Minnetonka moccasins have been an absolute workhorse for me. I’ve worn them traveling, through winter (with wool socks), in summer (with shorts), and for outdoor concerts in the mud. They’re beat up, but they’ve molded to my feet and only seem to get softer with use (or in my case, abuse). I have the ones on the left and they sit pretty perfectly on my ankles. Most days I don’t even bother zipping them up, since they look great slouchy, too. I think that seven years of having this pair justifies getting another. The internal debate: Stick the the same ones I’m used to, or try the lace-up boots. Help me, lest I make a decision I may regret for the next seven years.

the most comfortable shoes i own, l-r: MINNETONKA MOCCASIN HI TOP BACK ZIPPER BOOTS, $51.00; MINNETONKA MOCCASIN TRAMPER ANKLE BOOT, $56.00, both available at Piperlime.

I drive by Rodeo Drive every morning on my way to work, and last week, they put up the traditional flying Santa and lined the street lamps with some truly unnecessary iridescent puffs. The decorations didn’t put me in the holiday spirit in the traditional sense, but made me really excited to buy velvet shoes for no real reason except, well, it’s for the holidays. And I’m bound to wear them somewhere, even if it is only to my moms.

it’s really starting to look like christmas, l-r: OKSANA SHOE, $199.99, available at Piperlime; RAVEL VELVET PARTY COURT, $197.67, available at ASOS.

I’m so happy that smoking shoes have made it into the mainstream – and for women. Part Audrey Hepburn, part Hugh Hefner, there is no shoe more comfortable. I’d wear these everywhere I need not teeter: amusement parks, shopping, or most likely, bar hopping downtown.

a smoking flat will do, clockwise l-r: AMERICAN APPAREL VELVET TASSEL LOAFER, $75.00, available at Amazon Marketplace, DOLCE VITA NARIKO SMOKING FLATS, $159.00; CHARLES PHILIP SOPHIE HERRINGBONE LOAFERS, $135.00; STEVEN BY STEVE MADDEN MADEE SMOKING SHOES, $119.00, available at Bloomingdales.

Holy shiny things, Batman! Planet Blue‘s brand new holiday lookbook stays true to their bohemian aesthetic, but this one standout image that makes me want all things in silver glitter. I’m starting with this strapless sequined dress and continuing on to the craft store. It’s gonna get messy folks (glitter, glue, rhinestones)! Sometimes I get carried away with things like this. Please understand.

Other pretty, silver things:

i need silver glitter, stat, l-r: ENZO ANGIOLINI SMILE SHOES, $99.00, available at Zappos; SEPHORA BY OPI SPARKLE ME SILVER, $9.50, available at Sephora.

chevron prints l-r: OLIVE WOOD SALAD SET: $21.75, Amazon Marketplace; COLE HAAN JITNEY TOTE: $158.40 (20% off), Zappos.com; TOSS PILLOW IN VILLAGE GREEN (SET OF 2): $31.90, Amazon Marketplace; TROUVE BEHAVE SANDAL, $54.90 (50% off), Nordstrom; PLATINUM ZIGZAG ACCENT PLATE (SET OF 4): $39.99, Mikasa; HOUSE OF HARLOW 1960 WRAP RING: $30.00, Endless.com; PARKER ZIGZAG SHIRTDRESS: $242.00, CUSP.

I walked into the elevator today only to be greeted by this lovely women in the cutest fall outfit (loose sweater, flowy mini skirt, black tights).  I immediately looked down and noticed her black suede fringe boots.  I mentioned how cute she looked and asked after her footwear.  Gucci of course.  I sat down at my computer and went on the hunt to find those inspirational boots (top left). Could I justify Gucci dollars?  Probably not.  Instead, I found some really good alternatives that are a bit easier on the budget.  Which ones should I buy?

booties l-r: GUCCI YOUMA HIGH HEEL PLATFORM BOOTIE: $995.00, Gucci.com; POUR LA VICTOIRE LAISHA BOOTIE: $365.00, RevolveClothing.com; H WILLIAMS PLEATED LEATHER ANKLE BOOTS: $225.00 (70% off), theoutnet.com; ME TOO JUJU BOOTS: $92.65 (15% off), Shoes.com.

fall boot shopping l-r: KEY-2 BUCKLE KNEE HIGH RIDING BOOT: $26.90, Urbanog.com; NINE WEST FESSUP DRESS BOOT: $109.00, Zappos.com; OWENS BOOT (DARK BLUE SUEDE): $118.15 (15% OFF), Shoes.com; CUOIO WASHED HALF BOOTS ISTARA: $428.00, StyleBop.

There are endless options to accessorizing with metallic heels!  If you need a quick way to transition your outfit from day to night, metallic heels are the perfect choice for both a dressy and casual look.  Since it’s considered a neutral, there are no rules for wearing metallic.  Enjoy pairing them with your favorite colors season after season.

TOP PICKS:

1.  Sole Boutique Laddie Shoe, $27.95 at Karmaloop (featured)
2.  Giuseppe Zanotti Metallic Lace Platform Slingback, $650 at Bloomingdales.com (featured)
3.  Badgley Mischka Isra Woven Sandal, $179.00 at Last Call by NM
4.  Seychelles Women’s Code Shoe in Pewter Snake, $90.00 at Karmaloop
5.  Sonia Rykiel Metallic-leather crystal-heel sandals, $860.00 $258.00 (70% off) at theoutnet.com

We love discovering new stores and we’re so excited to share this one with you. We stumbled upon Urbanog.com while browsing some Beso user’s profiles. The site showcases all of the trendy shoe styles without the sting of a high price point – NONE of these shoes are over $35!

clockwise l-r: Leopard Round Toe Wedge Booties, $25.90; Mary Jane Pump, $19.50 (14% off); Qupid Puffin Lace Up Bootie, $34.20; Lace Up Peep Toe Bootie, $28.80 – all available at urbanog.com.

We’ve mastered the art of finding comfortable party shoes. Fear not: they DO exist, and we’ll tell you how to spot them!

SUPPORTED: Go for a pretty platform shoe with a sturdy heel or a wedge: the platform balances out the height of the back heel so that your feet won’t be forced into the front of your shoe. You can even swing a stiletto by investing in a pair of Cole Haan heels that boast Nike Air Technology!

GROUNDED: For those who can fare without the 4 inch boost, go for a low heel, sandal or flat shoe in a bright color, print, or best yet, doused in glitter.

featured l-r: Sole Boutique Ankle Cuff Platform Wedge, $58 available at Karmaloop; Stuart Weitzman Glitter Ballet Flats, $275 available at Bloomingdales.

SHOP IT: Off Duty Party Shoes >