 (ARA) - Sandal season is coming to a close and fashionistas everywhere will be shopping for fall footwear. But what's a shoe fan to do if you don't live near a hip boutique or don't want to drive from mall to mall in search of the latest styles by the hottest designers? Head to the nearest computer for a little online shopping, of course. If you can't find the latest trends close to home, they're only as far away as your mouse.
For online shoe shopping, Zappos.com is the place to go. With over 2 million shoes to choose from, you can browse to your heart's content; or if you know what you want, you can search by style, manufacturer, size and more. Customer reviews let you hear from people who have already purchased the shoes you're interested in - are they true to size? Comfortable? Most importantly, are they cute? There's never a shipping charge, so you can buy shoes with confidence, knowing you can return them at no cost if necessary.
To help get your started, here are some tips from the fashion experts at Zappos.com on what well-shod feet will be wearing this season.
For women, the '40s and the '80s are back, so look for ladylike peep-toe platforms and ballerina flats as you ride the retro trend. Toes are rounded, with the snub toe coming on strong. Your closet will probably include a pair of shoes in an animal print as well. For a jolt of updated vintage style, check out shoes by Cydney Mandel. These hand made platform wedges come in woven canvas or suede and are truly the stars of any outfit.
For work - and perhaps happy hour -- check out "Yin," a modern take on traditional Mary Janes with a molded rubber micro platform wedge heel. The "Lonna" by Vince Camuto is another great shoe that can go from work to dinner; it features a snub toe, wrap-around adjustable belt that can be removed to give a more conservative look, and woven accent stitching on the suede uppers.
Boots, always a fashion staple, are a part of any well-dressed woman's shoe inventory. Traditional riding boots, engineering styles and classic pointy toe styles are perennial favorites. This fall, look for updated silhouettes like platforms, slouchy styles, cone heels, foldover cuffs, wedges, and granny/lace-up boots.
Even hotter than full-length boots are ankle-length booties. Booties, in all colors, shapes and materials, are a fall must-have. Coe by Anne Klein New York is one of this crop of sexy ankle boots, featuring a round toe, stacked micro platform and stacked heel.
Men will be sporting retro styles as well. For the office, updated brogues and wingtips are coming on strong. These English-inspired dress shoes in burnished leathers will be seen in boardrooms everywhere. But there's still room to express your individuality. Shoe designers like George Esquivel, whose shoes are available at Zappos.com, give these classics a fresh twist with exotic skins and eye-popping colors. Other designers who make the traditional modern include Alexander Hotto and Adam Derrick
For weekends, vintage sneakers are what you need, like the chuck Taylor Vintage by Converse or PUMA Sport Fashion AMQ My Left Foot.
Boots are big for men as well, whether they're John Varvatos' motorcycle-inspired boot, his wrap strap combat boot, or the work boot-inspired "Berkshire." When shopping for boots, look for washed out leathers and burnishing.
To see all the latest fall foot fashions, visit Zappos.com.
Copyright © 2006, ARA Content
© 2006 ARA Content
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