For one, I love the contrast of textile and shiny patent leather. I also dig the unexpected pop of color. Perhaps most importantly, it’s unadorned–no useless little bows to be found.

Let’s start with this ballet flat from Yosi Samra. Nice shiny to matte look. $66 from ShoeBop.com.

Next we’ve got the Webster from Target. A bit preppy in green and blue but only $29.99.

Lastly, you’ve got the Marc Fisher Copley in black and white gingham–on sale at Macy’s for $34.98. (If you happen to be a size 10, you can also get them in adorable blue stripes with a yellow cap toe.)

Whadya think? Did we satisfy the criteria? Anyone have any closer suggestions?

1. The Collette wingtip by Steve Madden 4 The Cool People ($58.50 at 6pm). They come in solid blush as well, but that’s no fun.

2. The Can Dice from Diba. Pictured in lemon because they’re currently $42 at 6pm, vs. the pink or turquoise ones which are still $81. A little bit country, with a twist.

3. The burgundy slouch Keyes from Report Footwear ($31 at 6pm). Just got myself a pair of these and they’re way comfortable. Cute with jeans or knee-length skirts.

Plain old black and white saddle shoes remind me a little too much of ’50s girls with high pony tails and poodle skirts, but there are lots of variations that redeem the style for me.

Take, for example, these black and purple numbers from Dr. Martens—no cheerleaders in sight, amiright? Right now they’re on sale for $82 at Shoebuy.

That said, the premier brand for saddle shoes—for men or women—has got to be Bass.

For the cold season, it might be best to explore the boot style. The two-toned brown Nikki might just inspire you to ride a horse bareback. Get ‘em for $44 at 6pm.

Or you can dance to some classic Madonna tunes in the lacy Beatrix. DNA Footwear has them at 50% for just $70.

If you like yours a bit more classic and feminine, you might try this saddle heels in pink. I love the satin laces… but I can’t quite picture the outfit that would go with it. If you can, they’re yours for a mere $42 at 6pm.

But I think my favorite of all the variations I’ve seen is this pair of stacked heels in oxblood leather and suede. Get the Reid at 6pm for $60 bucks. And rock them.

For starters, my bestie since I was 8 sent me these adorable Teva Westwater maryjanes. I wore them for a marathon Boxing Day shopping spree and it was a highly successful road-test (read: no blisters!). Amazon has a great sale going with more than 50% off on certain color/size combinations. (Mine are the Pesto variety.)

Coincidentally, my sweet husband also got me Tevas—a brand-new pair of the Olawahu sandals. I bought my first pair back in 2005 on a trip to Hawaii and they’re the only type of “flip-flop” I’ve purchased since. Admittedly, the bottom of the “mush” sole has gotten tougher since then, but all three previous pairs are still in rotation. This year’s edition are the Little Bay Mystic color, which will look great with linen pants this summer. Sierra Trading Post still has them on sale for $16 if you want to grab a pair.

The final pair Santa brought me may not necessarily count as “shoes,” but the weatherproof sole is strong enough to wear when I take the dogs out, so I think they count. They’re Acorn slippers with a memory foam inside and cute snowflake fleece outside. Let’s just say I’m in heaven! Sierra has them now for $25 (down from $44) and I highly recommend.

The Lifestride Debate has an adorable square toe and radial stitching. DSW’s got them now for $39.95.

The Hilly from Cliffs by White Mountain sports some pleats and an oversized button on the toe. On sale at 6pm for $35.80.

The Alba from Rocket Dog is a glittery number to add a little pizazz to the occasion. On sale at Zappos for $39.99.

These skimmers from Champion are a little bit sportier, but the added ruffle makes them just fancy enough for a formal occasion. Get em now for $29.99 from Payless.

Lastly, we’ve got the Burnett from Dr. Scholl’s. This cute ballet flat with a subtle flower design is just $24.90 from 6pm.

Have you been hunting for just the right shoe? Email me with your specifications and I’ll post a Gumshoe entry just for you!

I love the pinstripes, and the patent leather adds a bit of femininity. If you like pinstripes but want a more delicate look, here’s a great pair from Pleaser USA with ruffles and a velveteen bow. It’s even called Dainty!

Looking for something more tongue-in-cheek? I can’t get over these tuxedo shoes by Lola Ramona. The tie, the collar, and that striped heel–swoon!

A coworker passed on this video about Red Wing Shoes and I thought it was impressive enough to share. The company has a whole series of videos that are really well made. Go here to check out the rest.

Coincidentally, Asheville is celebrating Blue Ridge Pride and its very first QFest this weekend, so it’s the perfect opportunity to share the colorful shoes I’ve been eyeing.

If you happen to be a size 7, eBay has two killer pairs available. The first is a pair of 70s ankle strap Betseyville pumps for $55. They remind me of those suspenders Mork used to wear…

The second pair used to be available at ModCloth, but now you can get Jeffrey Campbell’s Groovie Salvatore on eBay for $139.95. Rainbow Brite would be all over these!

If you’re a size 8 (and maybe a little cash-poor) you can get these
80s rainbow pumps for just $14 on Etsy.

Bargain hunters who love Irregular Choice shoes like I do will be thrilled to find the Chica Chola rainbow wedges at KarmaLoop for just $75.95.

Probably my favorite of the bunch are these Poetic License peeptoe wedges from Plasticland. A little spendy at $106 but who can resist those lucite heels?

Another good deal are these Color Wheel Deal Wedges from ModCloth for $40.99.

And finally for my big spenders, check out the Painted Love t-strap for $174.95.

Shout out to my LGBTQ friends. Taste the rainbow!