Recently, life reminded me how lucky I am to have the people (and dogs!) I love in my life. I am so grateful. One of my favorite things about the holiday season is the chance first to give thanks, then to show those who matter to us how much we care them with a few tokens of affection, and finally to jump into the new year with optimism.

Regarding that second chance up there (the “tokens of affection” one), Ped has quite a few treasures to delight your favorite people, from your best gal pal to your long-suffering mother or mother-in-law (we do try their patience and vice versa—but love is always there at the end of the day). And, needless to say, we’ve got lots of treats you might want to add to the list of hints for your benefactor (Santa or otherwise).

Here are a few of my faves that don’t require knowing someone’s size. First up, this Fossil necklace from Jamie Joseph, which is so unusual with its numerous elements all brought together in a harmonious symphony. Plus, it’s got bit of red, and how can anyone resist red this time of year?

Next, a scarf–but not just any old scarf, a Sophie Digard scarf!! The toast of the crocheting world, our favorite Parisian designer uses the finest yarns to create her one-of-a-kind textiles (they really must be seen up close to be fully appreciated, so be sure to take advantage of the “zoom” feature at the Ped site). We particularly love the openwork of the Pastille Pop design. Here’s a detail of the “Winter” color combination to give you an idea of its complexity (okay, yes, it does have a bit of red, too…):

Finally, if you want to go big with the red (and we applaud that idea), this practical go-anywhere Monica Bag from Jutta Neumann may be just the ticket! The leather is beyond buttery, and, well, it’s as red as Rudolph’s nose (but perhaps a bit more stylish):

Here’s hoping your holidays are the best yet! Ped toasts you with a big gulp of wassail!

Okay, sure, Ped has relocated to sunny Santa Barbara, but that doesn’t mean I don’t remember how chilly November days are in other parts of the world. In fact, I kind of long to put away my flip-flops and slide my legs inside a beautiful pair of boots—that’s one of the best things about fall and winter. The boots come out of the closet and go out for a walk!

This season Ped has some truly spectacular boots in stock. (I went a little boot crazy at the shoe shows!) First up, we’re carrying a new line, Coclico, which has designed the boot I’ve wanted my whole life but didn’t find until now:

Let me tell you, this boot—the Mick—is made of the most wonderful leather that allows you to either scrunch it down or pull it up to full height, depending on your mood. It’s minimal, but its lines and spare details are perfectly executed.

Perhaps you prefer a super-sexy heeled number? Then Chie Mihara’s got you covered. How sizzling is this:

Zing! Zip Chie’s Zom up, and, instantly, you look like a million bucks!

On the other hand, you might be an earthier gal who likes a little Euro-style with your comfort. How about these beauties from Trippen then:

Oh, and lest we forget, we are so psyched that Cydwoq is venturing into making full-length boots. I was so wowed by this pair in the Vintage line that I had to have them for myself!

Flip-flops are seriously overrated!

I am so excited!! Today the Philadelphia edition of Daily Candy sang the praises of Antipast socks and listed Pedshoes.com as the go-to source online for our favorite Japanese socks and scarves. It’s so nice to see Antipast getting a little love—they really do make the most wonderful socks in the most whimsical patterns. When I put on a pair of Antipast, it’s as if the sun shines a little brighter! Here are some of my favorites from what we’re carrying this season:

How cute are those little jester hat tops? Okay, if you like those, then you’ll go wild for these:

We’ve got these poppy-rific socks in both trouser-length and over-the-knee styles. Let’s face it, a fun, short skirt, Antipast over-the-knee socks, and a pair of Trippen or Cydwoq shoes, and you’ll be turning heads all over town!!

Thanks, Daily Candy, for the shout-out, and thanks, Antipast, for making such fantastic socks!

How I love Fall (even if it’s not quite the same in Southern Cal as it was in Seattle)!!! I adore when there’s a bit of a bite in the air, and nothing feels better than wrapping one of Sophie Digard’s soft and light wool scarves around my neck. How does she make crocheting so Parisian chic? Here’s one of my favorites from our latest shipment at Ped:

This Edelweiss Scarf is so striking. The way Sophie combines her fine wool yarns is beyond intricate. Whenever I wear one of her scarves, I love to just examine the details because I always find something I didn’t notice before. And her color combinations are to die for.

Meanwhile, Chie Mihara has a bevy of beauties in her Fall shoe line. Truly, you can’t go wrong with Chie, especially if you work in an office where you have to wear heels everyday. Even when her shoes rise 4″, they’re always comfortable because she really understands how to position a heel and pad a footbed for optimal pampering. I can stand for hours while in Chie’s without having my dogs bark for mercy. That’s saying something! This Ote lace-up is one of my faves this season due to its “sexy secretary” styling and gorgeous eggplant color:

And just for fun, check out the dazzling heel on Chie’s Oda:

How great would this beauty look walking amid fallen autumn leaves?? We love, we love.

Okay, more soon, as the temperature dips…

Wow! What a spring and summer we’ve had since launching the Ped site! We’ve jumped into our virtual world in a big way. It’s such a challenge, but it’s SO MUCH FUN! Here are just a few of my favorite hot-weather items by our beloved designers, Alberto Fermani, Jamie Joseph, and Jutta Neumann.

This Alberto Fermani Criss Cross Sandal has such sophisticated details and looks great with everything!

Summer in silver and gold by the inimitable Jamie Joseph!

Jutta Neumann’s Kim Sandal may be my all-time favorite, go-anywhere, go-with-anything, always-looks-great sandal. I couldn’t get through summer without it!

There are so many more great things at the site. And Fall is also on tap. Stay tuned!