Shoe blog

Disco Shoes for New Year’s Eve

With New Year’s parties and celebrations right around the corner, our dear friend Annie wrote to us for help finding fun disco ball shoes:

Hi:

This shoe is the most beautiful and amazing shoe I’ve ever seen:

Luciano Padovan 490.  I can’t seem to find it in my size anywhere (8). There’s also a slingback version that I also couldn’t find it my size.  I would love to see a roundup of something similar or a style recomendation for New Years (or if you know somewhere that has my size, that would be great too).  I want disco balls on my feet!

I would say I’m not willing to pay more than $250, but only if the price is right.

I seem to stumble upon mostly sequin covered round toed pumps that look a little cheap.  What I’m really looking for is that mirrored disco look and hopefully a peep toe.  Tall order, it seems, but I will still be looking.  I might end up going for a glamorous red satin or suede platform peep toe for new years (I want something flamboyant to go with my LBD)?  So any roundup of festive shoes would very much interest me.

Thanks for your help and I really enjoy your blog!

Cheers and Happy Holidays!

-Annie

Dear Annie:

First, I must congratulate you on your good eye.  These shoes would truly be a great way to kick off the New Year.     I’m also fond of the fact that Luciano Padovani’s disco ball shoe balance the classic shape with the fun fun mirrored finished pattern.  The platforms should also help offset the high heel so you aren’t on your tippy toes for the entire night.

Given that I approved of your choice so much, my first instinct is to visit the Luciano Padovani website to see if there is a retailer nearby who carries the shoe.  That way, you’ll be able to try on the shoes and get instant gratification at the same time.

Since the retailers are limited, I tried to look for the exact shoe in your size first.  Like you, I struck out there.   I did find these Luciano Padovani styles from the same family and I’ll include the prices and sizes available.

Luciano Padovani Style 432 is on sale at FootCandyShoes for $247.  Sadly, it only comes in a 6.5, 7.5, and 9.5.  Now, since these are the perfect fit, I would encourage you to try calling FooCandyShoes at 877-517-4606.  Who knows?  Maybe they have a return in a size 8 or they can comment on how the shoe fits.  As shoes notoriously vary in sizes since each model’s foot is different, perhaps this one runs a bit small and you’ll be able to fit in a 7.5

Now, Luciano Padovani Style 2524 is available in your size (8) at FootCandyShoes for $247.  Now, just imagine, if you are open the wearing flats on New Year’s, you’ll be able to party WAAAY into the night with these puppies.

Over at Yoox, there were two styles from Padovan.   Luciano Padovan Buckle Pump comes in your size and a bunch of others too, including 36,37,38,39,40.  At $279, they are a tad over your budget though.

Luciano Padovan Gold Mirrored Slingbacks ($279 at Yoox) are also lustworthy, but only available in 36 and 39.5

Now as far as copy cats go, surprisingly, I could not find any that were remotely similar and lustworthy to me. Therefore, I’ve compiled my list of second tier fun party shoes that will add a little glimmer to your outfit without bankrupting you.

JLo Darcey at Heels.com for $119 (also available in black and gold). Use code HEELQ4AFF for $15 off a $125 purchase.  The code expires on 12/31/08.

The ever fun Betsey Johnson has the Florina for $115 at 6pm.com.  At first glance, I thought this was a snake print, but did you notice the heart shaped patterns.   You can also match some dance floors with the racing  striped heel and sole.    The shoe is in your size right now, but since 6pm stock is sometimes limited, you can always purchase it for $189 at Heels.

LAMB has the Georgina, or what I like to call the shoe with gills for $349.  It is pricey but definitely unique enough to justify the higher price tag.

BCBG Girls’ Constance is $112 at Heels.com.  Remember to use code HEELQ4AFF for $15 off a $125 purchase.  The code expires on 12/31/08.

I can’t believe I’m mentioning this, but Jessica Simpson actually has a decent lineup of shoes.  I can’t speak for the quality since I don’t own a pair, but the styles aren’t too bad.  This Simpson Delsi is $75 at Endless (with free overnight shipping and returns) and I do like the contrast striping along the vamp and ankle.

And this Jessica Simpson Pearla shoe ($49 at Endless with free overnight shipping and returns) is worth mentioning for its crackled metallic mirror texture and the sexy cutout.

Guiseppe Zanotti Patent Pumps is half off at Zappos or $249 at Zappos (they are still full price at Endless).

Good luck, Annie!   And if all else fail, red satin is certainly a great way to make that LBD pop so hopefully you’ll be ready to party until it’s 2-0-0-9 (somehow humming Prince’s “1999″ song doesn’t work here).