The mule is a classic backless shoe design that can be casual, formal, flat or heeled. The mule dates back to Ancient Roman times and was popular in both the 16th and 18th Centuries. By the early 90s, however, the mule was commonly associated with prostitutes. Popularized by Marilyn Monroe in the 50s - she also helped break their poor reputation - the clog has been the feature among many fashion cycles over the past half century. The mule, like most reinterpreted classics, has taken on several shapes and forms over the years, from pointy-toe versions to super stilettos and platforms. This year, expect to see more architecturally unique styles, as well as the clog, which is also coming back with a vengeance this season. We raise our toe boxes to the modern mule. Below are just a few of our favorites:

Frye Harness Mule Clogs

Alexander Wang Isabeli Haircalf Pointed Mules

Promise Studded Clog from ASOS

Camilla Skovgaard Tassel Knot Mules

Retro Slide from Yves Saint Laurent

Luichiny Women’s Phan Tom Mule

Jeffrey Campbell Stop Python Print Mules

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The is available at 6pm.com and www.endless.com

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Missoni Colorful Wedge

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What’s not to love about this gorgeous wedge from Missoni? If shoes were art than these super wedge sandals from the Guadi-esque designer would be a priceless piece. The multi-strap design of these super platform wedges are artfully displayed in a woven pattern on the shoes t-bar. A combination of metallic detailing and a laminated effect create a beach sexy look fit enough for a Brazilian beach fantasy. The abstract designer motif of the shoes multi-colored material add some attention grabbing color, albeit unnecessarily. We love it all none-the-less. Bring on the stage-stealing glamor and move out of the way sole sista! The multi-colored wedge from Missoni is available at yoox.com.

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One of our very dear friends has made the claim that she does not want an engagement ring. Her reasons are true and steadfast and while many might slam her as a raging feminist, there is something emphatic and free spirited about her choice. It’s a decision that she’s had a hard time defending, not only to the older generation, but among same-age friends as well. The truth is, it’s nobody’s business why she does or doesn’t want a ring. In a society like the one we live in today it’s just as beautiful, timeless, and maybe even more sincere to have an alternative to the traditional engagement ring. The same might be said for shoes. In fact, the wedding gown, customary wedding vows, time-honored wedding rings…and well, let’s face it, the whole “orthodox wedding” in general, is changing. Since we know we’re not alone in our alternative thoughts, we’ve decided to give a little shout-out and ode to our fellow non-traditionalists. You’ll face slightly less obstacles with a non-traditional wedding shoe, it’s true, and as for the whole alternative engagement ring, well that’s an entirely different beast altogether. Here’s a few of our favorite alternative wedding shoes:

Something old, something new, something borrowed, something BLUE! These uber fun and dressy satin heels from Christian Louboutin just became our fantasy wedding shoe!

The fantasy shoe that still fits the classic standards of a wedding shoe with the added bonus of flavor and bling! These embellished peep-toes from Jimmy Choo are dreamy!

Simple would be putting in lightly, but the Calvin Klein - Lexa II (Ivory Satin) - Footwear is a ballerina flat you’ll be able to wear all day…and night long.

Green might be the last color you’d think of pairing with your white wedding gown, but the soft and subtle hue of these Caparros - Joelle (Martini Green Silk) - Footwear have us totally convinced.

Go very berry modern chic and wear your something blue right on your feet. The Badgley Mischka Randall is the perfect balance of classic meets modern.

For a green-themed casual affair try the White Glitter flats from TOMS Shoes. As an added bonus, the entire wedding party can wear them (in different colors) too!!

It’s flirty and girly and cheeky and fun! Yellow gives a sweet little pop to these Nina - Critia (Canary Luster Satin) - Footwear dress sandals. The feminine flower embellishment will look great once your dress is bustled for the post-nuptial festivities.

If a ballerina flat will fly than why not a flat sandal as well. It’s your wedding, after all. These pretty, flower-embellished thongs from Barneys are the perfect accessory for a beach wedding.

Carrie Bradshaw did it in SITC, so why can’t you. These Stuart Weitzman - Paradise (Midnight Satin) - Footwear are the perfect wedding “gown” accessory whether you’re eloping in Vegas or putting on a platinum style formal affair.

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It has been the season of the wedge. A shoe feature most commonly reserved for sandals and warm-weather shoes, the wedge took center stage this past season, appearing on everything from OTK boots to classic round-toe pump designs. And as the Spring shoe collections begin to hit stores, it promises to be an even longer wedge-friendly year. The wedge, in all its glory, is here to stay…at least for now. From natural woven materials to shiny patents and bold patterns, this season and the following will bring you even more of what you know and love about the wedge. Here are just a few of our favorites:

Charles David Nurture. $180 at Piperlime.com.

PHILOSOPHY DI ALBERTA FERRETTI Ankle Wrap Wedge Sandals. $485 at Shopbop.com.

Naughty Monkey Women’s Cinche Wedge. $85.90 at Endless.com.

Bottega Veneta woven wedge sandals. $880 at Net-a-Porter.

Burberry - Confetti Hearts Wedge Sandals (Trench) - Footwear. $495 at Zappos Couture.

Rachel Comey Ipswich Kiltie Wedge Heels. $345 at Shopbop.com.

Betsey Johnson Antoinette. $165 at Piperlime.com.

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‘Tis the day for flats and these pretty star-bedazzled flats from Gisueppe Zanotti have hit the ‘IT’ list. You likey? We likey! A cross between haute couture and a rudimentary class in home economics, these paint-by-numbers-inspired rhinestone embellished ballerina flats remind us of all those bedazzle-your-electronics websites for phones, iPods, and the like. We have no problem blinging your accessories and what better accessory to bedazzle and bling out than your shoes. $375 might be a bit pricey for a DIY-looking pair of casual flats, but we still like the idea. Not much of a DIYer? Well, if you can swing these, go for it! The Giuseppe Zanotti - I96216 (Nero) - Footwear is available at zappos.com.

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In need of an additional shoe fix? Visit Fantastic Toe today to join the network of the shoe obsessed, create a membership, and share your shoe collections and stories with other like-minded individuals. Fantastic Toe members get lots of yummy discounts and can be automatically entered to win great prizes!! Enter the promotional code, Shoedish, when you join.