Natalie Portman Flower Shoe

The summer and spring always bring flowers to mind and sometimes to your wardrobe as well, but this year flowers are showing up on clothing in some unexpected and unusual ways.

Floral accessories are hotter than ever with flower shoes really catching a lot of attention. The way flowers are being used on shoes runs the gamut from printed floral fabrics to embellished gem flowers and layers of chiffon flowers.

Of course flowers aren’t limited to shoes this season, they’re cropping up on handbags, jewelry, belts and even clothing. Just don’t fall into the trap of going over the top floral.

But if you aren’t willing to buy a new wardrobe or slate of accessories to follow the flower trend, there is still a way you can do it. Look for floral pins that you can attach to purses, shoes, clothing and anything else you can think of to bring the latest trend to your wardrobe. This is a wonderful way to add spice to your outfits without spending a lot. Collect a number of floral pins and you can design your own unique looks.

Jenna Fischer Thong Sandals

Before you bust into the thong song, I’m not talking about that sort of thong. But the thong shoe has made a huge comeback this year and it’s a good thing it has because it’s an incredible look and doesn’t come with that annoying flapping sound that flip flops do.

I think the thong sandal’s comeback is really due to the popularity of the flip flop and the gladiator sandal. The look brings the T-strap higher up on the foot and often including an ankle strap, which is wonderful for those people who have a hard time keeping a flip flop on their feet.

There are a variety of thongs on the market today but I think the classic style, like the Sam Edelman Women’s Gigi is the perfect shoe for the summer 2010. This shoe is simple and casually dressy, meaning it would work for a casual outfit or a dressier night on the town. The faux animal print is on spot trendy and appropriately subtle. And the flat heel is a comfortable trend that has been growing in popularity for the last couple years.

So break out your thong and enjoy the summer of 2010.

Father's Day

Father’s day is coming up and will be here before you even know it. For some reason dad’s are typically hard to buy gifts for so I thought I’d throw out a few father’s day gift ideas that are related to, what else, SHOES!

Let’s assume your dad has all the shoes he wants or needs so we’ll look at footwear accessories. Now, getting your dad shoe polish or leather care products is not exciting at all and may not even feel like a gift. BUT if you were to polish all of dad’s shoes and water proof them that would definitely feel like a gift, AND its one you can give year after year.

Similarly, insoles are not a fun gift by any stretch of the imagination but throw them in  your dad’s shoes, theme it with some other pampering gifts and you’ve got a gift that keeps on giving throughout the year.

Another hot (pun intended) gift for dad is a footwear dryer. There are a wide variety of dryers out there so do a little research as I’ve heard some are amazing and some are a little bit lacking.

So think outside the box this year and get a father’s day gift that dad both needs and wants and will also make him feel as special as he is.

Hilary Duff Animal Bracelet

The hottest accessory trend sweeping America now is Sillybandz a trend designed for kids and these rubber band bracelets are THE must have item this season.

Most Sillybandz are shaped like animals (although there are holiday specific ones and letters and numbers) and kids are striving to have every one of their favorites.

So what does this mean for adults? Well the trend is so hot it’s probably going to translate into women’s accessories as well. Doubtful that women will start wearing rubber bands as an accessory but we will start wearing more animal inspired jewelry and yes there are already some animal necklaces and animal charms on the market so you can get a jump start on the trend and appear cutting edge. But by the end of the summer the market will be flooded with animal inspired jewelry for women.

The trend hasn’t translated yet although I’m sure jewelry designers are frantically working, but the existing animal themed jewelry seems to be centered on a reptile theme. I’m really not sure why reptiles are a popular jewelry item but if you want to get a leg up on the competition it might be time to slip on a snake ring or bracelet.

Rachel Bilson Snakeskin Sandals

One of the trends that is already being touted as the hot one for fall is the exotic skin shoe. But the best part of this trend is that you don’t have to wait until fall to wear it.

Exotic skin shoes have been around for a long time and if you already have a pair feel free to break them out because the trend will be so popular you won’t have to worry about fitting in with a particular style or color. So those snakeskin shoes you bought three years ago and barely wore actually WERE a smart purchase.

But if you don’t already have an exotic skin pair of shoes or you’d like to refresh them then you’ll want to start with a pair of strappy sandals with a faux animal skin upper. The snakeskin look is really hot right now so going that route will not steer you wrong.

If you’re looking for a pair that will carry you from summer into early fall then look for a pair of clogs with an exotic skin upper. Clogs used to be strictly fall shoes but they’ve changed a bit and this year they are a very popular summer shoe as well. Some of them even come with cut outs that make them look more like sandals than anything else. But however you categorize them, this new sandal clog with and exotic skin upper is the perfect trendy shoe for summer into fall of 2010.

Rachel Bilson Embellished Sandals

This summer the sandal has come in so many incarnations that each one seems to want to stand out on its own and grab everyone’s attention.

Gladiator sandals are desperately trying to hold onto their position in your closet but with the fad fading it are not an easy task. To make gladiators more appealing there are now crystals, sequins, studs and more and more straps that ever before to cross trends and add more wow factor.

Platform sandals have gone a similar route by adding a lot of embellishments but you’ll see a lot of platforms with metallic touches in the way of buckles and studs or complete metallic uppers that are everything but subtle.

Flip flops are providing a bit of a twist by adding ruffles and faux flowers, one of the biggest trends of the summer. They’re also playing with prints on both upper and sole to grab a little more eye appeal.

Fisherman sandals are getting a little boost in acceptance by adding exciting new colors. A lot of neon seems to be popping up on fisherman sandals and in ways that are appealing.

I do have a bit of a prediction, I expect we’ll start seeing some reflective or glow in the dark material being incorporated into fisherman sandals and flip flips in the future and quite possible in other sandals as well.

Outdoor Shoes

The summer of 2010 should be a beautiful one, perfect for spending a lot of time outdoors enjoying Mother Nature. So as all shoe lovers know, you need the right shoes for outdoor activities.

One of the most popular summer outdoor activities is hiking because it can be done by almost anyone. Today’s hiking shoes come in a variety of styles from the traditional high top rugged boot to a light airy sandal. Rather than trying to choose which one you’ll use more frequently, why not buy one of each.

For hikers who like to take it a step further and try a little trail running there are trail running shoes designed specifically just for that. Look for a pair that not only fits well and provides the support you need but also has a rugged sole.

On the other end of the spectrum are people who enjoy watersports in the summer. Of course there are watersport shoes designed to provide traction in the water, some provide protection from moisture and others let it flow through freely. Tailor your watersport shoe choice to fit your water activities.

Outdoor shoes are not only key for women but they’re also a great idea for men and children as they give you the support, function and comfort necessary to get you through the summer.

In the last year shoes that claim to give you a little extra work out while you walk have really caught the attention of consumers. The originators of this technology are MBT or Masai Barefoot Technology but it’s the ad campaigns by Skechers Shape-Ups that got the world interested and it will no doubt be the reasonable price point of Reebok’s EasyTone that will encourage people to buy.

But there are other ways to improve your foot and overall health just by making the right shoe choice. Today’s foot comfort and wellness technology has come leaps and bounds with new materials designed to support where necessary and provide cushioning and comfort in just the right spots.

There are also shoes designed to cater to your athletic activities, specific shoes for specific sports whether you’re an active participant or just a sports fan.

The technological advances in athletic shoes and casual shoes are remarkable and will make you want to buy a shoe for every activity, I’m just waiting for them to transfer this technology into fashion shoes.

Sex and the City Metallic Shoes

The metallic strappy sandal has been proclaimed the big summer sandal trend and one that every woman should own. But are your feet really ready to go metal? And if you are is your daughter or your mom? Metallic shoes have a bit of an image and that image isn’t for everyone. Or should I say that image wasn’t for everyone because metallic sandals have shaken off old preconceptions and now really do have a place in every woman’s closet.

The super studded, accessorized, glam, bling and WOW Luichiny Women’s Shock Me Sandal isn’t for everyone but there definitely is market for this shoe and for those adventurous souls then these are the soles you want.

For someone on the other end of the spectrum, the Annie Women’s Saturn shoe is a great way to go. This subtle metallic sandal is low heeled, comes with a duo of metallic finishes and adds just a simple touch of glamour.

The Reef Women’s Wispy flip flop is really a shoe for almost anyone. The metallic touch of the strap makes it neutral enough to go with almost any  outfit and it’s not bold enough to feel uncomfortable to distracting.

Put aside your preconceptions and peruse the metallic sandals available until you find the right one to suit your tastes.

Betsey Johnson Platform Shoes

I’ve said that platforms have been a rising trend for a while not and this summer the platform sandal is out in full force.

The best thing about platform sandals is they come in a huge variety of styles from a simple wedge to a staggering stiletto. Well, okay maybe the versatility is the second best thing, for short women like me the best thing is that they make you taller and let you have an even higher (read sexier) heel because your toe box is lifted.

This season some designers are taking advantage of the additional height and sole space to create added visual interest with printed platforms and architectural shapes. It’s this creative approach to the platform that may extend the trend for a bit longer because it’s been around long enough that it’s almost time to cycle out. So if you’re a huge fan of the platform, look to purchase something buzz worthy that will push your statement beyond just another platform.