Now that the Video Music Awards are over, let’s look at some shoe highlights.

First up, Britney Spears was the apparent darling of the evening; winning 3 awards as well as the approval of fashion critics with this sensational Versace gown and perfectly matching strappy heels. If anyone knows who made these lovely shoes, please let us know.

Jordan Sparks accessorized her flirty Betsey Johnson dress with black Sergio Rossi sandals. ($695 Net-a-porter.com)

I love Miley Cyrus’ whole look. This cute cocktail dress is perfectly matched by what appears to be the Michael Kors ‘Berkley’ gladiator sandal ($128.95 Nordstrom.com).

And what Red Carpet would be complete without a classic pair of Christian Louboutin Stilettos, worn here by Ciara? At a guess, these look to be at least a 120mm heel height. You can come very close to this look with the 110mm Decollette ($575 Net-a-porter.com).

These Yves Saint Laurent Tribute Platforms ($995 Saks.com) worn by Lindsay Lohan are fantastic. Unfortunately they may not be enough to save her in this strangely puckered dress.

I’m not really a fan of Heidi Montag’s off-the-shoulder shift-dress. However, these ankle boots look suspiciously like the Gucci Fall-Winter 2008 Babouska Studded Ankle Boots. A woven version is available online ($1195 Saks.com in black; $1295 pre-order in gold leather at Neimanmarcus.com)

Finally, I don’t hate Tara Conner’s black and white outfit, but it seems almost too conservative for the VMA. However, these Chloe Peep-toe Leather Shoe Boots ($387 Clearance at Net-a-Porter) are one fantastic and trendy set of kicks.

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Sometimes maybe no words are necessary. Wandering around the West Village yesterday, I came across a small unassuming shoe store. Nestled on a mostly residential (and definitely very high end) corner of the village, it glowed with the subtly expensive air of a fine boutique that knows it doesn’t have to advertise. And it’s a good thing too, because in fact, it doesn’t. There is no obvious sign broadcasting that it is one of the premiere purveyors of fine footwear in the world. No placard detailing just how they’ve made those shoemakers’ elves look bad. After lurking suspiciously around the store for a few minutes, puzzling on this and shooting the photo below, I noticed a tiny gold-stenciled sigh on the door, bearing their name. The moral of the story: if you are Christian Louboutin, less is apparently more.

I admit that the photo might be a tiny bit crooked, but that doesn’t mask the utter lack of signage. Now, I will admit that stores that refuse to put up signs stating their name and purpose irritate me. It gives the whole store a members-only kind of feel. I feel similarly about the ones where you have to be buzzed in if you want to shop. Let’s face it, your average boutique doesn’t have much clout. Come on people, you want more people to buy stuff, not less. Of course, CL doesn’t have this issue as people will buy stuff anyway. And they neatly sidestepped my semi-irrational irritation with their tiny golden sign.

Now that we are on the subject, let discuss a specific pair of Louboutin’s. Here are the celebrity favorite Orlan Double Platform T-Strap in red suede.

I love these. Note the slightly gladiator design that caters to the trend without buckling to it. Note the graceful sweeping lines, the thicker ankle strap, the tiny peep-toe. And I am not alone. Heidi Klum wore these to major events not once, but twice, in black.

On the left, see Frau Seal on her way to the Peabody Awards. Note the almost symphonic pairing of the geometric dress with fabulous geometric shoes. And on the right, she is posing for the Project Runway Season 5 promos. Clearly these shoes are loved. If you too love them enough to spend $885 dollars, pick them up at saks.com.

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People Magazine gives us the scoop on these glittery heels Cate Blanchett donned at Australia’s Helpmann Awards: they are “a pair of limited edition Roger Vivier Limelight America platform heels with sequined star detail and Swarovski crystal buckles.” Wait, that’s not the best part: They cost $11,000! Eleven. Thousand. Dollars.

I’m sure they were a gift (really, what self-respecting celebrity would fork that kind of cash for shoes, no matter how fab?). At any rate, it appears Cate also wore them to the premier of her Bob Dylan movie “I’m not here”–so at least she got some mileage out of them!

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While window shopping over at Zappos recently, I was reminded of the rather lackluster footwear choices seen at this years Met Costume Institute Gala. So, while still fresh in my mind, here are some suggestions for footwear that is truly worthy of adorning your own inner super-hero, especially if there is any truth to the whole idea of superhero fashion trends for Fall 2008.

At the top of my list, D-squared2 is simply too perfect with this lightning-bolt heel:

Recently worn by Rihanna, the “Flash 2″ by Dsquared2 are $669 at Zappos.com; It’s the perfect way to indulge your Super side.

If you prefer a more budget-conscious and kitschy option for showing off your Super-hero girl-power, there’s always the campy “Liberty” Go-Go boots offered by Ellie shoes:

Available through Amazon Marketplace shops starting at $42.00.

Now, where do I find a Lasso of Truth?

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 Rihanna’s August photoshoot for In Style features some awesomely fierce shoe choices. Behold:

First up, some uber-tall Louboutins, the epitome of sexy in deep, sinful red suede and towering stiletto heels (the Declic pump, if I’m not mistaken, $685 at Saks):

Next up, some generously-studded open-heel booties from Gucci’s “Babouska” fall line:

And finally, the tallest and fiercest of them all, these eelskin heels from the Emanuel Ungaro fall collection:

…and here’s a close-up:

I’m pretty much convinced that the only thing  you can really do in those heels is lean against a chair, look sexxxy, and hope you won’t tip over. But hey, that’s the whole point, right?

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