I’ve just read somewhere that ‘leather soles are so out.’ Are they? I always thought of ‘vero cuoio,’ all-leather soles as the distinctive mark of high quality shoes. However, I can’t deny that a leather sole is rather thin and can potentially be hard on the feet when you pound the pavement. It’s probably why some retailers believe in the return of the rubber sole. I see nothing wrong with that, especially when the results look like this:

The Calvin Klein ‘Cece’ flat ($70 at Nordstrom’s), with a gum sole and metallic or patent leather upper (also available in gold and black) sports chic peep-toe styling with low-cut, streamlined lines and plenty of cushioning for your dainty tootsies. The price is also a winner–I, for one, am sold!

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Looking at these platform shoes, I thought I was looking at a prototype of a shoe employing the latest technology out there. The shoe includes features such as:

• Audible alarm system
• GPS system
• LCD monitor to help attract attract
• Speakers

But it’s the way these shoes were marketed that caught by eye.

The Aphrodite Project Team is pleased to announce the launch of Platforms, a new line of footwear specifically designed for sex work. Platforms are both an homage to Aphrodite and her prostitute-priestesses as well as a practical tool for the contemporary sex worker. With Platforms, we have created a seamlessly integrated system of shoes and online services. Our shoes use the latest technology to bring sex workers on par with other public workers, whose lives are valued highly because they work in dangerous professions that serve the needs of the community.

WTF? Other features include a panic button you can push to alert local sex right groups or the police. The buyer of these shoes can also blog and share their problem clients with other colleagues. Frankly, I think these shoes might attract the wrong type of attention and cause more harm than good but then again, I’m not in the industry so what do I know. What do you think - help for one of the oldest trades in the world or just a weird and unmarketable shoe?

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Marc Jacobs has had a lot of fun with zippers lately–see this denim slingback, currently on sale at Bloomingdales for $132:

or this zipper-detailed sandal , half-off ($217) at Net-a-porter:

However, it’s this shoe that stole my heart:

This Marc Jacobs ‘Arizona’ ruby patent flat with zipper flower on the vamp hits the spot in all the right places–delicious shiny patent, rich fun color, funky detailing. It’s $345 at Plaza Too.

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Fall is in the air, as evidenced by the 800-page Fall Fashion editions of about just every fashion magazine in town. You know what that means, no? Plush velvets and rich suedes, hardy tweeds and sophisticated leathers, warm earthtones and vibrant autumnal shades.

Whatever your take on fall fashion, don’t forget to accessorize with the most striking, most spectacular shoes you can find–they’re in high demand these days. The New York Times style section editorializes about the importance of a head-turner piece in your wardrobe, which will make everybody look. Such as these sumptuous, architectural velvet wedges from Catherine Malandrino, also available in a variety of materials and colors:

Now, that’s how to make a fashion statement–and a grand entrance, if I dare say! They’re $500 in Catherine Malandrino stores.

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Shoes that are comfortable, cute, and affordable? Seems like an oxymoron yet Piperlime has a bunch of Taryn Rose shoes (aka queen of comfort shoes) on sale that are priced around $100. Pricematch to Zappos for even more savings and to receive free overnight delivery so you can wear these shoes this weekend.

Taryn Rose Olympia ( Sizes 6.5 and - A low stable heel and red accents to spiff up the black outfit.

• Piperlime price: $122
• Zappos price after pricematch: $122 - ($281-$122/10) = $106

Taryn Rose Deanna (Only size available for pricematch: size - Love the cream flower on the vamp!

• Piperlime price: $131
• Zappos price after pricematch: $131 - ($525-$131/10) = $91

Taryn Rose Reba (Sizes 6, 8, 9, 9.5) - This is a great transition shoe for the fall with the orangle accents and buckle and brown leather.

• Piperlime price: $123
• Zappos price after pricematch: $123 - ($303-$123/10) = $105

Taryn Rose Demetria(Sizes 5, 5.5, 8.5) - Simply basic patent peeptoe pump with Poron insole

• Piperlime price: $115
• Zappos price after pricematch: $115 - ($385-$115/10) = $88

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