Step Into Spring in Style

Ladies, I don’t want to see another pair of Uggs until the next snowfall – it’s officially Spring! I know it’s hard to part with your beloved boots after developing such a close bond over the winter, but I promise I’ll help you find a Spring shoe to fill that wintertime void.

Might I suggest trying flats? There are so many styles to choose from: leopard print, patent leather, satin, pointed-toe... The varieties are endless, making it easy to match a pair of flats with almost any ensemble. Dress them up with a Springy sundress, or wear them more casually with jeans and miniskirts. Use flats to define your outfit. Pair satin flats with skirts and lace for a romantic look, or wear pointed-toe metallic skimmers with skinny jeans for a rock-star edge.

As the weather gets warmer, show some toe! Peep-toe wedges are very foot-flattering. Wedge soles thin out the foot and – who knew? – even disguise cankles! Best of all, wedges can be worn with just about everything. Bermuda shorts, gaucho pants, or any length dress or skirt are perfect for wedge sandals. And because they’re so much more comfortable than heels, wedges are ideal for walking in the city or dancing at the club.

For summer, throw away your inhibitions and expose those sexy feet! Whatever you do, please don’t put them in a pair of dirty, white flip flops. Or any rubber flip flops, for that matter. Instead, stand out from the crowd in a pair of leather thong sandals. "Gladiator" sandals with lots of buckles are the hot new style for summer, or opt for sandals with straw soles for a beachy look. Thong sandals look great with peasant skirts, cropped pants, miniskirts, and cuffed or flared jeans.

This Spring, designers are going bold and eccentric with footwear. Sky-high tapered heels, chunky platforms, and superflat sandals dominate the runway this season. 80’s-inspired metallic textures are paired with Lucite heels, and neutral colored leather and suede sandals are adorned with buckles and multi-straps. Prada tacked tiny kitten heels on the bottom of arched platform soles, Armani and Calvin Klein added Swarovski crystals to several styles, and Missoni embellished chunky heels with colorful ostrich feathers. When it comes to high fashion, anything flashy and different is chic for feet.

Unfortunately, not everyone can afford to spend hundreds of dollars on designer footwear. Luckily for us, inspiration is free of charge! Get the designer look with creative shoes that dominate your outfit. Don’t be afraid to be daring. This Spring is all about calling attention to your feet with unique textures, vivid colors, and funky styles. As long as you can walk without looking awkward or falling down, no shoe is too exotic. So put your best foot forward in the most fabulous shoe you can find!

Shoe shopping doesn’t have to break your bank, either. Hunt through the racks at TJ Maxx and raid the aisles of DSW shoes for unique styles and great deals on designer footwear. Designer outlet stores are great for bargains, too. If you’re an online shopper, try search engines like Froogle or Yahoo! Shopping to find the best online deals. It’s also not a bad idea to try shoes on for size and comfort in a department store before purchasing them from an online retailer.

But remember, no matter how hot your shoes may be, your feet won’t look sexy with dry, cracked heels or chipped polish. Pedicures – or at least painted toenails – are a must for spring and summer footwear. And, please, don’t forget to get rid of those hairs on your big toe!