If the shoe fits, might as well drive around in it all day, right?

This week, The Cut {via Selectism} posted a photo of a giant, 10-foot long authentic leather shoe made out of bull hide that is actually an electric car able to hold two people. Itâ€s just for Sunday cruising or short trips, though, since it can only go up to 30 miles per hour.

The car was created by the Kang Shoe Company and has been making its way around the streets of China as a promotional tactic. {Gizmodo} It can go for up to 250 miles on the power of its single battery and stands three feet high. {Weird Asia News}

Since Kang plans to build 40 of these promotional cars, we figured we should offer suggestions for what types of shoes would make good automobiles. Kang should probably stick with styles that never go out of fashion, so a classic black womenâ€s high-heeled leather boot would work great. Perhaps it could even come with removable shearling for colder weather. A Converse Chuck Taylor sneaker would be perfect to market to the young and hip crowd, and a strappy espadrille could be the equivalent of a convertible for warmer months.

The possibilities are endless, and we canâ€t to see what Kang comes up with or if the shoe car will ever go up for general sale. The image of the original shoe car has been circulating the Internet, so the company should at the very least find a way to take advantage of the success of its promotion. And step on it.

Comfortable? Probably not. But ladies, these shoes go with EVERYTHING.

To be fair, one would not actually look naked in this shoe. Rather, one would look as if their feet had entirely disappeared. We absolutely love it, but we do have a few concerns. For one thing, how do the mirrors on these shoes not break when you walk on hard pavement in them? The floating on air look is beyond cool, but shattered glass? Not so much. Plus, these shoes could be too blinding in very bright sunlight. We were also bummed to learn that these shoes have been around for a while, and Chaves†final collection was planned for February 2010.

Still, word about the “The Invisible Shoe” has been slowly making its way around the Internet, and it isnâ€t the only funky footwear Chaves came up with in her time. She also created a high heel made with leather and sycamore wood cubes, called the “Form & Texture” shoe, in addition to shoes made with large straps of Velcro. {Yatzer} Both designs look like something Lady Gaga would wear, and we have to appreciate Chaves†unique vision, but both also look like theyâ€d be quite difficult to actually walk in.

“The Invisible Shoe” seems like the best of concepts related to sci-fi and pale color palettes combined, but do you think anyone wearing them on the streets would look cool or just strange? Weâ€re undecided.

There is no way we would ever consider wearing a Teva Stiletto, but you want to know something? Even though they’re probably a counterfeiter’s concept product for now, these 4-inch tall Nike Dunks are pretty darn cool. Especially the purple ones. And the red ones. Plus, all of the styles sell for around $100, which isnâ€t too terrible for a Nike or a high heel. While we don’t support fakes, a lot of the styles are sold out which means someone’s buying. Something to take note of for the next sneaker collaboration.

Would you dare wear?

First up, Natasha Bedingfield. The famous singer with a pocket full of sunshine was one of the lucky ones chosen to perform on Dick Clarkâ€s New Yearâ€s Rockin†Eve with Ryan Seacrest, but she came on stage seemingly stuck in an American Pie moment, with her bangs permanently skewed up and to the left. {Glamour} The good news is Natashaâ€s long-sleeved LBD had the perfect amount of sparkle and her sheer black stockings were right on trend, but letâ€s hope the Silly Putty plastered bangs look doesnâ€t take hold like Lady Gagaâ€s affection for going pantsless did.

Next, Lil†Wayne. The Young Money/Cash Money star performed for BET’s 106 & Park New Year’s Eve Party broadcast wearing Designer Jeremy Scottâ€s teddy bear sneakers created for Adidas†Originals by Originals line {Sole Collector}. We truly appreciate Scottâ€s vision and creativity, and we especially admire his willingness to push boundaries, but boy do we hope men and women around the world donâ€t start wearing stuffed animals on their feet. Lil†Wayne (who could’ve used a pair of SUBS in the back) can pull the look off, and the press Scott has received as a result of the sneakers†appearance on NYE television has been unbelievable, but something tells us the ordinary guy or gal would just end up looking a little silly in teddy shoes. Scottâ€s winged Adidas sneakers, on the other hand, are really cool. You should go buy a pair.

Jeremy Scott's Adidas: Not sure about those on the left, no doubt about the style on the right.

We suppose odd, IEJ-worthy looks are a great way for celebrities to get some extra press once the NYE performance hype dies down, so we canâ€t totally blame Bedingfield and Lil†Wayne for their off-beat looks. Just donâ€t go public with any of this, kids. These are two looks you should only try at home.

We're not jumping on these trends, but they're still interesting.

5. The Return of the Fanny Pack

Ah, the cyclical nature of fashion can be a fantastic thing when lovable trends are re-invented and made exciting to wear again, but some fads should be left in the past (and by the past, we mean the ‘80s). This year, Rihanna was spotted wearing a fanny pack and Tory Burch even began selling them. Most of the ones we found online carried a hefty price tag, and we never thought Tory Burch would ever be making one, so weâ€ll see if the hip bag catches back on for good. If it does, then boy does whoever markets that thing deserve a pat on the back.

4. iPhone STD Testing

Researchers in the U.K. announced they were in the process of coming up with a way for young adults to test themselves for STDs by essentially inserting their own urine into their iPhones or other mobile devices. The object is to get the STD rate down by allowing for increased testing privacy. We had to put at least one IEJ topic that gives you the willies on the list.

3. Japanese Anti-Aging Goggles

One of our favorite IEJ trends this year involved brands that were essentially attempting to charge consumers for a product that did basically nothing the average person couldnâ€t do themselves for free. We thought weâ€d seen it all in the ant-aging game when British beauty brand Rodial came out with snake bite anti-aging serum, but these goggles claimed to fight wrinkles and lines by holding the skin around your eyes taut. The makers declared that holding the skin in place for an extended amount of time would cause it to stay that way. (Helpful hint: if you believe them, you can hold your skin that way using your own fingers – or a pair of swim goggles that at least you can take to the pool once you realize they donâ€t work like Botox).

2. Teva Stilettos

The Teva stilettos are meant to be tongue-in-cheek, but they are a fantastic oddity nonetheless. This fall, news spread through the blogosphere of Tevaâ€s partnership with Grey Ant to sell hiking sandal meets New Yearâ€s Eve party shoes. That horrible combination was running for more $300. ‘Nuff said.

1. The Snazzy Napper

The informational video for this thing is definitely in the top 10 most entertaining things weâ€ve ever seen. The Snuggieâ€s weird younger sister popped up across the Web this summer, and it is basically a blanket with a hole in it that is supposed to help you sleep in public. A big IEJ trend this year was strange products with huge price tags. The Snazzy Napper (aka the “snazzy way to sleep while you travel”) takes number 1 partly for the fact that it is not insanely expensive. That and itâ€s sheer WTF genius.

According to a press release from Deckers Outdoor Corporation, which acquired the Ugg brand in 1995, Brady adores Uggs and wears them all the time (doubtful), and company Chairman and CEO Angela Martinez said Mr. Giseleâ€s status as a highly noted football player and “style icon” makes him their ideal spokesman.

We were going to say that what that likely means is Brady is meant to make Uggs seem more masculine and thus more appealing to a wider population of men, but actually Uggs are already pretty masculine-looking and have somehow become associated with women and girls. The Uggs will probably, therefore, have the opposite effect on Brady. In other words, heâ€s liable to find his Ugg boots wearing him, not the other way around. The score for now: Ugg-1, Brady-0.

It was announced this week that Teva has partnered with Grey Ant, a New York City-based designer known for tongue-in-cheek interpretations of old trends, to create Teva high heels. They come in “Natural,” which is tan and has a buckle closure, and “Worlds Unite,” a black and white mash-up with – you guessed it – a Velcro closure. They go for $330. {the gloss, New High (M)art}

You can order the shoes by phone at 323-638-0271. {Daily Candy} They are also available online at New High (M)art, whose product page for these babies says New High (M)art is “proud” to exclusively present Teva Stilettos and includes the following copy:

It’s the classic “Hurricane” style sport mandal re-imagined as a STILETTO. This co-branded effort sees the Teva velcro-strap styling and grip-sole construction on a 4″ stacked heel. They’re calling it the most comfortable, performance high heel on the planet — we call it the most daring mash-up of the decade. This is anti-fashion at its purest. And so good when paired with socks.

A note at the bottom of the page adds, “*Not recommended for actual hiking, gardening, mountain climbing, or Phish concerts :).”

For once, weâ€re speechless. Especially because these things cost more than $300. The Teva Stilettoâ€s availability on New High (M)art seems to be as tongue-in-cheek as the shoeâ€s actual creation, but the high heels do legitimately exist and are for sale online, nonetheless. And we have a feeling there are people out there crazy enough or determined enough to be anti-fashion that they will purchase them. Hereâ€s the only silver lining to this situation: New High (M)art has limited quantities available. (Phew!)

Diamonds? Shoes? We'll take both.

UK based designer shoe retailer Kurt Geiger has seen a rise in operating profits by more than 21%, which accumulates to $18.3 billion dollars, in his 63 worldwide stores. {the Guardian} Considering the economic climate it seems like nothing will get between women and their love for shoes.

Kurt Geiger alone sells over 2 million shoes annually with the average price ranging between $285 and $365 per pair. Sales of designer shoes also reached record highs at Harrods and Selfridges, where Jimmy Choo, Prada and Gucci are some of the major brands that are flying off the shelves. Jewelers struggled majorly during the recession, but companies like Tiffany & Co. have shown signs of growth recently. Diamond.net reports that Tiffany’s Laurelton subsidiary recently agreed to a 25% price increase for fancy diamonds, which will probably make it’s way to shoppers this holiday season. Gem Diamonds, a company that operates diamond mines, cutting and polishing facilities reported increased third quarter sales driven by demand in Asia. For consumers worldwide, that will probably be reflected in the price of fine jewelry,  although you can still get amazing deals using vouchers such as Kays discount codes.

It has also been predicted that global luxury sales will grow 10% this year to $237 billion, but it is expected growth will cool next year to 4%-5% due to the weakening dollar. Consumer sales of jewelery in the U.S. market were strong during July of this year. Both specialty jewelers along with retail merchants who sell jewelry posted solid sales gains, in line with newly released data on the U.S. Department of Commerce. {IDEX Online}

Total U.S. jewelery sales rose by 8.2 percent to $4.1 billion in July 2010 above the same month not too long ago. Dependent on prior years†July results, jewelery sales have recovered towards same level as July 2007 and July 2008, both record months for jewelery sales.

Specialty jewelers†sales rose by 7.3 percent to $2.1 billion in July 2010, when compared with their sales in July 2009. The luxury sector is rebounding better than expected this year thanks in large part to wealthy Americans replenishing their wardrobes after a year of self-denial and nouveau riche Chinese indulging in a worldwide spending spree, according to a new study by consultancy Bain & Company. {Business Wire} Unfortunately, specialty jewelers†sales will still be running below record pre-recession levels.

Even though shoe sales are on the increase, jewelry sales are outweighing shoes by a huge margin and it looks like diamonds (and gold, and silver, and pearls…) have cemented themselves as a womanâ€s number 1 love. The modern preliminary government figures show the U.S. jewelery market is on target to come up with $63.3 billion in sales. This will represent a 2.1 percent gain above the prior record of $62 billion generated in 2008.  In comparison, US women’s footwear sales (including athletic shoes) accounted for a little over $23 billion in sales in 2008. Not too shabby when you consider that the figure represents almost 50% of the $48 billion in total U.S. footwear sales, but still some way to go before overtaking jewelry as the accessory of choice.

One saying is true; diamonds are forever, but buyers are becoming more and more fickle and shoes are on the heels of jewelry for their love.

How to keep yourself dry? With chic umbrellas and rain boots of course! Check out the options we found scattered about the Internet below:

This red and white Automatic Open/Close Floral Dot Umbrella from Target will match any outfit. Get yours for $24.99 at Target.com. {Target}

The Marimekko Unikko Compact Umbrella is a bit pricey for an umbrella at $40.00, but it is just so chic! It also comes with a button that releases and collapses it, which is handy when you have other things to carry. It comes in red and black as well, and you can score one at Umbrellas.net. {Umbrellas.net}

Keep one of these Totes Fashion Mini umbrellas in your purse at all times, and youâ€re set for any surprise rain storm! They come in any style you fancy, with dots, solids, florals, plaids and animal prints available for $22 at Macys.com. {Macy’s}

Though not quite as practical as the others for keeping dry, these ankle rain boots from Vivienne Westwood are absolutely adorable. They are a bit pricier than the others as well – $134 at Zappos.com – but if youâ€re down for a splurge, these are a great choice. {Zappos}

Animal prints are huge this season, and these Dirty Laundry Raindrop Rain Boots come in leopard and zebra. Get a pair from Macys.com for $49. {Macy’s}

Donâ€t even think about picking out solid black rain boots. These Gabriella Rocha RB Paisley ones from Zappos.com are way too fun to walk around in solids! Nice price too – $55.95. {Zappos}

We have had quite a love affair for years now, darling. Your commitment to creating only the highest quality shoes at equally high prices has brought on the admiration and worship you so deserve as one of the most iconic shoemakers in the world.

But, dear Jimmy, we must say itâ€s time to go our separate ways. Itâ€s not us. Itâ€s you.

It seems youâ€ve been caught dabbling with the annoying, wannabe-shoe-idol mistress of footwear. Ugg Australia.

Love the look... from the ankles up

No offense, Jim, but Uggs are, well, Ugg-ly. And kind of tacky. Talk about a way to ruin any outfit with the Ugg bootâ€s shapeless, bulky form. We donâ€t care how warm and fuzzy your new little gold-digging tartlet makes you feel.

You see, when you team up with the Ugg brand to create a limited edition collection of studded, fringed and animal print Jimmy Choo Ugg boots (which, BTW, one could make oneself with a BeDazzler), we just lose a lot of respect for such a prestigious shoemaker as yourself.

Our love affair will effectively end Oct. 21, when the Ugg and Jimmy Choo boots hit Jimmy Choo and Ugg Stores in addition to a selection of other shops. {Fashion United} We werenâ€t  speaking to you yesterday, when a sample set of the Jimmy Choo and Ugg collection began touring Jimmy Choo boutiques and was officially made available for pre-order for a 24-hour period. {Stylelist}

And would you kindly tell Supermodel Amber Valletta sheâ€s looking pretty hot in this unfortunate collaborationâ€s ad campaign, but no actual, self-respecting, motorcycle-riding, badass biker chick would actually be caught dead wearing the collectionâ€s gold and silver-studded black Mandah boots.

We loved the cheap thrill of your fling with H&M, but on this tawdry dalliance, we have to part ways.

With sincere regrets,

Signature9