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.

The ferocious animal we know as the Jeffrey Campbell Tick has evolved once again!  We’ve seen the wild (and wildly popular) style in several forms - including black, burlap, white, tribal and even a gladiator boot - but now Solestruck offers the Jeffrey Campbell Tick Fur in brown zebra or cheetah print.  You can get either style for $179.95 with free shipping and there are plenty of sizes available right now.  However, if history teaches us anything, it’s that these bad babies sell out lightning fast.  For example, the Jeffrey Campbell Giggle Tic, which was just released earlier this week at Karmaloop, is virtually sold out already (only 1 size 7 left).  So, if you seriously must have a JC Tick of your own, shake a tail feather!

Like the simplicity of the black leather Tick more?  LuLus has it on preorder for $156 with free shipping.  It is expected to ship May 14.

Update: I noticed Karmaloop now has the Jeffrey Campbell Tick natural burlap in stock for $150.  Apply CLINTON at checkout for 20% off, which drops them to $120.  Also, Solestruck has the Jeffrey Campbell Tick in black on preorder for $169.95 (Singer22 does as well, but for $200) and Lori’s Shoes has a few sizes left of the same pair for $158.

Update 2: The Jeffrey Campbell Tick in black and white zebra is now available at Solestruck for $179.95 (sold out).

Kelsi Dagger shoes have really been grabbing my attention lately, as you can tell from the two pairs I mentioned in my spring shoes trends post.  The brand was launched just last year by Pour La Victoire designers David Giordano and Jay Adoni as a unique take on a junior’s shoe line.  And different it is - the shoes have definitely managed to stand out in a crowded shoe market for me.  According to the Kelsi Dagger website, the brand name is derived from a fictional English femme fatale and ”Kelsi Dagger is confident, independent, slightly dangerous and speaks to the accelerating velocity of how young people live today.”  Case in point: The Kelsi Dagger Brandi, a new arrival over at Karmaloop, which is a perfect mix of rock chick and glam.  I love the wide ankle wrap with circular cutouts and the generous use of sparkly rhinestones on this pair but, even aside from pure looks, Kelsi Dagger shoes are quite moderately priced as well.  Of course, I’m all about getting things on sale, so it works out that Karmaloop always seems to have a coupon that will discount your purchase.  You can currently use 20% off coupon code CLINTON to drop the price on this pair from $155 to $124.  The expiration date on the coupon is unknown and shipping is extra.

Another standout new arrival from Karmaloop is the Jeffrey Campbell Giggle Tic gladiator boot, the latest reincarnation of the Jeffrey Campbell Tick.  I have to admit I like the Tick in wedge bootie form better, but you can’t deny the all-out drama factor of this pair.  There are only 3 sizes left (7, 8, 9), but you can get this style for $160 instead of $200 at Karmaloop if you apply 20% off coupon CLINTON at checkout.

Update 7/8: The Giggle Tic sold out quick the first time at Karmaloop, but it’s back in stock.  For how long, I don’t know.

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?

The Christian Louboutin Coussin is definitely a hot cage ankle bootie that can be worn with a variety of looks - skirts, dresses, boyfriend jeans, leggings, you name it - for instant sex appeal.  The Coussin in black has been out for a few months, but now we also have a spring-ready beige version available for preorder at Saks.  Of course, you’ll have to shell out $1,595 to rock this style and, I don’t know about you, but my spring shoe budget isn’t quite there yet.

But, there’s a similar option that is equally hot and available for a much lower price.  Actually, if I’m being honest, I like this style even better!  The Boutique 9 Val is a gorgeous woven caged bootie with extra details - like the bow adornment at the ankle, open toe and side cutouts - that make it even more lust-worthy in my book.  You can get these in beige or black at Nine West on preorder for $199.  Shipping is also free for a limited time.  The only downside?  They don’t ship until 5/11/10.  That seems like forever when you’re waiting on a pair of shoes like this one!

Gwen Stefani showed off her new collection of L.A.M.B. shoes and clothing for fall 2010 this past week at New York Fashion Week.  I’ve always been a fan of Gwen and I think L.A.M.B. is a great example of a celebrity fashion line done right - in stark contrast to the reasons I thought Dina Lohan’s shoe line wasn’t a very good idea.  Super-talented Gwen is an icon for her music and her unique, rocker style, with her shoes being as original as she is.  She also seems like a generally cool person and appears to be a very hands-on mom to her two sons (who are about the same age as my daughters, so I understand just how hectic that can be!).  I must say the boots for this fall look amazing.  I saw her on E! News the other day talking about the new collection and she pointed out the mint green and brown boots (far right in the picture above).  She described these as “delicious” and like a “mint chocolate cookie” and even pretended to take a bite out of them:

Of course, we’ll have to wait until fall to see these in stores and L.A.M.B. shoes tend to be quite expensive for many of us.  I’m sure the boots will be in the $400+ range.  In the meantime, I’ve found some L.A.M.B. shoes on sale that are available now and relatively easier to fit in the budget:

L.A.M.B. Portman for $234.90 at Endless (MSRP $474).  For a limited time, get another 25% off automatically during checkout, making them $176.17.

L.A.M.B. Raja in black or grey for $130 at Amazon with free shipping (MSRP $325).

L.A.M.B. Rio in black or grey for $130 with free shipping at Amazon (MSRP $325).

L.A.M.B. Rhett in red, black, brown or grey for $172.50 at 6pm (MSRP $355).

L.A.M.B. Randi in black or grey/blue for $166.75 at 6pm (MSRP $349).  The nude/black version is $180.  Endless has a better price of $169.90 for the black version and $159.90 for grey/blue with an extra 25% off at checkout, but sizes are very limited.

Of course, you can always opt for Gwen Stefani’s lower-priced line of shoes, Harajuku Lovers.  Almost all of these hot shoes are regularly priced at under $100 or you can get a great sale price on select styles at clearance sites like 6pm.

If you want to get a glimpse into the life of one of the designers behind Harajuku Lovers and Betsey Johnson, be sure to check out Celine at The Shoe Girl’s Blog.  It’s a very cool blog from someone who has the ultimate shoe lover’s dream job!