Add a Little Spring to Your Step, Part 3: Platform Heels

You can blame Christian Louboutin for reviving the platform heel a couple of years ago, and countless celebrities for making them as popular as they are today. By adding the platform to anything from a basic pump to a sandal, the platform heel takes already towering heels to new heights, creating a look that’s perfect for the warmer weather. Via Spiga - Rialto A classic high-heeled pump with a round toe that creates a sleek silhouette. The Rialto is an affordable take on one of this spring’s hottest styles, as seen on runways from New York to Tokyo. The black patent leather adds a sexy touch to this retro pump. Chinese Laundry - Buzz A stylish platform sandal that features patent leather upper with a flower design on the toe box. Shown in black and white, this platform sandal has a comfortable ankle strap, and a 4” stacked heel. A chic way to give a feminine look to any spring outfit. Dr. Scholl's - Cagey This woven leather slingback sandal is a unique warm-weather dress style in a neutral mustang brown hue. The inside features a smooth lining with a cushioned foot bed. The dressy midsole has a ½ inch sole platform and a 3 ½ inch tapered dress heel. Traction patterned sole for ease in mobility. Franco Sarto - Bijou The Bijou is a lovely strappy sandal with a ½ inch platform midsole, ankle strap with buckle, and contrasting stone ornament. The stacked, tapered heel measures 3 1/4" and in the black capra, it makes a great warm evening shoe. Touch Ups - Angel The Angel gives the traditional bridal sandal a bit of a lift by adding a platform to the bottom. It’s elegant and classy in smooth white satin, and features a thin ankle strap. It can be dyed to accentuate every dreamy detail of your outfit and is a favorite among spring brides and bridesmaids. Nina - Getaway Need a great strappy sandal for those warm spring and summer evenings? Then the aptly named Getaway is the perfect shoe. This oh-so-now metallic hued platform sandal features tiny rhinestone details on its front 2 straps and has a comfortable sling to secure your foot. The footbed is lightly padded for extended wear; the heel measures 3 ½ inches. Unlisted by Kenneth Cole - Too Soon The Too Soon platform slide is a sassy addition to any spring or summer wardrobe. The funky floral design adds a bit of much-needed spice after the cold winter months, and bright colors complement the natural tones of this spring’s clothing. The tapered heel measures 3 ½ inches.

Add a Little Spring to Your Step, Part 2: Espadrilles

Espadrilles are classic warm-weather shoes that originate from France, where women have been wearing them for ages. The traditional espadrille is made of canvas or cotton with a two-piece structure. The toe box is usually rounded and the back piece is closed with either a ribbon that ties up around the leg or an ankle strap. These days, however, espadrilles can be found in pretty much any color, fabric, style and height. Because of the espadrille's feminine look and wedge heel, it has become synonymous with comfort and style. This year, metallics, prints, and earth tones in synthetic fabrics are big on espadrilles for the spring and summer. Take a look at some sample you can find in the espadrille section of Shoebuy.com: Tommy Hilfiger Tia in Navy Paisley - This printed espadrille features canvas upper with grosgrain ankle wrap, woven heel sling and bright canvas sock. Sporty thicker jute wrapping with pop stitch around sole edge adds a nice contrast to femininity of the upper. Traditional jute non-slip outsole. Also available in black, cotton candy pink and ivory paisley. Naturalizer Barton in Camelot Leather - This trendy sandal made with a soft leather upper features an adjustable ankle strap that allows for a custom fit. Also features a wedge heel and padded foot bed. Franco Sarto Disbark in Platinum Metallic Kid - The Disbark style is a casual, ankle strap sandal with featuring a jute-wrapped wedge and a 1/2 inch platform. It has a stitching accent on the bottom and a pleated front for added style. The metallic hue is one of the most popular versions of this espadrille, but it is also available in black, white and turquoise versions.

Grasshoppers Napa Espadrille in Mandarin Orange Paisley Canvas - The Napa Espadrille is an open toed slip on shoe with a 1 1/2 inch counter color heel. Also has a criss cross layer on the front of the foot held with a button for added design. The bright canvas features a beautiful Mandarin design that's a great way to add a dash of color to any spring outfit.