Bright, Sunshiny Day

I caved and bought my fifth pair of Converse sneakers today. In my defense, they were half off and I kind of, sort of, needed walking shoes for a trip I'm taking this week...

In all seriousness though, there's a reason I'm a Converse (semi)addict. They're more stylish than a pair of running shoes, hold up to daily wear and tear, and fit my narrow feet well. With the exception of my gold sequined pair (another amazing sale find), my other pairs are all rather neutral. I have a black, royal blue, and pale blue pair. And since the gold sequined pair are a bit more delicate and best reserved for special occasions, I'm really excited to add this bright pair to my closet!

Image via Kaboodle

Pops of Pink

While I enjoy feminine things, I often shy away from pink for fear of appearing too "girly". I've recently come across pink shoes in a number of iterations, and a bright pop of color in footwear is something I can always get behind.

 

(Kartell, $135)

 

(Bloch, $119)

(Adidas, $70)

(Keds, $35)

Color blocking is a huge trend for this spring, so why not let your feet get in on the action?

Neon Toes

I've heard of twinkles toes, but a shoe that looks like you've dipped your toes in a puddle of neon paint? Incredible. I love the balance between the muted, neutral linen body and the shocking hot pink toe. They're the perfect spring into summer segue piece.

(Kate Spade, $198)

The Basic Shoes

If money were no object, most women would give Imelda Marcos's shoe collection a run for its money. However, many of us live on a budget, and splurging on shoes is not the most practical of activities. As I continue to pare down my wardrobe in preparation for next semester, I've had to ruminate on what constitutes the "essential" shoe collection for a college girl.

Professional Flats
These are indispensible for work, internships, interviews, and the like. Mine are a pair of black, patent leather flats with a rubber sole. I can walk hours in them comfortably, don't worry about slipping on tiled floors, and they go with all sorts of dress pants and skirts.

Sneakers and/or Comfortable Day Shoes
Depending on your activity level, these might be more casual (like Converse) or girly (ballet flats). The idea is this is your daily go-to shoe. These are the sort of shoes you could wear as a tourist; comfort is key. A more casual version is great for class and daytime exploring, while a dressier flat does double duty for dinners and dates.

Dress Shoes
These are your shoes for going out with friends, attending parties, etc. This is your chance to grab a pair of trendier shoes. Since you don't wear them as much, you won't tire of a bright color or interesting material. If you love heels, this is a great spot to incorporate them into your wardrobe, but for those more inclined to wear flats there are plenty of great options.

Flat Boots
These become indispensable in the winter months. A nice pair of riding boots can be worn day and night. Paired with cozy socks, snow storms seem less threatening, and they can also be waterproofed if you're worried about the occasional rainstorm. They look great with tucked in jeans, tights and skirts, and even leggings and a tunic top.

Sperry Ladyfish Boots

Yesterday's shopping quest began with a search for a multipurpose pair of leather boots and ended with something far different. I admittedly didn't notice these boots at first glance, but passing by them a second time, I knew I had to at least try them on.

Once they were on my feet with tucked in jeans, I absolutely fell in love. While the Sperry brand is incredibly popular, these shoes are so unique that I doubt I'll see anyone else wearing them. They are unbelievably comfortable, and now that they're waterproofed, ready for all occasions. I'm already envisioning them with skinny jeans, a long-sleeved tee, and giant scarf. I have a feeling these are about to become my new cold weather staple.

Oxfords

No, not the school, the shoe. I've been eying this trend for a while now, and I came across what might be the deciding factor.

The Wanted Belfast Oxford. I love the rich color, delicate perforations, and dainty bow. The ribbon balances the masculinity of the trend and keeps the shoes from looking too serious. I have trouble picturing some oxfords with dresses and skirts, but the bow and small heel of this pair are very versatile. Plus, at this price, they're practically a steal. The only thing I'm worried about is the comfort of these shoes. Unless I wore bulky socks, they'd probably be rather tough and uncomfortable. Perhaps with a little wear they'd loosen up.

If not, they're beautiful just to look at...

Summer Shoes

When it comes to shoes, like any girl, I tend to adopt the "more the merrier" approach. Enter these adorable boat shoes from an unlikely source, Payless.

As much as I admire sky-high heels and platforms, I'm most comfortable in a cute flat. Not only would these shoes make a practical choice for summer strolls, the combination of the bright shamrock green and cheery pink whale print is simply adorable. When it comes to resisting the urge to go barefoot this summer, these shoes might just do the trick.