I think every woman wants to don a pair of 4-5″ heels and be able to strut through their city’s streets effortlessly.  Many women don’t seem to realize that walking with ease in skyscraper heels is a learning process, one that requires tools to help you get there.

Bicycles have training wheels and young women have training bras.  So for those of us wanting to jump in to great heights, why shouldn’t we buy training heels?  In Such Great Heights, I advocate buying heels in a variety of heights, both for happy heels, ankles, and feet, but also for training purposes.

Here I’ve compiled a list of shoes, all with a 3″ or less heel that are hip, stylish, and great preparation for jumping in to those stilettos!

The Brindle Heels boots by Report have a 2″ covered wedge, creating a discrete lift while providing a manageable height to walk in.

Corso Como is, by far, one of the most comfortable shoe brands I’ve ever worn, from flats to 4″ heels. I’ve been lusting a bit after the Carson Mary Jane; with its 3″ wedge, it goes from a day at the office to a night of dancing with a change of skirt & shirt.

Also by Corso Como is the Cab Boot. With a delicate, stiletto heel that measures in at just under 3″, it’s a deceptive way to look more coordinated and sexy.

Despite being the High Heels blog, there are many amazing options on Heels.com for that all ring in between 1.5-3″.  Not too high, and great practice for those skyscraping nights!

My fella and I are obsessed with going to Fiji. With so many islands making up the region, we’re bound to have lots of adventures with locals, long days spent on the beach, and beautiful sunsets to enjoy.  Or so we assume.

Being a girl who doesn’t really go to the beach, I have to think about the necessary investments for such a trip. Long dresses,  oversized sunglasses, and linen pants.  And the shoes.  I don’t own any sandals, so it seems like this is a good reason to start stocking up…

The Hogan wedge by Jessica Simpson (also in a delicious cognac color) seems perfect for a romantic sunset dinner…

…while the Bianna sandal by Steven for Steve Madden seems like the perfect sandal for long walks on the beach collecting shells.

When I see the Late Lee by Diba, I think that the studs provide the perfect sophistication for long flights across oceans.
And who can forget a pair of comfortable, toned down and practical sandals for hopping on boats and exploring the local islands? I look toward Chinese Laundry’s Sudoku Sandal for those adventurous days…

When it comes to footwear, it seems that everything stylish these days has a buckle on it. From wedges to 4 inch high heels, buckle closures going across the ankle or even at several parts across the foot are the way to go. Functional or not, the strapped- in aesthetic of the buckle provides an updated, sexy take on a pair of shoes. And we love them all — from oversized to delicate, rounded or square!

My top five buckle picks are:

Chinese Laundry ‘Bootsy’ in Reptile Gold, currently $58.99 at Heels.com

Vince Camuto Kimball Sandal in Tan, currently $124.99 at Heels.com

Report Signature ‘Pamela’ Heel in Coral, currently $189.99 at Heels.com

Guess Footwear ‘Alyana 3′ in Brown Multi Patent, currently $199.99 at Heels.com

Betsey Johnson ‘Daker’ Heel in Caramel, currently $214.99 at Heels.com