"I might be bad but I'm perfectly good at it"...

I must admit, for as much shiz as I give Rihanna, I'm addicted to her S&M song, and have to control myself from singing it outloud while I'm on the treadmill- for everyone's benefit. So initially when I heard that lace up shoes were big this season, the first image that popped into my head, was something that belonged in the S&M video. Let's be honest, who doesn't hear "lace up shoes" and instantly think about cat woman, a dominatrix, or something awful that miley cyrus would wear? Sure all of these options are awesome for halloween costumes and theme parties, but day to day, not so much. But then there was a glimmer of hope...(not for miley cyrus, she's beyond hope)

Leighton Meister, WORKING it

I saw Leighton Meister rocking a pair of lace up sandals that caught my eye. I don't know whether it's because she always has someone dressing her on Gossip Girl or what, but for the most part I like some of the things she wears, especially some of her edgier pieces. And I realized that the lace up look was pretty awesome, and sort of a new take on the gladiator shoe that has been so popular in the last few years because it's a bit aggressive and cool, but can be paired with things other than fishnets, booty shorts, and whips. There's definitely a range within the look from more flat casual sandals, to fiercer heels, to a more oxford/preppy spin. So check it out...

Elie Tahari "Nyla Slatted High Heel Bootie"
$398
www.shopbop.com

Forever 21 "Suedette Cutout Stiletto"
$19.04
www.forever21.com 

Steve Madden "Paiigge" Sandal in mustard
$69.50
www.stevemadden.com

Gentle Souls "Break My Heart" sandal
$185.00
www.piperlime.com

Steve Madden "Rebecka" Heel
$59.99
www.stevemadden.com

Chines Laundry "Hide Away" Sandal in Cognac
$89
www.piperlime.com

Naught Monkey "Heaven On Earth" Sandal
$89
www.dsw.com

UO "Deena and Ozzy Suede Lace up Sandal"
$39
www.urbanoutfitters.com

Pour La Victoire "Jillanna Lace Up" Sandal
$172.12
www.endless.com

Guess "Oksana Sandal"
$129.95
www.nordstrom.com

Forever21 "Sudette Cage Heel"
$24.80
www.forever21.com

Minnetonka "Women's Athena Gladiator Sandal"
$44.95
www.dsw.com

Aldos "Favieri" Sandal
$90
www.aldoshoes.com