Next fall, Christian Louboutin will be introducing 8″ inch platform shoes to adoring fans around the world. According to Louboutin, “I hear they can be painful but women keep asking for them.”

Even Manolo Blahnik, of SATC fame, is designing heels in the upper stratosphere. While most of his heels stand tall at the 3-4″ inch mark, reports are that Blahnik’s 6″ inch heels, which were newly introduced this year, already make up 30% of his business (Note: I’m somewhat doubtful of this. I cannot find ANY 6 inch Manolos on Saks and Neimans and I suspect these two department stores account for much of his sales).

Now, I have a hard time walking in shoes with 3+ inch heels and maybe 4 inchers if the shoes sit on a platform. When I do wear high heels, I am not hiking great distances as I’m trying to look good, not run a marathon. I’m willing to endure for the sake of beauty and fashion. But, these ridiculous heel heights are where I draw the line. I will not risk an embarrassing fall, endanger my body, or wear something so utterly impractical, even if it will make me stand as tall as a model.

Readers, let me ask you. Would you wear 8 inch stilettos? Or have you also seen the peak of shoe heights and, like the stock market, think what goes up will come down too? I’d love to hear your thoughts.

Before you weigh in, for a little perspective and visualization purposes, these stunning and sexy Louboutin Altadama Pumps ($995 at Saks) in exotic watersnake have 5 1/4″ heels.

And all my shoe sympathies go out to this poor model who fell not just once but twice (make sure you catch the end of the video) in a span of 24 seconds.

Sources: WSJ and TheAustralian

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Whenever I wear a pair of pointy-toed shoes or boots, as I did this past weekend, my husband is prone to making comments along the lines of “Well, I can see which boots you’ll be wearing on Halloween.” This type of none-too-subtle witch reference is not lost on me. There are even those who categorically hate all pointy-toed shoes and use the phrase ‘Witch shoes’ dismissively. As for me, I simply shrug off any negativity regarding this classic style - as would anyone who has ever been lulled by the siren call of the perfect pair of pointy pumps. That perfect pair of witch pumps works its own spell on you so that you are unable to resist their particular charm.

Here’s to being the best-dressed witch in the neighborhood.

Manolo, Armani, and Weitzman, Oh My.

Manolo Blahnik Buckled Bootie $765 at Neiman Marcus

Manolo Blahnik Buckled Mary Jane $775 at Neiman Marcus

Manolo Blahnik Bow Pump $735 at Neiman Marcus

Georgio Armani d’Orsay Bootie $745 at Neiman Marcus

Stuart Weitzman ‘Mega’ Bootie $325 at Zappos.com

So many sweet pretties. *Cackle*

Okay, now that I’m back to Earth and off my broomstick, my Never Pay Retail budget tendencies are kicking in. So, here are a few somewhat more affordable alternatives for those of you currently situated in more of a bargainista than fashionista mode.

Daniblack ‘Viceroy’ Bootie Pump $112.50 $150.00at Zappos.com

Carlos by Carlos Santana ‘Vintage’ $78.00 at Zappos.com

In the end, I’m very tempted to grab these truly funky NYLA Knee-high Boots.

NYLA Janette $97.18 $190.00 at 6pm.com

I’ll get you, my pretties.

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It’s been a while since we’ve done one of these so let’s have a shoe showdown. Who wore Manolo Blahnik’s slingback peep toe bootie ($755 at Bergdorf Goodman) best - Hilary Duff or Becki Newton?

And since we’re in a recession here, instead of the $755 Manolo pricetag, Michael Kors has a similiar peep toe bootie (minus slingback) for a more palatable price of $149 plus Nordstroms is currently running a promo where it ships for free.

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Just when I was feeling quite proud of myself for foregoing the plethora of sales over the past few weeks, including Nordie’s infamous anniversary sale which I passed by a number of times on my way to the chiropractor, I have to admit my resistance is withering. The causes of my weakness? Let me count them.

Within my top 3 list of shoe brands I’d like to own are shoes by Taryn Rose, who is Jitterbugbaby’s patron saint of lovely and comfortable shoes. And wouldn’t you know it, HauteLook is having a sale on Taryn Rose shoes. The sale ends 24 hour, which doesn’t seem like a lot of time, but it means 24 x 60 x 60 = 86,400 seconds for me to cave in and push the “add to bag” button on the Taryn Rose Daphne oil slick wedges, which now cost $175 instead of $450 (65% off!) and the Taryn Rose Bianca, now $150 instead of $425.

NineWest is sorely tempting with a 50% off sandals sale. I’d love to duel with Russell Crowe in these orange gladiators for $39.99.

Shopbop.com isn’t much better. They are offering an additional 20% off their sale merchandise using coupon code BONUS20, which as Galligator pointed out, expires on August 7th. Even though I wouldn’t know what to wear with these eye-popping green Marc by Marc Jacobs spectator pumps, I’m still quite partial to them, especially at the price of $112, down from the original price of $470, which is what Zappos still has them priced at.

On the high end, Neiman Marcus is having an end of season clearance sale for an additional 33% off making these Manolo’s cost $309.

See what I mean? Temptation lies around every corner (and website).

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Shipping is also free with code–so what I’m saying is, that’s a good opportunity to save on gorgeous Manolos, cheeky Pradas, sassy Guccis, and other similar fashion weaknesses you might have. Here’s a selection of my favorites:

Manolo Blahnik Leopard Sting Ray sandals, now $308 (down from $685):

Manolo Blahnik Scalloped Patent sandals, now $308 (down from $685):

Prada Wavy T-Strap sandals, now $257 (down from $570):

Tod’s Malibu sandals, now $164 (down from $365):

Giorgio Armani ankle-strap flats, now $191 (down from $425):

Christian Louboutin stretch metallic ballerina, now $234 (down from $520):

Oscar de la Renta ballerina mini wedge, now $233 (down from $555):

Sizes are, of course, limited, so you’d better hurry. Happy bargain hunting, shoe lovers!

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