the t-trap in Indian paisley. (Fun fact: the paisley shape echoes the shape of a mango). So pretty, and the heel is an easy 2″.

But maybe you’re a gal who thinks flat is where it’s at. In that case, we’re sure you’ll agree the new Chie Mihara Wonder is well-named:

Too cute! In fact, Ped’s Laura has been chattering about the Wonder ever since it arrived last week. “Look at the fringe! Can you believe they’re little bows? Don’t you think this sandal would be good for my vacation in March?” We’re all kind of relieved she finally decided to buy it (not that it’s not worth talking about).

Another line we love from Spain is Argila. Founder Pep Monjo grew up in a family of shoemakers, but he also studied shoe design in Milan, Italy and worked for several European shoemakers before returning to his hometown of Menorca to set up his own business. And what a biz it is! Argila wows us every time with cutting-edge designs and expert craftsmanship. To see what we mean, take a look at the just-in Eliana:

We are wild about the cool aloe color of the suede–so fresh for warm weather! And the style? Well, it speaks for itself (and in a beautiful voice)!

Argila also has your number if you’re a gal who likes to show a little skin when the mercury rises. People will be mopping their brows, when you step out in the Zoe:

What’s a four-letter word for Zoe? SEXY!!! But for all its bareness, this strappy sandal will last for years because it’s so beautifully made.

Speaking of hot sandals that will let you salsa through spring and summer, how gorgeous is Cydwoq’s Gaudi?

Although not technically from Spain (this knockout is handmade in California), the Gaudi sprang from Rafi Balouzian’s recent trip to Barcelona, where he fell in love with the city’s art and architecture. The eye-opening cut-work is inspired by Spanish architect Antoni Gaudi’s artistry.

Looking at all this loveliness from Spain, don’t you feel a little sunnier already? And there are more Spanish stunners to keep you smiling at the Ped site. Muy bonita! Bring on the spring!

February may be the shortest month, but given the wintry storms currently pummeling many Ped fans, it may feel like the longest. Thank goodness, there’s a sweet something in the middle to make February worth it: Valentine’s Day!!! What could be better than a day dedicated to showing your sweetheart how much you love her? It’s the perfect time to express your affection for any woman who really matters in your life! (Remember how you used to give candies and cards to your friends, your teachers, your sisters, and your mom?)

So let your love light shine by putting a sparkle in your favorite gal’s eye with a sparkly something from Ped!

It may be chilly outside, but these gorgeous Jamie Joseph Indian Ruby earrings are guaranteed to warm things up wherever you are:

The color is so juicy, like a ripe pomegranate! And the faceting catches the light in the loveliest way.

Maybe the woman you have in mind agrees with Marilyn Monroe  that diamonds are a girl’s best friend. Then assure her you, too, qualify as a BFF with this understated but stunning Jamie Joseph silver circle necklace that twinkles with three gold-set diamonds:

Jamie has a way of making the simplest designs worthy of “Wow!”

As long as we’re doing song references, maybe you should take Beyonce’s advice if you want to keep your sweetheart from joining all the single ladies—i.e. if you like it, you should put a ring on it! Now, it doesn’t have to be that kind of ring; we’re pretty sure this Jamie Joseph Onyx ring will keep her by your side:

Featured in Vogue, this design is the epitome of chic! We love how the tiny diamond adds a little extra dazzle. Going out to dinner on Valentine’s Day? Imagine how terrific this ring will look with your darling’s little black dress.

“Hmmm,” you may be thinking, “I want to give her jewelry but maybe something more low-key.” How about this Green Onyx and Apatite bracelet from Debbie Fisher?

It’s pretty and fresh without being over-the-top.

The again, maybe the object of your affection is a free spirit whose taste is more whimsical, in which case look no farther than Pepita:

This Eleonora necklace, with its hand-sewn fabric beads blooming from within brass petals, is sure to appeal to her love of one-of-a-kind treasures! A unique beauty deserves something uniquely beautiful!

And if your sweetheart could use a little dose of spring about now, Sophie Digard has just the thing to remind her warmer weather is right around the corner:

Sophie’s cheerful Three Flower Brooch (you can also opt for a single-bloom pin) will brighten up any winter coat or sweater.

Of course, it’s the thought that counts, but a beautiful gift that makes your favorite gal feel more beautiful is a wonderful way to show how much you care! (And if you need to drop a hint or two, remember you can mark anything at Ped as a “favorite” and then share that list with the one who loves you best.)

Happy Valentine’s Day in advance! May love fill every Ped fan’s life!

We love a good Christmas story, and the one Shana from San Francisco sent us made our day. So, without further ado, Shana’s tale in her own words:

The timing couldn’t have been more perfect. On Christmas Eve I opened the door and welcomed the delivery of my Christmas gift to myself: a pair of red Fiorentini + Baker Emma boots. With a huge smile, I quickly wrapped them and placed them under the tree. This Christmas was bound to be special. It was both the first one my 2-year-old somewhat understood and the first one ever for my 8-month-old. Sure enough, when it was time to open the box, it was my 2-year-old who squealed in delight and exclaimed, “The reindeer left Mama boots like Santa!” Red quickly became her favorite color.

Shana in her F+B Emma boots with her red-loving daughter.

We gradually made our way to celebrate the day with a host of family and friends, where the picture-taking phrase of the day became “don’t forget the boots.” No picture was complete without them.

Beautiful Shana in her beautiful boots with her even more beautiful children!

Heart warm, belly full, eyelids heavy, I reluctantly removed my “Santa” boots, climbed in bed and said “good night” to a beautiful Christmas Day. Thanks, Ped, for making this holiday season even more memorable.

You are welcome, Shana! Everyone at Ped is delighted those F+B boots helped make your holidays happy! Your tale—and pictures!— certainly made us happy! As thanks, a $100 Ped gift certificate is coming your way to get your new year off to a good start!

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!

The days are rarely frigid here in the Bay Area, but I know winter has been running roughshod over many of you Ped fans! I see photos of mounds of snow in the Midwest and on the East Coast and hear about day after day of icy temperatures everywhere. Brrrrr!!! When you’re simply trying to stay warm, style often gets relegated to the backseat.

But it doesn’t have to be that way! Ped has lots of ways to keep cozy that also let you turn up the style temperature! (After all, your admirers count on you to lift their chilly spirits!)

Our mothers always told us, “Put a hat on!” They were wise because there’s no cuter way to combat the cold than with a Karin Wagner flower-embellished cap:

Our beloved Swiss mistress of textile art first hand-knits a cap of 100% soft wool and then pretties it up with her one-of-a-kind, hand-felted blossoms.

Now that your head is covered, let’s go to the other extreme and make sure your toes are toasty.

These striped tights from Antipast aren’t just snazzy (which they definitely are), they’re also 71% wool to keep your whole lower half warm when it’s cold!

One of the most practical fashion trends to come along has been arm warmers, which keep your wrists and palms snug while leaving your fingers free. We especially love the ones from Rain + Jack:

Rain + Jack combines the softest Australian lambswool with the most wonderful colors to warm your heart as well as your hands!

And, of course, you need a scarf! The winter wind will just have to blow down someone’s else’s neck when you wrap up in one of Sophie Digard’s woolen wonders:

We just got in this Wildflower Scarf and is it ever GORGEOUS!!! Each little velvet-centered flower is unique. With this wool beauty twined around your neck, you’ll be the envy of everyone who sees you!

But perhaps you live somewhere more temperate and only need a little something to stave off the chill. Sophie’s still your go-to gal because our Parisian queen of crochet also makes lighter linen scarves, like this Pastille Pop stunner:

Winter won’t last forever, but as long as it’s here, pull on your Ped and look and feel wonderful! Don’t let the ice keep you from feeling nice!

Happy New Year, Ped fans!!! Here’s hoping your holidays were everything you wanted them to be and more!

If you’re like me, though, after all the hoopla and good cheer, your wallet’s feeling a little lighter. Still, a gal’s got to have good shoes and boots to get through the chilly winter months! Don’t worry. Ped’s here to help by taking our prices down a notch, so they’re a little friendlier to soles in need. We bet you’ve been generous to everyone you love, so now it’s time to treat yourself!

Who knows, maybe those cute Chie Mihara’s Santa forgot to bring you are still waiting for you to slide in and step out on the town?

Ped blew through its first shipment of Chie’s knockout Ninke practically overnight and reordered, which means we just might have your size in this vintage-inspired heel! With it’s beautifully stitched and scalloped toe, it was worth every penny at $328, but now it’s super stylish at $262!

Or perhaps you’ve looked longingly at the Cydwoq Vintage Game Boot, but always heard your mom or maybe Sister Mary Francis saying in your head, “Tis better to give than to receive…,” and turned away with a sigh.

Well, turn back around, gal, and give yourself a break and a gorgeous pair of boots! I own these wood-heeled beauties and wear them all the time! Surely, your thrifty mom or penny-pinching Sister Mary Francis would approve of your skipping past the original price of $498 to a sweet $398!

Most people I know are always on the hunt for a shoe they can slip on to go grocery shopping or into the suitcase for a vacation of strolling and sightseeing. Our recommendation?

Cydwoq’s Tibet, which is equally comfortable walking miles through the narrow streets of Venice or the wide aisles of IKEA! Wonderful at $268, this go-everywhere ankle boot will have your feet and your bank account feeling healthy at $214!

And that’s just a smattering of the cool deals Ped has to warm up your winter! In addition to Chie Mihara and Cydwoq, all Argila, Coclico, Giraudon, and Swedish Hasbeens styles are now on sale. And if you’re jetting off on a tropical vacation (lucky you!!!), we have a few cute sandals left from last summer that will leave you with plenty of dinero in your pocket to buy froofy drinks on the beach!

Happy New Year! May 2010 be the best year ever!