Sexy Stompers: Celebs and Their Shoes For Summer

Simona Kogan

Perhaps you’ve gone ga-ga over celebrities’ fabulous fashion finds from the runway, on the town, and at major events, but did you stop to look at the amazing adorations on their gorgeous gams? I’m talking about their designer round-toe pumps, pointy heels, ankle booties, espadrilles, slip-ons, flats, and more. When celebs are out, they don’t just think about what’s on their physique, they also think about what’s on their feet and this summer is no different.

In a move to show the world that we continue to eye up more than just what’s on these A-listers’ fabulous frames, “It Girl” Style takes a look at the slinky shoes that are rocking the summer and sassing up celebs at mega-events worldwide.

T-Straps
T-Straps seem to be the dressiest of the summer platforms as stars wear them at movie premieres, awards shows, and fancy nighttime dinners. Perhaps the only time you’ll catch T-straps at their most casual are when celebs wear those down-to-earth t-strap flats out shopping or at the beach. But take it from us, the fancier ones are always more fun…and more elegant!

Cheryl Burke, ballroom dancer extraordinaire from Dancing With The Stars has been seen in a pair of satin T-straps just as new mom Jennifer Lopez slimmed up her post-baby figure with a one-sleeved dress and funky brown peep-toe T-straps. But my favorite to date has to be the elegant white T-straps with embellishments Eva Mendes added to her pink and orange Dior attire at the house’s 2008 Autumn/Winter show in Paris. Take it from us, if you’re going to wear T-straps, why not save them for something sophisticated and look as glamorous as Eva!

To go for T-straps that are both funky, fresh, and fantastic, try these Ralph Lauren patent leather black and yellow.
Ralph Lauren Collection. Adanna. Zappos. $509.15

Gladiator Sandals and Booties
The trendiest shoes to date are those ferocious gladiator sandals that all the celebs are going for these days. Whether cut at the ankle or up to the knee, platform or flat, or peep-toe booties at the extreme, gladiator sandals are the “It” shoe of the summer and celebs are wearing them in full force.

Did you check out Rihanna‘s tv show appearance when she wore those hipster Balenciaga gladiator shoes up to her knee? Those are definitely shoes you can only wear once! That goes for Mary-Kate Olsen and Ashley Tisdale who’s take on the gladiator trend also had them wearing boot-like gladiators. Ashley Olsen opted for Azzedine Alaia‘s, but the list doesn’t stop there. Charlize Theron tied them up for a movie premiere, while Jennifer Connolly wore retro black-and-white with a loud multi-print dress. Liv Tyler wore gladiator peep-toe booties with her Dior haute couture while singer Cassie‘s black peep-toe gladiators went well with a pure white form fitting dress.

Gladiators are the hip new trend of the summer and everyone’s wearing them in heels, booties, peep-toes, and laces. So why not opt for your own and grab these Miss Sixty Macy pumps while they’re still there!
Miss Sixty Macy Pump. Nordstrom. $259.95

Wedges
Wedges may not be the MOST casual shoes of the summer next to strappy flats, but they do give strappies a run for their money, adding height and a bit of classy elegance to an otherwise carefree look. And though stars are often as petite as they look, wedges are perfect for making them appear taller and even thinner by default and its the perfect way to look longer and leaner without having to buy a whole new wardrobe.

The best examples of stylish wedges have to be the ones worn periodically by the two Evas – Mendes and Longoria, that is! These two don’t miss an opportunity to add them to skinny jeans, or preppy dresses (as Mendes did in Paris while on a stroll with her long-term bf.) Wedges are quite versatile – perfect for shopping trips on the town or even at the beach. Dress them up at night by finding sequined ones to add to any cocktail dress or shift and still feel free to wear them in the morning with leggings and a tunic.

Check out these green patent Pollini wedges from Shopbop for a kick of casual comfort. But hurry up, they’re on final sale at a killer price!
Pollini Patent Wedge with Ankle Strap. Shopbop. $183.00 (Final Sale!)

Peep Toes
For dressy shoes, t-straps might be the newest uber-hip trend, but classic peep toes will always be in style. Peep toes have that sophisticated, ultra-classic look with a funky peek-a-boo edge. Stars use basic black ones to flaunt graphic print dresses and nude ones to keep up the boldness of a strappy black cocktail number.

Nicole Richie wears them religiously with white strapless dresses and hasn’t missed the opportunity to show off her post baby figure in an art-deco dress with the classic peep-toe. Jessica Simpson and preggers baby sister Ashlee Simpson-Wentz wear them to events in the nude shade with bold solid colors. But for the best peep toe around, Christian Louboutin is the way to go. Stars love a good Louboutin in black or patent leather and with the figures they’re making, a $700 high-class shoe is definitely no problem!

If you think you’ve got the budget, a Louboutin is the perfect way to pull off a stylish minidress. Try these classics on for size.
Christian Louboutin Peep Toe Slingback. Neiman Marcus. $760

Celebrities, top to bottom
Eva Mendes in Dior Haute Couture (T-straps) People.com
Mary-Kate Olsen in Chanel (Gladiator Sandals) People.com
Eva Longoria in YSL (Wedges) Fabsugar.com
Ashlee Simpson in 3.1 Phillip Lim (Peep Toes) People.com