Say it with me now: Shoes

Think about what your life would be like as a foot. Stuffed inside a smelly shoe or boot all… Think about what your life would be like as a foot. Stuffed inside a smelly shoe or boot all winter with barely enough room to breath, supporting more than 100 pounds of weight every day, it’s really a thankless job. When you finally escape out of that tiny box they call a shoe, everyone complains about your odor. How embarrassing. Besides the occasional pedicure, there’s not much to look forward to in the life of a foot.

But it’s time to treat your pretty piggies to a little air and dress them up in the chicest styles around this summer. Let’s start at the bottom and work our way up.

Flip-flops – Not exactly a trend, flip-flops have become a beach and summer staple especially for the younger crowd. I’m sure most of you reading this know, but Old Navy flip-flops can be purchased two for $5 in a crazy amount of colors, but it always seems like they break or are just plain gross by the end of the summer. For a little more dough, Havaiana flip-flops seem to hold up a little better. I stocked up when I was in Brazil last summer (where they’re produced), and it only set me back $6 a pair, but here in the States I’ve seen them as high as $22. Luckily, I found them on shopbop.com, where you can score a pair for only $15 in an assortment of colors to match your bathing suit. And if you are really feeling like investing in some high-class flip-flops, Tory Burch makes a pair for $45 with her signature circular emblem on the strap.

Flats – Arguably one of the most versatile types of shoe, flats this season feature a fresh take in the Mary-Jane flat with a little strap around the ankle. Show your personality with fun accents like the pretty satin flower on top of a pretty pair on sale at Nine West.

Gladiator Sandals – These flat sandals have been on the runway for a few seasons but can now be found at almost every mass shoe retailer in some form or another. The key here is metallics, some funky embellishments and buckles. I love how these shoes can fit easily into so many trends this season – the hippie/bohemian, ethnic/global or safari. It all works. But you might want to pair them with something a little softer. We don’t want anyone mistaking you for Russell Crowe.

Wedges – Wedges (my grandma likes to refer to them as “wedgies”) are great for adding some height if you still would like to be able to walk reasonably comfortably. To liven things up this season add some woven or wooden wedges to your collection in bright colors, patent leather or an exotic skin (faux of course).

Heels – I accidentally keep choosing boyfriends who would much rather see me in Uggs than a pair of heels, but this hasn’t changed my affection for these sexy shoes (or my boyfriend for that matter). There are more options than ever this season, including brightly colored satin, patent leather, wooden heels, color-blocking, T-straps and peep-toed slingbacks to name a few. Aldo Shoes carries a curved wooden heel similar to a shape by Prada for around $100. Ombre, the French word for “shaded,” meaning that the fabric is gradually shaded from light to dark, is another trend for spring – and not just for shoes but across the board. Aldo also carries a pretty heel featuring this trend in pink and yellow shades for $80. If you’re into the boy-meets-girl look with menswear inspired pieces, lace-up Oxford heels are still a viable option, especially in funky colors for spring.

Embellishment with color, texture or special extras is essential this season. And if the spring runways are any indication of what will eventually trickle down to the masses, this trend will only get bigger. The heels in higher-end collections were very architectural and complex with buckles and straps in inventive places accented with beading, feathers, bright colors and unique detailing on the heels.

Speaking of designer collections, I would never advocate anyone buying cheap or cheaply made shoes (because I think it’s very easy to spot poor quality shoes), but with designer shoes like Christian Louboutin, Jimmy Choo and Manolo Blahnik charging upward of $600 for many of their creations, what’s a poor girl to do?

Payless ShoeSource makes it easy. The chain has partnered up with designers Alice + Olivia, Rose and Abate to bring you a line of stylish and affordable shoes ranging from about $20 to $35. My favorite pair is a bright lime green wedges by Alice + Olivia guaranteed to brighten up any outfit. I can’t assure you of the quality because I’ve only looked at photos online, but I would assume that these premium brands would be reluctant to put their names on a product that was very low quality, even if it were selling at Payless.

Getting back to the smelly feet issue, I saw a product called Fragrant Footings on summersoles.com that’s sure to help you out. According to the website, “Each time friction takes place, our step-to-release technology transfers to your feet a microscopic burst of the finest dry natural aromas.” These thin inserts fit inside your shoe and will keep your feet smelling like lemon, mint or jasmine for $11 for a two pack.

But with fantastic shoes on your feet, everyone’s sure to come out smelling like a rose.