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Heel to Toe
Trendwatch 2013: Ankle Strap Heels

There’s something sensual about the high heeled shoe that we just can’t seem to crack. Yet, we’re obsessed. For decades, this shoe style is one that exudes sexiness, style, and fashion. So, when we take the legendary “it” factor of the heel and pair it with an ankle strap style, we have the top shoe style of 2013. Aside from the fact that this style of shoe fits every style and body type, we’ve found other reasons that make this shoe style a #1 style in (our humble, fashionable opinion).

Why is the Ankle Strap Heel the "It" Shoe of 2013? 

Ankle Security and it's Sexy.  

Picture this: You’re walking down the street looking fabulous and suddenly—oomph! --- your heel (without the sexy ankle strap) suddenly fails you, either falling off your foot, or causing you to stumble. Who hasn’t had this happen to them? If you're prone to these types of ankle twisting mishaps, the ankle strap heel might be for you. Heel styles like pumps, slide ins, or wedges without straps are so cute, but they do not come with what we like to call “ shoe security”. The ankle strap heel allows you to have that added foot comfort and security so you don’t have to worry about incurring foot or ankle problems. Dance the night away, power walk to that job interview, or do the “Carrie Bradshaw” trot down 5th Avenue without worrying about your fabulous footwear failing you.

Getting married? This is a great style for brides and bridesmaids alike to wear; as it gives security for the long day ahead of you while also serving as a stunning shoe style for your entire bridal party.

Leaner Legs.
Admit it, as women, we always strive for a leaner, slimmer, and longer figure. This shoe style is perfect for that. The high heel shoe serves as an accessory in itself, often having feminine patterns or trendy colors that give some trendy “pop” that draws attention to those fabulous ankles and heels of yours. But when you add the trendy style of the ankle strap to this shoe, it gives an illusion we just can’t get enough of. 

Celeb Approved.

As with most fashion trends and styles, they originate from a celebrity in the spotlight wearing this style at some fabulous gala or premiere. Late last year at the Teen Choice Awards, we witnessed Hollywood’s most popular ladies strut their stuff down the red carpet in ankle strapped heels. Stylists spotted this new trend and instantly incorporated it into the most fabulous ensembles that inspired and drove fans to purchase these goddess-worthy heels for themselves.  These shoes are worn by celebrities of all ages—from young Disney divas like Miranda Costgrove and Selina Gomeze, to seasoned trend veterans like Sandra Bullock and Jessica Simpson.

Sources: FashionistaBarbie.com, CoolSpotters.com, whatlotspots.blogspot.com, InStyle.com, MyStyle.com 

When to Wear Ankle Strap Heels

When adopting the latest fashion trend, one might ask—when is the right time to wear these shoes!? Good question. The beauty of this style is that they can be worn at various events, depending on the style, color, and height chosen. Choose an ankle strapped heel with an open toe for a night out with the girls; a covered ankle strapped heel for an event or meeting or interview; and break out the ankle strapped wedges for a weekend out at the Hamptons. Worn beautifully with a high-low dress, these shoes elongate, turn heads, and show off your fabulous style.

The ankle strapped heel and all of it’s fabulousness isn’t strutting off the red carpet or runaway anytime soon. Choose the style that best fits your wardrobe, style, and budget and have fun wearing them. We've created a Pinterest Board of our favorite Ankle Strap Heels. Check them out!

 

Clickless High Heel Protectors

What's Your Wedding Shoe Style?

The spring and summer wedding season is fast approaching. Maybe you’ve been planning out every little detail for the past year, or perhaps you’re more of a “go with the flow” last-minute planner. There’s one detail no bride should overlook, and that’s her shoes. While many dresses hide a bride's shoes, it's always fun to pull up that dress and show them off. And there's no doubt in our minds that your shoes are a reflection of you, so do it up right, ladies!

Whatever your wedding shoe style, always be sure to add Clickless to your special day. Not only does Clickless silence and protect your heels, it makes them more comfortable. Hint: Clickless is a great bridesmaid's gift!

So, what's your wedding shoe style?

Chic Wedding Shoes

If you're often described as elegant, and would like your day to feel like something out of an issue of Marie Claire, you'll likely want to choose a high-end brand that fits your style vision for the day. 

Classic Wedding Shoes

If you're looking for a style that is more timeless, opt for a classic style of wedding shoe that is likely white, off white or nude. This is a great choice if you want to look back 10 years from now and not have the look seem too dated.

 

Colorful Wedding Shoes

Your wedding is a reflection of your personality, and you're clearly a colorful person. Choosing a bold color for your wedding shoes is a fun way to express yourself and bring a little life to your day. 

Floral Wedding Shoes

You're a sucker for girly things, aren't you? And who can blame you. Flowers can make anything better, from when your man messes up to when he kisses you on your big day.

Sexy Wedding Shoes

Heels are heels, right? Wrong. Some heels make your feet look drop dead sexy. If your day and style are a little more edgy, choose a sexy wedding shoe to match.

Shiny Wedding Shoes

It's your day, and you should be shining from head to toe. Whether that means shimmer or a shiny patent leather, shine on, you crazy diamond. 

Shabby Chic Wedding Shoes

If your perfect day involves a little lace and maybe some flowers, something nice but not too formal, perhaps you should choose a shabby chic style of wedding shoe.

Sparkly Wedding Shoes

Similar to the "shiny" category, sparkly shoes are for brides who want to sparkle and shine on their big day. It's how you feel, and your attire might as well show it.

Unique Wedding Shoes

So you're a unique fashion type? One of the brave ones who the rest of us envy for your boldness? Then, of course you'll be choosing a unique shoe type to match the one-of-a-kind style for your day. You go, girl.

 Vintage Wedding Shoes

Are you the type who reminisces of days of old? Are you wearing a ring or dress that is a family heirloom? Or perhaps vintage is just your style. Time to go thrift store shopping, Mrs. Macklemore. 

Clickless High Heel Protectors

Nude Stilettos: A Wardrobe Staple

 

From lips to pumps, nude is "the new red". We saw them often at the height of 2012's shoe fashion, and we expect the trend to continue. The versatility of nude stilettos is such that you can easily team them up with formal wear, or turn heads with your feet as you get down on the dance floor. Many women believe that, like red, nude is difficult to pull off. However, we are of the opinion that this is absolutely untrue. Like red, you simply need to find the right shade of nude for you!

Tips for Wearing Nude Stilettos

  • If you’re thinking of trying out the nude stilettos trend, we recommend that you try not to overdo the look. Try to steer clear of teaming up flesh toned dresses with nude pumps and then nude makeup. A dash of color would help break the monotone, unless of course you're aiming for a minimalist look.
  • If you are slightly shorter or apple body shaped, nude stilettos can give the illusion of longer legs. High heeled shoes already make your legs appear longer, but the added nude color blends with your skin tone to effectively add in a few “visual inches”.
  • You can wear nude stilettos all year round. 
  • Even though nude complements every color, pastels work especially well, as seen by Kim Kardashian and Eva Longoria in the image below.

Nude Heels Four Ways
(sources: People.com, FashionWorship.com)

  • When wearing short skirts or dresses, make sure that your legs are waxed, polished and well moisturized before you step in a nude pair of stilettos. Since the color blends in with your skin, you’ll notice those little things more. And you’ll feel more comfortable if your legs are looking their best.
  • Nude stilettos are effortlessly stylish and are a must-have in your shoe wardrobe. However, remember, no matter what color your shoes, you should always protect and silence your heels with a pair of Clickless!

Clickless High Heel Protectors

2012's Best Celebrity Shoe Fashion

Don’t we all wish we could walk in the footsteps of celebrities? Sure, many of us want to be famous, but we're literally talking about their footsteps. With their envious shoe collection, who wouldn’t want to swap places with a fashion forward celeb? I know I would! With 2013 almost here, Clickless is taking a look at the celebrity shoe fashion that made the cut in 2012.

Platform Pumps

Classy and comfortable, you can never go wrong with a pair of platform pumps. Take a cue from Beyoncé, who made a statement with navy and gold striped Marni Mary Jane platform pumps while managing some last minute shopping in NYC.

Striped Pumps

Considering pumps are the LBD (little black dress) of the shoe world, that's not the only time pumps will make the 2012 list. Check out Miley Cyrus’s zebra striped pumps. Let’s ignore the hideous hairdo and apparent lack of a shirt, let alone bra. The zebra pumps salvaged the look for the ex-Disney star at the Billboard Music Awards this year.

 Blade Heel

Everyone from Cameron Diaz to Jennifer Lopez and Kim Kardashian has been spotted wearing the current rage: Casadei blade heels. True to the name, these razor sharp heels are welded into the upper sole of the shoes (basically pumps, yet again) by a durable leather sheath. 

Julianne Hough donned on a pair for the 2012 People’s Choice Awards.

Metallic Shoes

From loafers to pumps, metal was the word in 2012. Shiny shod feet were the rage on the runway and red carpet, with almost every celebrity showing off a pair at one point during the year. Those who chose to play it safe stuck to metallic heels on decadent wedges and strappy sandals, while others went all out in metallic pumps and boots.

First Lady Michelle Obama graced the cover of Condè Nest Traveller in metallic heels.

Cap Toe

Honestly, whether you are a flats-only kind of girl or heels are your BFF, cap toes have been unavoidable this year. Cap toe pumps, sandals, ballerina flats, and even boots work well with every outfit. You can choose to stick to the conventional metal cap toe, or up the ante with studded metal spikes. We predict the cap toe trend will continue well into 2013. Britney Spears wore Yves Saint Laurent cap toe platform pumps for the X Factor party.

Kristen Stewart paired her animal print dress with a metal cap toe at the Louis Vitton Marc Jacob Exhibition

Snake Print

It's not exactly a new trend, but snake prints - especially with a metal tinge - got a revival and caught the eye of a couple of celebs this year. The snake print was one of the hottest fall trends in 2012 and was prominently featured on not just accessories but also dresses and jackets. Blake Lively, who is known for her immaculate fashion sense, got the look right by pairing up a floral mid-thigh skirt and bright fluorescent bag with snake printed shoes in mustard and brown.

Suede Wedges

A classic mixture of elegance, feminism, and comfort, the classic suede wedge can work whether you're off to run a daytime errand or looking to complement your party dress.

Even the duchess of Cambridge couldn’t resist a pair.

High Heeled Boots

As the temps drop and you add layers to your outfit, add in a touch of sensuality with thigh-high heeled boots. Keep your feet happily snug and step out in style. When we think of thigh-high boots, Julia Roberts often comes to our minds, but this year the trend was well embodied by the likes of Rihanna, Jennifer Lopez, Heidi Klum, and Katy Perry.

Jennifer Lopez High Heeled Boots.jpg

What trends will continue and emerge in 2013? Only time will tell! 

Clickless High Heel Protectors

Our Favorite (Big) Places to Shop for Stilettos Online

Shopping online for stilettos definitely has its benefits. You can look at a much wider array of shoes than in any store, and often times, shoe stores have easy or free return policies. Here is a list of our top ten places to buy stilettos online. We know there are many more out there, but we're talking about the big superstore shoe places.

 Top Five (Big) Places to Buy Stilettos Online

1. Heels.com

Heels.com has a bit more of a small company feel than some of the other sites we mention here. They still have great brand variety and amazing customer service, but their design and marketing message is a little more playful than your average corporate store, which we like. We also like that they have a charity shopping feature (shop for the cure)

  • Free Shipping
  • Free Returns
  • Over 140 brands
  • Founded in 2007
  • Based in Charlotte, NC

2. DSW
Definitely one of the behemoths in the world of shoe shopping, DSW stands for Designer Shoe Warehouse. What you'll get is a huge variety, streamlined service, and nice shopping features. A huge benefit of shopping online at DSW is that you can always return and exchange at any nearby store location.

  • Free Shipping
  • Free Exchanges
  • Nearly 350 brands in the Women's department
  • Founded in 1991
  • Based in Columbus, OH

3. Zappos

We all know and love Zappos for their culture and wit, but when it comes to shoes, the most important thing is the bottom line: looking good and not breaking the bank. Zappos isn't exactly the cheapest shoe store on the market, but they have a great variety of really good shoes, and the fact that you can return them for up to a year just can't be beat. 

  • Free Shipping
  • Free Returns (365 Days)
  • 250 brands in Women's heels
  • Founded in 1999
  • Based in Hendersonville, NV

4. Shoes.com

While Shoes.com is another one of those well-rounded, "we have it all" shoe stores, that's not necessarily a bad thing. They have a wonderful search and filter functionality on the site for you to narrow down exactly what you want. Have a vision for your next big fashion statement, but can't find the right shoes to pair? Try Shoes.com.

  • Free Shipping
  • 60 Day Returns (shipping not included)
  • About 100 brands in "very high" heels category
  • Owned by Brown Shoe Co.
  • Based in St. Louis, MO 

5. eBay

The reason we love eBay for shoes might be obvi, but we'll say it anyway: deals. How many times have you bought a pair of shoes and had them sit in your closet for a year before you realized, "I'm never going to wear these"? That's what hundreds of women worldwide are doing right now on eBay Fashion... and you can capitalize on it! 

  • Shipping & Returns depend on seller
  • 50+ brands in high heels
  • Founded in 1995
  • Based in San Jose, CA 

*Bonus* - We also really like Shoedazzle.com. Take a personalized styling quiz, view your showroom, and go shopping!

 

Clickless High Heel Protectors