A shoe-in for the holidays

Don’t panic, but it is officially 12 days before Christmas! If you’re the prudent type, you would have finished most of your Christmas shopping by now. If not, the last-minute scramble through malls and bazaars at this point could be more stressful than driving through EDSA on a Friday night. Women are particularly difficult to shop for because figuring out what we like is basically like trying to feel your way through the dark. If only there was a particular gift item that all women could use and appreciate … like a great pair of shoes! Not sure where to start? Here is a shortlist of 12 pairs of shoes starting from classic flats all the way up to five-inch skyscrapers. Think of each pair as a marker for the last 12 days leading up to the most highly anticipated holiday of the year. Best of all, nobody ever said that we women have to buy them for someone else — why not gift a pair or two to ourselves? It’s not called the “season for giving” for nothing!

#1: Quilted Nappa Leather Flats In Rose By Pretty Ballerinas (P9,950)

Pretty Ballerinas is a brand well-known for being the most comfortable flats in town, making them perfect for women who need to give those arches a rest. This pair in a unique shade of rose — white with a touch of pink, with the tips capped in black — is nothing short of sweet and dainty. The design is versatile enough to suit everyone from your lola, who needs a stylish pair for her daily mall strolls, to your wife or mother for lounging on the weekends, yet are still age-appropriate enough for your prepubescent inaanak who possesses style beyond her years.

#2 Coated Black Snakeskin Leather Flats With Pretty Ballerina Engraved Buckle (P9,950)

Nothing spells l-u-x-e like an exotic skin. These flats were made for the woman who refuses to give up her heels because she can’t find a pair of flats that have enough punch and attitude for her. The snakeskin texture is coated for high shine and the shoes are topped off with the Pretty Ballerina logo on the buckles in front. If there was ever a pair of flats that practically begged for a night out, it would be these.

#3 Stella Lunakitten Heels (P7,450)

From the (literal) down-to-earth vibe of flats, let’s kick things up slightly with kitten heels from Stella Luna, which are available in black, royal blue and wine. A happy medium between ballerina flats and sky-high pumps, busy working women will appreciate the practicality of the kitten heel. They lend the right amount of height that can still give woman an air of authority, yet will allow them to run from meeting to meeting without their feet giving out, and even make it to after-work cocktails.

#4 Stella Luna Wedges (P7,750)

Talk about business in the front, party in the back! Up front, these wedges look like pumps, but from the side they reveal their true, comfortable selves! Take your pick from these office-ready wedges that come in black, black-gray, gray and red. Signaling the right urban-chic vibe with their polished leather upper, round-toe and low-wedge heel, they are the epitome of day-to-night shoes.

#5 Red Patent Pumps By What For (P4,950)

From wedges masquerading as pumps, we arrive at the real deal. Coming in at a modest three-inch height, the classic shape and red shade of these pumps are nothing short of sexy and are totally appropriate for the holidays (and Chinese New Year!). These heels are for women who like the feeling of instant confidence and poise brought about by wearing a pair of heels, yet are unwilling to bear the pain of wearing a pair that’s too high!

#6 Stella Luna Satin Pumps (P6,950)

Going somewhere tonight? These satin-finished pumps with a simple bow detail are a tad dressier than the usual pair of pumps. The bow adds a feminine playfulness to any ensemble, from a simple pair of jeans and a T-shirt to that long-awaited Christmas cocktail party! Available in red and black, they also feature a more moderately sized heel for those who are still afraid to tread on higher ground, so to speak.#

#7 Schutz Velvet Pointed Black Pumps With Embellishments On Heel And Bow (P6,350)

Wish your shoes could name-drop for you? It would certainly be less tacky that way, especially if they’re name-dropping British royalty! Similar to the heels that Catherine Mountbatten-Windsor, Duchess of Cambridge, would wear to parties back when she was still known as just Kate Middleton, these three-inch pointed embellished velvet pumps are basic yet glamorous. How many pairs of heels can do that?

#8 Schutz Atanado Leather Pumps In Chinchilla Brown (P6,950)

Just because it’s Christmas, it doesn’t mean that every pair of heels that you give out or put on has to be red! Get back to basics (and reach for the skies) with these five-inch gray leather pumps by Schutz. Made of durable material fashioned into a classic shape (that feature highly coveted toe cleavage — only ladies understand how important that little detail is!), this pair was made for everyday wear.

#9 Schutz Nubuck Pumps With Stitch Details In Rubine (P5,950)

Can you say pretty in pink? Channel your inner Molly Ringwald with these muted pink pumps with stitching details. Though the hue is decidedly girly, it is still subdued enough to be mixed and matched with different outfits, whether day or night. After all, this season will leave you seeing so much red that pink would be a welcome change.

#10 Stella Luna Block-Heel Pumps (P8,950)

In a pinch and have nothing left to wear but that trusty LBD in your closet? Then you’ll be glad to have these block-heel pumps from Stella Luna. Available in Borro, Grafite and Acciaio, these are jaw-dropping dress pumps will allow you to make quite an entrance, no matter how many times you’ve worn that LBD before. Don’t be afraid of the block heel, though — there is a platform built at the front for ultimate stability and balance.

#11 Stella Luna Peep-Toe Pumps (P8,750)

Just got a great pedicure and don’t want to waste it? Then throw on a pair of peep-toes! This pair by Stella Luna puts a directional spin on your next party look. Made of pony hair and available in grigio-silver, blue-silver and nero silver, they’re just the perfect pair for whenever you need a kind of pick-me-up to make you feel extra special, no matter what you’re wearing.

#12 Stella Luna Dress Pumps (P6,950)

And just like that, it’s Christmas! As far as these brightly colored pumps are concerned, at least. The ultimate in dress pumps, they are available in light camel, purple, red and blue. If ever there was a pair of heels created specifically for high-octane celebration, this would be it. They’re the firecrackers of heels! Without even trying too hard, you’re going to light up a room in these babies, even before they turn on the Christmas lights.