Published On:Monday, March 15, 2010

Pics in folder in features photos titled shoes

Caption: Shoes from the Shoe Loft located on Mackey Street.

Footwear for the spring represents chic, sexy designs accented by detailed ornaments that add that extra flair!

By JEFFARAH GIBSON

Tribune Features Writer

WITH a change in season there is definitely a change in trends. And as the fashion term closes its window to the winter season and slowly opens its doors to spring, fashionistas can expect to see a number of hot emerging styles in shoe designs.

Most women can agree, SHOES put the finishing touches on any outfit.

This spring season ushers in a lot of funky, classic, and sexy designs underscored with pastel colors, dazzling embellishments, and skyscraping heels.

And although most of the styles have been dominant this past summer, fall, and winter season this time around the more vivid appliqué designs take center stage.

With that being said, there is only one way to sum up spring footwear trends, exaggerated embellishments, higher heels, and chunkier platforms!

Sky High Heels

The higher the heels the sexier the shoes! Designers are defying science for this season, and despite the long term effects on the back and ankle, fashion enthusiast will run wild with 7-8 inch stilettos because every woman knows, it takes a little pain to stay in the fashion game.

Jenson Palacious manager at the Versace Boutique in the Crystal Court Atlantis said that these type of stiletto heels are definitely popular this season.

"The heels are being made much more higher than before. Some heels are about 7-8 inches in length," he said.

Sky high heels are here to stay for the spring, fortunately if you can walk in them you can rock them. By wearing these leg lengthiners you'll definitely send the statement that you are in touch with your fashion.

Peep Toe Booties

Fresh off the runways from Paris and Milan open toe booties are back in full effect. These cute retro miniature boots, that add a classic touch to any outfit, made their come back a few seasons ago. And now their re-emergence with an open toe just showing a tad bit of that fresh manicure is even sexier than before. Fabrics like suede, regular and patent leather, are the most dominant material used in open toe booties.

Reminiscent of fashion in the good old colonial days, their remake is hotter, cuter, classier, and sexier!

"Although the spring is all about colors, the most popular colors the open toe booties are made in is black and white. This makes it much easier to match them with any outfit," Mr Palacious said.

However, booties this season are also made in a variety of colors.

Knee High Gladiators

Whether you like them or not they grab your attention. When they made their debut a few season back, fashionistas took a while to get use to their exotic look. Designers have rode the imagination boat adding a twist while keeping this trend alive.

"One emerging trend is the knee high gladiator sandals, that are being made in variety of colors. The last few seasons they were made in more neutral and nude colors. Now they are taking on the colors of spring," said Natasha Paul at Catch 22.

If you love the gladiator look, but are not ready to step out and give this new style a try, you can always settle for the ankle high gladiators, which are still hot this time around.

Platforms Sandals

A trend that every woman must have -platform sandals. In bright pastel colors, these shoes are much more comfortable, to wear as oppose to regular heels.

"Designers have been combining platform soles with stiletto heels. And even though the stiletto heels of the shoes are very high, the platform soles make them easy to walk in," Mr Palacious said.

Even though they might be comfortable to walk in be careful how you strut!

Embellishments

Fringes, lace, bows, frills, ruffles, feather, studs pearls. Its all about an exaggerated look when it comes details on the shoes for this fashion term.

"Embellishments are bolder. Heels of shoes are being decorated with studs and pearls. Even the front material on the shoes are being accented with fringes and ruffles," Ms Paul said.

Another trend that also is becoming very popular is the artsy heels, whereas shoe heels are being made in different shapes and forms. For instance Ms Paul said that there are some heels that are made in shape of a wine glasses.

One of the most exciting pieces of accessories, footwear for this Spring is more sexier than before!