Happy feet: 10 shoes guaranteed to make you smile

 Sometimes all it takes is a walk on the wild side.  The tiger stripe of this zebra pump from Forever 21 is spot on for 2013.  The block heel is super comfortable and the print starts conversations.  A block heel is magic for slimming a lower leg and surprisingly walkable.  Shop it: Forever 21 Zebra Print Platform Pumps forever21.com.A floral print, single sole pump boldly goes pretty much everywhere. The ladylike silhouette and pretty print works in a variety of wardrobes. Give a feminine spin to boyish basics. Add a spring spin to your office staples or a femme flourish to your boyfriend jeans.  Shop it: Loft Petra Multicolored Floral Print Pumps loft.com.Sleek, sexy and a powerful print packed into one shoe.  Wake up a little black dress with a pair of ankle strap, printed pumps or pair them with slim, cropped pants and a slick blazer to shake up your midweek wardrobe. Perfect with a pencil skirt and silky top for a night out. These shoes are sassy.  Altazzura Fantasy-print ankle strap pumps  matchesfashion.com.View the list »
Sure to be a favorite on the feet of the savvy during Fashion Month, these beauties by Nicholas Kirkwood come with a bit of a hefty price tag.  Still, they serve as the perfect inspiration as you shop for your spring footwear and reminder that while the prim, ladylike pump is certainly having a moment, the comfort of a block heel hasn’t faded away. Nicholas Kirkwood Erdem Millian Floral-Print Satin & Paillette Heel Pumps saxfifthavenue.com.

Fashion Trends newsletter

Huntsville’s forecast for gloomy skies and high humidity makes the idea of anything but galoshes seem absurd this morning. Still, a girl can dream. With weeks of winter ahead, boots become suddenly boring and the thought of yet again slipping or zipping them on to head out is uninspiring. So while you wish for an end to winter woes, cheer up with some over-the-top footwear, sure to bring on a grin.

Related topics

Advertisement

The right shoe makes people smile, starts conversations and elevates an ensemble. It's like magic. Total strangers start chatting about shoes in check-out lines, parking lots, anywhere. It's a sort of fabulous ice breaker and best part is you can slip them on for an early spring pick-up long before the weather warms.

Check out this collection of conversation-starting shoes that beat those sweetheart candies by far. While some admittedly have a little MR (Man Repeller) cred, these pairs sure to be noticed from El Olmeca to Famous Joe's. There is little something for everyone and while some price points put them in the category of "for Pinterest Only," others are quite accessible.

This story is dedicated with much joy to the ladies in Madison and Huntsville who share my love of a show-stopping shoe. Thanks for making errands and work so much nicer.

Contact Amy with style questions at amygprice@rocketmail.com or comment below.

Read more from Amy on fashion at makethebubblesstay.com.

Find out more about Amy’s personal styling services at AmyPriceStyle.com.

View the list
  • Sure to be a favorite on the feet of the savvy during Fashion Month, these beauties by Nicholas Kirkwood come with a bit of a hefty price tag.  Still, they serve as the perfect inspiration as you shop for your spring footwear and reminder that while the prim, ladylike pump is certainly having a moment, the comfort of a block heel hasn’t faded away. Nicholas Kirkwood Erdem Millian Floral-Print Satin & Paillette Heel Pumps saxfifthavenue.com.
  • Sleek, sexy and a powerful print packed into one shoe.  Wake up a little black dress with a pair of ankle strap, printed pumps or pair them with slim, cropped pants and a slick blazer to shake up your midweek wardrobe. Perfect with a pencil skirt and silky top for a night out. These shoes are sassy.  Altazzura Fantasy-print ankle strap pumps  matchesfashion.com.
  • A floral print, single sole pump boldly goes pretty much everywhere. The ladylike silhouette and pretty print works in a variety of wardrobes. Give a feminine spin to boyish basics. Add a spring spin to your office staples or a femme flourish to your boyfriend jeans.  Shop it: Loft Petra Multicolored Floral Print Pumps loft.com.
  •  Sometimes all it takes is a walk on the wild side.  The tiger stripe of this zebra pump from Forever 21 is spot on for 2013.  The block heel is super comfortable and the print starts conversations.  A block heel is magic for slimming a lower leg and surprisingly walkable.  Shop it: Forever 21 Zebra Print Platform Pumps forever21.com.
  •  A bright, mixed media wedge is ready to be paired with simple spring dresses and skinny denim.  The bold hue and delicate ankle strap are show-stoppers and wedges provide the perfect amount of lift without the precariousness of traditional heels.  Shop it: Colin Stuart Platfom Wedge Pump victoriassecret.com.
  • A retro, floral print and a peep toe combine with a dreamy hue for a shoe you’ll wear long before the weather changes.  Give a spring spin to white denim and chambray and a pinup quality to your favorite pencil skirt or shift dress. Shop it: Betsy Johnson Betyy 6pm.com.
  • Who says a flat can’t be fun?  A little comfort goes a long way and a bold print goes miles.  Upgrade your oxford and add an instant update to summer shorts, skinny crops and flirty skirts.  You will waltz through your busy day in a flat lace-up shoe.  Shop it: BCBGeneration Lesleigh Tribal-Print Oxford Flats dillards.com.
  • Try a brightly printed flat. Tom’s, a favorite purveyor of ethical fashion, offers a sweet ballerina flat that wakes up your skinny jeans and tunic combo.  There is nothing wrong with a uniform as long as you infuse it with personality.  Printed flats do just the trick.  Shop it: TOMS Ikat-Print Ballerina Flat neimanmarcus.com.
  • Sometimes it’s about going big or going home.  Not for the faint of heart, this tapered wedge should be eschewed by the novice to heels, but is sure to start plenty of chats.  Bright, bold, bejeweled and super high, this shoe is ready to party, although you might spend more time leaning picturesquely against a wall than on the dance floor. Shop it: There's No I in Gleam Heel modcloth.com.
  • A bright hue and feminine cutouts are all a shoe needs to make it a standout.  Not too high with just enough oomph, this grown-up Mary Jane is ready to pair with flirty skirts when the weather warms, but try it now with tights or socks and a skater dress or flippy skirt for fun. Shop it: Louise Cutout Heels By Shelly's shopruche.com.
View the list

, Huntsville Fashion News Examiner

Amy Price is a Huntsville-based style consultant. An expert in the latest looks both on and off the runway, Amy is adept at interpreting trends for her clients, fans of her columns and readers of her blog, makethebubblesstay.com. As a well-traveled student of history, fashion and culture, Amy...

Advertisement

Today's top buzz...