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Editor’s note: Every Friday from now until April 1, we will be announcing the winners of our contest Fierce Friday on the blog. Fierce Friday was launched as a way to highlight our best writers and copy editors working on the Tyra Banks’ Beauty & Fashion website, typeF.com, which is launching March 15. Each winning writer will receive $300 in Concert Cash for LiveNation.com, and each winning copy editor will receive $100 of the same. Congratulations to this week's winners, writer Kelly Anne Fitzpatrick and copy editor Bonny Jones.

What Time of Year Is OK to Wear Black Heels?

by Kelly Anne Fitzpatrick, for typeF.com



While Lady Gaga is still coming up with new articles of "clothing" (ahem, an egg?), designers for the rest of us have pretty much nailed down all the possible pieces that could be worn as clothes. That's great news, because it means fashion houses around the world are getting creative with pairing things you probably already own. One of these innovations is the abolishing of seasonal color rules, resulting in the phenomena of "winter white" and "summer black" on the catwalk, the red carpet and in real-world retailers. Embrace black for summer by doing a little creative pairing of your own.

The Shape
The classic black pump likely gets you through the winter, no problem. When it comes time for spring and summer, though, try to pick more open silhouettes. It's not that pumps aren't appropriate for summer -- it's just that it's not every day you can wear shoes to show off your pedi. Start with a peep toe when spring starts warming up, and switch to an all-out strappy number for summer.

Make It Shine
You already know that adding metallics can make almost any outfit evening appropriate, and the same is true for shoes. If you're worried about your solid black shoes looking like they came straight from the office, switch to a pair with metallic buckles, straps or other embellishments. If a little shine doesn't convince you, maybe the fact that Manolo Blahnik put out a strappy silver and black heel in his Spring 2010 collection will. Wear them with a metallic top or dress for a fashion forward look, or pair with solid black to let the shoes stay in the spotlight.

Black and Brights
Working brights into your everyday wardrobe can be a challenge, but the color-blocking seen in Spring 2011 is a fresh new take on it. Many designers who embraced this trend tempered brights with one or two statement-making black pieces. Try pairing black shoes and pants with a bright colored top and jacket in different shades. Alternatively, try another Blahnik Spring 2010 look: a black shoe with layers of color added on. A shoe like this one adds a touch of summer to any black outfit.

Black and White
White can easily warm up black for summer, while black cools down white for winter, making a mix of the two an obvious choice for any season. During summer, pair a white suit with a black shirt and black heels, and for winter, layer a white coat over a brightly colored shirt, black pants and black shoes. On the other hand, you can mix black and white in the same pair of shoes. While black and white shoes may be difficult to pair with many outfits, they add a very chic touch to neutral outfits.

Key Concepts
·    black for summer
·    seasonal colors
·    black shoes
·    black high heels
·    wear with black

References
·    Style.com: Accessory Report: Spring 2010 Ready-to-Wear
http://www.style.com/trendsshopping/accessoryreport/S2010RTW/slideshow?loop=0&iphoto=259&play=false&cnt=4
·    Style.com: Spring 2011 Trend Reports
http://www.style.com/trendsshopping/trendreport/011811_Trend_Reports/slideshow?loop=0&iphoto=3&play=false&cnt=4
·    "Glamour"; LA Trend Alert: Summer Black is the New Winter White!; James Patrick Herman; August 2008
http://www.glamour.com/fashion/blogs/slaves-to-fashion/2008/08/la-trend-alert-summer-black-is.html