Spring always brings a surge of vibrant color to our lives and, naturally, those bright hues tend to show up in what we wear quite often.  Shoes, of course, are no exception.  While neutral shoes are on-trend this year and they work well with many looks, you have to admit it’s fun to forget about being sensible once in awhile and go for a pair of wildly colorful shoes, which are always in style when things heat up.  You can opt for one bright solid color at a time, which works well, or you can go all-out and get a pair that incorporates a rainbow of colors all in one.  Case in point: The Charles David Tangier (pictured above), which I absolutely adore.  It’s available at Zappos or Endless for $215 with free shipping.  In my mind (or in a figment of my imagination maybe), the classic Rainbow Brite doll would rock these like no one’s business - after getting all grown up and developing a serious love of fashion, of course. 

But, seriously, rainbow shoes can actually be quite versatile due to the range of shades you have to work with.  Cute summer tops and dresses in simple, solid colors tend to work best, but you can always be creative and mix it up, even with patterns in some cases, for an even bolder fashion statement. 

Let’s take a look at some more multicolored shoe options we have to choose from:

Faryl Robin Owen for $189.95 with free shipping at ShoeMall. Coupon code NEXJUMP takes 10% off, making them $170.95.

Jessica Bennett Myrtle for $144.95 with free shipping at Shoebuy.  Coupon code EASTER takes another 20% off until 4/9/10, which drops them to $115.96.

BCBGeneration Devona for $110 with free shipping at Shoes.com (limited sizes left).  Get 20% off with coupon code MSAVE at checkout, which reduces them to $88.  There’s also a few sizes available at Heels.com for $112.99 and Amazon for $110.

Luichiny Many Moons for $89.95 with free shipping at Shoebuy.  Coupon code EASTER takes another 20% off until 4/9/10, making them $71.96.

Gabriella Rocha Rosalie for $109 with free shipping at Zappos.

Finally, we have the Icora Kismet wedge, which is primarily neutral, but it has pretty multicolored rhinestones along the t-strap and a funky cutout wood heel, a sure standout.  Get these for $49.99 at Journeys.  If you buy 2 pairs, get $10 off your order for a limited time.

Update: I had to add this super-affordable option, the Anne Michelle Inferno 19, which is available at Urban Originals for $21.80.

Did you know that today, March 20, is officially the first day of spring?  To celebrate the end of dreary ol’ winter and usher in a bright new season, I thought it would be appropriate to talk spring shoes trends today.  I’m not one to follow every trend to a T, but I certainly find it fun to keep up with and I take it into consideration when making my own shoe purchases.  I’ve been keeping my eyes out for the latest in shoes this season and, I have to say, there are many different accounts of what’s hot right now.  But, there are a few that stand out as being generally agreed upon and a few that I would consider shoe subtrends - i.e. those smaller, fringe trends that provide plenty of variety and help round things out.  So, without further adieu, here’s a rundown of the spring trends I’ve found and my favorite examples of the shoes that incorporate them:

Neutrals 

Neutral shoes were big last year and they are back again this year - and for good reason.  Neutral shoes go with virtually everything - including those little pastel sundresses that so don’t work with our dear friend black.  Even though metallic sandals provide a similar level of versatility, neutral shoes have a nice bare leg effect when you pick a pair that is similar to your own skin tone.  Some even say it has a slimming effect, which certainly doesn’t hurt either.

Go for a classic silhouette you’ll wear again and again with the Nine West Escher taupe peep-toe pump.  Endless has it for $78.95 with free overnight shipping.

Go for a little more drama in the design with the Chinese Laundry Lucky Strike, available at Shoes.com for $80 with free shipping.  Get 20% off with coupon code MSAVE at checkout, making them $64.

Feminine details

This is one trend I’m personally loving.  Shoes that incorporate details like ruffles, flowers, bows and lace bring out your girly side and just make you feel pretty.  You can’t go wrong with that.

Combine the neutral trend with feminine flowers in the Kelsi Dagger Belize, which is available at Piperlime for $135 with free shipping.  Can I say just how much I love this pair?  Yes, this is true shoe love for me.

Go for girly-with-edge in the ruffled Jeffrey Campbell Quarry with the infamous unicorn heel.  These are available at LuLu’s for $139.  I love these with the lace tights.

The ruffled and zippered Dollhouse Kirna is super-lovely and nicely affordable too.  Get the best price at Shoes.com, where they are available in black or fuschia for $50.  They drop to $40 when coupon code MSAVE is applied at checkout.  Endless has them in more color options - green, black, blue, pink and white - for $51.95 with free overnight shipping.

Wedges

Wedges are always in, but particularly so this spring.  I love wedges because they give you flattering height, but they tend to be more comfortable than skinny heels.  Plus, they work well with many spring looks and can typically be dressed up or down.

Combine the neutral trend and the wedge trend with the Sam Edelman Kyla, which is offered at Shoes.com for $149 with free shipping.  They drop to $119.20 when coupon code MSAVE is applied. If they don’t have your size, try Zappos for $149 with free shipping.

Combine the feminine detail trend with the wedge trend (and get a great deal to boot) with the SM Ven Rosette wedge in six color options for $39.95 at DSW.  Coupon code KCOOK34 takes $5 off, making them $34.95, and code FREESHIP gives free shipping (enter both at checkout).  Expiration for these codes is unknown.

Oxfords

The oxford jazz flat seems to big right now and, to be honest, I’m personally not a big fan of this trend because I don’t find it very flattering.  However, I have seen oxford flats look pretty cute with cuffed jeans, so it can work with certain looks.  If I were to apply this trend, I’d go for an oxford with a twist (and a heel) in this awesome pair:

Get a variation on the traditional oxford style with the addition of lace and a unique heel with the 80%20 Hope Oxford from the Ce Ce Chin Collection (find more available color options here).  You’ll combine the oxford trend and the feminine detail trend with this shoe, which is available at Karmaloop for $175.  Coupon code CLINTON takes 20% off, making them $140.  The coupon expiration is unknown.

White shoes

Piperlime lists white sandals as a hot trend right now.  To me, there’s nothing like an amazing white pair of shoes for spring and summer, but it can be tricky to find the right one.  There’s always a fine line between a hot pair of white shoes and one that comes across as a bit cheesy.  Here are some that I think fall into the hot category:

The Naughty Monkey Parade is one of Piperlime’s white shoe examples and I’m loving it too.  The brown straps and heel provide a nice contrast for the white base color.  Get it for $80 with free shipping at Piperlime.

Combine the white trend and the feminine details trend with the gorgeous Betsey Johnson Amorita.  It’s available at Endless for $185 with free overnight shipping.

I also like the white version of the Dollhouse Kirna mentioned above, which you can get for $51.95 with free overnight shipping at Endless.

Tribal

Get a little wild this season with a tribal-influenced pair of shoes, which always add an exotic flair to your look.  Try out the trend with these pairs:

The Kelsi Dagger Grace has a tribal influence with its use of wooden beads, but it gets all dolled up with the addition of sparkling rhinestones.  Endless has it in 3 color options for $148.95.

Combine the tribal trend with the wedge trend in the Naughty Monkey Liggy, which has a dramatic printed heel.  Get it at Shoes.com for $85 with free shipping.  Coupon code MSAVE drops it to $68.

Clogs

Clogs are making a big comeback this year.  If you want a clog with a hefty dose of attitude, try this pair:

Steven by Steve Madden Durann for $149 at Shoes.com.  Coupon code MSAVE takes 20% off, making them $119.20 with free shipping.

Nautical

Get sailor chic this season with nautical-inspired shoes, which are clean, classic and fun to wear.

The Nine West Cawley in navy with cork platform and red heel will have you sailing into high style.  You can find this shoe at Endless for $88.95 with free 2-day shipping.

I’ll be covering any additional shoe trends I see in upcoming Hot Trends features, so stay tuned!

Note: The MSAVE coupon code for Shoes.com mentioned in this post expires 3/31/10.  All prices listed are subject to change.

Do any of you wear boots in spring and summer?  Personally, I rarely do.  When warm weather hits, I’m usually more than ready to put away my boots and swap them for sandals and flip flops.  “Spring boots” sounds like an oxymoron to me.  But, I’ve been hearing a bit of buzz lately about wearing boots in the warmer seasons, so it’s definitely worth some consideration.  If there was a boot that would sway me to try it out, it would have to be one of these cute styles from Miz Mooz that I spotted at Endless.com:

Miz Mooz Sandi in cognac (above), ice (pictured at top) or black for $159.95

Miz Mooz Susie in black, green, grey, ice or red for $159.95

I like the Susie in grey, but I have to admit the red version is spicier and would definitely be fun to wear:

The boots both feature perforation on the shaft that results in a “lighter” appearance and I imagine it would also help keep the legs a bit cooler too.  They would be cute paired with leggings, skinny jeans, mini skirts or dresses.

Hmm, maybe I will give spring boots a try this year - how about you?

Pantone, a company considered the global authority on color for the design industry, recently announced the Color of the Year for 2010.  They say turquoise is the new ”it” color - specifically a shade they call Pantone 15-5519.

According to Pantone, turquoise combines “the serene qualities of blue and the invigorating aspects of green” and “evokes thoughts of soothing, tropical waters and a languorous, effective escape from the everyday troubles of the world, while at the same time restoring our sense of wellbeing.”  I’m not sure exactly how they decide on the color of the year, but I have to say this is one shade I can really get behind.  I absolutely love turquoise and it certainly works wonders paired with neutrals like black, brown and white.  An excellent example that comes to mind is Eva Mendes at the Golden Globes in her white Dior gown and turquoise necklace, which surely inspired many to break out their own turquoise jewelry.  But, you can also get creative and mix it up with bolder colors like red (another combo I love) and Pantone says it’s “especially trend-setting with yellow-greens.”  Making a fashion statement with turquoise is particularly easy to do with shoes, which can add just the right dose of fresh color to your look.  So, if you want to get a jump-start on this trend (in various shades), check these pairs out:

Luichiny Gim Me sandal for $79.95 with free overnight shipping at Endless

Charlotte Russe Starburst Pump for $34.99 at Charlotterusse.com

Poetic Licence Holiday Delight in blue for $128.95 at Shoebuy.  Get 20% off with coupon code SHOP and free shipping.

Jeffrey Campbell Downtown Bootie for $139.95 at Nordstrom

Chinese Laundry Colette for $59 at Chineselaundry.com.  Coupon code CL-FAST gives free shipping, which saves $9.50.

Nine West Malynn in limited sizes for $29.95 at 6pm until 12/27/09

Charles by Charles David Turvy for $135 at Shoes.com.  Get 20% off with coupon code ENJOY09, making them $108 with free shipping.

Naughty Monkey Steve’s Delight 2 Boot for $39.98 with free shipping at Amazon.  They are also on clearance for $54.97 with free standard shipping at Endless.  Sizes are getting limited at both places.

Miss Me Valenti-2 for $22.68 at Amazon

Get the previously mentioned turquiose/yellow-green combo with the Anne Klein Euphony 3.  It’s $78.95 with free shipping at Shoebuy and coupon code SHOP takes another 20% off.

Update: Another option that leans more towards green than blue is the previously mentioned Seychelles Scallop heel at Urban Outfitters, also known as the Seychelles Tippy Toes at Karmaloop.  Get 30% off at Karmaloop with coupon code 30HAM (exp. unknown) and 10% off at Urban Outfitters with coupon code supersorry through 12/24/09.  Urban Outfitters only has one size left, but the price at Karmaloop is much better at $70 after coupon.

I’m pretty smitten with sequin shoes right now, as you can probably tell from my last sequined shoes post, so I thought I would share a few more dazzling pairs I’ve come across recently.  Here are some shining examples of a hot trend:

Chinese Laundry Ladybug in blue or black for $79 at Shoes.com.  Apply coupon code ENJOY09 for 20% off, making them $63.20 with free shipping.  Coupon expires 12/31/09.  If you’re looking for the gold version, get them at Chinese Laundry for $79 with 20% off using code DIVASQUARE at checkout (expiration unknown).  Shipping is extra.

Steve Madden Trinitis sequin pump in black for $79.95 at Steve Madden.  Get free shipping with their SMFREESHIP coupon code.

ALDO Litten in metallic or black for $80 at ALDO.  Use ALDOVIP10 for 10% off or VIPOFFER for free shipping.  Expiration is unknown.

Nine West Liatris in blue sequin for $89.95 or in black sequin for $63.97 at Amazon.  Shipping is free.

Update 11/11/09: I had to add this one because who doesn’t love pink sequin shoes?  The Two Lips Shaky is $90 with free shipping at Shoes.com.  Coupon code ENJOY09 takes another 20% off at checkout.

If there’s one thing I learned from season 2 of The Rachel Zoe Project, it’s that sequins are super-hot.  Rachel wore sequins several times on the show and says on her website, “virtually every designer sent sequins flying down the runways” for fall.  It’s an ideal time for a sequin trend given how perfect they are for holiday party wear, but sequins are no longer relegated to just evening looks. They can add instant glam to just about anything, even simple jeans and a tee.  In particular, I like sequins on shoes because it’s a great way to apply the trend without the risk of overdoing it.   Plus, when you have shiny, happy feet, the rest of you tends to feel that way too.  So, go ahead, add a little sparkle to your life in one of these pretty pairs:

Betsey Johnson Kanata in blue or magenta for $200 with free shipping at Zappos.  I so need these in my life.  Like immediately.  Update: The blue version of the Kanata is now $204 at Zappos, but the magenta pair is now marked down to $160.
 

The gorgeous Nina Erna pump in burgundy or black for $99.95 at Shoemall.  Get 15% off with code 15AMAZON, which makes them $84.96 with free shipping.

Sparkle and save in the Forever 21 Sequin Holiday Pump.  It’s just $22.80 and comes in black or gold.

Or, get another low-priced pair in pink, the Wet Seal Sequin Pump for $24.50 at Wet Seal.  It also comes in gold or silver.

Go for a gold pair with this Lumiani Jeanna for $105 with free shipping at Zappos.

Lose the heel, not the shine, in the Free People Eclipse Sequin Flat.  It comes in blue, pink or black and is on sale for $49.95 (originally $88).

Spend even less on a sequin flat at American Eagle.  The AE Sequin Flat in black or silver is $34.50.

Or, get a dolled-up pair of sequin sneakers, like the Converse Chuck Taylor All Star Sequins shoe for $85 at Converse.com.  Spend less with the Gotta Flurt Sparkle Sequin Sneaker for $29.95 at DSW or the high-top Sequin High shoe for $28.99 at LoveMyShoes (coupon S15FALL takes 15% off until 10/23).

Fall and plaid have always been a classic pair, but it seems especially so this year.  We’ve seen a bit of a resurgence of the ever-popular print lately, perhaps in a nod to the 90’s grunge trend - except much more polished and chic.  Plaid has definitely moved well beyond it’s own stereotypes (think: lumberjacks, school girls in uniforms, constructions workers, golfers etc.) and has found it’s way into much more fashionable territory - fitted blazers, cute button-downs and, of course, shoes.  Here are a few of my favorite plaid pairs:

N.Y.L.A. Mariah Platform Plaid Bootie for $89.95 at DSW.  Members get $10 off $49 with coupon code EXP10 (exp. 9/27) and free shipping on $35 using coupon code FALLSHP at checkout.  Membership is free.

Carlos by Carlos Santana Privilege Pump for $110 at Shoes.com.  Get 20% off using coupon code BML2009 during checking, dropping them to $88 with free shipping.

Betsey Johnson Cade plaid mary jane for $140 at Zappos, discounted from $175.  Shipping is free.  Update: They are now marked down to $110, but almost sold out.  You can also find them at Lord & Taylor for $112.49.

Betsey Johnson Leopold plaid pump for $94.99 at ShoeSteal, the clearance site for Shoes.com.  Get an extra 20% off using coupon code STEALTOPS at checkout, making them $75.99.  Sizes are limited.

 Jones New York Proven plaid pump for $54.95 at DSW.  Members can apply the same coupon codes listed above (on the N.Y.L.A. pair) to get $10 off and free shipping, which would make the total $44.95.

Style & Co Wilma mary jane plaid pump on sale for $54.99 at Macys, reduced from $69.  Get another 20% off with coupon code WEEKEND at checkout, making them $43.99.  Coupon expires 9/20/09.

Guess Teach plaid pump for $110 at Guess.com

Diba Haig 93816 plaid bootie for $49.95 at DSW.  Members get $10 off and free shipping using the codes listed above, making your total $39.95.