SHOES THAT SIZZLE

Spring and summer shoes are simply smoking

Spring and summer footwear raises the style temperature. »

My oh my, good ladies of Vancouver, your feet are going to look and feel feverishly fabulous this spring. From naughty little nude tones to feisty neons and shocking dashes of this season’s colour du jour — zesty tangerine — there is plenty to make your elegant trot super- hot this spring.

Just ask Emily Scarlett of H& M: “Whether it’s bright pumps in cobalt blue, tangerine or fuchsia, shoes this spring are about having fun and adding pops of vibrant colour,” she said.

Over at Kalena on Commercial Drive, it’s all about giving wedges, platform sandals and ballerina flats a fresh new look, according to Veralena Casellato: “Snake prints, intricate stitching, weaving and patterns are taking our shoes to the next level.” It’s clearly shaping up to be a highly versatile season, with plenty of choice for shoe- aholics of all persuasions. At Holt Renfrew, they’re celebrating the return of the pump from Lanvin and Jimmy Choo, as well as block heels and platform soles from Sam Edelman.

“Our shoe department is exploding with colour right now,” enthuses Pauline Ho, personal shopper at Vancouver’s Holt Renfrew store. “From neon brights such as Kate Spade’s ankle strap in hot pink, to gorgeous pastels at Prada.”

Fresh from some Oscar runway action, Canadian shoe guru Jerome C. Rousseau is taking a more conservative approach to colour this season: “I instinctively felt that I should have a black and white group within my spring collection,” he says. Just check out his fantastically futuristic yet curiously classic ‘ Kio Loops’ shoe: “I love to use a distinctive peep toe silhouette. This particular version with the intricate loop details is just divine.”

At Aldo in Vancouver, you can paint a veritable psychedelic rainbow of shoe- happiness. With influences ranging from hot exotics to dreamy ocean tones, you shouldn’t be afraid to mix colours and prints with abandon this spring.

“Colour- blocking is shown everywhere with geometric prints,” says Vanessa Savaress of Aldo. “Feminine details are also very important and the Art Deco influence resurfaces in a modern way.”

At Banana Republic and Old Navy, versatile neutral styles with that gorgeous elongating effect on the legs are rubbing ankles with uber- bright wedges: “Brights and colourblocking are key for spring,” says Victoria Kirk of Gap Inc. “Embrace these trends in wedges and inject some spring optimism into your style.”

HOT GOSSIP: Gossip Girl’s Roxane Mesquida models Jerome C. Rousseau’s Kio Loops, $ 695 from www. avenue32. com. ‘ Roxane is one of the most beautiful women I’ve met,’ says Rousseau. ‘ She embodies the femininity, integrity and effortless elegance I...

TUTTI FRUITY: All hail the Pantone Colour of the Year — Tangerine Tango. We’re not sure if you’ll actually be able to dance the tango in this four- inch suede beauty, but the ‘ Herena’ wedge ($ 100 from Aldo) is certain to stop traffic.

AU NATURALE: ‘ From raffia to more wear- toworkfriendly feminine ankle strap options, the wedge is an easy way to update your wardrobe,’ says Victoria Kirk of Gap Inc. Rise above with this wedge from Old Navy, $ 29.94.

GET TO THE POINT: Valentino’s black patent wedge with rock- stud detail doesn’t mince its words. Stocked at Vancouver’s Holt Renfrew store ($ 695), this cheeky little number is also available in nude, in case you’re feeling extra hot.

EXPECT THE UNEXPECTED: “There are important statements in the details, like metallic leathers on flat sandals,” says Emily Scarlett of H& M. Slide into something more comfortable with this Marmi leather sandal from H& M, $ 69.95.

SKIN DEEP: Reveal your wild side with a snake print leather ballerina from Italy’s Calz, $ 165. Available at Kalena.