Wondering how to start off the season on the right foot? You need a pair of gladiators! Yes, the style is back and this year it’s better than ever. Whether you’re calling them caged, Grecian, or strappy, a pair of sandals in this classic silhouette is sure to liven up any outfit and add a touch of elegance to your look.

While designers have been taking this style to new heights and having a lot of fun with it for Spring 2010, some of the favorite styles I’ve seen are simple but gorgeous interpretations of the classic design. With these beautiful sandals, less is most definitely more.

Pair them with anything from skinny jeans to your favorite sundress, and you’ve instantly got a look that is on top of the trends for this summer. If you’re looking for a sophisticated, detailed gladiator sandal, PlanetShoes.com has quite a few to choose from!

Blowfish Ladder

True to form, Blowfish has taken yet another classic silhouette and put a fashion-forward spin on it.

The Ladder looks as if it was taken straight from an ancient Grecian fresco, yet trendy studs and a convenient back heel zipper are woven seamlessly into this design, making it perfect for your modern everyday.

Like Athena, unleash your inner fashion goddess with this elegant, strappy sandal in cow-friendly faux-leather. The cushioned fabric footbed ensures that you’ll be comfortable and light on your feet, just like that Hermes character.

Pikolinos Formentera

If you’re a shoe-lover, you may want to look away. It’s practically impossible not to fall in love with this gorgeous gladiator at first sight! Perhaps it’s the certified environmentally friendly construction. Or the premium leather upper. Maybe it’s the beautifully detailed cut-outs along the forefoot and t-straps, or the ornamental and studding accents.

Whatever it is that catches your eye, the Pikolinos Formentera 7801 is a detailed, finely crafted sandal you won’t want to take off. The padded footbed is lined with soft leather, and the side straps feature hook and loop closures as well as elastic goring to ensure a flexible, custom fit. So go ahead, be superficial. This beautiful gladiator has the comfort and eco features to back it up!

J Shoes Estelle

A favorite of mine, delicate leather straps meet to create the J Shoes Estelle, a lovely, feminine take on the gladiator.

Hand-stitching along the t-strap adds the perfect amount of extra detailing to create a simple yet sophisticated summer look.

A back heel zipper allows for easy on/off while you embrace some of the season’s top trends – ankle straps, snakeskin and, of course, the gladiator silhouette.

The stacked leather sole is padded with EVA, the same foam used in running shoes, so your feet are sure to be comfortable while looking so elegant. J Shoes are subtle and simple but they make an immediate impact. The quality is unparalleled and if you want a great fashion shoe that feels fabulous on the foot, the J Shoes Estelle is right up your alley!

Chinese Laundry Scenster

You’ll be ready to hit the scene in this sexy, strappy gladiator by Chinese Laundry! The delicate all-over, faux-leather strap detailing is irresistibly feminine.

I especially love the braided t-strap, which ties together the wild straps in a pretty, innocent design.

A small stacked wedge adds sophisticated height without sacrificing comfort or stability. The back heel zipper ensures you’ll be able to maneuver in and out of the Scenster with ease, though once you put this gorgeous sandal on, I’m not sure you’ll want to take it off!

Blowfish Cyprus

The Blowfish Cyprus is the ultimate summer sandal.

Set in a gladiator silhouette with braiding, stitching, stud and adjustable buckle detailing with a stacked heel, this sandal has all of this season’s hottest trends in one seamlessly sophisticated design.

The Blowfish Cyprus is sure to become the gem of your sandal collection.

• Materials: Synthetic upper, fabric footbed, man-made sole
• Heel: 3″
• Item #: TD-234
• Lining: Fabric
• Weight: 10 oz.

Chinese Laundry Suzukii

For those who believe fashion comes in all heights, a flat version of the popular Famous Stars, Suzukii by Chinese Laundry is just the shoe for you.

This stylish sandal features the same amped it up gorgeous layered construction and semi glossy python print.

A diamond-esque shape over the vamp, embedded with a centered jewel adds even more attention.

A pair of tempting fringed and beaded tassels, zip up heel cup and finally, a sliver wedge which completes this daring and seductive style. Be bold this summer with Suzukii, the stand out gladiator sandal!

• Materials: Leather/Manmade upper, Padded footbed, Nonskid outsole
• Heel: Approx. 1 in.

Everybody Ella

Make a statement in this gorgeous summer sandal bootie.

The Everybody Ella is crafted in exquisite, soft glove leather with woven strap and buckle detailing on the upper.

Contrast stitching gives this bootie extra pop and the slight heel gives it a bit of lift. An inside zipper makes it a breeze to get in and out of this fabulous sandal.

• Materials: Glove leather upper, rubber sole
• Heel: 1 1/8″
• Country of Origin: China
• Item #: 15079
• Lining: Vegetable leather

Earth Gladiola

Make a bold and convincing statement in this stately gladiator style that dresses up for a night on the town, or plays it coy in a refined business setting. All the while burning more calories with every step!

Scalloped leatherwork raises gladiator styling to a new level – adding a splash of elegance where it’s least expected.

Perforated suede-wrapped footbed neatly disguises a cushioned heel pad that helps to soften every step.

Product Features
Kalso® Negative Heel Technology®
The most defining feature of Earth footwear is Kalso® Negative Heel Technology® a unique inclined sole that positions the toes 3.7° higher than the heels. The slight angle shifts weight subtly back over the heels, and can help strengthen and tone the body while also burning calories.
Anatomic Arch Support
To complement Kalso® Negative Heel Technology®, all Earth footwear features reinforced support through the arch. The arch support maximizes the effectiveness of the heel design in promoting a natural walking motion.
BioFoam® Cushioning
Inside all Earth footwear, a form-fitting footbed provides exceptional comfort with Biofoam™ cushioning. The proprietary material molds to the shape of the foot, displacing and absorbing shock with each step, and is environmentally-considerate, using 70% recycled content.
Burn more calories with every step™
The more lean body mass you build, the more calories you burn. With Earth® footwear, the slight incline of our Kalso® Negative Heel Technology® lets you feel as if you’re walking on an inclined treadmill, and can contribute to fat-burning effects at a rate of up to 4x that of conventional footwear.

Featured Styles:

Chinese Laundry Good Times

Add some glitter to your step with Chinese Laundry’s Good Times flat. These shoes feature reversible sequin detailing for a shiny, colorful and unique look. Comfortable and fun, these flats are man-made and have a rubber sole for grip. Sparkle on in these pretty flats!

Features:

• Reversible sequin detailing
• Man-made sole
• Man-made upper
• 3/8″ heel

Sam and Libby Zees Holiday

Introducing a holiday pattern to one of our top sellers!  “Zees” is an adorable ballet flat from Sam & Libby. This is a classic and adorable ballet flat ready to spruce your your little black dress or to set off your holiday velvet!

• Set in a man-made upper
• Designed with a patent trim and bow accent
• Finished with a 1/4″ heel.

Chinese Laundry Latte

The lustrous straps sweep across the vamp in curvaceous intervals wrapping arcs across your foot, adding an uncommon twist to this platform.This is a great heel that will spice up any holiday look and making you stand out on the dance floor.

The metallic straps gracefully weave around your foot over a sultry sculpted metallic platform and heel.

• Padded footbed
• Manmade upper
• Balance manmade
• Platform 1″
• Approx. 4 1/2 inch” heel.

Poetic Licence Hello Lovely

Feel lovely in these radiant pumps. The mixture of leathers and beautiful jewel detailing make this style a real treasure.

• Suede and leather upper
• Fabric Lining
• Rubber Sole
• Jewel detailing
• Jeweled buckle
• Peep toe
• 2 1/2″ inch heel.

Have you heard of Comic Con? Comic con is the largest comic and popular arts convention in the world. This year it ran from July 23rd to July 26th and more celebrities than ever showed up to promote movies, projects, movie franchises and more.

I liked a lot of the celebrity fashion I saw covered at Comic Con because it was a bit more casual than the normal red carpet attire. One of my absolute favorite looks was put together by Cameron Diaz.

Sporting skinny jeans, a long white tank top and a cure fitted vest over the top, she finished the outfit with a pair of comfortable looking and a little edgy motorcycle style boots. Flat heels, a shiny patina and reaching up to her knee, they just look super comfortable but hot at the same time.

So sure, its summer and we’re not wearing a lot of black boots right now, but Cameron suddenly has me inspired to try it out. After all, where we are in the Northeast it’s been a super cool summer so maybe this is a look I could go for right now! So, what are my options here at Planet Shoes to emulate Cameron’s look?

Let’s see!

Tom’s Wrap Boot

These are so cool! I also think they might be perfect for summer into fall transition. This boot is called the Tom’s Wrap boot for a reason. The basic construction of the boot is actually an ankle boot and then you literally wrap the rest of the boot up your leg. This ensures a snug and leg enhancing silhouette and you don’t have to deal with the aggravation of pulling them on and pulling them off all the time.

If you have trouble finding boot shafts that fit well, these may be a great option for you and they look totally fabulous with little dresses and skirts – so if you’re going to experiment with a tall boot in the warmer months – this is a great one.

Also, don’t forget the reason’s that Tom’s Shoes are great for the world!

Chinese Laundry Tahoe

As usual, Chinese Laundry comes up with an elegant and sophisticated option! The Chinese Laundry Tahoe boot it sleek, sexy and comfortable set in a nubuck black suede and topped with a three silver clip buttons.This is a boot designed to accent any look you put together rather than being the showpiece, and that’s why we like them!

This boot will slouch a little bit during wear, and is designed to, and actually has a 1” hidden wedge heel so you’ll be getting a little extra height even though it doesn’t look like it!

Perfect for wear with dresses and skirts, these boots will also look great over your skinny jeans. The suede and slouch lends a more casual feel to the boot while the line keeps them elegant and versatile.

Geox Kink Lace Boot

Geox has a knack for creating urban and edgy options and the Kink lace up boot is certainly a great example. The black leather used in the boot has been distressed giving them an awesome vintage feel. They are set off by a motorcycle inspired ankle buckle and the kink is turned up by decorative lacing up the back of the boot.

Don’t worry, you get in an out of these babies with a standard inner zipper – you don’t have to lace up every time! Geox also incorporates awesome technology into their boots, sandals and shoes that keep them super comfortable and breathable no matter the conditions – and that’s a great thing in a leather boot!

So if you’re looking for a vintage and urban look, Geox may be a great place to start.

Nicole Right Now

Right now is right! This boot is so classic and versatile that it had to be included. The smooth leather sheen, the classic shape, the simple low heel and the elegant rolled over cuff looks fabulous for every day wear. The great news? You can roll that cuff up and make them simple tall boots, or keep it rolled over, or roll it over more!

This is a supple and flexible leather upper and Nicole shoes, as usual, delivers the comfort, durability and fashion flexibility we’ve come to expect. If you need the ultimate go-to boot to transition between seasons and to look fabulous as temperatures drop, this is the boot for you!

I caught this picture of Rachel McAdams the other day on People.com. She’s running while filming a scene in her new movie, Morning Glory in New York City. Yes, she looks great and the dress and bag are very pretty, but of course, I only had eyes for her gorgeous pink high heels!

The shape is classic and elegant and the fun color looks good enough to eat. I love this look because she’s not pairing her neutral and elegant outfit with a staid pair of pumps or ballet flats, she is rockin’s some adorable and colorful stilettos that take the outfit to a new level.

Of course, I immediately popped over to Planet Shoes to see if I could find something similar and lo and behold, what do I find but the Chinese Laundry Spicy in Fuchsia! The color! The Shape! Hello, the price!

These lovelies are on sale right now!

At four inches, these pointy toed stiletto’s will elongate your leg and the extra padding and outsole with traction will keep your walk confident and comfortable.

So get the look, indulge yourself and you’ll know you look like you just stepped off the silver screen, but for a fabulous bargain price!

World Entertainment News caught this picture of Jennifer Lopez filming her upcoming movie, The Back-Up Plan and I have to admit, when I saw her shoes, I totally fell in love.

The problem though is that they are super high spike heels and although I am a slave to fashion, I don’t think I could sustain those all day long.

So I went on a search through Planet Shoes to find either a similar color, or an option I knew I could wear all day long without killing myself for fashion! I used her sandals and this look to inspire me and sought out something that might be different, but held on to a couple of aspects of these fab shoes.

I was pretty pleased with my three potential style inspired options:

First Option: Apepazza Pavia

These gorgeous peep toe booties mimic the color and shape of the fab sandals J Lo is wearing. That rich, almost reddish leather offers a great, but natural pop of color and it looks so great against the denim bell bottoms.

The thicker heel of these booties, though, may offer more stability, and I think the bootie shape of these might make them a bit more versatile. The leather ankle bootie can even work through the fall – even with the peep toe! Made with imported Italian leather, the rubber sole offers impact protection for the height – 3 ¾ inch heels!

Second Option: Chinese Laundry Rye

This is my kind of high, strappy sandal! This wedge heel soars at 4 ½ inches, but because it is a wedge, there is far more stability and the 1 ¾ inch platform at the toe means you’ll get maximum height and maximum comfort.

Although the color palette is different than the J Lo sandal, the natural tan color of the leather on these fun, strappy wedges will still offer a great contrast to denim and the straps emulate the styling of J Lo’s shoes.

These sandals are also very versatile and would look great with a long pair of jeans or with a great summer dress or even a cute short skirt. The cork wedge is in right now and will offer plenty of support and shock absorption as these terrific sandals show of your great legs all summer long!

Third Option: J Shoes Florence

And now for something completely different! In beautiful Red Rust, the J Shoes Florence offers the color and shape of J Lo’s fabulous sandals, but with a fashionable and interesting artistic edge. The high quality leather and 3 inch stacked heel gives you height and high quality comfort and the innovative design with contrasting textured bow add a feminine touch.

These shoes were inspired by the traditional loafer, but I see them as fashion forward all the way. These high heeled loafers are also sure to last through fall and winter months and can easily be worn to work as well as with your sexiest jeans.

I’m still not sure which option I’m going with – but I love the inspiration and finding a way to make this look my own!

[Image via WENN.]

Hey! We were just talking about these! The Chinese Laundry Sudoku are one of the most unusual styles out there this season and while they’re undoubtedly beautiful, we’re pretty sure some of our safer stylish ladies might wonder how they look on an real person.

Well, thanks to Vanessa Hudgens, star of the mega popular High School Musical movie series, we now know just how adorable these innovative sandals can look! Here, paired with a cute sundress, the Chinese Laundry flats highlight delicate ankle and add a pop of modern innovation to an otherwise fairly simple look.

My favorite part of Vanessa’s choice here is that she’s treating the shoes as a “neutral,” despite their different silhouette. They aren’t the showpiece of her outfit – they just work right along with what she wants to wear. So if you were on the fence about grabbing a pair of the Chinese Laundry Sudoku, take a page out of Vanessa Hudgen’s style book right here and go for it!

One of the other popular looks coming out of the Bohemian style this spring and summer is the sculptured look – where fabrics and materials are designed to fold and sit in a way that offers a luxurious an interesting visual style.

Chinese Laundry Sudoku – One of the most innovative designs that has taken this look to the next level is the Chinese Laundry Sudoku. This shoe is really different with a dramatic fabric wrap around heel and elegant ribbon detailing. This is like a fabulous shoetie for summer!

The super comfortable faux suede footbed and simplistic thong crate a comfortable, elegant and truly interesting sandal that can work with an upscale ensemble or simply act as a perfect accessory on your boho chic outfit.

El Naturalista Ambar – Along these same lines, but with a bit more structure, is the El Naturalista Ambar. Made with eco-friendly leathers, this innovative wedge has a dramatic ankle tie that keeps this funky boho pump in place. Additionally, El Naturalista uses 100% natural rubber on their outsoles which is durable, flexible and reduces impact on the ankles, knees and hips.

Lined with removable insoles, the textured leather offers a really different, earthy look while the clean lines and contrast stitching maintain the high end elegance you want in a shoe of this quality. The green is considered a new neutral and will work with all of your earth tones!

Blowfish Segment Canvas – If you’re looking for a sandal alternate, consider a sculptured ballet flat. Blowfish is a master at the architectural use of material. The Blowfish Segment Canvas has a really unique look; the fabric is slightly distressed and works beautifully with the BoHo look and the unique folded look, accented with button ornaments makes these shoes a distinctive take on the popular shape.

These flats are also neutral enough to work with a wide variety of looks, so don’t feel constrained. Blowfish shoes are also made with great materials and are designed to be durable and comfortable while giving you that fashionable edge you crave.

Nicole Thrill – Our last sculptural shoe uses less material but dramatic shapes and textures to create a fabulous and sophisticated Bohemian sandal. While our other examples use draping, folding and tying, these flip flop inspired sandals use the thickness and opulence of the t strap leather to offer a great look.

The Nicole Thrill lives up to its name in a gorgeous gold full grain leather upper and unique detailing including a metallic anchor and striking, adjustable buckle. The casual thong sandal will work with almost any outfit you can put together and you’ll be rocking several trends at once – metallic, gladiator inspired and t strap while looking exceptional and innovative.

One of our favorite trends this spring is the use of patent leather and colorful textures that create edgier looks in sandals, high heels and flats. Rich textures and powerful colors make these our favorite authority shoes for the season. Of course, they aren’t all sleek – we’ve found some fun and funky options for all ages and styles.

Read on and enjoy!

Indigo by Clarks really knows how to bring style and elegance and the Indigo by Clarks Edamame is a great start to our style highlight. This strappy wedge sandal is sexy and modern but brings the classic style and chic shape to the table as well.

This patent leather sandal would look fabulous in the work place with your favorite summer power suit, or out dancing at your favorite nightclub and the best part is that Indigo by Clarks uses the comfort technology for which Clarks is so well known so you’ll feel great the whole time.

If you’re looking for a sleeker look and some fun and different colors, check out the Chinese Laundry Pinta. This sexy and minimal kitten heel sandal with peep toe is both comfortable and stunning. The sheen of the leather upper and ruched styling offers both the shiny pop and the funky texture that are so popular this season.

Highlighted with a delicate ankle strap that will set off your slim ankles and the low vamp of the shoe which elongates the leg, you know these will look fabulous with skinny jeans, floaty summer skirts and your most serious little black dress.

We love the modern look and architectural details of Poetic License, so when we saw the stunning Poetic License Ideation we had to include it in this set of patent and textured heels and options. The contrasting suede upper is set off by a patent leather trim and a dramatic diagonal patent strap that truly elevates the style and elegance of this high heel.

The three inch heel will give you great height and you’ll be hard pressed to find a more stunning or elegant evening shoe. Of course, if you have the right look, this pump will look equally fabulous as a dramatic day footwear. Poetic License always manages to turn typical fashion into something unique and elegant – and the Ideation is a fabulous and fun example.

Are you ready for something with a much funkier edge? The Rocket Dog Butterfly is an edgy and young strappy high heeled sandal that pushes the fashion envelope. The three and a half inch heel and one inch platform will give you sexy and soaring height with stability.You can use these fun sandals to spice up a simple outfit or to take your fun fashion edge to the next level.

The multi colored snake embossed synthetic leather offers a colorful and modern look. As usual, Rocket Dog takes the stylish quotient up a notch and you’ll look fabulous in these fun and funky textured heels.

If you love or just plain need a flat, enjoy all the fashion and none of the height with the Blowfish Sweet Tea. Blowfish knows how to bring the fashion and this ballet flat incorporates adorable details from heel to toe.

You’ll see an elegant little buckle at the back while the front has architectural pleating in an elegant design that simply makes the snakeskin patent leather look that much more fun. The cushioned insole and delicious deep purple contrast interior lining make this little ballet flat a luxurious and fun value.

Ankle strap sandals and shoes are in style in a big way this spring and summer. The best part is that there is a huge versatility of styles available, so whether you prefer the sexy bohemian lace up the ankle or the more structured ankle strap incorporated into a gladiator sandal, you’ll be able to find a great ankle strap shoe or sandal for this season.

Perfect with capris pants, your favorite spring or summer dress or your micro mini, these ankle strap ballet flats, sandals and shoes will highlight the length of your legs and draw attention to your slim ankles ankles and calves. Fashionable shoes this season are all about the details, so check out some of our favorite styles and see which tickles your fancy!

The J Shoes Splash is as innovative and feminine as it is fun and flirty. Offered in bright pink and black, with a T strap sheep leather upper and a peep toe, this shoe is architectural, sexy and very different. Inspired by the traditional ballet shoe, the kitten heel will highlight your sexy calves and the elegant lace up can be customized for your comfort.

The J Shoes lace up pump will act as an exclamation point to any fun and modern outfit this season, so take your fashion to the next level and really make a Splash!

The Chinese Laundry Citrus is another delicious ankle strap offering this season. Based on the popular ballet flat, this ankle strap peep toe pump has also incorporated a green colored python textured upper. The sheen and the texture make these flats stand out in a crowd.

What we love about these shoes though, is that although they have a bold look, the elegance and classic shape of the ballet flat offers a gorgeous balance of style. Leave it to Chinese Laundry to find that fabulous balance!

The Clarks Flutter is a beautiful, fashionable but classic shoe, that brings together the ankle strap, the wedge, another popular trend this season, and the great quality we’ve come to expect from this long standing shoe manufacturing leader. This Clarks sandal has a full grain leather upper with elegant contrast sticching and a delicate ankle strap buckle.

As attractive and versatile as this shoe is, it also incorporates all the comfort technology we love from Clarks. The wedge heel is lightweight and the cement construction offers flexibility and shock absorption. With a dense polyurethane foot bed, the shoe will ultimately conform to your foot. Once you put a pair of Clarks on, you’ll never want to take them off.

Not everyone can indulge in a high heel so we thought we should highlight a gorgeous offering from one of our most popular lifestyle and fitness brands; Earth Footwear. The Earth Fauci is a gorgeous gladiator sandal with an elegant Velcro double ankle strap. The embellished up front connects to create an elegant and textured T strap that offers incredible stability and comfort.

Finally, and perhaps most importantly, the footbed incorporates Kalso Negative heel technology so you will actually burn calories and improve muscle tone while you walk. We love this shoe because there are a lot of fitness sandals out on the market right now – but few that elegantly combine so many of today’s hottest trends!