The popularity of platforms has reached dizzying heights since ThisNext’s launch. Just two days out of our beta and already one of fall’s trendiest trends has made a bold step onto our site. We’re noticing that a ladylike half-inch lift is preferred to magna-heroine-esque iterations of the trend; though picks high enough to possibly require wearers to employ supplemental oxygen tanks are not a.w.o.l.

And patent, apparently now fair game for all seasons, is the leather du jour.

“Strut It” blogger Chloe dubs these Gucci gems, “Simply but sexy. This style is already top of the list for many fashion editors. It certainly ticks all the right boxes! Patent, platform and.. black!”

ThisNext’s design/fashion one-two punch Kristopher Dukes and Notcot also adore being leaning towers of pizzazz.

“Ooh la love,” fawns Kristopher. “A too-tall heel and little Gucci stamp on the platform makes this conspicuous consumption done right.”

Jean is obsessed: “There are some objects you see, desire, and can’t get out of your head. Found these last week, and they are still haunting me. I think i need them. Look at those curves. *swoon*.”

Now that we’ve exorcised our Gucci jet-set fantasies, versions equally dishy and easier on the Visa abound. Shopdiary found these Steve Madden peep toes and says, “The silhouette is very sexy and the colors are luscious! The patent leather version comes in brown, ruby, black, gray, red, white and navy blue.”

Does this mean we’re all meant to trot through the fall in pretty pretty princess frocks and tailored, tweedy suits? Not if you ask shopdiary. She would probably pair the peep toes with skinny JBrand Jeans and would go with light makeup from Laura Mercier and M.A.C. All casualness aside, we also love her reminder that nature can sometimes benefit from a little nurture with FreshLook color contacts.

But back to platforms…

Cheap/chic GirlShop suede pumps made Nicole’s list: “Sassy!! I want a pair in each color. Great with any kind of outfit and a style that will surely be able to be worn for many years.”

Angie McCraig’s adoration of Steve Madden platforms is timeless: ” I live in this man’s shoes every season.” And her red-patent choice is in line with the trend we’ve been seeing.

And, as a last-but-never-lowest addition from stripper-heels addict Kristopher, we present for your consideration a pair of 6 inchers: “I’m obsessed with height, obsessed with hooker heels. They’re a fashion litmus test - people either love them or hate them. I adore them, and they’re really just as (un)comfy as any other heel I own.” Fair enough.

Not a platforms fan? ThisNext also has regular, old heels galore. Regular? Old? Hardly. Our shopcasters’ taste in heels is neither.