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Step into a footwear fantasy

Bobbie Thomas presents the hottest shoe trends for this season

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  Treat your feet with these shoes!
Oct. 11: Style editor Bobbie Thomas shows TODAY’s Hoda Kotb the perfect pairs to wear at work, at a party and every day.

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By Bobbie Thomas
TODAYShow.com contributor
updated 11:00 a.m. ET Oct. 11, 2007

Bobbie Thomas
TODAY Style Editor

From Dorothy and the Wicked Witch’s catfight over the ruby slippers to Carrie Bradshaw’s $40,000 shopping spree in “Sex and the City” to Imelda Marcos’ legendary shoe collection, the female gender’s obsession with footwear has been well documented. But who can blame a lady for wanting to treat her feet? After all, shoes are the punctuation point at the end of your fashion statement! But more than that, shoes are reliable. When your favorite jeans are too tight, and your boyfriend has moved out, the one thing you still know for sure is that your shoes are going to fit. Bobbie Thomas, Today Style editor and author of the “Buzz” for “In Touch Weekly,” provides the perfect eye candy (and some practical pairs, too!) for women who love shoes.

Work wear
We spend the majority of our day at the office, so why not dress for success? While there’s rarely time to put your feet up on your desk and relax, your shoes are still an essential part of your work wardrobe. Luckily, these fantastic fall trends will work from 9 to 5.

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  • Heavy heels: Think Mary Tyler Moore when selecting a pair of professional pumps this fall! Solid block heels have a modern-retro feel that will not only help to “ground” your office attire, but offer a higher level of support.
  • Cap toes: Add some polish to your toes! Shoes are a great way to inject a dash of detail and some personality into your work look, and this small section of contrast will warrant a second glance.

What you saw on TODAY:
Baffi navy pump: $489; Ninewest.com
Hellenna pump: $139; Stevemadden.com
lordandtaylor.com

Oxfords for her: A stylish alternative to the loafer pump, the masculine classic has reached new heights with a little feminine support. This season's “it” sh-bootie is giving not just the fashion-forward crowd but women everywhere a literal “lift” with wedges, platforms and even stilettos.

What you saw on TODAY:
Enzo Angiolini “Pearl”: $93.50; Lordandtaylor.com
Brown spectator pump: $89; Zara.com
Reilly oxford pump: $89.95; Stevemadden.com
Miss Sixty oxford pump: $185; (212)-575-0315 for stores

Fancy flats
Dress up your casual comfort shoe! Ballet slippers have been hot for the past few years, and now every type of flat is going glam. Function meets fashion with hardware accents, embossed textures and sheen.
macys.com

What you saw on TODAY:
Calvin Klein “Alynda”: $90; Macys.com
Sam Edelman “Carmen”: $98.95; Zappos.com
Made by Elves: $68; Urbanoutfitters.com
N.Y.L.A “Rackle”: $59.99; Onlineshoes.com

Design details
Think outside the shoebox, and experiment with styles that are playful, colorful and slightly unusual. These modern accents will instantly update your look.

  • Almond toes: A basic black pump with a semi-rounded front is the style staple of the season. While you will find everything from square to round toes available, this in-between shape will be your go-to shoe.
    bebe.com

  • Modern mary-janes: As Dr. Seuss might say, “Let's all clap this season for one strap, two straps, three straps!” The girlish style has grown up this fall, evolving into a more womanly silhouette. With a sleek, streamlined makeover and, of course, those extra-sassy straps, this shoe will go well beyond the schoolyard.

What you saw on TODAY:
Encounter: $240; Charlesdavid.com
Trixy plaid pump: $69; Chineselaundry.com
Coco double-strap: $119; Bebe.com

  • Band wagon: Fashion-forward feet are getting wrapped up in thick elastic pieces! Wide bands with a slight stretch are not only stylish, they’re snug enough to secure those perfect pedis in place.

What you saw on TODAY:
victoriassecret.com


Metropop peep-toe pump: $79; Ninewest.com
Jessica
Simpson “Berg” Mary Jane pump: $78.95; Endless.com
Satin gray band pump: $89; Zara.com

  • Color-block burst: Red, blue, purple, or pink ... can't decide? Well, you don't have to! A rainbow of multicolored shoes awaits you. Whether you’re wearing all black, or looking to mix things up, have fun with your feet and make a statement.

What you saw on TODAY:
Report Signature color-block pump: $175; Victoriassecret.com
Kaylee pump: $48.99; Bakersshoes.com
Deidra patchwork pump: $268; Coach.com

bebe.com

Party pumps
The modern woman may not be wearing a corset, but she will suffer for fashion when it comes to fabulous footwear! While you may want to just stare instead of wear, party pumps are perfectly irresistible. For those looking to indulge in a pair of fantasy feet ... these shoes are for you. 


  • Satin slip-ons: The return of old-Hollywood glamour goes all the way down to your toes. Satin has quietly crept up on the popularity of patent, and provides a softer, more luxurious accent. From sleek and smooth to quilted, these sweet styles are eveningwear's accessory de jour.

    What you saw on TODAY:
    Sharon Quilted Satin round-toe pump: $144; Bebe.com
    ABS Arson pump: $120; Nordstrom stores
    Pedro Garcia ruffle ballerina: $336; Shopbop.com

  • Hot heels: Designers are not only helping you to put your best foot forward, but also to leave a lasting impression as you walk away. From sexy spikes to carved pillars, anything goes — as long as it makes you take a backward glance. 

    jildorshoes.com

What you saw on TODAY:
Chanel Paris “Monte Carlo”: $795; (800) 550-0005
Kendra suede pump:  Brianatwood.com
Enzo Angiolini “Maylie” Degradé: $59.90; Nordstrom.com

  • Biker-chic: Edge meets elegance as sophisticated styles embrace accents like studs and chains. Rock ’n’ roll goes glam, and gets an attitude adjustment along the way in shoes that are wearable both on and off the stage.

What you saw on TODAY:
Jeffrey Campbell Burbs studded heel: $100; Shopintuition.com
UFO pump: $280; Stuartweitzman.com
Atlo black pump: $299; (617) 266-8699 or Jildorshoes.com
Zara black studded flats: $79; Zara.com

  • Adorn-able: It's a snap! Transform any shoe in seconds with vintage-inspired shoe clips. Brooches, earrings and pendants all make for pretty decorations that will dress up your dancing shoes!

What you saw on TODAY:
Sitting Pretty LA shoe clips: $25-350; Ladutchess.com
Shoe clips for all occasions: $15-45; Absolutelyaudrey.com

© 2008 MSNBC Interactive
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