Giuseppe Zanotti I96242 Platform Pump

We’re entering the last week of 2009, and it makes us want to reflect on times gone by. Why, it seems like just a few years ago, Charlie Sheen’s current significant other filed a restraining order against him. Or wait, was that 1996? No, no, it’s his current wife. It’s just so hard to keep up with the celebrity love stories. Those crazy kids. They grow up so quickly. Or don’t. Anyway, aside from the latest celebrinsanity, the end of the year and the fast approaching new one also means it’s time to party! Just don’t do it Charlie Sheen style with the hookers and the drugs, mkay? What you will need are some fab shoes to go with whatever chic outfit you’re wearing to ring in the new year, and you can never go wrong with Giuseppe Zanotti.

This I96242 platform pump is an elegant choice, and although it has a crystal embellishment that’s a little on the large side, it’s still not flashy or trashy. It’s just right to get attention and bring a little sparkle to your celebrating. But even more than the centered crystal, I love the rhinestones scattered across the vamp. Just gorgeous. Even better is that the upper is one hundred percent suede, making it the perfect winter party shoe. Ok, so it has a peep toe, but you’re not going to be outside all night, are you? If you really need to, you can wear some silk stockings to keep your tootsies warm. Whatever you do, just don’t forget the pedi. Start the new year off right with well polished feet, ok? Don’t let them go just because it’s winter and you think no one will see them. Spring is just around the corner, which will mean sandals and slingbacks, and I don’t want to see any heels that could double as industrial sanders. Got it? Good. The 4.25-inch heel is offset by a half-inch hidden platform, while the shoe is entirely leather lined for comfort. The leather sole will also give you sure footing for the time you do spend outside, or on a smooth dance floor. There’s still time to order and have them in time for New Year’s Eve if you can drop the $650 these babies cost at Zappos.com.

Budget Saving Alternative 1

Speaking of large embellishments…holy crap! Did someone grab a cheap drugstore hair barrette and clip it to this Badgley Mischka Elia platform pump? These shoes could double as airport runway lights to guide planes in for landing. Do they light up? Flash? Sure seems like they should. I usually love Badgley Mischka shoes, but these are testing my love. As if the vamp adornment weren’t bad enough, the black satin is lined with silver all around the upper and the peep toe. If that were the only extra detail, it might fly, but paired with that jewel escaped from Buckingham Palace, it’s just too much. The Elia also comes in black with gold trim, champagne, and white. If you’re into it, there are two good things about this shoe—the three-quarter-inch platform detracts from the 4.5-inch heel, and they only cost 200 bucks at Endless.com.

Budget Saving Alternative 2

This is how you do embellishment. Understated, classy, and superbly detailed. The Pelle Moda Gunda platform pump has it all. Smooth suede upper, light pleating at the vamp, and a bejeweled embellishment that looks like a miniature Fabergé egg. I like that the crystals are also dark instead of the standard clear. The half-inch hidden platform makes the 4.5-inch heel feel like four inches, and the slender heel gives the Gunda a feminine silhouette. Wear this one with a short dress or skirt, and your legs will look like they go on for miles. The only thing I’m not crazy about is the smaller peep toe which doesn’t leave much wiggle room, or space to show off that pedi. Still, the other features make up for it. The gold leather option is ok, but I much prefer it in black. And it’s on sale! Normally $182.95, you can get it now for $127.76 at Endless.com. And don’t forget Endless has free overnight shipping, so if you order it now, you’ll receive it with time to break it in a little before the big night.