According to Shoe historian Elizabeth Semmelhack, as our net worth gets lower, our fashion sense gets higher—at least when it comes to our heels.   Fashionable heels got higher during the Great Depression, at the height of WWII rationing, through the oil crisis of the mid-70s—and now again, in the midst of the worst recession since then.

I sure can’t argue with Semmelhack, who’s shoe cred includes being senior curator of Toronto’s Bata Shoe Museum and author of Heights of Fashion: A History of the Elevated Shoe. But the big question on my mind is, simply, “Why?” What is it about hard times that drives us to higher fashion and higher heels?

In the New York Times Op-Art piece, “On the Heels of a Recession,” Penelope Rowlands and Christine Berrie speculate that economic stresses sharpen our focus on gender identity, including in our fashion choices.

Semmelheck has a simpler explanation that rings a lot truer for me: “These little trifles can elevate one’s mood.” In plain language, wearing high heels makes you feel better.

What do you think? Do you crave high heels more when you can afford them less? Or are pretty new pumps the first thing to go when you downsize your shopping list? Leave a comment below to let us know.

P.S.: The day after the NYT piece came out, Leona Tannenbaum (author of Bad Shoes and the Women Who Love Them) responded in her letter, “Women in High Heels,” that “the trend to go higher and higher flies in the face of common sense.”

Tannenbaum says we should have learned our lesson from—of all things—the aftermath of the World Trade Center attack of September 11, 2001, during which women had to remove their pumps and flee the scene barefoot.

I swear, sometimes I think the debate about high heels will never end.

To pump or not to pump, that is the question. What do you think? Leave a comment below.

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Everywhere I went on Saturday nights women were in their dresses and sky high party shoes. Almost always a stiletto heel, I saw colors, textures, embellishments, platforms, peep toes, feathers, glitter… you name it! It was a shoe lovers candy shop in Glasgow!

So, I’ve decided to do a tribute to the ladies of Glasgow and their oh so fun party shoes!

The shoes featured in the post are reminiscent of what I saw that night. Enjoy!

These electric blue peep toe pumps from Pelle Moda are smokin!!

You're sure to command attention wearing the stylish Pelle Moda™ Sachi. Striking platform pump with contrast textures for added appeal.

Click here to buy at Zappos.com now!

And these peep toes from Dereon are SEX-AY!

Let this spicy purple heel add some class to your collection of pumps. Scoth is a lavish open toe pump with luxe shiny pink alligator-skin strap at the vamp, a 3/4 inch platform and 5 inch thick stiletto heel.

Click here to buy at Heels.com now!

Ah, and sequins. I think that sequins may be my one true love! Who can resist a sexy black pump made entirely of black sequins?? Check these out from Report Signature (and they come in different colors too! SWOON!).

Your look will always reign supreme when you wear this King pump from Report Signature. Its classic design is crowned with an eye-catching sequined upper, gentle almond toe, hidden platform, and daring heel. It's a look fit for a queen (namely, you).

Click here to buy from Endless.com now!

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So you have the perfect date with the perfect guy at the perfect restaurant. Now all you need is the perfect shoes of course!

I have selected a few options for the perfect Valentine’s Day shoe. The color of all of them? Red, silly! Take a look!

First, we’re going to go super girly. What makes you feel totally sexy, flirty and girly all in one? Ruffles! Check these babies out by Luichiny!

Your fancy outfit will never be forgotten in these sizzling red party sandals from Luichiny. Gim Me is a T strap party sandal in red satin featuring a 1/2 inch platform and a 4 1/2 inch paneled silver stiletto heel.

Click here to buy these at Heels.com now!

Next, for a softer, more romantic evening by candlelight… Nothing can make you feel more lady like than a pretty mary jane. Especially these by Fergie!

Fergie's Lavish take on mary-jane style will lift your height and turn heads everywhere you go. The soft suede look features feminine ruffles at the collar, as well as an open toe and a gently flared heel for a sensational silhouette.

Click here to buy these from Endless.com now!

And last, but definitely not least… the sexy heel! Some of us like to vamp it up on Valentine’s Day and show our men an amazing time. These heels by Carlos Santana to the trick!

It's a Privilege to step out in these hot heels from CARLOS by Carlos Santana™. Stacked heel. 4 1/2" heel.

Click here to buy these at Zappos.com now!

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Shoes are practically in every store there! And some stores have the greatest prices.  I went out with my friends in Glasgow and she made me go get some amazing stilettos! I know, poor me right?

Check my AMAZING patent stilettos out! I went out for a night on the town in these! And boy, a night did I have!
Anyway, I’m back and back in force. I did happen to get some other shoes over there that I’ve either found on one of my favorite shoe websites, or look alikes (which we all know and love so much!)

An overly sexy silhouette fused with a comfortable footbed is what you get, when you slip into the Flipp pump! Patent leather upper. Round toe. Leather lining. Covered platform and stiletto heel.

C lick the here to buy at Zappos.com now!

The other 2 pairs I acquired on vacation were for work.  Check these out, gorgeous two toned mary janes!

You don't have to spend a huge Chunk of Change to get this darling style from Not Rated. The value-priced cutie features a mixed leather upper in a tri-colored palette, while an oversize buckle creates an adjustable fit.

Click here to buy these at Endless.com now!

And last but not least, I got these sexy stacked heel loafers!

Style is a go for this tailored oxford bootie from Steve Madden. A natural fabric upper is accented with an animal print leather and lace up front finished with a stacked 1/4 inch platform and 4 1/4 inch heel.

Click the here to buy these from Heels.com now!

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One of the best love stories yet. *sniff*

And it got me thinking…. Those ladies in the forties and fifties… they had some classy and timeless shoes goin’ ON!

How fun would it be to wear some beautiful forties & fifties inspired shoes? Oh, wait… I do!!  Check these out!

So, these lovelies would been worn out on a brunch with the girls, or my guy!

Pair these 'Pauline' t-straps with a pencil skirt and a ruffled top for a polished pin-up girl look. Man-made leather upper. Open toe with large bow at vamp. Adjustable quarter strap with buckle closure. Lightly padded insole. Durable rubber sole.

Click here now to buy these “Pauline” pumps from Betsyville on Zappos.com!

And for a night out at the hoppin’ jazz club? These of course!

Let your dress wardrobe bloom with this lovely Rhoda pump from Kelsi Dagger. Its soft suede upper is accented with an oversized metallic floral embellishment and coordinating metallic heel and platform for just a touch of evening glitz. A lightly cushioned insole and gored insets in the straps provide a comfy, flexible fit.

Click here now to but the “Rhoda” pump from Kelsi Daggar on Endless.com!

And for a fun brunch with anyone – the girls, the parents, the MAN! – these are great anytime during the day!

Give your look a lovely feel in these heels from Naughty Monkey. Shock and Awe 2 features a brown textured upper with printed beige flower petals throughout. This peep toe pump brings you a 4 ¾ inch heel ½ inch platform.

Click here now to buy “Shock & Awe 2″  by Naughty Monkey at Heels.com!

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I can’t tell you how many shoes I have ruined because they just don’t hold up in the snow and salt during the long winter months. Well, I walk to work like so many of you ladies out there and carry and extra pair with me.  Sometimes though, you need to put on a pair and go!  And you want your little tootsies to stay warm!

Check these out.  Here are some options for all you office going girls!

How about some classic loafers with a colorful twist?

Metallic looks are always lovely around the holidays. Liven up your look with the DKNYC™ Talia. Square moc toe. Metallic fabric upper with bow and fringe vamp embellishments. Metallic leather lining. Lightly padded insole with brand detail on the footbed. Block heel.

Click here to buy Talia by DKNYC at Zappos.com now!

Or… why not liven up winter in a pair of RED mary janes?

Virgo’s are known for being feminine, practical and refined. This sophisticated and comfortable mary jane features a creamy cognac leather upper, a chic pointed toe, and a thick strap finished with a matching button.

Click here now to buy Virgo Heel from Cognac, Corso on Heels.com now!

And for us walking girls, where  would we be without a flat?  Check these out from Misbehave!

Add a little pop and fizz to your step with the Cola flat from Misbehave. A sassy wrapped-bow detailing on the vamp will lend a flirty finish to your favorite casual jeans and skirts, while its lightly padded insole and grippy outsole will keep your steps easy and comfy.

Click here now to buy Cola Flat from Misbehave on Endless.com!

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Hoof & Gun

I didn’t even know where to begin to find look-alikes for these crazies! So I found these crazy shoes instead by Max Studio!

The Boudica heel features a caught fringe t-strap for an interesting and fashion-forward look.

Click here to buy the Boudica heel at Heels.com now!

Or maybe you’re a bit more Split Personality!

This Naughty Monkey pump has quite the Split Personality; and we love both sides! Its tie-dyed fabric is delicately pleated at the round toe, while high-gloss embossing adds texture to the rest of the shoe.

Click here now to buy Split Personality by Naughty Monkey on Endless.com

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Remember the alien like booties that came out? A la Lady Gaga?

Lady Gaga

Well, check these babies out!  They are the Titanic Ballerina Pumps by Alexander McQueen at a cost of $1,985.00. (stop hyperventilating! wait till you see what I’ve found you!)

Titanic Ballerina Pump by Alexander McQueen

Ok, have you started breathing normally yet??

Check out these lookalikes from Casadei and click the pic to buy on Endless.com now!

Nothing brings evening wear to life quite like a luxurious satin pump. This one from Casadei features a traditional silhouette that's made extra contemporary thanks to its height-inducing double platform.

Or…  why not these Vera pumps from Elie Tahari?  Click the pic to buy at Zappos.com now!

Let the vivacious Vera pump from Elie Tahari™ take you from office appropriate to office diva! Leather upper. Rounded toe. Stacked heel and platform. Leather sole. 3 3/4" heel.

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And honestly, sometimes I get frustrated with the awards ceremony traditions of long gowns because I’m aching to see what is on the feet of the ladies! So here are a few pics of my favorites – shoes…the ones I could see!

First, we have Kate Hudson.  Thank goodness she was holding her dress up! We got to see her amazing sky high white platforms!

Kate Hudson

Next we have Ginnifer Goodwin.  I totally have a girl crush on her. She always looks fantastic! And I love her sexy black platforms!

Ginnifer Goodwin

And then, Kristen Bell – so elegant in these black platform peep-toe pumps!  She always looks cute!

Kristen Bell

And, yes… as always I have totally done my homework and found some lookalikes for all you fa shoe nistas!

Click the pic below to get these lookalike white platform pumps like Kate Hudson’s from Endless.com!

Click here now to buy from Endless.com. Sometimes it's fun to Teeze, and this mary jane from Pleaser will add a playful polish to your casual and clubwear. The classic silhouette is endlessly versatile, while its super-slim heel and daring platform take the art of flirtation to new heights.

And for Ginnifer’s wonderfully elegant black platforms, click the pic below to buy now from Heels.com!

Let your fashion sense shine through in these fabulous pumps from Dolce Vita. Beam is a black leather pump covered in luxe black lace from rounded toe to covered heel.

Who doesn’t need a classic black peep-toe pump like Kristen Bell wore? Click the pic below to buy these lovlies from Zappos.com!

Kyleen by Nina. Complement your special look with this gorgeous evening shoe. Luxurious satin upper. Pleated vamp with knotted detail. Satin-covered heel. Leather sole.

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So how do I get through it?  I wear cute snow boots!!  Yes, just a simple pleasure such as this gets me through the long winters.  They put a smile on my face and keep my feet warm.

Because I am a shoe addict, I have a few snow boots that wear – is that wrong? I’ve tried a lot of cold-weather and snow boots in my day, and these are the lucky ones that I’ve loved so much that they now have a coveted place in my closet.  Take a look!

Ok, so I know Ugg boots have been around for a while now, but I just can’t resist them.  I love these ones in particular because they have the classic Ugg look, but there are small metallic details all over them for a little more pizzaz!  Click the pic to buy at Zappos.com now!

Enjoy the resplendent style of the UGG® Australia Classic Tall Fancy Women's. Genuine sheepskin upper with allover metallic details can be worn rolled up or down for added style.

These boots are hard core!  I wear these when I feel the need to conquer the world – or at least trudge through the snow and feel like I’m conquering the world!  In these boots, I can do anything!!  Click the pic to buy at ShoeBuy.com now!

Inspired by the famed towns of the Rocky Mountain West, this update utilizes waterproof protection, superior Primaloft Eco insulation, and a sleek design that maintains the balance between function and form.

These boots are awesome.  They have no frills, yet look fantastic on.  These are definitely my go-to winter boots.  Click the pic to buy at Endless.com now!

Enjoy some fun but fashionable winter sports (you know--snowman building, cocoa sipping, and holiday shopping) in the Sled boot from Pajar. This ultra-cozy design features a very convincing faux fur trim on a stylishly shiny upper.

I must admit, I’ve saved the best for last.  I love my Sorel Joan of Artic boots!  I have them in black and I think by next winter I’ll have them in white too!  These are so comfortable AND they are SUPER CUTE!!  Click the pic to buy at Zappos.com now!

For all the skeptics who say you can't combine function and fashion, say hello to the Sorel® Joan of Arctic™! Seam-sealed waterproof construction. Waterproof full grain leather and suede upper. Faux fur snow cuff.

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Well, I find that those are the days when I walk in my front door, peel off the work attire (aka, your “disguise” as my mother used to call it) and slip into something that is YOU.  Totally and utterly you.

Whether it be your sweats, heavy black eyeliner or heck, even kitten powder (prowr!) these are the things that make *everything* better.

Me?  I usually have something going on after work, ahem…. yes, it’s usually drinkies and munchies with some of the peeps!  Who doesn’t love that?  Unwind with some cocktails and some girl talk!!  But first, I have to be ME.

I get home, peel off my disguise and don my “me” clothes”.  Ok, ok, it’s usually jeans with something… BUT, I always have great shoes.  Because even after a crappy day, shoes make me SO happy!  *happy sigh*

So, what shoes make you happy?

Here are a few of my favorites – that put a bounce in my step, a twinkle in my eye and knowing smile on my lips!

What woman doesn’t feel amazing in a classic red pump?  Even in jeans!  Jessica Simpson can do some sexy pumps, huh?  Check this out and click the pic to buy!

Collect compliments in these classic pumps from Jessica Simpson. Nolita brings you shiny red patent leather throughout with a flattering pointed toe and 4 inch stiletto heel.

Ok, ok, I know.  You totally reconize these shoes as, oh yes!, the Carrie Bradshaw stolen shoes!!  Look-alikes, anyway.  These make me feel so good.  Hands down.  Period.  No other explanation needed.   Pelle Moda thank you!

Bring an extra hint of class to your next night out with this pump from Pelle Moda. The Ion features a rich leather upper with delicate pleats and sparkling rhinestones at the toe. A d'Orsay cut shows off your arches, while the leg-lengthening stiletto is every girl's best friend.

And these, my friends, are when you just need to vamp things up and feel (and look) amazing!  All the girls will be eying your shoes (HA! and the guys eying YOU!) in these sexy heels by Nine West!  And of course, as always, click the pic to buy now!

You'll be the epitome of style and class in these heels from Nine West®. Adjustable buckle closure. Leather upper with multiple strap detail over instep. Peep toe. Man-made lining. Cushioned man-made footbed. 1/2" covered platform. Stacked heel. Man-made sole. 4" heel. 1/2" platform.

So, ladies and gents, go out there – be YOU – have fun, live life – and wear FABULOUS shoes!

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I don’t know if it’s just me, but I’ll bet that there is no way Rosalie would EVER be caught wearing flats!  The higher the better for the vampiest vampire of all!

I only wish I could walk through Rosalie’s closet and see the shoes that she has.

Maybe these amazing Catwalk shoes?  Click the pic to buy now!

Shhhhhhh! Just let the Highest Heel 'Catwalk' talk the talk as you walk the sexy walk. Adjustable ankle strap. D'Orsay construction. Synthetic leather. Synthetic lining. Synthetic insole. Synthetic sole. 4 1/4" heel.

Or how about these Lennox pumps!  Va va va VOOM!  Click the pic to buy now!

No one offers affordable shoe styles like Michal Antonio. This faux suede design looks like it just stepped off the runway at a fraction of the price.

And how could I resist doing a Rosalie boot?  Check these Rocawear boots out – Rosalie would totally have these!  Click the pic to buy now!

This stunning grey knee boot from Rocawear demands attention from the alligator-skin-like textured look, to the black straps and charcoal chain detailing at the ankle, to the perfectly pointed toe. Mifie also features a 5 inch stiletto heel made comfortable with a 1 1/4 inch hidden platform. Don't settle for less; strut your stuff in Mifie.

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