A vibrant, lustrous shoe is like rich lip gloss for your feet, made to make you feel more feminine, polished, and dynamic the instant you put it on. The newest slick and shiny brights are animated to the max. Patent leather and ardent hue make for a power couple that packs a one-two punch of pleasure. Let your feet shine, and the rest will follow suit.

1. Prada Patent-Leather Peep-Toe Pumps: Barbie would die for these hot-pink pumps! The shape is sweetly ladylike, but the juicy-watermelon texture gleams with mischief.
At Saks Fifth Avenue for $720.

2. Giuseppe Zanotti Colorblock Patent-Leather Peep-Toe Platform Pumps: Think of these as the grownup big sister to Giuseppe’s chunky-platform take. The sexy shape puts a mature spin on youthful color play.
At Saks Fifth Avenue for $750.

3. Pour La Victoire Nasha Patent-Leather Platform Sandals: You don’t have to spend a lot to get shine that stands out. Cork is the right natural element to relax dazzling neon yellow.
At Saks Fifth Avenue for $230.

4. Brian Atwood Alima Neon Patent-Leather Pumps: Atwood is never one to shy away from bold, badass color. Follow his lead with these tasty-looking pumps. Refreshment is on the way!
On Net-a-Porter for $795.

5. Ruthie Davis Patent Multicolor Peep-Toe Pumps: An unexpected nude panel is brilliant for setting off a rainbow of pink, yellow, and violet patent leather. Ruthie Davis brings justice to crazy color.
On Luisa via Roma for $1,101.

The theme of exotics has always played a major roll in my shoe collection, but it is particularly on-trend this season. With a mere touch of exotic embellishment, simplicity becomes exciting. The downside of luxe lizards and pythons is how precious they can feel (after you’ve spent the cash, how can you help it?). Not the case here. These are shoes you’ll enjoy kicking around and not worrying about. Frugal Friday picks are the way to go!

1. BCBG Max Azria Laurol Embossed Wedge Sandals: I’m not usually one to spring for BCBG shoes, but these are undeniably chic. See what I mean? In patent leather, it’s a cheap shoe that should be passed over. In printed lizard, it breathes an air of sophistication. On Shopbop for $275.

2. Elizabeth and James Sibil Wedge Platform Sandals: Contrasting mirrored metal trim on a python-embossed strap really makes the ridged consistency pop, and the bold buckle on the ankle-strap is so right now. On Shopbop for $295.

3. Belle by Sigerson Morrison Celsa Wedge Sandal: Technically, this is not an exotic, or even pretending to be, but hypnotizing texture is what we crave in our reptilian friends, and this one delivers that in spades. On Shopbop for $250.

4. KORS Michael Kors Princeton Open-Toe Sandal: A demure sandal with a heel of 3” would look dull in smooth or matte leather. With the naturalistic look of snake, this nude exudes intrigue. On Shopbop for $225.

5. House of Harlow 1960 Pat Platform Wedge Sandals: This interpretation of magnified python is sweet and sexy, and a cork sole makes the vibe casual and lighthearted. On Shopbop for $260.

Call me old-fashioned, but I just don’t think it’s officially high spring until you’ve got a new pair of yellow shoes to call your own. The idea of spreading the sunshine might be cliché, but when you’re talking about a killer pair of shoes, there’s no way your mood isn’t going to improve! If you think yellow isn’t for you, look again. Ranging from deep and neutral to offbeat and casual, this color can be anything you want it to be (aside from depressing, of course).

1. Mulberry Patent-Leather Wedge Sandals: British brand Mulberry may be all too familiar with foggy skies, but they clearly know how to have fun in the sun. These platforms will boost your spirits – and your height by 5 inches. On Net-a-Porter for $865.

2. Prada Patent Leather And Wood Slingback Sandals: Want something a little more mellow than all-out yellow? Break up the bright with a stripy wooden platform and heel. At Saks Fifth Avenue for $890.

3. Chrissie Morris Farrah Platform Sandal: Yellow python always has a place in my heart and closet. When it’s mixed up with white snakeskin, you get a flirty sandal that’s as neutral and wearable as yellow shoes come. At Kirna Zabête for $1,013.

4. Rachel Zoe Bardot Platform Sandals: Lush goldenrod makes for a look that is toned down and not piercingly bright. Woven detailing cements the fact that this variation is more versatile than most. On ShopBop for $325.

5. Belle Sigerson Morrison Neon Yellow Randy Sandals: If you find yourself craving neon, remember it works best in the realm of flats. Nothing serious here – this patent-leather flat is perfectly light-spirited. On Ssense for $175.

Calling all mermaids, sea temptresses, sirens, and most importantly, snobs! Here it is: the holy grail of all shoes! Not only will these lure in sailors, plunderers, and pedestrian men alike with their sea-faring sensuality, you’ll be the envy of every glamorous land-strutter in sight.

The ocean is a major inspiration for accessories this spring, from Lanvin’s seashell clutch to Chanel’s pearl hairpins, but it just doesn’t get any better than shoes that put all other sculptural heels to shame. Naturally, it’s Alexander McQueen who has executed the most covetable sandal for miles. Insane layers of ombré ridges add up to 5” that knock all other wedges out of the water. With simplistic yet complex straps, a minimal tangle of curving lines, there is enough here to keep the eye super-stimulated without going overboard. They say oysters are an aphrodisiac – and now I really believe it! On Zappos for $4,630.

Pair with: Needless to say, this intricate wedge deserves to be the star of the show. Return the pearl to this oyster with Lanvin’s on-trend crystal-cross bracelet. Pearls-on-mesh means this jewel looks Gothic-modern. On Net-a-Porter for $885.

I can’t get over how much I love these; they are just so- perfectly pretty. The DVF gold tchad wedges are a glorious goldmine. The ankle strap gives these a metallic feminine touch and the gold is the braided rope detail at the 4″ heel gives you the seasonal touch. I need to order these ASAP so I can wear them to parties on the beach with a Joy Cioci dress for sweet summer style. You could also pair them with some trendy printed jeans by Citizens of Humanity with a tank by Tibi. These shoes can go from fun to fancy at the flip of a switch and are a great buy for spring.

Pick them up at Ssense for $280.00.

Full disclosure here: I have just read Fifty Shades of Grey and despite the terrible writing, I couldn’t put it down! Call it what you will (and if you haven’t heard of it, it’s only a short matter of time) – erotic romance, mommy porn, chick-lit gone wild – it’s a juicy read with a strong love story at its backbone.

Meet Anastasia Steele: a shy, virginal college student who has never kissed a boy. Needless to say, stilettos aren’t her thing. When she is introduced to billionaire Christian Grey during an interview, she is the ultimate submissive, literally falling into his office. Practical black knee-high boots work just fine for her – until she signs her life away to Christian and they enter a wild submissive-dominant relationship.

But as our naïve heroine develops, so does her style. Thanks to Christian’s credit cards and a personal shopper at Neiman Marcus, she ends up springing for a pair of racy silver sandals, complete with metallic shimmer and sensual lacing, to match a bold mini-dress. Ana has completed her evolution – the submissive is now the dominant. Which side of Ana’s sensibility is more your style?

1. Diane von Furstenberg Capreena Mini Dress At Saks Fifth Avenue for $325.

Co-Op Barneys New York Side-Zip Knee Boot At Barneys New York for $565.

Christian Louboutin Tuba Boot At Barneys New York for $1,435.

2. Hervé Leger Metallic Foil V Neck Dress. On ShopBop for $1,450.

Manolo Blahnik Netochka Sandal At Barneys New York for $885.

Now these will turn some heads. The DKNY printed canvas wedge sandals are a funky twist for spring with their bold colors and eye-catching design. These would be a great choice for a night on the town with their high 5 inch heel with 1 inch platform and sex appealing ankle wrap with a zip up back. I would sport these with an Oclay Gulsen mini dress for a night of cocktails and dancing. They would also work well with some David Lerner leggings with a Kova & T Mojave top for a Friday night date. These shoes are fun and should be worn accordingly. With some fun cuffs by DAY Birger et Mikkelsen and a Miu Miu clutch you have yourself a spring outfit that won’t soon be forgotten.

Net-a-Porter for $275.

Attending a private dinner for Elie Saab in New York City on April 5th, Emily Blunt smartly stayed devoted to the designer in a fifties-inspired dress out of his Spring collection and grey lamé evening clutch. But she broke away with a pair of Spring 2012 Sergio Rossi peep-toe sandals with enough subtle sparkle to draw all eyes down to the floor.

The exquisite detailing turns them into a crystalline dream, and the pitch-perfect piping matches the frock almost too well! But overt matching is in this spring – and so is the more refined heel. It’s refreshing to see a starlet out in a more delicate silhouette for a cocktail look. (As in, not a chunky peep-toe pump!) Emily only reinstates the fact that there’s a new shape in the air this summer.

Recreate Emily’s sun-drenched look with Preen’s Flame dress (on Net-a-Porter for $1,440), a similarly square-necked stretch-crepe number that fits and flares in all the right places. Then why not trade sparkle for earthiness? The laser-cut Chloris sandal by Sergio Rossi (at Barneys New York for $835) will dress down a feminine look and they still keep the mood light and girlish.

By now, we all know Katy Perry is not shy when it comes to getting dressed, from her Kids’ Choice Awards’ green-slime crop-top to Smurf-inspired hair. We just featured these Charlotte Olympia shoes under “unwearable heels”, but here Katy Perry is proving me wrong!

Charlotte’s birdcage-inspired Avalon platforms are a natural choice for the singer, which she wore to perform at a pre-inaugural event for the Indian Premiere League on April 3rd. In black and gold, they are slightly more subdued than the leafy-green versions – but only slightly! The intricate, voluptuous heel is enough to attract nonstop attention. With Katy’s wildly print, shimmering Manish Arora dress, the result is a high-energy ensemble that seems made for her.

If wacky heels aren’t your idea of a teenage dream, then opt for Charlotte’s more classic Portia platform pumps. An metallic ankle-wrap strap is enough to get you noticed. At Neiman Marcus for $920.

If these don’t scream summer, I don’t know what does. The J.Crew Sardinia wedge espadrilles are a fun, flirty and fabulous way to step into spring/summer. Nothing says warm weather like espadrille. As soon as I see it come on the shelves I know the grills will soon start to fire and I will start hitting the gym like a lunatic. These wedges combine the seasonal texture with canvas colored in great summer colors like nautical stripes, cool tan, bright coral and sunshine yellow. The 3 1/8″ jute heel will give you enough height to pull off shorter pieces but aren’t too high to wear all day long.

I would wear the striped pair with a happy little Splendid dress to a friend’s bridal shower for an effortless simple look. I would wear the yellow with a pair of Acne shorts and a Marc by Marc Jacobs lace top for a sweet day out shopping. These shoes tie around the ankle for an ultra fem finish that will keep you lacing them up all season long. J. Crew for $118.