For every fashion “do,” there’s a “don’t.”  I’ve given you the lowdown on shoe trends for fall and highlighted sparkly options to make your holidays merry. Now as 2008 winds down, join me in looking back at some of the biggest footwear faux pas of the year.  Be honest, how many are you guilty of?

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Vivienne Westwood may have been on to something with her DIY-themed spring 2009 show.  Even with the tsunami of sales this slumping retail season, there are crafty ways to save a bit of bob yet still change up your shoe wardrobe.  Think of it as “credit crunch couture.”

As has been written about before on this blog, shoe clips are an easy and inexpensive way to dress up a pair of shoes from drab to fab.  But for an even cheaper alternative, try attaching a brooch or clip-on earring to the toe of your shoe.  You probably have something in your jewelry box that is perfect for a stylish retread.  An earring with a post can even be used; to avoid making a hole in your shoe, simply remove the back of the earring and adhere to the shoe with a dab of fabric glue. Glue for false eyelashes will work in a pinch, too.  (more…)

To make the season all the more merry, the hotel guest who comes closest to guessing the total value of the items on the tree — which is said to be six figures –will win a pair of Choos shoes and a handbag, plus a two-night stay at the hotel, a private consultation with Choo specialists (how can I get that job?) and a High Heel spa treatment.  For a closer look at the extravagantly accessorized tree, watch the video here.  It will be up until Dec. 31 and the winner will be announced Jan. 10.  Hmmmm, New Year’s in L.A. sounds like a good idea .  .  .

But what I really want to know is: What size are the shoes on the tree, and what are they doing with them after the holiday!?

If a trip to the Left Coast isn’t in your immediate travel plans this holiday, you can skip the hassle at the airport and scope the JC collection online in your jammies on Christmas morning.  On my wish list from Santa: 

Jimmy Choo ‘Lance’ ($695)

and a cheap, chic option . . .

Nine West ‘Hazzel’ ($59.99)

Happy Holidays from Heels are a Girl’s Best Friend!

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Brooke Shields has grown up from a “Pretty Baby” to a gorgeous woman but her style sense has generally been a bit hit or miss.  Granted, some of her fashion citations can be blamed on the 80s but still, if she can’t make high-waisted pants look good, what hope do the rest of us mere mortals have? 

But since starring on “Lipstick Jungle,” Brooke has upped her star style.  She was a stand-out on the red carpet at the Emmys in her Barbie doll pink dress and flowing tresses. And she was just as chicly turned out to announce the 2008 Golden Globe nominations in an attention-grabbing red dress.  Simple, yet elegant from head-to-toe.  Especially, the shoes! The touch of animal print at the toe of her YSL tribute pumps pops the whole ensem from average to totally awesome. Her style upgrade is almost enough for me to excuse her temporary fixation with Crocs.  Almost.

Just an aside: Is Brooke really super tall or is Elizabeth Banks just really short?  But I digress . . .

Done right, an animal print pump can be a closet classic as ubiquitous as a men’s-style white shirt.  Done wrong, well, the phrase “hooker heels” comes to mind.  YSL’s Tribute Canvas Leopard pump combines a classic silhouette with just a flash of pizzazz to make it an easily convertible style for the office or after hours.  If an all-over animal print shoe is too much of a muchness, something like this that uses the pattern as an accent is the perfect balance between conservative and trendy.

 Yves St. Laurent Tribute Canvas Leopard Print ($473, was $675)

Guess ‘Banana’ ($96.56 was $114.95)

Related Link:

• Fake-Out: Yves Saint Laurent Tribute Sandal

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Enjoy your holiday vacay with something better than stale fruitcake.  Catch up on shoe news, sales and sweepstakes from across the interweb, all tied up with a bow.

 Random Notes: 

• Nicholas Kirkwood: “I’m pretty much over the five-inch-high platform and girls tripping all over the place. Granted, I’ve been responsible for some of that.” (Style File)

• From the wacky to the wow-factor – Hollywood keeps stepping out in truly over-the-top footwear. (People)

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One of these things is not like the other.

Can you spot the haute original from the frugal fake?  Test your eagle-eye after the jump.  (more…)