Over the past few days (since last week’s nasty weather spell), the sun has been shining in New York and the temperatures are creeping up. Whenever this happens, people come out of the woodwork wearing inappropriately summer-like shoes. I know it’s not actually below the freezing point, but just because it hits 50 degrees doesn’t mean it’s time to break out the flip flops and thong sandals.

However, if I had these sweet romantic sandals waiting in my closet to be worn, I might have to stretch my definition of "appropriate sandal weather."

And would you believe they’re from Teva? Yes, Teva of the velcro-strapped waterproof shoes that were the must-have of fashion back when I was in middle school. But these postcard-inspired thongs are whimsical and feminine. And only $60, which is pretty decent for a pair of cute sandals with a good sturdy sole on them.

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The Abaete spring collection for Payless, from designer Laura Poretzky, is finally here! I have to confess I’m not a big fan of Payless in general, as I’m rather fond of shoes and I’d like to see my favorites last for at least a season (known for durability, Payless shoes are not). But since fashion is a fickle mistress and what you buy today you won’t be seen wearing in public for the life of you next year (ahem), I’m willing to make a concession for cute, wearable, fashionable shoes that will make you feel like a million bucks now (rather than next year), all the while paying only pennies–pennies, I tell’ya!

I am particularly enamored of these flats: the Soho peep-toe with birdcage styling in metallic silver and gold and in patent black, and the Mott (in navy or brown floral canvas print). They’re showing the right amount of skin and the right amount of style, at indecently low prices ($20 per pair). I say, tie me up and put me away in a gold cage! Available at Payless stores.

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Here’s a shoe-hunting game everyone loves.  And by everyone, I mean at least me.  Find a designer pair of shoes (and for the word "designer" substitute in the word "expensive").  Then find affordable alternatives that look practically identical (or at least pretty damn close).

Today’s example: the black canvas ankle boot.

This distressed-look version by Marc by Marc Jacobs will set you back $295. 

But this similar boot by Talley will only hit you up for $69.

And this version by good old Converse is only $62. 

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Today has been such a glorious, stunningly beautiful day, full of sun and hopes for spring, that I felt like climbing on top of these Betsey Johnson platforms and shout:

Spring is here!!!!

Looks like I’d have a good platform to stand on, no? (Sorry, couldn’t resist!)

So what if these chunky floral print slingback wedges are sort of outrageous and shamelessly indulgent, with the busy colorful print and the red patent piping and bow? So what that approximately the same amount of square yards of fabric used to make an evening gown were used to cover the never-ending, reaching for the sky platform? I can certainly understand the impulse, for it’s the first time this season it feels (really, really feels) like spring here. If you, too, can’t resist the infectious enthusiasm of these over-the-top platforms, they’re $190 on Zappos.

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I’m generally not much for "classic" when it comes to shoe styling. I like my shoes to have something a little different about them. Could be an interesting heel shape or a unique strap design or an out-of-the-ordinary material or pattern. Take a basic shoe idea (say, a kitten heel d’orsay peep toe pump with an ankle strap), and do it in black leather… I’m probably not interested. But swap the black leather for a graphic print satin, and all of a sudden I’m covetous like woah. Like the Nine West Sabyne.

This pair is suddenly completely to die for in my book. So, I thought I’d go hunting around for other graphically interesting shoes. They’re so evocative of very specific types of people and places.

These Franco Sarto Avanti’s are like the reverse of an assignment from a 2D design class I took in college where we had to make an eye-catching design using only a white background and a single black dot.

A few assignments later, as we worked on more techniques, we were able to use more combinations of black and white and dots in different sizes and shapes. Rather like these Bandolino Shira peep-toes.

Of course, no survey of graphic shoes is complete without the master of the graphic print, Emilio Pucci. These wedges with the color block heel design make me think of groovy 70s decor with round lamp shades and plush shag carpeting.

And these t-strap sandals belong on the feet of a European socialite at a chic soiree for the creme de la creme of high society.

With graphic print shoes, you never get just a basic. There’s always some story your imagination can concoct about them. And that’s why I love em.

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