I know, I know.  Most of the men-folk who would actually benefit from a not-so-subtle guide to Valentine’s Day gifts for their shoe-loving sweeties are likely preoccupied by today’s big game. And yes, I know many women will be watching, too (the Superbowl, for those truly unaware few out there today).

But, I am making the effort nonetheless. Call it a public service. If the half-time ads are particularly unimpressive, at least you’ll have today’s online shoe-break covered. And, if you can get your sweetie to take a peek and perhaps start thinking shoes rather than roses and chocolate, I call that situation a shoe-diva win.

Luckily, the staff over at YOOX have gone out of their way to find every red, pink, purple, or heart-themed shoe currently offered at the site.

The majority of these, whether the subtle, heart-shaped peep-toe, or the not-so-subtle heart appliques, come to us from the creative mind of Marc Jacobs. However, please notice that both Gucci & Prada have at least one entry into this whole ‘Heart and Sole’ fantasy.

Is a statement shoe announcing “Happy Valentine’s Day” to the world with every flashy step the shoe for you?

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Now that the 2010 Sundance Film Festival has ended and I’m back home, everyone asks me if I saw Robert Redford. I did indeed! Each year he surprises me with his style. Last year, he wore a beret to the opening day press conference and this year he wore a western-inspired ensemble. And that hair! Oh my!

At some point during the festival, I picked up a Sundance catalog. The outfit on the front cover (peasant blouse, cardigan, and skinny jeans tucked into low boots) intrigued me, and the catalog is actually rather awesome! In addition to clothes, jewelry, and furniture, Sundance sells some great shoes!

Here are some of my favorites courtesy of Mr. Redford:

These are the boots that I loved on the cover of the catalog. Shay boot for $148.

I’m always looking for new ballet flats and I love how fun the big bow is on this pair. Bella Ballerina flats for $128.

I am dreaming of a summer spent on the beach and am loving gold sandals right now! I think I’m going to buy these shoes! Cassandra sandals for $128.

These suede sandals are so cute and high! Angelique sandals for $98.

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This style, similar to the Gattaz, was on sale for $250.

But it was really this boot, on sale for $300, that I fell for. With a suede upper part of its upper and a leather lower portion, a diagonal buckle, fine, precise stitching, the sirenesque color and a practical wedge, it was a practical stunner with the best of many worlds.

Unfortunately, I just didn’t think it looked as dynamite on.

At least, not $300 dynamite. Good construction, average looks when on.

Here is a similar pair or Arches online for sale on Ebay.

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Though I wasn’t able to find the shoes below online, you can purchase them at your local Pucci store. If you’re buying Pucci in-store, I’m guessing you don’t need to worry that much about prices, and I’m jealous!

What do you think of the whole black and white graphic look? It’s got an element of tough and punk.

These black and white open toe graphic pumps are my fave that I’ve ever seen at Pucci. Love them! Very hip and fun and clean.

Not such a fan of the prissy-punk-in-white-patent look, but they’re kinda fun with a white stocking for a monochromatic look. Now if only someone would invent stockings so strong that they’ll never run when worn with open toe shoes or peep toe pumps!

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A ton of money goes into ad campaigns as the fashion industry tries to convince us to purchase their product.  The US fashion industry alone spent $144 billion on advertising last year.   Several lines have released some of their ads for Spring and Summer 2010.   Some are great, some are not. Let’s have a look.

Balenciaga

Cesare Paciotti

Jimmy Choo

I am weary of the pouting, leggy girl, wearing nothing more than lingerie, heels and a come hither look, sitting or laying on a sofa/chair, with soft focus.  Virtually every shoe, handbag, fragrance, lingerie, and cosmetic advertisement features at least three of these components.  Snore.

Alexander McQueen’s ad is visually striking.  It took me a while to find the shoes, then the girl.  It’s a great ad, but the only thing I see is snakes.

Humor in ads almost always attracts me, which is why this Giuseppi Zanotti is one of my favorites.  I can’t decide which is cuter, the boy or the shoe.

If the product is not attractive, such as the Alexander McQueen or Balenciaga shoes, then a striking advertisement will make no difference.  I’m not buying it.  With the Paciotti and Choo shoes, the ad is tiresome, but it does let me get a look at the shoes.  The Zanotti ad is able to feature a shoe and not annoy me.  That boy is SO cute.  It does it’s job.  Which ads work for you, which ones don’t?

Update:  Here’s Chanel’s Spring 2010 which was shot by Karl Lagerfield.

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