Put some spring into your step with these shoes

It's our favorite time of year ... time to zero in on the best spring shoes! This season's styles are loaded with personality and since they’re an integral part of every outfit, you don't want to misstep — so to speak!  It’s easy to choose the right trend for you and it’s all right here in the latest edition of The Trend Report!

Stuartweitzman.com

Little low peep
Great news! One of the hottest trends of the season is also the most comfortable. Talk about function and fashion working together! An “it” shoe of the season is the ballerina flat or very low-heeled pump with a twist — the feminine peep toe. You'll want to look for this shoe in pretty colors of linen or leather … from pale metallics to soft pinks or green … or even in floral or vintage-inspired prints. Also watch for feminine d'orsay cuts (low on the sides) or woven or crisscross straps. These shoes work with everything from long skirts to trousers and shorts — a perfect way to step right into spring!

Trend tip: This shoe is a wonderful, ladylike alternative to a lot of the chunkier, edgier shoes you'll see in the stores right now. And you don’t have to pay the price to step in style. Keep your eyes peeled for gently-priced re-interpretations of hot runway looks.

Jcrew.com

Viva la espadrille
Spring's most popular style is the fun-loving espadrille in any one of its many incarnations — printed, embroidered, embellished, beaded, in classic linen tones or hothouse brights, with or without the traditional lace-up ankle ties. You'll even find espadrille-style pumps — some with an open toe — which are a fashionable and well-priced option for the office. Pair tailored espadrilles with skirts and trousers and wear embellished espadrilles or espadrille-style sandals with peasant skirts or shorts. There's reason for more than one pair this spring!

Trend tip: Espadrille lace-up ties don't need to wind the entire way up your calves ... that only works in fashion magazines. Wrap them several times at the ankle and finish with a pretty bow.

Bananarepublic.com

Pump it up
There's good news and there's better news when it comes to shoes for the office. First of all, there are actually lots of shoes that are appropriate for working women to wear this season ... and they're gorgeous! The “new” pump starts with a stacked, chunky wooden heel, which will immediately update your look. We prefer a subtly rounded toe or peep toe to complete this vintage-inspired pump. Whether you go for them in linen, leather or lace, they're the perfect partner for all of your business attire.

Trend tip: The no-hose look continues this season, even for office dressing. Pick up one of the new self-tanning daily moisturizers (Jergens, Neutrogena, Aveeno, Dove and L'Oreal all have versions) at your drugstore to give your legs a touch of color and a smooth, polished finish.

Marc by Marc Jacobs at Jildor.com

Sole sisters
Hey sister, remember the '70s? I do! But even if you don't, you’ll want to flashback to the ‘70’s if you're a fashion-loving trendista. Grab a pair of these high-heeled, strappy sandals with a curvy wooden platform sole. They're hip, hot and happening, and they're surprisingly comfortable to wear (how else do you think Charlie's Angels were able to run around so much)? For the trendiest look, you'll wear them with either peasant skirts and dresses or gaucho pants. You go, girl — what a feeling!

Trend tip: For a polished look from head to toe, head out for a manicure and pedicure and choose neutral beige- or skin-toned polish with a very high shine.

Aerosoles.com

Wedge wood
Here's the lowdown on combining some key spring shoe trends — wedges are still trendy (especially in wood) and when you pair them with the season's must-have woven leather, the results are quite chic indeed. Most of the woven leather shoes are inspired by traditional huaraches and you'll find this styling on everything from sandals to pumps. And to make things really easy, this type of shoe works wonderfully with the must-have woven leather belt. Pair the two and you're ready to step out in spring 2006 style!

Trend tip: Want to take the wedge to the next level? We love the look of cork or platform wedges — platform soles ranging from 1/2" to 2" or more are red hot!

Judy Gordon is a New York-based style consultant and the “Today” show’s style editor. She has been covering the fashion and beauty beat for the past decade. To learn more about Gordon, you can visit her Web site, TheTrendReport.com, which highlights style trends in America and across the world.

firstVIEW is the primary supplier of photos to Fashion Friday. Go to www.firstVIEW.com for the latest pictures from top fashion shows around the world, including New York, Los Angeles, London, Paris, Milan, Brazil, New Zealand, South Korea and more.

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