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.

Fergie created some buzz recently at the 34th Annual March of Dimes Beauty Ball with her newly dark hair and her super-bright neon orange and black Jimmy Choo Loop sandals.  The look is certainly edgy and totally rock ‘n’ roll, so it begs the question: Is neon emerging as a trend once again this year? People Style Watch says yes - they list neon as one of the top spring trends in their March 2009 edition.  Even so, some people may shy away from neon because of its potential to go terribly wrong (like those squint-inducing 80’s get-ups), but the look can also be oh-so-right (like this hot style from Mary-Kate Olsen last year).  The trick to wearing neon, as you’ve probably heard before, is to keep it minimal and pair it with neutrals to avoid color overkill.  Think black, white and tan with a pop of bright neon for maximum impact.  If you’re ready to work this trend, here are some hot-hued styles to try:

Left to right: Guess Innocent for $109.95 at Zappos, Davis by Ruthie Davis Pixel for $235.48 at Amazon, Luichiny Que for $112 at Shoes.com after 20% off ENTSHOES09 coupon code, Farylrobin Poppy Platform for $229.95 at Endless, Rocket Dog Neon Sandal for $29.50 at Delias after $10 off DXCGIFT coupon code (exp. 3/31), Wet Seal Patent Buckle Sandal for $12.50 at Wet Seal, Guess Carrie for $73.60 at Shoes.com after ENTSHOES09 coupon code or at Guess.com for $90 (additional sizes in yellow) or at Heels.com for $84.99, DV by Dolce Vita Damsel for $66.95 at Amazon

In related shoe news, Fergie was spotted wearing one of her own styles, the Fergie Pepper Platform Sandal, at a Nordstrom event to promote her shoe line.  This is a hot style that you can find at Nordstrom, but also at Shoes.com for a better price.  They have it for $129, but it’s reduced to $103.20 after using coupon code ENTSHOES09 at checkout.  Shipping is free and other color options include purple and brown.

Nothing says spring like floral shoes and, although flower-adorned pairs have always been around, it seems particularly on-trend this year.  We’re seeing a wide array of blooms showing up in footwear with styles that range from sweet and demure to bold and daring, but one thing is certain - all are decidedly feminine.  After all, we don’t normally see men running around with rose embellished loafers or daisys on their oxfords, right?  So, fully embrace your girly side this spring with these freshly blooming pairs, which I picked out just for you:  

Let’s start with this stand-out style, the Bettye Muler Lola wedge, which has a bright fuschia super-bloom over the toe.  If you live by the mantra of go big or go home, this is the pair for you.  Endless has it for $364.95 with free overnight shipping, which is quite a splurge but perfect for embracing this trend to the max.

This is the kind of heel you slip on to feel amazing and the lifelike red patent leather rose is the perfect adornment.  The Via Spiga Monique just might be your go-to sexy shoe for those upcoming hot summer nights and you can get it at Amazon for $197.20 with $20 off using coupon code AMZSHOES at checkout.  It’s also available in black/natural for the same price or green/fuschia for $198.95 .  Shipping is free.

You can definitely rock this trend in a totally glam way - even without the heel - in this Daniblack Mimosa satin flat.  Get this super-fresh style at the Daniblack website for $87.50, which is 30% off retail.  It comes in your choice of green/blue, red/purple, black or red.

Flaunt your flower power in this Seychelles Reservations For Two satin pump in teal or black.  You have to love the combination of peep toe and flower at the front and the overall style of the shoe, which is versatile enough for work or play.  Get it at Zappos for $94 with free shipping.  Update: The teal pair is sold out, but a taupe version is available for $84.60.

Poetic Licence shoes are often adorned in florals and this sandal is a great example.  The Poetic Licence Mint Julep can add that perfect air of femininity to your spring and summer looks, but with a go-anywhere casual style.  Get it at Planet Shoes in pink, yellow, silver or green leopard print for $79 with free shipping.  Save an additional 20% until 3/18/09 with coupon code LUCKY20 (making it $63.20) or, if expired, use coupon code SURVEY20 for 12% off (exp. unknown).  Update: The price has increased to $84.

Here’s another casual floral pair, but this one has a more natural, earthy vibe.  The Penny Loves Kenny Attar sandal is adorned in a variety of pretty blooms that look more like wild blossoms than perfectly sculpted flowers, which is great for a more laid-back look.  Add this style to your shoe collection in brown or metallic for $39.95 from DSW.  Get free shipping with coupon code FSDSW after logging in to your DSW account.

Other floral shoes of note:

Left to right: B.O.C. Savina for $49.99 at DSW (free shipping coupon listed above), XOXO Rosebud for $32.80 with free shipping after applying 20% off coupon code ENTSHOES09 at Shoes.com, Guess Arivica for $39.99 at Guess.com, Born Hibiscus for $119 with 10% off with coupon code THANKYOU at Shoeline, Merona Edie for $22.99 at Target

Multicolored shoes were the topic of the last Hot Trends feature, but our next discussion of spring 2009 shoe trends will shift to the other end of the color spectrum with neutral-colored shoes, most notably woven and braided styles.  Neutrals are huge for spring and it makes sense with nearly everyone trying to get the most bang for their fashion buck.  Go-with-everything shoes in earthy shades of taupe, cream, brown and beige are a smart choice, but going neutral in color doesn’t mean going understated in style.  There’s plenty of room for high drama here, so let’s check out a few bold pairs:

Nine West Kentaro This stunning pair is one of my favorite new sandals for spring.  The extra-small stud detail adds just enough edge to this strappy sandal, making them perfect for dressing up or down.  You can preorder this pair in brown or black for $89 at Nine West.  Get an extra $10 off when you apply coupon code NWFALLV8 at checkout.  Shipping is also free.  Coupon expires 2/28/09.

Kenneth Cole Reaction Chip Mall Add some contrast to your neutral, but retain the versatility, with this gorgeous t-strap sandal in black and brown.  The possibilities for this style are virtually endless and you can get them at Piperlime for $89.  Shipping is also free.

Colin Stuart Braid Platform Sandal If you’re looking for a braided leather shoe with an extra dose of sex appeal, this sandal fits the bill.  The extra high (over five inch) heel vamps up this pair, which is offered in cream, brown or black at Victorias Secret for $95.  Spend over $100 and get $15 off when you apply coupon code GETVS until 3/11/09.  The same code also takes $30 off $150 or $75 off $250. 

ALDO Jolly Go for pure glam in this sophisticated woven sandal in cognac or black.  It’s available at ALDO for $90 and you get 10% off with coupon code 95188785 at checkout.  Shipping is also free.  If you’re looking to spend less, I found a similar, but much more affordable style at Delias.  Get their Stella Braided Sandal in brown for $39.50 and free shipping when you apply coupon code DXAW25 at checkout.

ALDO Soroa Check out this serious stunner, also from ALDO.  It features three ankle straps, an extra-high heel, zip-up back and plenty of decorative studs all over.  Get this style in medium brown, cognac or black for $110.  Take an extra 10% off using coupon code 95188785 during checkout.  Shipping is free.  Update: The brown version of this pair is now marked down to $79.98 and get 10% off with STUDADV817002 coupon code.

Spiegal Woven Leather Wedge Slip off those super high heels, but remain on trend, with this cute wedge style from Spiegal.  It has woven leather straps that create a patchwork-like effect and a perfectly pretty 2.5 inch heel.  This style is on sale for $79, but get another 20% off using coupon code 274 during checkout, bringing the total to $63.20.  Coupon expires 2/28/09.

Classified Beevo Vegan Wedge This slingback wedge is another more casual style that’s perfect for spring.  It has a basket weave upper in chocolate brown and a natural burlap heel.  It’s offered for a great price too.  LuLus has it for $28.50 and coupon code LOVELULUS takes another 15% off, making the total $24.22.

Dollhouse Jacosa Platform Hurachi Finally, we have this amazing beaded sandal with woodgrain heel from Dollhouse.  This style is sure to turn heads and DSW has it for $69.95.  Get another $10 off with coupon code DRIVE2 and free shipping with second coupon code BFRSHP during checkout.  You must be logged in to your DSW Rewards account to use the codes (free to join).  The $10 off coupon ends 2/28/09.

Spring is almost here and it’s time to put our best foot forward - in a brightly-colored shoe, of course.  While neutral shades are poised to be the next big thing, spring always brings a fresh crop of shoes in a dazzling array of colors to help us chase all that cold, dreary weather away.  Bright spring color will always retain its popularity, even if some hues are a bit harder to integrate into the wardrobe than others.  Although we haven’t seen a true ”it” color emerge just yet (like purple for fall), I’ve had my eye on some multicolored shoes that take the guesswork out of which hue to buy.  I mean, why buy shoes in every color when you can buy a pair with every color (or nearly).  These rainbow-inspired shoes will go with virtually any shade of cute little sundresses you’ll be wearing.  Here are the pairs I’ve been scoping out:

This is one of my absolute favorite new styles for spring, the multicolored BCBGirls Slim Sandal.  This super-sexy shoe integrates cool shades of blue and purple with warm orange, gold and red.  Plus, it’s snake print, which adds another popular trend.  Get this style for $109.95 at ShoeMall and apply coupon code IHEARTYOU to knock it down to $87.96 with free shipping.  Coupon expires 2/10/09.

Fergie has her new shoe line out this season and she works the color trend with her Hava Slide Sandal.  This style comes in three multicolored variations - green, purple and yellow - plus a leopard version.  Get this pair at Shoes.com for $89 and apply 20% off coupon code ENTSHOES09 to bring your total to $71.20 with free shipping.

The Rocket Dog Butterfly platform sandal has criss-crossing snakeskin straps in shades of pink, red, purple and green.  I love the multitude of hues and the price is nice too.  Get this shoe for $49.95 at ShoeMall and take another 20% off by applying coupon code IHEARTYOU at checkout, bringing it to $39.96 with free shipping.  A metallic gold and silver version is also available.

Love My Shoes has this bold and strappy Qupid Allie sandal, a gladiator-style pair that incorporates orange, green, yellow, brown, red and purple set off with black.  It also has a zipper that goes up the back.  This shoe is $44.98.

This colorful new arrival at Ninewest.com definitely makes a statement.  The Nine West Jenicca is an ankle-strap style that showcases five different bright colors.  Nine West has it for $79 with free shipping. 

Stay tuned for more upcoming Hot Trends reports, which will cover all the popular styles you’ll definitely want to know about.