sexy clogs? why, thank you, burberry!

clogs . . . they are calm, collected, and classic. but are they sexy?

burberry overcomes any doubt you have on the sultriness of this wooden shoe!

with a daring, wide-to-narrow 5" heel, whopping 2" platform, and exquisite leather detail, this is a must-have statement pair for springtime. the chunky beauty is finished off with a gold buckle overlooking the peep-toe, and matching studs embellish the platform's leather outline.

for $550 from sak's, these babies are yours.

and make no mistake about it, you'll certainly be walking tall with these wooden heels. XO!

wow: stud-embellished, jagged, & suede

this suede stud-embellished pump by jeffrey campbell is fierce. it's so unique that it merits careful study, yet it's nude color makes it subtle enough for nearly any ensemble. 

the vamp's jagged edge, paired with a peep toe and the structured panelling design, are unlike any shoe we've come across. indeed, we're thinking jeffrey campbell is a designer to watch. as if all the already-fab features weren't enough, this beauty boasts contrasting silver-tone studs and way-luxe suede covering a stiletto heel and platform.

are you that oddly perfect girl who needs your 'sole' mate? then snag this quickly from farfetch for $192.

walk tall, beauties. we know that you will. 

sparkle indulgence by rene caovilla

who doesn't love to sparkle and shine?? with these rene caovilla sandals you'll be able to indulge any of your glittery cravings!

rene caovilla’s italian designs feature a sparkly surprise: a signature glitter and crystal sole. not like these grey and silver strapped sandals need any more attention, but the studded crystals make sure you’re being seen no matter when or where. worn with any short lbd, you'll be glowing without a doubt!

love sparkle like i do? then treat yourself to some signature sparkle and snag these studded sandals from farfetch.com for $540! 

walk tall and sparkle always, ladies!

ysl & a loafer pump? read on!

this is not your cookie-cutter loafer. this beauty from yves saint laurant is the ‘cardilam’ loafer pump. 

unique in its design, the gold and black contrast is the style statement of the season. the thick 4.25-inch heel adds the perfect amount of height to complement a sleek outfit for work or play! 

get the sophisticated ‘cardilam’ loafer pump in all of its suede beauty for $795 at neimanmarcus.com!

makeup monday: ravishing red lips

whether it’s crimson, burgundy, or scarlet, i strongly believe there is a superb shade of red for each and every woman (yes, that means y-o-u).

we all know that red lips are timeless, sophisticated, and fun. but the benefits don't stop there. in fact, red lips make skin appear clearer and even make teeth look whiter.

so give red lips another try sometime soon. and when you do, remember to finish your red lip look by pairing it with a simple eye.

smile pretty, ladies! your lips look fab-YOU-lous.

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makeup mondays are written by jamie d'agostino, the exclusive makeup artist for nice shoes founder, leigh macdonald. each monday, jamie share makeup tips and tricks on NiceShoesNoDrama.com.

chic grunge by alexander wang

i have always been a fan of the father of "chic grunge," alexander wang. he never fails to find femininity in the most seemingly masculine looks, creating subtly edgy styles perfect for all occasions and seasons.

meet aida perch. aida is a modern twist on the classic suede pump. new and fresh with a stacked 5" heel and daring dual-tone 1" island platform (which are both must-have features for the new year), she is finished with an exotically-tampered calm blue suede outer and black leather lining.

you may purchase them in cobalt blue or crisp grey directly from his online store for $475.00.

walk tall, ladies! xo

spring color! by carven

as winter slowly turns to spring, our lives are beginning to thaw from the stressful time we know as "the holidays." colorful shoes are sure to transition you back into the spring zone.

these slingbacks by the french brand carven will shake off your winter time blues. the coral suede, 4" heel, and bow detail on the rear make these the perfect, ladylike pair. be sure to check out brand founder madame carmen's dollhouse dresses and cute, retro shades!

purchase these lovelies online from net-a-porter for $535.

walk tall, girls! XO.

low, fierce, & nude. by louboutin.

this studded pump manages to be practical, ladylike, and rocker all at once. meet monsieur louboutin's lucifer bow 45mm.

this version of the lucifer bow omits the traditional sky high heel and replaces it with a super-walkable (practically sprint-able) two-inch heel. it's perfect for those who love a pointed toe, but want to skip the heel plunge now and again. and we love the bow wrapped in spikes . . . it whispers "she's fabulous" in a way that the whole room will here. 

want it? of course, you do. it's $995 via the designer's online boutique. walk tall, ladies!

bootie sales!! a la vince camuto

winter's booties are so much more fabulous when they're on sale. and we've got you covered, of course. nordstrom.com is hosting a spectacular bootie sale a la vince camuto! these three styles are just tastes of what you’ll find . . . there are many different styles on sale!

my lovely friend 'jerrell' here is a nordstrom exclusive!

featured here in a fabulous berry hue, the 4-inch heel only adds to the sexy simplicity of a perfectly cut bootie. don’t like the bold berry color? not to fret, jerrell can also be purchased in brown and ruby suede. all the lovely styles are on sale for $89.90. that's a nice drop from the regular price of $139.95!

now 'jordy' is a bit edgier than it's counter-part.

this two-tone style shares the same shape and heel length as jerrell, but it takes on a completely different look with its elastic side panels. jordy also comes in a black-on-black style and is only $92.90 as opposed to its $139.95 original price.

'baileys' is a completely different animal. literally.

baileys 4.5-inch heel isn’t the only thing that stands out. the leopard pattern is oh-so-eye catching and for $92.90, this fabulous bootie is well within reach!

be sure to stock up and peruse all of nordstrom’s sales! walk tall, ladies! that should be a cinch with these fabulous discounted prices!

red weitzman "platswoons"

there are few staples that every woman should have in her wardrobe. among them is a white, button-up blouse, a default, go-to carry-all bag, and a grandpa (or more aptly known, "bill cosby") sweater. and when it comes to shoes? a pair of patent leather pumps.

these "platswoons" by stuart weitzman are fierce with a glossy, red leather, but classy with a swooping 4" heel and 1/2" platform. and as an added bonus, rumor has it that these beauties are super comfortable. add all these features together for a set of heels that live up to their name. and they sure to make you and your observers swoon with delight.

$298 for a pair of shoes that will serve you for seasons to come? seems worth it. purchase them in black, red, or nude online from bloomingdale's with free shipping!

walk tall and dainty, ladies! XO.

makeup monday: finding faultless foundation

finding a faultless foundation can be a cinch if you know what to look for.

to be happy, search for a formula that fits your personality & skin type. if you are a minimalist, love to go bare, and have normal to combination skin, then let your beauty shine through with a sheer formula. think tinted moisturizer.

have normal to dry skin and desire to look radiant and natural while hanging outside? opt for a hydrating formula that will result in a fresh, dewy finish.

and those of you who want a perfect, polished appearance, reach for a matte formula foundation. this is particularly ideal for combination to oily skin. while we've heard the adage that matte is flat, we assure that matte is never boring. true,

regardless of the formula,  be sure to use the correct color. your foundation should blend and look as if you are not wearing anything at all. remember . . . the color on your face should not appear different from your neck. [no masks allowed!]

pro tip: ask for assistance at the makeup counter. they're professionals and they'll help you find the color that suits you perfectly!

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makeup mondays are written by jamie d'agostino, the exclusive makeup artist for nice shoes founder, leigh macdonald. each monday, jamie share makeup tips and tricks on NiceShoesNoDrama.com.

pretty in pearls ::: by nicholas kirkwood

feeling fancy? maybe it's time you got some pearl-embossed platforms!

oh, and by the way -- when we say "pearl-embossed," we mean it literally.

these beauties are by nicholas kirkwood, the father of class for your feet. they're elegantly hot with a 5" heel, ultra chic with a 1" platform made of pretty pearly beads, and sleek with an effortless black satin finish. and where they were made? italy, of course.

purchase them online from bergdorf goodman for $995. pair them with your favorite little black dress for a look that will never fail!

walk tall, girls. XO!

hello, princess! silver for resort & spring!

with winter still in full swing, we can't help but dream about spring. and better yet, about the fun [and WARM] getaways that might happen between now and then!

so this naughty monkey sandal, which is aptly named tiara, certainly merits our consideration. 

who wouldn't want to wear a fabulous, yet understated, tiara? and when it comes in the form of gorgeous bling on your pretty little ped, you'll be all-beauty-no-diva. 

this shoe is well-made, too. leather upper, leather sole, and a simple leather toe loop. want it? [we do, btw]. it's $49 from endless.com, where shipping is fast and free!

classy & edgy by brian atwood? oh, yes!

sophisticated and edgy, ‘blayne’ by brian atwood is a classy but stunning addition to your collection. 

the mix of black suede with the leather and gold detail on the heel make these pumps absolutely irresistible. with 5 inches of height and a stabilizing 2 inch platform, your legs will go on for days. 

how could you not want these gorgeous stunners?! well they’re all yours for $350 from neimanmarcus.com!

walk tall, you classy ladies!

louboutin's deliciously red platform

this upcoming spring season is full of color, and these banana cork-heels by the amazing christian louboutin are no exception!

these patent beauties are the definition of showstopper! the 5.5-inch heel and the multi-colored platform only add to the radiance that the striking red color brings. wear with jeans, and these pumps will take a casual outfit to sexy new heights!

want them? why wouldn’t you? get them from neimanmarcus.com for $845, and walk very tall, ladies!

hissing [happily] for pink brian atwoods

we at nice shoes, no drama are definite fans of brian atwood. his style is simply sexy, yet boldly sweet. and sporting any of his shoes will make a statement and have eyes on you regardless of the occasion.

the fredrique pump is no exception. the pairing of flirty pink [a fabulously hot color for spring/summer '12] and a snake print produces pop, but this beauty is still oh-so-sleek. fredrique boasts a dainty 4-inch heel and a subtle half-inch platform. and like all of the best shoes, these lovelies were crafted in italy. sì sì!

for $326, be sure to order them online from saks while you can!

walk talk, ladies. XO!

makeup monday: beautiful brushes!

makeup brushes are key when creating any great look. unfortunately, they can harbor bacteria, so they should be cleaned each month to avoid transferring that bacteria to your face.

the perfect process is to put a small drop of brush cleaner or very gentle soap in the palm of your hand, wet the brush, and swirl the brush in the soap. rinse the bristles with water until it runs clear, extract excess moiosture using a clean towel, and dry by laying the brush flat on the counter with the bristles hanging over.  this will allow them to dry into their optimal and original shape.

be sure not to immerse your brush heads in water or turn them upside down during the  cleaning process as water in the bases will break apart the glue and make even the most expensive brushes come apart.

pro tip:  baby shampoo works wonders as a brush cleaner!

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makeup mondays are written by jamie d'agostino, the exclusive makeup artist for nice shoes founder, leigh macdonald. each monday, jamie share makeup tips and tricks on NiceShoesNoDrama.com.

gold goddess ::: but only for the brave

are you a brave girl? then we have just the thing for you.

meet tolten, by enzo agiolini. this work of italian-made [shoe] art pairs a 4.5-inch heel with a 1.5-inch platform and a peep toe. but it doesn't stop there ... because that might qualify as normal.

with tolten, the designer widens the platform, you see. in fact, the platform is the start and stop of this shoe's heel.

we think it's fabulous. and eye-catching. what do you think?

want it? it's yours for $895 from neiman marcus.

nude vacation sandal! x2!

you seem to be loving this week's collection of nude shoes. and we're hoping that many of you are planning winter getaways in the coming weeks. so, we give you T-W-O adorable nude sandals. muah!

first up, this fun wedge by kelsi dagger.

this sandal will give long legs to the most petite types. seriously. and the modest wedge means those long legs will be able to walk all over your resort destination without any problem at all.

these beauties are available from macy's for $99.

next up, a sandal for night time.

oh, yes!  ::  ¡ah, sí!   ::  oui!  ::  ach ja!  

however you say it, you'll need something fun and nude for night, and we found it on SALE.

meet rosaria by inc. it's available (in nude or black) at macy's for just $46.72.

enjoy your winter getaway, ladies! oxo

truly perfect nude pump

i'm always on the hunt for the perfect shoe.

i love platforms for making me tower. and i love flats by tory for their understated elegance. but in my view, nothing compares to christian louboutin's new decoltissimo. truly. it's the only perfect shoe i've ever owned.

i own it black, but i covet---it's true ... on occasion, i actually covet things---it in nude. it's tall, but not too tall. and the leather is so perfect, so supple, that it molds to fit your foot. i can tell you with all sincerity that this is the one heel, of relative height, that i can wear for twelve hours straight without complaint.

so, ladies, i give you perfection. it's up to you to decide whether you're willing to invest. but think long and hard about this one. while it'll cost a pretty penny, you'll be wearing the shoe for decades to come (with a heel tip replacement now and again, of course).

it's available online and directly from the designer for $625.

supreme slingback: in black

this gorgeous slingback by enzo angiolini is nothing short of perfection.

meet tolten, a peep toe pump that pairs a 1.5-inch platform with a 4.5-inch wrapped heel. it boasts luxe leather, which will no doubt mold to your foot, and the shape is ultra feminine.

want it? of course, you do. it's available --- and ON SALE --- at piperlime for $59.97. that, dear girls, is a score.

walk tall! we know that you will.

splendid slingback a la nude!

we love this gorgeous nude slingback by giuseppe zanotti.

it's a sky-high blush beauty that pairs a modest peep toe cutout with beautiful snake-effect leather. its 5-inch heel, concealed 1-inch platform, and overall shape are supremely feminine.

these slingbacks will pair beautifully with so many looks. jeans, a pencil skirt, or an understated sheath. want them? of course, you do. they're available at net-a-porter for $650.

walk tall, ladies. walk tall.

makeup monday: out with the old!

it's a new year full of fresh hopes, dreams, ambitions, and passions. even the smallest areas of our lives are evaluated. and we think the adage of 'clear out the old to prepare for the new' applies to skincare and makeup, too. 

pull out your bags and toss anything that is broken, has changed color, or has an odor. it's important to remember that makeup does not last forever. and since we like to make things easy, here's your guide for how long is too long

in general, the lifetime for the following products is:

mascara  :::  4-6 months

lip and eye liners  :::  1 year

foundation, lipstick, eyeshadow, blush, powder, nailpolish, & skincare products  :::  2 years

pro tip: keep a sharpie close to your cosmetics to note the date that you open the product.  it will help for easy tracking and to tell when it's time to toss.

makeup mondays are written by jamie d'agostino, the exclusive makeup artist for nice shoes founder, leigh macdonald. each monday, jamie share makeup tips and tricks on NiceShoesNoDrama.com. 

fabulous nude louboutin pump

we think it's smart to start the year with a gorgeous nude shoe. and we absolutely love this version of christian louboutin's maggie. while the steel toe is a [wow-we-love-it] mainstay for maggie, the newest issue of this style is the most decorated to date.

maggie pairs beautiful suede and lizard-esque calf skin to create a shoe that dresses down as easily as it dresses up. and maggie is tall. with a 1.6-inch platform and 5.5-inch heel, you'll tower almost four inches higher than your bare-footed self. 

if you'd like to own this beauty, it's available directly from the designer's official online boutique for $1,095.

happy new year, ladies! we hope you'll walk tall from start to finish.

funny "girls" ... "sh*! girls say"

episode three is out, and we can't help but laugh at scene 2.

btw, you heard it here first. mush & walk tall!

my holiday wish list

Fabulous Friday Finds: TRAVALO

you loved it THEN. it's on sale NOW!

who doesn't love a sale?? especially when it comes to s-h-o-e-s?

Image via Wordle.

remember these beauties by valentino?

we featured these gorgeous rockstud booties just over a month ago and they're now 40% off when you purchase them directly from the designer.

and for a polar extreme in all ways but fabulous, we also found this cork + white d'orsay by bebe. it's a true love and deserves a spot in every gorgeous girl's closet. 

we featured it in may as it's a fabulous resort :: spring :: summer shoe. then, it was $109, but now, it's only $35 at 6pm.com.

want more, you say? okay, then. 

how about this fab-YOU-lous valentino-gone-bow boot featured by laima, our boston correspondent, in october? yep, it's now on sale, too.

more, more?

how about these understated leopard pumps by tory burch? we featured them in october, but now they're 33% off and only $217 at neiman marcus.

happy shopping, dear girls! after all, with these discounts, you can totally justify the one-for-them-one-for-me rule. yay!

winter blues by giuseppe zanotti: YES!

we're your girlfriend team, not your bring-on-the-sad team. so surely you know that we mean "winter blues" in only the best way. meet this blue beauty by giuseppe zanotti. 

giuseppe zannuti commonly offers swoon-worthy looks. indeed, it's altogether usual to find one-of-a-kind looks in its collections. but this shoe is different. yes, we know that it's fabulous, but it manages to be fabulous and classic all at once. and that, dear girls, isn't common.

these pointy court shoes pair black python-print with uber-chic shading in electric blue. indeed, we think these fabulous shoes will pair beautifully with tight black jeans, an lbd, or an ultra-luxe black suit. it gives multi-purpose new meaning. 

and did we mention that it's on sale? now $418 from the designer directly. 

xo & walk tall, ladies!

loving brian atwood: naughty or nice?

mr. atwood's current collection is as fabulous as ever, but that's not what's catching our attention. it's the extremes that have us spellbound. so like any good girlfriend, we'll summarize fairly with this tale of naughty and nice.

meet sanchez and follow me.

it's difficult to choose which shoe to feature first; they're both gorgeous, but in [um, slightly] different ways.

sanchez combines a 4.3-inch stiletto-but-flared heel with luxe black suede and a gladiator shape like none other. indeed, its four straps are met with wide and wispy feathers.

this shoe is fabulous, but not at all discreet.

follow me, on the other hand, is simple elegance. the oh-so-perfect combination of ultra high, ankle strap, and gold heel makes this shoe one that will no doubt be coveted by girls yearning for long, beautiful legs. [oh wait ... that's all of us.]

but no worries because follow me will certainly deliver in terms of leg-lengthening. and it's so classic that it'll be a go-to shoe for years to come.

thank you, mr. atwood, for your jaunt on the extremes in this collection.

so ladies, which do you prefer? naughty or nice?

christian louboutin's "highness" ::: royal-worthy, indeed

it's monday on the u.s. east coast, and that seems like reason enough for some shoe swooning.

meet "highness," a new beauty from monsieur louboutin's spring 2012 collection.

this italian-made stunner is crafted of python and seamlessly blends luxury with graffiti. its uber-high heel (um, 6.3 inches) is met with a 2.4-inch platform and a mini peep toe.

make no mistake about it. the gorgeous girl wearing this shoe will certainly become queen of the room. that's you, you say? well, of course it is.

highness is available from louboutin's online boutique for $1,895.

walk tall, ladies. you've got a week to conquer!

Dining in the Dark ... A Hyper-Sensory Experience

Imagine eating a fine meal. With friends, old and new. Imagine wine, filet mignon, and a place setting complete with all the stemware and potentially necessary utensils.

Now imagine that meal---with your friends and all of the niceties---in utter darkness.

For hundreds, that was last night's experience at Dining in the Dark. But for millions, dining in the dark is a reality, and the Foundation Fighting Blindness plans to change that.

Dining in the Dark ::: NoVA 2011, a set on Flickr.

Ritz Carlton Tysons Corner was the gathering spot for last night's event, which focused on awareness and on recognizing the efforts of two local men, Marty Irving, President & CEO of Irving Interests,  and Walt Havenstein, CEO of SAIC. Irving and Havenstein were awarded Visionary Awards for their leadership, both generally and in the fight against blindness.

Davida & James Luehrs are founding members of the Northern Virginia Chapter of the Foundation Fighting Blindness, and the two co-chaired last night's dinner. As the husband and wife team addressed the room, they spoke poignantly about Davida's years-long struggle with RP, retinitis pigmentosa, and about their daughter Rachel's diagnosis with the same rare, inherited disease. 

RP causes the light-sensitive retina of the eye to slowly and progressively degenerate. There is presently no cure and blindness eventually results. For Davida and Rachel, RP has been a motivator, not a deterrent. Indeed, Davida stood before the crowd of hundreds and said, "RP hasn't stopped me. It hasn't deterred me from doing anything." Her statement is especially significant in light of the fact that her visual field is now only 3°. For reference, a normally-sighted person has a visual field of 180°. 

The evening was like none other. Each table had a designated visually-impaired server who was well-trained and familiar with the Dining in the Dark experience. Dining in the Dark is hosted annually in almost a dozen cities around the country, and despite the transparency of the event's name, it's somehow surprising when the room goes dark. In fact, it's an understatement to say that the room was dark. It was utter darkness. 

The only passable doorway into the massive Ritz Carlton ballroom hosted two sets of black drapes, which hung on either end of a black upright maze that served to filter out any light that might pass through cracks between or around the doors. 

Once the lights went off, it seemed that other senses became hyper-productive. In fact, as I sat and chatted with table mate Tommy McFly, radio personality and the event's emcee, we realized that we seemed to be speaking more loudly than normal. It was also quite unusual to feel so uninhibited with respect to table etiquette. Indeed, before we were seated, Dina Gordon, a Events Manager for Foundation Fighting Blindness, gave my husband and I some altogether prudent tips. Among them, she noted that we should place the table cloth on our laps to protect against any food or beverage drops. She also suggested that we forgo utensils (Ha! I did it!!) and that when pouring wine, we place an index finger just inside our glasses for use as a stopping point.

Dining in the Dark was eye-opening in so many ways. It's true that there are many causes worth supporting, but the Foundation Fighting Blindness is unique. Every penny raised through Dining in the Dark events goes to research. Indeed, no organizational overhead is funded via Dining in the Dark donations. Further, the Foundation is so advanced in terms of actually finding cures for some of the most prolific blinding diseases. I hope you'll join me at next year's NoVA event (or at Baltimore's Dining in the Dark in Spring 2012). Meanwhile, please remember the Foundation Fighting Blindness as you ponder your year-end philanthropic donations. 

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Your donation may ultimately mean that someone who presently dines in the dark daily will one day see.

Walk tall!