Brian Atwood Patent Leather Platform Pumps

I have an addiction to red shoes – I can’t help it. Maybe it stems from the fact that when I was younger, I was absolutely in love with Dorothy’s ruby slippers in the Wizard of Oz, and I used to beg my mother to buy me red dress shoes so that I could pretend I had those amazing pumps, too. Maybe I just love the way that you can wear any black, white or grey outfit and as long as you’ve got red shoes, you’re bound to get noticed. Anyway, whatever the reason, when I came across these red pumps from Brian Atwood on the Saks Fifth Avenue site, I knew I had to write about them. These babies are hot, hot, hot! They’ve got a high-gloss patent red leather exterior, smooth, classic lines and a pointed toe, a high four-and-a-half-inch heel, and a leather lining and sole. In short, these pumps are killer – and if I’m going to add another pair of expensive red shoes to my collection, they’d better be.

Like most women, when I saw these shoes, I thought about what I would wear them with. I’ve seen a lot of girls lately wearing high couture shoes with a simple pair of jeans and a sexy blouse, and they’d look at home there and with a sleek black business suit, pencil skirt or even a cocktail dress. I do love versatile shoes, especially when I’m going to pay a lot for them. You can find them for $525 to $555 at SaksFifthAvenue.com.

Budget Saving Alternative 1

Okay, they’re not classic, but I couldn’t resist listing these for all those girls who have a red shoe addiction, like I do. These slingback heels from Type Z are called Risque, and they’re aptly named. They’re covered in red satin, have a peep toe, a four-inch heel and you can choose whether you want satin or leather uppers. Oooh, yeah! The price is right, too – you can find them for $89.95 at Zappos.com.

Budget Saving Alternative 2

Here’s a shoe that’s more like the Atwood. Enzo Angiolini’s Elaya Pump has a leather upper, a three-and-a-quarter-inch heel, and an almond-shaped toe. The heel’s not quite as spiky as it could be, but hey, for a red shoe, it definitely impresses me. It’s also got a cushioned insole for those days when you’re on your feet practically all day. Find it for $88.95 at Endless.com.