BITS OF PINK are popping up all over town, and we don't mean cherry blossoms: They're toes. Freed from winter's boots and socks, lower extremities should find their shoe options nearly endless this season.

"By spring, you are sick of covering your feet," says Marion Warner, manager of footwear den Sassanova. For gals, warm-weather ways to reveal, not conceal, tootsies include brights (lemon-yellow, kiwi-green), powerhouse platforms and goddessy gladiator sandals. And for those afraid of heights, sky-high stilettos are on the way down, down, down. "We're seeing lots of flats and mid-heels," says Warner.

Besides picking up a fresh pair of leather flip-flops or mandals, dudes can update their shoe closets with canvas slip-ons or light-colored lace-ups. If that doesn't put a spring in your step, nothing will.

(1) Though shore-like in style, Rafe's sandals with stone accents probably shouldn't reach the beach -- save 'em for a long sundress. ($245, Piperlime.com)

(2) A jersey dress in cobalt or violet could say "Ciao, baby" to Missoni's sky-high chevron-print heels. ($675, Sassanova, 1641 Wisconsin Ave. NW; 202-471-4400)

(3) Flower-powered but more ladylike than hippie, Giuseppe Zanotti's pumps punch up jeans or a black frock. ($675, Sassanova)

(4) Marilyn Monroe-red leather perches atop a Lucite heel on Corso Como's futuristic beauties. ($170, Wild Women Wear Red, 1512 U St. NW; 202-387-3153)

(5) Mod yellow pumps from Bettye Muller rock with a full skirt or dark denim capris. ($375, Sassanova)

(6) A sock-like, stretchy fabric upper makes groovy gladiators soft and chic. ($58, Wild Women Wear Red)

(7) Color-blocking, another big spring trend, shows up on satin peep-toe flats by Pour La Victoire. ($175, Wild Women Wear Red)

(8) Do ballerinas go to Palm Beach? Nine West's flirty satin skimmers in tropical coral suggest they must. ($79, Piperlime.com)

(9) Like Spartacus but shiny, leather gladiator sandals by Matt Bernson expand the Roman fashion empire again. ($170, Piperlime.com)

(10) Comfy but far from frumpy, Kenneth Cole Reaction wedges feature foot-cooling punch-outs. Wear with shorts or a mini, but, please, don't pair them with more yellow -- you'll look like Big Bird.

Written by Express contributor Ashley Joy Parker
Photo by Marge Ely/Express

Posted by Express at 4:17 PM on March 28, 2008
Tagged in Fashion & Design , Lifestyles , Top Stories