Self-explanatory, no?

Win all of the above shiznit! Yeahhh!! A pair of WHITE Roxy Pillow Fight slippers (they were our favorite!), the book of Feng Shoe, and an adorable shoe-themed sticky pad.

You must live in the United States to enter this contest. Comment to enter!

To be eligible, leave a comment no later than 5 p.m. on Friday, 21 November 2008. A winner will be notified and announced the following Monday.

-Danielle

Remember the big Rocket Dog belt giveaway?

Well, if the opportunity slipped by you, or you didn’t win, now’s your chance!

We’re giving away the same Rocket Dog belt with the purchase of any Rocket Dog shoe. And lucky you, Solestruck.com has a huge selection of popular and hard-to-find Rocket Dog styles.

So hurry! The offer is good as long as supplies last, and they’re going fast!

Remember those little find-the-differences puzzles you played when you were a kid? Well, we all know that awesome brogues are totally in right now, but please…list the differences in the two above shoes.

Recently, I’ve been seeing a lot of brogues booties, which are great, but when adding the element of the flat heel, they look suspiciously like something from Little House on the Prairie.

Now, take it or leave it, the resemblance is uncanny. Right? I mean, there’s the curvature of the pinking and the brogues design, the minimal heel, the lace-up vamp. Further, even, is the mid-rise top, making this look very much part of the ankle boot category.

So, now my loverlies…what do you think? Is the Jeffrey Campbell Berry tres chic, or is it a little too, well, pioneering?

And now for part deux of the how-to-wear-your-boots tutorial.

I luuuurrrrve tall boots. They’re totally versatile, and I think they just about always make an outfit extra chic.

Whomever said denim skirts can’t be chic are sorely mistaken. Not only do I wear mine all the time (okay, that’s not the best example), but they can be dressed up or dressed down.

Go for a timeless Americana or naughty secretary look by pairing an exquisitely cut denim pencil skirt (front buttons are always tres fab!) that hits right below the knee with super-tall slinky boots, like the Jeffrey Campbell Flawless, one of my favorite boots this season.

I also love to wear denim skirts with tailored button-downs, topped off with a cozy sweater. Do you love those boots? I totally do!

Is this winter going to be especially chilly for you? Want to stay bundled up? Go for Eskimo chic…something totally comfy and furry and warm, yet super stylish.

Start with a pair of Sugar Parka Boots. With a modest wedge, you’ll gain a little height. And a furry lining and button-up shaft add major texture (not to mention warmth!). Boots like these are meant to be shown off. Try these bad boys with a pair of skinny jeans tucked inside the shaft for a pretty sleek look.

Then get your warm on! Layer, layer, layer. A soft turtleneck underneath a sweet cable-knit sweater will keep you toasty fireside, while a thick yet tailored parka jacket combined with glittens and a comfy hat will ensure your warmth when playing snowbunny.

All right, kids. For the sake of brevity, let me be candid and say I AM NOT A FAN OF LEGGINGS. Seriously, people. WTF? First it was just the plain leggings. Okay. Then people wearing leggings with nothing covering them (these bad boys are just as revealing as pantyhose). And then, to make matters worse, came the LATEX leggings. Uggh.

That said, certain leggings, worn properly, can be used in lieu of tights, and can be a much warmer alternative. Wear them with a flowy dress and a pair of cool concealed-wedged boots like the 80%20 May and you have a lovely and classy ensemble.

I like the bold red of the dress and lipstick along with the downplayed monochromatic palette of blacks and greys, echoed in the acrylic flower ring, and the sassy zebra-print belt.

So there you have it! Go wear some boots now.

-Danielle

That’s right, homies. By special request, I’m going to put together possible outfits to go with your winter boots. Now, I’ll make no bones about it–I am not a stylist. Despite my unhealthy shoe obsession, most days I roll out of bed, wear whatever’s clean, and then get my butt to work. That’s not to say that I don’t have an eye for textures and shapes, but let’s just put it this way: I would be a terrible candidate for a What I Wore sort of blog.

Now that my disclaimers are over, here are some of my recommendations for types of clothing that you can wear with boots.

Part I will cover ankle booties and “shooties” (shoe-bootie-thingamajiggers), and Part II (tomorrow) will cover tall boots.

So, here it is.

Don’t laugh.

And feel free to offer critique or other suggestions.

Do you love a cute vintage look? Put together this runway-ready look with a base of cool open-toed brogues stilettos like the Report Ellis. Combined with a flowy and tuelley skirt and bold colors and soft cardigans, you’ve got an adorably timeless look. Top it off with a coolly feathered headband for an extra-whimsical air.

One of my truly fashionably gutsy friends has this great pair of flat ankle booties she wears with everything. And by everything, I mean her fabulous collection of Anthropologie dresses, because that’s what she mostly wears.

These BC Mixmasters sort of resemble this comfy, flat style of boot. Do you totally love the wrap-around and tie shaft?? So it’s girly, but still a little rough-’n'-tumble around the edges. Soften it up! Pair it with something unexpected, like a flowy dress and bolero, sheer polka-dot tights, and golden jewelry.

Finally, sometimes it’s easy to underestimate the gorgeousness and class of a simple outfit with few pieces. This runway look features a poofy bridesmaid/cocktail dress and patent ankle booties.

To duplicate this look, try on a pair of the Steve Madden Vulture stiletto shooties. Then show off your legs with a short and gauzy silk or satin cocktail-length dress. While this is definitely a more formal, evening look, it’s a fabulous twist to stray away from the normal strappy sandals. The closed-foot ankle boot mixes it up and adds extra texture.

STAY TUNED for tomorrow’s sets on tall boots.

-Danielle

Who doesn’t like couture? If not to wear, at least to look at, right?

Well, if some of the cool styles lately have really gotten under your skin lately, have no fear! Solestruck is here! You, too, can dress your best and not break your bank (or your ankles).

Recently, we got in a slew of new Oh Deer! shoes. If you’ve been following this blog or my vlog for a while now, you’ll know how gaga I am for this brand. From their gutsy sparkle numbers to their funky flats, their designs just, well, rub me the right way.

The new batch really was no different. Glitter galore (of course!), and lots of shiny shoes that are so sculptural, they belong in a MET exhibit. One did catch my eye, though. The Oh Deer! Strata is a wonder to behold. With a super-swirly, super-glossy patent upper, this sandal is definitely full of style. To top things off, this open-toed sandal pump has a cool and thick heel post, that’s uber-trendy with a geometric-displaced look and metallic detailing.

Recently, I was perusing blogs, and I happened to come across the Alaia brand. One particular shoe–a stiletto with a black swirling upper–caught my attention. This looked strikingly like the Oh Deer! version (or is it the other way around?). But going for around $1,195 (if you can find them–this shoe is from last season), you might want to opt out. Or go for the Oh Deer! Strata with strikingly similar features. It’s only $199.95–a fraction of the couture price–at Solestruck.com.

Happy shopping!

AND GO VOTE!

-Danielle

If you’re cracking down on your retail therapy this year, and find yourself needing just one pair of boots to last you all season, have no fear!

It’s totally possible to freshen up your boots without shelling out a fortune, and without giving in to another pair of shoes.

I recently came across a piece of genius–fashionable bootstraps by The 2 Bandits. These gals mix the best of jewelry, vintage fabrics, and Western-inspired style to create unique slip-proof straps to wrap around your boots to both tighten the shaft and add major flair.

Some of my favorites include the Solids collection, which uses solid fabric as the strap, with brass charms in front. I particularly enjoy the Revolver. Several other styles include suspender-like straps that fall beneath the tightened strap for extra detail and pizazz, like the Gretel.

But these straps won’t go incredibly well with boots that are already bejeweled. I’d recommend a basic boot that goes well with many outfits and is simple. Try the Sugar Hopstop ($84.95), the 80%20 May ($194.95), or the DKNY Lotta Shine ($204.95), all available now at Solestruck.com.

These boots are fab because they are incredibly versatile with solid colors and timeless silhouettes. Order a pair today, and wear ‘em all winter!

-Danielle

Who doesn’t love a great pair of socks? And while I can’t speak with 100 percent certainty, I’ve got a hunch that we all (okay, most of us) have that secret pair of socks with purple frogs on them. Or rainbows. Or Winnie the Pooh.

Bygones.

Anyway, one of the hot trends has been wearing eccentric stockings with schmancy shoes. If done right, it can be quite smashing, really. One excellent store to get some awesome socks is Portland’s Sock Dreams. You’ll be overwhelmed by their stellar selection, and if you’re lost, here’s a quickie guide to pairing socks and shoes.

The first style I totally dig is pairing a lacey anklet stocking with a shiny contrast pump.

When I first saw Sock Dreams’s ruffly lace ankle sock, I fell in love. The gothic yet delicately Victorian style drew me in, and I loved the ruffles (Lolita-esque, no?). I immediately knew it should be shown off with a bright peep-toed pump.

And what better to pair it with than a sassy Betseyville Lani pump in bright red patent, for only $74.95 on Solestruck.com. I think that the simple glossy upper along with the acrylic faux-buckle meld perfectly with the timelessness of the sock, giving you ultimately a modern and edgy look.

Here’s some more food for thought: You’ve heard of  no-socks, but have you ever seen half-socks?? Adorable, unique, and functional, these bad boys are perfect for clogs, or any sort of open-backed shoe that you’d ideally not be wearing socks with.

They’d go great with the fabulous Dansko Merrie (only $114.95 on Solestruck!), especially if you plan to wear a skirt or capris. These half socks will protect your foot, as well as keeping your shoes dry and clean, but giving the appearance of a bare foot.

Finally, another sock favorite is hands-down the knee-high stocking, and Sock Dreams has them in troves!

I personally adore pinks or blues with brown. It’s a girly and fresh color combination, and makes even cuter socks, like the Pink Knees.

And as a Catholic school alumna, I proudly support the innocent schoolgirl look (ha!). These over-the-knee stockings would look adorable with a lovely brown flat or mary jane, like the Steve Madden Liraa, which just so happens to be both! For $74.95, you can basically get two shoes! The coolly ruched suede upper can be worn as either a skimmer, or, swing the convertible strap from the heel to across the ankle for an ever-so-sweet mary-jane look. A perfect pair with these striped stockings.

So what are you waiting for?

Time to sport your socks!

And send me your favorite sock-and-shoe pairings (photos or otherwise) to danielle@solevoice.com.

-Danielle

Alright, so short story.

I went to grade school with Michael Cassidy. Yes, the “heartthrob” who’s had roles on The OC (remember Summer’s pre-Seth boyfriend Zach, anyone?), Smallville, and the movie Zoom.

I didn’t know him very well (he was maybe two years ahead of me?), but damn when I found out he got a role on The OC, I went home, scoured my closet, and pulled out a sixth-grade yearbook that he’d signed (we were both in the play Annie…he was Daddy Warbucks, and I was the snotty orphan Pepper) and showed all my friends.

So when my sister and I heard from his dad that he’d be in another pilot series this fall, we of course had to watch.

In Privileged, he plays the best friend of lead Megan. And while it’s kind of fun seeing someone I “know” and shared a driver’s ed course with (no joke), Cassidy wasn’t really what caught my eye the first episode.

It was Megan’s shoes.

Yup. That’s how much of a nerd I am.

I see her walking around fancy schmantzy Palm Beach, Florida, wearing dainty little plaid sneakers. And I think to myself, “Those look like Rocket Dogs.”

Well, my incredibly keen observations were confirmed when, at the end of the opening credits, a desk was shown with a computer, and Megan’s criss-crossed feet wearing the Rocket Dog Zombie.

While Solestruck.com has this style in limited sizes (it was uber-popular and is almost sold-out!), there are a few other similar options if you’re jonesin’ to emulate your favorite TV character this season.

For something strikingly alike, and in a fanciful array of colors, check out the Rocket Dog Snippy, for only $34.95 on Solestruck.com. It’s still made of ultra-comfy fabric, and has a flat and flexible sole, and contrast piping around the borderlines. Really, the only difference beside the color is the extended, straight-across toe cap, which is rather subtle.

Another option is the Rocket Dog Zebra, for only $44.95 on Solestruck.com. The toe cap and accentuated sole border matches that of the Zombie, yet the fabric is variated slightly with a fun “jazzercize” striped design, and a logo patch on the side panel. But again, it’s a great look-alike.

Hope you love these casual shoes! And check out the show…if nothing else, for the lavish fashion featured each week.

-Danielle

You’ve seen the videos (1 and 2).

You’ve read about it on our blog.

It’s the moment I know all you secret male followers have been waiting for: the launch of Solestruck’s men’s section.

While Solestruck is still predominantly a destination for women’s footwear, we hope that our unique selection of men’s shoes will make the boutique a draw for fashionistas and fashionistos alike.

Our men’s shoes include exclusive and sleek brands like Gant, Maruti, Ted Baker, and PLSTK, and styles range from the uber-casual and comfortable skate sneaker to patent brogues. So no matter your taste, Solestruck men’s will satisfy your footwear needs.

After making the decision to expand to include men’s styles, the challenge was generating the right product. Our goal is to give you a wide selection of brands and styles that you won’t be able to find at any department store–to give you something that not everyone has–to make you a trendsetter and not a follower.

So whether you’re purchasing a pair of slick loafers for yourself, or you’re a gal wanting to complete her significant other’s outfit, we hope to provide you with products that make you feel special…and not canned.

Welcome…to a new era in online shopping!

Welcome to the expanded Solestruck!

-Danielle

PS: Happy weekend, people!!