Hot hot heels, without the pain? Christian Louboutin Rolando Patent Pumps, size 8.5 for one lucky lady.

Tape Your Toes

Drooling over these sizzly Christian Louboutins but — at the same time — cringing over the pain they might inflict? Well, thanks to our friends at Styleite.com who flagged a clip from the Today Show this week, a quick DIY trick may help (or even make wearing heels “painless,” which we’re skeptical about…but hopeful). Guest, “Lifestyle Guru” Laurin Sydney, claims that simply taping your third and fourth toes together with a simple piece of Scotch tape aligns a certain muscle that “allows the ball of your foot to be much more steady.” So if you’re an 8.5, snatch up these beauties before they’re gone and let us know if Sydney’s tip works.

Choose your heel width and pitch when considering heels. From top left: Tory Burch Multi-Tone Pumps; Lanvin Cap-Toe Slingbacks; Marc Jacobs Suede Strike Pumps; Sergio Rossi Suede Platform Sandals

More Tips for Those Who Heart Heels

I’ll leave you with the following medical advice and tips from WebMD. Because, according to the site, a survey conducted by the American Podiatric Medical Association showed some 42% of women admitted they’d wear a shoe they liked even if it gave them discomfort; and 73% admitted already having a shoe-related foot issue.

1.       Get the best-fitting high heel possible. How many pairs of high heels cause your feet to slide to the front, leaving a gap big enough for a small cell phone behind your heel?  Their experts say high heels that don’t fit properly cause the front of the foot to fly forward, creating more pressure — and pain — on toes. Look for narrow heels with a snug but not tight fit to correct the problem.

2.       Cushion, cushion, cushion. While a full-shoe insert can help, if you have pain in the ball of the foot — or you’ll be standing in your heels a long time — invest in silicone metatarsal pads, which “look like flattened gummy bears.”

3.       Wear a thicker heel for stability, which provides better balance and may help relieve some pressure by distributing the weight on your foot more evenly, say their experts.  Alternating heel heights can also help reduce problems with the Achilles tendon.

4.       Pay attention to the “slope” or “pitch” of the heel.  While some 4-inch heels will give you a straight drop down to the flatbed portion of the shoe, others will be a more gradual slope. This may be easier on the arch and might help relieve some pain in the ball of the foot.

5.       Wear open-toe high heels to relieve pressure on corns and calluses. See a podiatrist to have corns and calluses professionally removed and correct the problem that’s causing them. But if that’s not possible, opt for open-toe shoes to take pressure off inflamed areas.

Fashion, in Digital Motion

Check it: Ten stunning models (including Rosie Huntington-Whiteley, and many of whom are musicians) through Mario Testino’s sumptuous lens, and six interactive, 3-D videos set to music by the Waterboys. Powered by motion responsive images, this allows you to take a closer twirl at that shearling collar, military button or studded clutch that caught your eye. Or she how the clothes look in virtual motion.

Burberry chief creative officer Christopher Bailey says he wants those viewing this to not just see the images, but ”to feel a part of what we have created; connecting people through technology, music, the collections, the attitude, and the emotion captured.”

Go, Burberry. And as WWD notes, about 40% of the brand’s total ad spend is now digital.

Burberry's A/W 2010 digital campaign: You call the shots and control the motion

We’ve had Burberry on Covet Shop before, but it usually sells out quickly so be sure to check back often…

Cyber-Hopping Bridesmaids

A new Cynthia Rowley bridesmaid collection that also rewards you for checking in on Foursquare? No, you’re not dreaming. Cynthia Rowley Bridesmaids launched early last month in partnership with Foursquare, and retailer Lovely Bride also offered incentives to shoppers who “checked in” via the virtual, location-based community.

One of Cynthia Rowley's dresses from her new bridesmaid collection

I’ve lived through some horrifying bridesmaid’s dresses in the past, so  – for one — I would have welcomed this chic collection years ago. In the meanwhile and spaking of weddings, should you be so lucky as to be a guest, not a bridesmaid, we have some gorgeous Covet Shop items straight from the runway that we’d recommend just for you (below). And please, ladies, remember not to upstage the bride. It’s simply unbecoming.

Hot little Calvin Klein number for all your upcoming wedding affairs...

This Tibi dress is ideal for a mid- to late-afternoon garden wedding.

Let's not forget the party shoes...Miu Miu Capretto Jewel Sandals, Prada Wedge Thongs

Enfin, Quelque Chose Française…

Marion Cotillard, Vogue's July cover girl

I absolutely love Marion Cotillard and La Vie En Rose, so I’ll leave you with this lush shoot (again, by Testino) of Marion Cotillard on Vogue.com, where you can see a quick video interview of her with scenes from this “reportage” shoot. This also inspires me to build in a little extra time in the a.m. to try to get my hair to look like this, since I pretty much have the same cut. Love the styling in this spread? Might we suggest the following on Covetshop.com…

Tibi Lace Shift, Vera Wang Rhinestone Flower Necklace, Miss Urbanette Dome Satchel, Dolce & Gabbana

Think you know your celebrity style? See if you can guess who was wearing the items below: Was it …Kim Kardashian, Nicole Richie, Lauren Conrad, Erykah Badu, Eva Longoria, or Jada Pinkett-Smith? Find out after the jump.

The Celebrity Shoes (that I’m drooling over…)

Sky-high platforms, not for the shy: From left, Fendi T-Strap Sandals; YSL Tribute Sandals; YSL Tribute Canvas Leopard Pumps

The Effortless Glamour Dress (for cleave-y ladies)

Lauren Moffatt Abstract Dress

The Hollywood Sunglasses (for avoiding paparazzi)

The summer's must-have: Tom Ford Charles Aviator sunglasses

How’d you do? Here’s the celebrity lineup…

Fendi Lisa T-Straps and Lauren Moffatt Dress: Kim Kardashian

Kim: Always on the move and wearing our Covet Shop looks

Tom Ford Charles Aviators: Emily Blunt and Nicole Richie

Emily and Nicole: Stylishly undercover

YSL Tribute Sandals: Lauren Conrad

Looking fab in casual and cool outfit

YSL Tribute Canvas Platform: Eva Longoria, Erykah Badu, Jada Pinkett-Smith

Rocking our favorite shoe at the step-and-repeat

Clockwise, from left: J. Mendel asymmetric dress; Deborah Milner plastic lace dress; my second wedding attire, from a vintage Vogue pattern

Are you an eco-concious bride? You could really push the limits with this one-of-a-kind dress by Deborah Milner, a gorgeous lace creation made completely from plastic bags (cover of ID magazine, above). If you just don’t care for traditional, period, are a little left of center, choose something like this J. Mendel asymmetric dress (found on Fabsugar). Or – speaking from experience – maybe it’s your second wedding, for which I’d suggest something less formal like the dress my mother made (here, bottom left) based on a vintage Vogue pattern and paired with turquoise metallic Jimmy Choo sandals.

Thankfully, for those creative types who want to stand out, Covet Shop has some new dresses just for you. If you’re a bride seeking a unique dress, check back often since we are posting new spring merchandise every week!

Monique Lhuillier Lace Inset Dress; Moschino Victorian Dress

Of course, the wedding dress is only one piece of your bridal fashion puzzle: Don’t forget the rehearsal dinner, the engagement party (ies), the shower (s)…so, might we suggest the below party picks, perfect for (from left): The Hippie Wedding, the Downtown Affair, and last but not least, the Shotgun Wedding.

Lauren Pierce Felista Dress; Calvin Klein Piped Dress; Moschino Balloon Dress

Here, we’ve found styles that suit: The Upscale Garden Engagement Party; the White Glove Rehearsal Dinner (with flats perfect for late-night, kick-off-your-wedding-heels dancing).

Prada Embroidered Backless Dress with Sergio Rossi Cross Strappy Sandals; Tadashi Shoji Mesh Pleat Cocktail Dress paired with Christian Louboutin Peep Toe Flats

I’ll leave you with this: The Disco Ball sandal. Need I say more? Who can pull this one off for their nuptials? Whatever the occasion, whomever buys these babies definitely needs to send us a picture of them in action.

Disco Ball Sandals by Valentino. So Studio 54.

Secondly, Nancy got engaged and was recently on vacation in Mexico. Props to her BF-now-fiance for cleverly not being predictable and popping the question AFTER the trip instead of during it. And  Nancy has happily taken to her new status well by properly obsessing over her gorgeous ring. Best of wishes to them!! I’ve been so busy with the baby that haven’t heard the full story yet, but look forward to catching up with her this week.

What's hotter than a defrocked priest?

So what’s packed in fabulous Nancy’s bag for a trip to the tropics? When I travel to Mexico, my imagination goes wild so course I’m envisioning their trip was something out of “Night of the Iguana,” the 1964 classic (shot off Playa Mismaloya, near Puerta Vallarta) dripping with scandal. Though, unless their travels included an encounter with a defrocked priest at hot as Richard Burton, it was probably slightly more tame.

Below, her guidelines for a stylishly packed bag.

- Array of bikinis in prints and solids (including a new Eres suit…love!)

- Cover up tunics and light dresses; lots of maxi dresses

- YSL straw tote beach bag

- Favorite straw Panama hat

- Silk tops, including a new studded top from Jodi Arnold; denim short shorts

- For shoes: Havaianas and jelly slides, Missoni wedges

Sooo, if you’re looking for inspiration from Covet Shop, we’ve compiled these two outfits, as styled by Nancy. Muy bonita.

Roberto Cavalli Long Floral Printed Dress, Jimmy Choo Prize Sandals (sold), Gucci Buckle Sunglasses

But ladies, it’s not all about the fashion – for beauty picks, Nancy smartly likes to “keep it simple” for trips and just include basics like bronzer, lip gloss, Bumble Surf Spray, and mascara. But since I’m the beauty chick here, I’ve taken the liberty of adding some of my faves. First, take a peek at M·A·C’s impending “To the Beach” collection – not available until May 28, but you heard about it here. For me, the joy and design of the packaging weighs in at about 70% of my purchase influence (since ladies, let’s face it, lots of beauty products work equally well), and — well — as a beachaholic these new items are stunners. They just make you happy, period.

Lipglass in Easy Lounger, new Cream Bronzer...take me away

We’ll leave you with these three beauty essentials for your escape – trust me, this is just about all you’ll need to look fantastic – in addition to the lip gloss and bronzer, of course. Oh, and some deodorant.

Don't scare beach-goers with your pasty legs; prepare beforehand with Jergens Natural Glow (comes in various shades, plus the choice of Revitalizing or Firming); Korres' delicious Lip Butter; and Bumble's Surf Spray (Nancy's pick)

La France: Florals, Denim and Feathers

From Numero's online Galerie: Stunning, and delicious

For those venturing outside of the mainstream editorial viewpoint, I sought out Jalouse and go-to international style pub Numéro – from which I couldn’t resist this gorgeous pic, above. Lately, I can’t seem to get enough of this hot-hot-hot pink, and if you’ve got un goût pour les fleurs (this is my French major coming into rare use here), we offer you this delightful assortment from Covet Shop…for window shopping or strolling the boulevard, wherever you may be.

Stella McCartney Floral Maxi Dress, Moschino Ruffle Dot Dress, Dolce & Gabbana Floral Halter, Roberto Cavalli Floral Tank Dress

Jalouse, for its cover, focused on an “Into the Wild” prairie look, which of course becomes painfully chic with the careful insouciance of a side braid — which style blogger Garance Doré (who’s posting in English now, as well) also showcases (inset).

Side braids, for the impossibly stylish

We don’t have any denim on the site at present, but these tops look fabulous with jeans…

Temperley Pebble Tunic, Marc Jacobs Floral Tiered Top, Temperley Jamila Kaftan Tunic

Andiamo in Italia: Vogue Curvy…Celebrating Style of All Sizes

Back in February of this year Vogue Italia launched Vogue Curvy, a microsite within Vogue.it that celebrates a woman’s bounty with videos, shopping tips, daily suggestions, fashion/beauty, “Curvy News” and a blog. We love that it’s called “Curvy” and not “Plus-Size,” btw. Who’s to say what’s considered “plus” in a world where perceptions of beauty and body image are in the eye of the beholder? As Vogue Curvy cites in its “Flashback or Flashforward” post, “Are we outlining the identikit of the new beauty standards for the next years, when abundant figures will be considered the perfect ones? Will curvy women of the whole world be envisaged as the new beauty icons?”

Vogue calls out women like Christina Hendricks and Sofia Loren as its curvy icons

For Covet Shoppers, we’ve pulled together some size 10s currently listed on Covet Shop, as well as some platform shoe selections (since they were a prominent theme in Vogue Curvy’s Daily Suggestions/Style Advice).

Milly Candy Ruffle Dress and Ruffle Tube Tob, Abaete Burn Out Dot Dress, Roberto Cavalli Jewel Cardigan, Etro Flutter Silk Dress

YSL Tribute Canvas Leopard Pumps, Moschino Cheap and Chic Scarpa Suede Pumps

Across the Pond…to the UK

When London’s calling, we love Grazia’s “Style Hunter” feature, which snaps street stylish ladies and commenters chime in (with the most “constructive” getting printed in the magazine. Here, Samia Nasr shows that even 42-year-olds can still rock short shorts.

http://www.covetshop.com/495/All_Clothing

First up: Mindi Smith, a professional stylist and redhead-about-town equipped with a to-die-for closet and, as you’ll see, some of the most haute hippie style in town. A woman after my own heart (as a Boulder grad, myself).

For the Bohemian, or the Mod Squad, in you...

“Haute Hippie” Outfit No 1, at left:

“Those shoes, those shoes, those shoes!,” says Mindi.  ”The lucite wooden heel?  Are you kidding me?” Unfortunately they were snatched up almost immediately, but all the more reason to check Covet Shop “What’s New” as often as you can. Mindi “loves the keyhole” in this Cavalli dress, and designed these looks to wear to a cocktail party or an afternoon wedding — anywhere you’d like to definitely make an appearance or impression “as you’re gliding about.”

For her, the key to looking effortlessly chic is comfort…and this, she adds, “honestly, really looks comfortable.”

Roberto Cavalli Long Floral Printed Dress, Chloe Lucite Wooden Platform Sandals, Bottega Veneta Woven Hobo, Marc Jacobs Gold Bar Sunglasses

“Mod Squad” Outfit No. 2, at right:

Meow. “This reminds me of you, Nicole,” says Mins. “Love the new ‘pattern play’ coming off the runway for spring and this dress nails it.  Very mod, very now.” She recos wearing this this to market appointments, to lunch, dinner or to drinks.  Nothing too formal because it is a shift, but, she comments, “…it definitely goes from office to work lunch or dinner easily in the summer.”

Marni Circle Shift Dress, Jimmy Choo Prize Sandals, Temperley London Flag Bag

A more refined Bohemian...

Classic Bohemian, with a Twist:

This outfit, also by Mindi, exemplifies exactly why stylists are good at their job: They have ways of arranging looks in ways you’d never have dreamed, that reinvent pieces in a different light. Take this Balenciaga dress, for example. I’d never think of picking this out for fear of its potential frump-factor, but Mindi designed this around the belt and has instantly made it something covet-able and super hot.

“I originally styled it around the dress (who wouldn’t?) but the belt is stealing the show and that bag is sick!,” she says. “I would wear this anywhere, to lunch, on a date, to a funeral or a party.  You cannot go wrong with a LBD from Balenciaga.”

Like these picks? Mindi is available for personal styling/shopping. Just contact her here.

Gucci Buckle Sunglasses, Balenciaga Baby Doll Dress, Salvatore Ferragamo Gancio Patch Tote, Marc Jacobs Cut Out Pumps, Giuseppe Zanotti Python Wedges

And now…the next stylist…Brianne Tammaro, an industry sales/design veteranette and friend of Nancy’s from Parsons (both are alums). Brianne currently works at covet-worthy Italian brand Blumarine.

Black, white, day, night...

Laid Back, and Luxurious:

Brie really loves the black/white trend we are seeing right now (so do we!), since it’s “…really clean, and black always looks professional but also stylish – especially for New York.” She has paired a boyfriend-like cardigan over a cocktail dress and would wear this with these fabulous flats during the day for a “laid back luxurious” look. “By adding the white bag, it adds interest to my ‘uniform of black’ that I tend to wear during the week.  However, the black dress can also be sexy for night so I like that it is a ‘day-to-play’ look.”

For day, Brianne suggests the flats, of course, and “wearing the cardi open, scrunching up the sleeves and adding some fun jewelry.” But for evening…throw these dangerous Giuseppe Zanotti booties in your oversized bag to put on after work…and start your night on the town on the right foot.

Temperley Mini Kaleidoscope Dress, Roberto Cavalli Jewel Cardigan, Giuseppe Zanotti Platform Booties, Salvatore Ferragamo Gancio Patch Tote, Christian Louboutin Mousse Clou Flats

We’d love to see YOUR styling creativity! If you think you have Covet Shop-worthy style, please submit your styling/picks, and reason for your choices, to Nancy [at] Covetshop.com. We’ll select a winner, who will receive $50 toward their next Covet Shop purchase, and post their look on the Covet Shop blog. Deadline: Wed., April 21.

At the event (where we were happily surprised to run into bloggers from Eye4Style, StyleITOnline, Miss Whoever You Are and Heather Park from M.A.C.) guests indulged in Caipirinhas while the spa gave us the royal pampering treatment consisting of: Envix Deep Conditioning Hair Treatment; the Perfect Blow-Out; and a Maria Bonita “Irish Manicure.” While Nancy got the full trio of services, I only had time for the mani, which was described as “Brazilian Style” by manicurist Rosalina.

Green with envy for my Butter LONDON 3 Free, in Thames

I’d never heard of a Brazilian manicure, and thankfully she described it before starting because – otherwise – I’d have mistakenly thought that she was purposefully botching the job (in a rather astounding way).

Rosalina explained that this technique involved a more intense cuticle push and trim on both the sides and bottom of the nail, then “overpainting” the sides and cleaning up at the end.  This allows the color to wrap around the whole nail and, she said, would last longer. I was impressed – not even one little chip until Saturday. They still look fairly presentable today, one week later, but definitely one of the best manicures I’ve had in a while.

Now…what to wear with this color…I’d say this just-in Badgley Mishka Bustier Dress, paired with a Gucci Horsebit Clutch to show off the nails.

Keeping it simple and chic with a LBD and clutch

Maria Bonita Salon and Spa, which features South American beauty treatments and hospitality, is open Mon.-Wed., 10 a.m.-7 p.m., Thurs.-Sat. from 10 a.m.-9 p.m., and Sunday from 11 a.m.-6 p.m. The Luck of the Irish Package (an amazing deal!) costs $70 and is available until May 2010.

Irish lassies! Shop no further

Heading out Wednesday for a St. Patrick’s Day party? For those going to a classier affair than your basic frat house tavern, might I recommend the below. We absolutely cannot believe this fabulous Stella McCartney dress has not sold yet – I’d personally pair it with a super short, cropped leather jacket and some peep-toe booties like the ones I scored from Beacon’s Closet yesterday. If you need further inspiration, see how Lindsay Lohan styled it here.

DVF Dylann Wrap Top, paired with the designer's Biby Pant; Stella McCartney Double Layer Dress

Spring essentials: The trench

If you purchase nothing else this spring, grab a new trench. Of course trenches never go out of style, but we’ve seen them celebrated in unique ways lately. Vogue UK suggests belted with the buttons undone, while Gryphon has debuted this bell-sleeved version designed by mother-daughter team Judy and Jane Aldridge (of Sea of Shoes fame).

We’re of course suggesting this Covet Shop version, which brings a a bit of noir-ish, yet feminine, glamour to the staid classic.

Who's That Lady? Turn heads with this Dolce & Gabbana Ruffle Trench

Spring essentials: The new bag and sandals

Nothing puts a spring in your step more than a delicious new bag or some strappy sandals to go with your fresh new pedi. My picks this week…

Sigerson Morrison Davis Sandals, Bottega Veneta Woven Hobo

Spring essentials: The light sweater

Toss either of these gray sweaters in your oversized bag for when it gets chilly people-watching at your favorite sidewalk cafe, and try belting them with any of these smokin’ new belts (from Miu Miu, YSL, and Gucci) posted this week.

Shrug, Blugirl by Blumarine; 3.1 Phillip Lim Pocket Sweater, Miu Miu Rocker Belt

Clockwise, from left: Queen Latifah, Jessica Biel, Elizabeth Taylor, Drew Barrymore, Juliette Binoche, and Benecio Del Toro

Vintage Chanel

Pisces are typically found enjoying the finer things in life, such as strolling Via Montenapoleone or attending an exclusive museum fundraiser. What to wear? This Chanel pant suit, of course.

Chanel 2pc Pant Suit (new!); Rochas Square Patent Pumps

Water Sign Frocks, and Nails to Match

Since I only discovered new BFFs, Ginger + Liz during Fashion Week at the Robert Verdi Luxe Laboratory Suite, I hadn’t included them in my nail polish round up last week. So in honor of these two gorgeous ladies and their polish collection (which is free of toluene, formaldehyde or DBP), here are two of their smokin’ shades paired with some new Covet Shop outfits.

From left: See by Chloe Color Block Tank Dress with Hold the Drama polish; Temperley Jumila Kaftan Tunic with Trance polish; Etro Flutter Silk Dress

Last But Not Least – Shoes

Because Pisces must always maintain an air of mystery and left-of-center edge, let’s not forget important details such as shoes. God forbid a Pisces should ever have to wear dreary loafers or simple pumps, so we’ve put together these selections for the more boho Pisces – perfect for spending the workday lounging around at your friend’s studio drinking sangria, or sneaking off for an illicit tryst.

Stella McCartney Knit Booties; Jill Stuart Claudia Boots; Prada Butterfly Wedges