That first sandal pick of the season is always a little heart-fluttery. You think about all the places you’ll go in said sandals, or, perhaps more accurately, all the patios you’ll sip muddled craft cocktails on, sandal-clad…

But then reality sets in: blisters. So today, we’re talking blister prevention – a.k.a. how to break in that cute new pair of leather sandals you just scored at 11AM. After plenty of research, I stumbled on this little gem of a tip from Real Simple, which I’ve come to call “The Sandal Plunge.” Read on, try it for yourself, and take the season by storm.

By Joanna Berliner, Editor 

Have a fit tip you want answered? Check our The Fitting Room column every Monday, or tweet us at @ruelala. 

Not a Member and like The (Style) Guide? You’ll love Rue La La. Join now.

Our Sunny Sandals & Pumps to Cure Spring Fever Boutique opens Sunday, March 31, at 11AM ET.

By Brianna Lapolla, Staff Writer

Not a Member and like The (Style) Guide? You’ll love Rue La La. Join now.

Sometimes an outfit change can be as simple as swapping out the accessories. Starting from the ground up, shoes are the perfect switch to take your favorite dress from the office to dinner or drinks in a snap.

For Party Season
Shiny, metallic, and strappy, these open-toe sandals transform a sheath into a dance-all-night number. All that’s left? Swiping on some lipstick.

For Springtime Dinners
There’s no doubt that warm weather is on the mind, and these architectural sandals are perfect for transitioning winter dresses into spring-ready outfits (or packing for that tropical getaway).

For the Office
You may not be able to get too wild with the accessories at work, but these tasteful, red pumps add just the right amount of oomph (and personality) to that 9-to-5 uniform.

Our  Perfectly Paired: Party Dresses & Flashy Pumps Boutique opens Sunday, December 30, at 11AM ET.

By Brianna Lapolla, Staff Writer

Not a Member and like The (Style) Guide? You’ll love Rue La La. Join now.

It’s no surprise that this time of year brings its fair share of holiday parties and events. From picking out the perfect tree to dancing the night away, a necessary shoe stock-up is in store. Thankfully, our Charles David Boutique has every soiree covered.

For holiday dinner.
Although a full-on red dress may be a little too festive for your family dinner, these fiery T-strap sandals add just enough merriment to any tried-and-true LBD or sweater dress.

For picking out the tree.
Decidedly the most fun day of the season? Picking out a perfectly shaped evergreen. Slip on a pair of stylish flat-bottom boots for a picture-perfect tree-chopping look – even if you’re more of the observing type.

For the festive party.
The holidays are the perfect time to go totally glam, so why not start from the ground up? Equal parts glittery and strappy, these sandals will up the ante on any party frock.

Our Charles David Boutique opens Monday, November 12, at 11AM ET.

By Brianna Lapolla, Staff Writer

Not a Member and like The (Style) Guide? You’ll love Rue La La. Join now.

Today, in my usual morning flurry, I reached for my (very) predictable heels and noticed a sizeable tear in the leather (curse you, wide feet). It then occured to me: my beloved black pumps are beaten to a pulp from overwear, while my collection of purple heels sits sadly in my closet. Needless to say, it was an ah-ha moment. From neons to crayon hues, color is everywhere this summer, and it’s officially time to mix it up. Using these tips, I’ll show my purple shoe stash some love, without looking like I got a little too crazy with the finger paints.

1. Pop of color:
In the summer it’s so easy to throw on a little white or black sundress with sandals and go. Choosing a color-pop sandal breaks up the monochrome with a shot of fun. Same rule applies to any neutral outfit, wearing jeans and a tee? Throw on a red heel. Done.

2. Matchy-Matchy:
This takes the above tip a little further. Don’t stop with the bold shoes, add some accessories, jewelry, a lightweight cardigan, or even a boyfriend blazer in the same eye-popping hue. Or, if you’re wearing a colorful print, pick one of the accent shades and repeat it on your shoes. Shoes in a print? Pull out one of the colors and wear it on top.

3. Colorblock:
I’ll admit, this is my favorite. Too timid to try kelly green jeans with a sky blue top? Shoes are the perfect way to embrace this look. Try a hue that complements your outfit, but doesn’t necessarily match it. For inspiration, check out these unexpected color combinations.

Memorial Day, the unofficial start to summer, is nearly here. We welcome the return of outdoor barbeques, sky-high wedges, and one of my favorite aspects of the summer – love! We all know summer is officially the height of wedding season. It’s the time of year when beautiful brides don the dress and grooms get spiffy in the suiting of their dreams to walk down the aisle. But once the “I Do’s” and dancing are over, the true party starts when the happy couple whisks off to a dreamy destination for the trip of a lifetime: The Honeymoon.

Imagine jetting off to a place where you don’t have to lift a finger because the British-trained butlers anticipate your every need. Where you’re invited to indulge in gourmet fine dining and fruity top-shelf cocktail concoctions. Where you can take in the turquoise water under a thatched palapa, or spend your time snorkeling and sailing (all without having to pawn your vintage Chanel bag to pay for it). So whether you’re getting hitched or just in desperate need of a romantic getaway, I’m a big fan of the hotspots Rue La La is offering in their Sandals Luxury Included® Resorts Boutique – opening today!

Here are my highlights:

Sandals Emerald Bay, Great Exuma, Bahamas: This seaside stunner is a new Sandals addition. As if the powder white, mile-long beach isn’t enough for you and your sweetheart, how about a Greg Norman-designed golf course, a 29,000 square foot Red Lane® spa, a deepwater marina, and five superb restaurants? SOLD.

Sandals Grande Antigua Resort & Spa, St. John’s Antigua: This Five Star, Five Diamond Resort is an oasis located on one of Antigua’s most magnificent beaches. A foodie’s paradise, nine restaurants take guests on a culinary journey around the world, with entertainment options that are virtually endless.

Sandals Royal Bahamian Spa Resort & Offshore Island, Nassau, Bahamas: Chic sophistication abounds from the moment you pull up to the stunning Georgian façade, once the domain of a former king of England. Regal and royal, this resort is the home of two sparkling beaches, luxe shopping venues, a swim-up bar, and exceptional cuisine.

Sandals Royal Caribbean Resort & Private Island, Montego Bay, Jamaica: I love the manicured gardens and noble Georgian-style Great House where you can enjoy High Tea each afternoon and enjoy breakfast in bed. Also available: Seven gourmet restaurants, every water sport under the sun (including scuba diving), swim-up bars, and nightly entertainment where you can dance ‘til dawn.

Sandals Whitehouse European Village & Spa, Whitehouse, Jamaica: This Jamaican gem is where the hills of the Blue Mountains, lush palm groves, pristine coastlines, and shimmering turquoise waters meet to offer the adventure of a lifetime. As far as I’m concerned, it’s romance personified.

Royal Plantation, Ocho Rios, Jamaica: This is an upscale retreat with true Jamaican hospitality. My dream day: Basking blissfully on the resort’s spectacular twin beaches while sipping “mangosas” – delivered ice-cold and sparkling by unobtrusive beach butlers. Love. Golfers can play at the Upton Golf & Country Club, and for the gourmands there are three exquisite gourmet restaurants where everything is served à la carte by chefs trained in Europe’s finest restaurants.

What to pack?  Your sarong or surf shorts, strongest SPF, and the entirety of your sunglasses collection. Trust me, after wedding planning, primping, and partying, you’ll be glad that someone else is doing the thinking for you.