Not that there’s anything fantastically wrong with these everyday platforms, but if you’re going to do autumnal tweed on a summer shoe, I say make sure it’s legendary. These See by Chloé sandals are cute enough – the jolt of yellow on the sole, racing-stripe style, adds a nice little pop of color – but there’s something about the brown tweed straps that make them way more frump than fabulous.

They might be a satisfactory (and with a mild pitch, comfortable) choice for the office, but you’re going to have to do your part to embolden the rest of your look, or you’ll give off “funky librarian” vibes. Not that there’s anything wrong with that! What do you think: an easy option that blends the seasons or all-together underwhelming? On Net-a-Porter for $365.

Before you get irritated at the mere thought of all those buckles, it’s a trick on the eyes. They are trompe l’oeil, printed for illusion! The effect, on layers of red canvas, looks super-amazingly decorative.

What you see is not always what you get – and what you get from Christian Louboutin is not always what you expect. Sometimes he spikes it out to the max with stilettos that could double as medieval weapons, but this spring he’s given way to a friskier approach. Colorful appliqués, exotic beadwork, Bollywood-inspired embroidery, and now, lots of trompe l’oeil action.

On a more serious shoe, it would look contrived, but the thick raffia wedge (measuring no less than 5.5”) is just the balancing counterpoint. So perfect for the summer, whether it’s poolside or wherever the warm weather takes you – and even if you might not notice it, the red sole remains! On Net-a-Porter for $535.

Pair with: Keep it playful with Chloé’s stretch-piqué mini-dress, with a scalloped metallic trim. Toss it on over your bathing suit and be pool party-ready. On Net-a-Porter for $355.

I can’t get enough of their perforated leather – which is a big look all-around from a host of designers this season, (for loads of bags, too). Fendi’s punched-out leather is airy and flirty, and the stripy stacked heels and natural palette compliment them just right. My favorite of the “hole” bunch? The jute sandal with metallic straps. The bows kind of wink at you; they’re just cute enough to not be too sugary sweet.

From city to beach, these are made to blend into your wardrobe while they stand out from the crowd.

Available at Bergdorf Goodman.

Perforated Jute Sandal, $795.
Multicolor Logo-Heel Ankle-Wrap Sandal, $540.
Perforated Ankle-Wrap Platform Sandal, $840.

Can’t you just taste the summertime when you look at these? I can picture myself wearing this adorable dress by findersKEEPERS with the KORS Michael Kors mixed material Eliza metallic wedges at a corner café with the warm breeze blowing on a sweet July evening on a romantic date with someone tall dark and fantastic. With a 4 1/2″ heel and a 1/2″ platform these will give you the boost you need to show off your legs in these with some shine. These have summer lovin’ written all over them. They could be worn with some James jeans and a Vince tank for an everyday look or gussied up with a BCBG dress for a night on the town. These shoes will help thaw you out come spring in gleaming, glorious gold. Pick them up at Neiman Marcus for $350.

Mardi Gras is about decadence and what can be more decadent that these shoes? Fat Tuesday (as in good, old-fashioned gluttony) is for doing it up and letting your freak – or snob! – flag fly. So let people stare. You just can’t live your life based on what other people think, especially when it comes to fashion. Take a cue from the hedonistic holiday and go with your heart, celebrating freedom of expression. We’re not birds – girls are the ones who really show off. Shake your tail feather and live it up!

1) Prada Jewel-Toe Flame Sandal: If this flame-tastic peep-toe doesn’t rev you up, I don’t know what will. Miuccia got all speed-racer on us for spring, and these ultra-embellished roadsters are bound to put some fuel in your engine. At Bergdorf Goodman for $1,450.

2) Brian Atwood Raffia-Heel Colorblock d’Orsay Sandal: Party on your heels! Take it to the streets and attract the heat with a confetti-esque explosion of colorful, fringed raffia. At Bergdorf Goodman for $1,452.

3) Fendi Striped Satin Sandal: Forget thinking of stripes as classic and nautical. These layers of lines are more suited for the carnival crusader. Straps become stripes, and your feet are fodder for cocktail conversation! At Bergdorf Goodman for $695.

4) Jimmy Choo Marlene Feather and Suede Sandals: Who needs a Mardi Gras mask when you have a festive disguise for your feet? Let them have some fun playing the part of the proud peacock. On Net-a-Porter for $1,995.

5) Burberry Prorsum Beaded Leather Sandals: Girl, you don’t have to show your goods to get those beads! Burberry’s got you covered with their latest sandals: crafty layers of beaded fun. On Net-a-Porter for $795.

“The higher the heel the better you feel,” says Charlotte Dellal, and I tend to agree! Especially now that I’ve gotten a taste of her latest stature-enhancing concoctions, courtesy of fashion-insider mecca, Moda Operandi.

For Pre-Fall, Charlotte Olympia has gotten into the crayon box, and she’s proven not only does she have a genius way with sky-high silhouettes (I love her signature island platform), she’s brilliant when it comes to playing with palettes.

Emerald Ursula makes for a divine evening shoe, while the super-vivid Maxine and Irina sandals are set off by punches of sunny yellow-gold. The most major of the bunch? The swerving Anastasia flaunts unparalleled creativity. It isn’t just accented with a floral trim around the sole – your feet will greet with a Matryoshka wooden face on the front! Although, it’s the Florentina, a mixture of nude mesh and a blood-red blossom, that reveals a more romantic side of the show-stopping Charlotte.

The exclusive trunk show ends February 3rd at 11pm on Moda Operandi, so don’t waste anytime to get your hands on these treasures early – and don’t forget to take yours with a shot of bold color!

Ursula Strappy Sandal, $1,095.
Maxine Caged Sandal, $895.
Irina Sandal, $825.
Anastasia Sandal, $1,595.
Florentina Sandal, $925.

Now this is a loafer I could fall in love with. Enough with the old-school frumpy slipper looking things we all sluff around in from time to time, give me something pretty! These polished, panel-heeled leather beauties have contrast piping and tassels to boot. I love how they are more relaxed looking than the classic flat yet not quite as casual as your run-of-the-mill old man shoe. I could see myself sliding into these while wearing a casual little short sleeved dress by PHILOSOPHY DI ALBERTA FERRETTI to a sweet date on a warm spring day. You could also of course wear these to work with some Elizabeth and James cropped pants and an Equipment blouse. These will be comfortable, classy and easy to wear. Pick them up at Bergdorf Goodman today for $730 and get the fun of a loafer without the frump!

You haven’t even busted out your swim gear yet and summer shoes are already on sale! Not like you’re not already eager for the fun-in-the-sun season – stocking up on these now will no doubt get you feeling more impatient. Here, my picks of the season’s best. Some of these sandals, platforms, and pumps aren’t even on sale and they already have such good value:

1) Ash Distressed Calf Hair Pump: For the evening, calf-hair is sublime. In light, distressed taupe, this pump is casual enough for cool summer nights. Wear it with washed-out jeans for a real warm-weather look. At Bergdorf Goodman for $206 (from $275).

2) MICHAEL Michael Kors Ariana Ostrich-Effect Leather Wedge Sandals: These cork wedges already seem like they’re at a sale price! The fact that they’re in the season’s hottest shade of orange makes them a must. On Net-a-Porter for $150.

3) Elizabeth and James T-Strap Lizard-Embossed Leather Wedge Sandals: A covered platform with the effect of luxe lizard offers invigorating texture and a sense of dressiness. At Saks Fifth Avenue for $117.99 (from $295).

4) Boutique 9 Piraya Metallic Leather T-Strap Sandals: Even if you’re bored with color-blocking, these strappy flats are subtle enough. Metallic can go the distance into the night with a cute little dress. And the price is so good you can just toss ‘em if the trend gets on your nerves later in the season. At Saks Fifth Avenue for $79.

5) MICHAEL Michael Kors Braided Strappy Sandals: I had to throw in another Kors because these are an incredible $59! With a pair of nude, braided strappy sandals, your vacation is covered. At Saks Fifth Avenue for $59 (from $150).

How do we feel about the current cutout trend? Unlike those on sexy mini-dresses, shoes’ latest cutouts are on the artsy side. It has a very homegrown DIY and crafty vibe to it, no? I’m all about a good craft project, so I personally love it. But I can see how it can take some getting used to. Once your eyes adjust to the hand-touched spirals and zigzags, think about pairing these down-home shoes with something paradoxically glamorous.

1) Etro Suede-Appliquéd Wedge Sandals: It looks like Picasso got his hands on these easy-pitch platforms. Wacky lines like these make for plenty of verve. On Net-a-Porter for $810.

2) Christian Louboutin Miramar Suede and Patent Wedge Pump: Fun and quirky, a cork heel all dressed up with cutouts completely changes the look of this casual shoe. At Neiman Marcus for $995.

3) Marni Cutout Suede Platform Wedges: Gold on black suede brings evening allure to a playful pattern. Folksy just got a little Rococo. On Net-a-Porter for $795.

4) Brian Atwood Claudia Embroidered Suede Pumps: This opulent embroidery is more bespoke than DIY, but colorfully embellished cutouts still have a satisfying hands-on effect. On Net-a-Porter for $2,115.

5) Christian Louboutin Loubi Zeppa Crisscross Wedge: Meet the wacky side of the heel master. Show off your snob spirit with the varsity-meets-circus patches on these 20-year-anniversary platforms. At Bergdorf Goodman for $1,095.

These dainty looking pumps are not only fun, they are functional with straps you can wear two different ways. Two options, one shoe, what more could a girl ask for? The B Brian Atwood Convertible Strappy Pumps give you the option of wearing crisscrossed or around the ankle or as two separate straps (pictured on the gold). This allows you to play it up if you would like something a little fancy for a night out with the cross affect or keep it straight and simple for a day in the office. I would wear these straight laced with a Helmut Lang dress and a Theory blazer to work then ditch the blazer for a DSQUARED2 motorcycle jacket and cross the straps for a night out. These shoes are versatile, sensible and easy to pull off with many different looks. Pick them up at Neiman Marcus for $375.

These shoes are right up my ally. I love the simplistic approach to the colorblock trend these take. It’s not over the top, but noticeable and chic. The black with clay and white detail are understatedly stunning while the red could stop traffic, especially with the patent leather toe. Though they are high, you could get away with wearing them to work with the right outfits. With the clay, I’d pair them with something like this DKNY dress allowing the clay color to help elongate the leg yet match the black toe with the top. With the red, I’d wear some Alice + Olivia pants and an Otis & Maclain button up shirt to let the color of the shoes be the center point of the outfit. These soft suede show stoppers are a great buy for those of us who like to wear fun shoes day and night without looking crazy. They are a classic style with a trendy twist. Pick them up at Neiman Marcus for $795.

The spring boot is an elusive thing. As soon as the end of March hits, we can’t wait to shed our chunky, heavy clunkers (as exciting as they seemed back in September!) and reveal our refreshed pedicures. But it’s also too soon to jump right into a pair of sandals – we have all summer for that. The key is finding a boot that shows you’re acknowledging the new season – think light colors, flesh reveals, and dipped silhouettes. These five fit the bill, letting you blossom without stripping down to sandals quite yet.

1) Christian Louboutin Belle Zeppa 100 Suede Ankle Boots: Cut so low and sexy, this wedge-bootie almost fits like a round-toe pump – but much more en vogue, especially for cropped pants and trouser shorts, so you can show off your ankles.
On Net-a-Porter for $995.

2) Giuseppe Zanotti Alien Ankle Bootie: Downtown to uptown, this chic peep-toe has your bases covered. An elegant cut means ladylike appeal, while bold buckles introduce some funk.
At Barneys New York for $930.

3) Isabel Marant Dicker Suede Ankle Boots: Isabel’s renegade – and almost ubiquitous –  hit of Fall 2011 now makes a reappearance just in time for balmy temperatures. The wear-with-everything Dicker boot looks springtime-fresh in moss-green suede.
On Net-a-Porter for $580.

4) Givenchy Elastic Cage Bootie: Some might argue this is an avant-garde take on a pump and the elements of sandal straps are undeniable, but that’s what makes this elastic-cord bootie so spring-perfect. The fact that it’s white only drives the spring-positive point home.
At Bergdorf Goodman for $750.

5) Giambattisti Valli Python Laced Low Boots: This is the sensual pinnacle of the spring boot. Blush-nude exotic: check. Loads of warm weather-ready cutouts: check. Flirtatious laces to accent your sundress: check. This is the boot to wear on the first evening of springtime.
Available for pre-order on Luisa via Roma for $1,456 (for arrival by February 29^th).

6) Oscar de la Renta Mauritania Bootie: My favorite booties of the season! A sexy and edgy take on the classic lace up bootie– it is the one you should not spring forward without.
At Oscar de la Renta for $1,795.

Why not turn your feet into dumplings? I’m guessing the thought hadn’t occurred to you until now. As tasty as that might sound, it is actually – hello! – in very poor taste. As far as boudoir shoes go, which is the only venue where I can imagine these Viktor & Rolf can go, I much prefer the “classic” marabou mules. And besides, your guy will be so distracted laughing his ass off at you if you wore these oddly gathered sandals that all ambiance for romance will be long gone.

Sure, the colors are as sweet as candy. But the silhouette? They have absolutely no shape or definition. Nothing but fabric wrapped around your foot and crimped with a grosgrain hair ribbon (there’s leather hidden beneath the fuss to keep your foot in). It kind of looks like a hair scrunchie. Which, by the way, someone needs to tell Hillary Clinton to STOP wearing, pronto. Not good on a ponytail and even worse on your feet!

Available for pre-order on Luisa Via Roma for $1,029 (expect delivery of your fashion don’t by March 31st).

There is nothing easier than wearing sneakers, but don’t be so lazy that you schlep around in the same kicks you work out in. I am guilty (like, right now) of wearing my exercise sneakers all day long on days I work out, so I definitely don’t want to be so sporty during my off-gym days. But I’m still a sucker for ease – like on weekends or when I’m picking the kids and going to the farmer’s market (yes, my life is super-exciting). These Ash Virgin sneakers are perfect, with as much comfort as cool to go the distance.

Anne Hathaway has been jetting all over the place, from LAX Airport to dog-walking in Brooklyn, in her four-buckle trainers. Actually make that five – I love the multiple details, especially that extra buckle curving around the heel. Wear this Converse-inspired leather look with with jeans and a blazer and you can pretty much get anywhere (in LA, at least). Ash Virgin 4-Buckle Sneaker on ShopBop for $175. Also available at Ash Soho: 44 Mercer Street in New York , 646-422-7098. For other colors (even though this gray is the best), they are on sale for $92.50 at Madison LA. I got the “Seal” which is a dark brown.

Pair with: Or go for sporty-street with the PVC-trimmed Sless biker vest. Out of Karl Lagerfeld’s new collection of his own, pale pink feminizes a boyish vibe.
On Net-a-Porter for $540.

It never ceases to amaze me how a certain kind of shoe can prance from stripper and Playmate territory right into the realm of snob-worthy chic. A tweak here, an aesthetic adjustment there, and next thing you know, what once was tacky is now de rigueur for cat-walkers, not streetwalkers! Like the Lucite heel: it’s fresh, classy, and so much fun! The latest crystal-clear heels are so modern and made-over, you can wear them day or night, out of the office and yes, into the club. 

1) Marc Jacobs Transparent Mary Jane Heel: The suggestively see-through effect of PVC and a Lucite heel is so naughty, but the prim and proper silhouette is as sweet as pie. A modest 2” heel has never looked more daring.
On La Garçonne for $675.

2) Stuart Weitzman Embellished Metallic Snake-Print Leather Sandals: The pageant queen of flat sandals. Metallic snake-embossed leather is even flashier paired with rhinestone embellishments, but it’s the low heel that puts these over the edge – in a good way.
At Saks Fifth Avenue for $325.

3) Vena Cava x Tenoversix Kat Lucite Heel: A smart little pump with a really witty heel. The chic-ness comes courtesy of the stubby, chunky shape, which allows you to fully appreciate the texture of the Lucite (and notice the visible screws!).
At Tenoversix for $172-$206 (currently available in red and black).

4) Prada Satin Peep-Toe Lucite-Heel Pumps: The trend just went classic, thanks to Prada’s enduring satin silhouette that feels just a touch retro – and imbues a hint of sexy irony.
On Bluefly for $503.99 (from $720).

5) Dries Van Noten Python-Patch Sandals: It doesn’t get better than this! A must-have blend of sunset-hued skin, tortoiseshell straps, and, the transparent cherry on top, an orange heel that glows like it’s lit from within.
Available in-store at Gimme Shoes only. Call 415-800-8992 for inquiries.

Photo Credit: Style.com / Tommy Ton

When showing up at the airport, people seem to either go sweatsuit-casual or too dressed up. Rarely do you see girls strike the right balance of comfort and chic. But Miranda Kerr is, indeed, a rare case. Showing up at LAX Airport on January 24^th, she was the epitome of cool street style in her off-duty-model staples of Balenciaga quilted leather biker jacket and Alexander Wang Diego bucket bag. But it was her Barbara Bui ankle boots that took her jet-setting look from ordinary to extraordinary.

As recently proven by Jessica Alba, Barbara is the go-to designer for killer footwear you won’t see on stylish feet everywhere you turn. These pointy, buckled wedges, out of Bui’s Fall/Winter 2011 collection, are hyper-edgy with just enough polish to keep up the class.

A more casual (and arguably more comfortable) option are Bui’s pony-hair booties. They’ve got the buckled appeal of Miranda’s boots, with a lug-sole that will keep you from slipping as you dash to your gate. At Forward by Elyse Walker for $575 (from $1,150).

1) Alexandre Birman Denim and Rope Flat Sandal: Rope and denim makes for a solid surf-and-turf combination that’s an ideal casual summertime flat. At Neiman Marcus for $395.

2) Sergio Rossi Opanca Sandal: Who would have thought this much industrial rope could look so chic? Rossi’s knots are actually feather-soft and set on an elegant nude foundation, these are more fit for land. At Barneys New York.

3) Stuart Weitzman Alex Espadrille Wedge Sandals: Weaves of ropes and straw make for your quintessential summer wedge on what is probably the most comfortable wedge there is. This style is a classic that makes an annual comback. Exclusively at Saks Fifth Avenue for $365.

4) Christian Louboutin Melides Linen and Cork Wedge Sandals: The sailor girl has just gone uptown. A seaside take on the Mary Jane, Louboutin makes girlish buckles and a classic color combo look fresh as can be. At Saks Fifth Avenue for $695.

5) Brian Atwood April Suede Espadrille Wedge Sandals: Nautical get naughty with these curvy, swerving cutout wedges. Big, bold stripes are suited for the high seas, but the rest of these shoes say night on the town. On Net-a-Porter for $710.

Decadence is in the air for spring, and this time, flamboyant flats are taking center stage. It’s not just about bright and bold colors – animal prints abound on strap-happy sandals you can wear all day. Everywhere I turn, I’m finding flats with a dose with of exotic intrigue, a trend I can really stand up to (pun intended).

Wear a pair to liven up a casual outfit or coordinate them with your more outgoing ensembles. Either way, wild things like these are bound to get a lot of wear. With options galore, there’s no reason to miss out on getting in touch with your animal instincts – even Frugal Snobs will approve of these picks.

1) Marni Animal-Print Calf-Hair Sandals: Marni does offbeat so effortlessly. In Dalmatian-spotty calf-hair, these chunky, buckled straps look fresh and fun. On Net-a-Porter for $400.

2) Alexandre Birman Python and Leather Sandals: This isn’t your run-of-the-mill flip-flop. No, when a flatteringly elegant thong is outfitted in orange python, you’ve got yourself a pair of sizzling sandals. On Net-a-Porter for $495.

3) Chie Mihara Wilona Snake-Print Leather Sandals: Strong neutrals come together with ease, thanks to a fluid collection of skinny straps. Wear these with other natural tones for smooth, organic look. At Saks Fifth Avenue for $370.

4) Manolo Blahnik Susa Sandal: This of Manolo’s take as the luxe lovechild of Alexandre’s thong and Chie Mihara’s sandal. Sweet snakeskin like this has the best of both worlds. At Barneys New York for $795.

5) Cocobelle Luna Snakeskin Sandals: Painlessly priced, snake-stamped leather has all the appeal of pricier versions and comes with none of the guilt! Pale gray faux python looks great with a sweep of an asymmetrical strap. On ShopBop for $110.

Something is in the air. Mark my words: this spring, you will witness the rise of the minimalist pump, the very simply divine sandal. If decadence-loving, platform-mad Giuseppe Zanotti is hopping on the bandwagon, one that is in favor of skinny ankle straps and a basically bare foot, then you know it’s no joke.

The best part of a trend like this is the fact it’s not really a trend at all. With such a slender nude sandal, you can’t really go wrong, no matter which way the high-heel pendulum swings. Much like Brian Atwood’s Grace shoe, a nude pump with a whole lot of pizzazz in the back, Giuseppe’s take gives the appearance that you’re wearing next to nothing. Until you get a glimpse of the powerful heel adornment. In this case it’s a shiny plaque of futuristic silver metal to get your heart racing. At Barneys New York for $695.

Pair with: Bring pop to a nude look with Proenza Schouler’s brand-new evening bag in lipstick-red. Out of their Pre-Fall collection and in both leather and irresistible iguana, this is pure modern glam. Proenza Schouler Chain Wallets, $785-$1,925.

In the hands of Miuccia, a high-heeled sandal is never just a high-heeled sandal. Overflowing with imagination, she sees her shoes, no matter how scant the straps, as pieces with plenty of room to play. This snakeskin creation had me at hello. Fantastical and gorgeous, the sharp and swerving shape wraps around your foot like few sandals do, and the outcome is sheer delight.

The two-piece, swirled band at the front seduces the eye instantaneously – one glimpse, and I was entranced. The earthy texture of this python brings in an antiquated look, the right complement to the ornately decorative curves. Metallic gold trim seals the deal: this is old-world beauty at its most fanciful. Transitioning from summer to fall, from brights to black, a rare level of versatility and an easy price make these a must-buy. Available for pre-order at Barneys New York for $795 (expect delivery in March).

Pair with: The slick piping invites more precious metals. Pamela Love’s jewelry-inspired bag, in antiqued brass or burnished silver, looks at-once old and new, hard and soft. Pamela Love Brass or Silver Purse, $931 (from $3,000).