Fashion Shoes

Fashion shoes are not, however, limited to those that give you blisters or cause you to twist your ankle on the sidewalk on your way to work. In fact, flats are quite popular at the moment, as well as wedge heels, which are one of the most comfortable types of heels to walk in. They can be inexpensive or designer--it's totally up to you and your bank account. So do you have to be [Paris Hilton] to look like a million bucks.

The Good News Is, You Can Be Grounded OR Have Your Head in the Clouds

If you want to be in style, you can choose your fashion shoes from a wide variety of categories. This year, anything goes, really, from flat ballet slippers to what appear to be skyscrapers on your feet.

Stores like Target carry shoes to rival their designer competition. Check them out if you're looking to pinch pennies but can't resist the urge to splurge just a little.

Where to Look for Inspiration

Inspiration is everywhere. The obvious answer is "in the stores." If you want to take it up a notch, look for fashion shoes in magazines and movies. You'll know what to shop for once you hit the mall, that way. Here are a few sites to help you out, as well, in your quest for the ultimate shoes to help you make a statement:

ShoeWawa.com, a blog about hot shoes--from what's on sale to what to wear on those long walks to work when you still want to look good.

Fashion-Era.com for a look at the past, present and future of shoes. They have projections for Fall 2006 and Winter 2007.

Zappos.com, found at www.zappos.com, is an old standby in finding just about any shoe you need. If your department stores are behind, check this site for the latest and the greatest in fashionable footwear.

How Designers Pick the "Next Big Thing"

You may wonder how you can be "in the know" ahead of time when it comes to fashion shoes. What the head honchos in fashion do to learn about next season's specials is check out the fashions in Europe, and what's on the streets in New York City (where fashion never sleeps and is always evolving--just like the city). They also visit trade shows, and just follow their own instincts.

Most of these methods aren't readily available for the average person, but you can always scope out the fashion magazines, and trust your gut. Small towns are often not the first to jump on trends, so if you do your homework, you can still be ahead of the game--without a plane ticket. If you're a big city inhabitant, fashion's happening all around you; just open your eyes.