Last time I scored a pair of designer shoes on deep discount, I talked about how I have a tendency to give my shoes nicknames.

Well, I’ve done it again.  Because while poking around through a designer consignment shop this weekend, I stumbled upon these unworn wedges by Shoesense’s great guru, Robert Clergerie.

I’m afraid all the various leather loops don’t quite come through in the photos, but suffice it to say that there are enough of ‘em to have earned these shoes the nickname “The Dominatrix.”  I have a great weakness for shoes with ties around the ankle (I’ve got 4 pair that I can think of off the top of my head), and I’ve been loving the recent trend toward fetish-inspired dominatrix type shoes.  But I’m not about to go around in a 6 inch spike stiletto, so when I saw these, their siren song was too irresistible to disregard.

And so, for a mere $160, they came home with me.  I’m not sure how much they were originally, but his sandals can easily run over $500, and these whipped me into obedient purchasing so thoroughly that I’m content not to know exactly how much of a bargain they were.

See… they’ve already lived up to their new nickname.  Do I love The Dominatrix shoes?  Yes.  Yes what?!  Yes, ma’am!

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This issue of Ask the Shoebloggers comes from a friend of mine with a dilemma that’s got to do with a very of the moment trend.

What kind of (hopefully comfy) shoes look best with the now-trendy
wide-trouser-leg pants? I have a pair of nice wide jeans/slacks, and
I’m always worried I look a little Saturday Night Fever-ish if I wear
close-toed shoes or platforms–but I can’t wear flats because they’re
too long.

First off, I have to say that I support the trouser jean trend. Sure, you have to be careful about the high-waisted aspect, but it’s so much more flattering on so many more people than the horrible skinny jeans that are still unfortunately making the rounds on many more legs than they should be.

I, too, have bought a pair of trouser jeans, which I love, and I specifically had them tailored with a little extra length, so when I wear them, it’s got to be with heels or platforms of some sort.

Here are a few solutions I go for, illustrated with shoes that are close to (if not exactly) ones that are sitting in my closet.

First off, there’s the dainty look with a low wedge (which, for me, means 2″ or less). Or really any wedge, since if you want to go for more height, a wedge is a fairly comfy way to do it.

To avoid Saturday Night Fever, stick to something that doesn’t have a platform. Here are two pairs that have just been/are about to be added to my collection that I’m already planning on pairing with the trouser jeans.

Ecco Durango ($140), which is a good option to transition from one season to another.

or

Taryn Rose Kaelyn ($445), which is a more warm-weather choice, particularly if you opt for the leafy green color.

I’ve been pairing my trouser jeans with boots for the past few months while the weather’s still been cold. Everything from a 2″/2.5″ heel, sleek sort of boot like the Kenneth Cole Kiss Hello ($110)

to the classic cowboy boot (a good sturdy, comfy way to get a couple inches of height). Mine are Lucchese, similar to the N4540 pictured here, and on sale right now for $263 at Shoes.com.

Also fun would be sticking a pair of Camper Twins under your trouser jeans. Since just the toes will peek out from under the wide legs, I’m all in favor of those toes being interesting and different. I’m all about these Peacock heels ($165), which also come in another color combo that you can get directly from the Camper website.

Pretty much, I’d say almost anything goes. Just stay away from platforms, yes, because the 70s are over. Closed-toe shoes should be fine, as long as there’s something interesting going on with the toe (see above examples: stitching, buttons, open-toe, multi-color appliques). That should keep your inner disco diva confined to her proper place where she can keep you going all night on the dance floor instead of looking like you’re missing your John Travolta.

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Comfortable low-wedge peep-toes in patents or metallic are so hotttt right now it makes me wanna throw my panties at them. You drive me wild with desire, low peep-toe wedges! Few things turn me on like well-designed, relatively well-priced, trendy, pretty shoes. Throw in some Nike Air technology and I’m hooked.

Ok, so this Cole Haan Air Elly OT ballet is not exactly the most original design, but OMG, it’s so practical and cute and comfy and coming in all sorts of fun colors, that–INSTANT LOVE! My favorite colors are the metallic pink and (are you surprised?) the yellow:

The can be found at Zappos for $189 (limited colors) or at ColeHaan.com for $185 (plus S+H). Oh, and while you’re there, check the matching patent wristlets–too cute!

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Susan’s recent comment put me in mind to search out some of the best options for comfortable and supportive shoes for spring that don’t compromise on style, specifically flats with a bit of a wedge. Well, she asked, and I’m answering. Comfort and style is what we’re all about here at Shoeblog, after all. Here are some adorable and foot-soothing choices.

Aquatalia by Marvin K makes plenty of fun and supporting shoes that are often weather-proof, too. Check out the Wizzy in this pretty multi-tonal gold color. Metallics are in this spring. Jump on that trend with these business casual loafers.

I’ve talked about the Bazaar wedge from Natural Comfort before, and I still maintain that it’s a stylish and sleek shoe that will make your feet happy even at the end of the day.

The black is on sale for only $65 at heels.com and the teal and raspberry are still at Zappos.

If you feel like shelling out for a pair that are bound to bring style and support, and you don’t mind lifting up a bit more (only to 2″), then go for the Anyi Lu Soleil with its cute quilted wedge and Poron insole.

Or the sleek Anne from Nota Bene that I can tell you from personal experience is incredibly comfortable even at the end of a day of walking.

Looking to get your stylish support with a little less pull on the wallet? Try Aerosoles’ Printz Charming, which comes in a bunch of colors, including this pretty red and brown combo.

Or go trendily metallic with their Clean Slate in silver or gold.

There’s always Cole Haan’s line with Nike Air technology, which, this season, is offering the sleek and classically stylish Air Genie in black and ivory patent (ivory shown here) and this pretty brown metallic, too.

There are some options to get you started. Of course, spring has barely begun (at least, in my neck of the woods), and there are several glorious months ahead to find that Holy Grail of Footwear: the stylish and supportive shoe. They do exist!

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Thank goodness for Givenchy, who rescues the wedge from the wave of oblivion it faced from most of the other designers this past week in Paris, and restores it to its shiny, implacable height. Patents, golds, straps, and an inward-turning angle is what makes the Givenchy footwear collection for Fall 2008, with mixed results, in my opinion (for example I believe that the first one shown here, a black patent ankle peep-toe bootie with  superfluous straps, is downright ugly, whereas the last gold strappy wedge is rather cool).

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