I’m a shoe fanatic, nuff said. I like many other woman in the world have a little bit of Imelda Marcos in me. No matter how broke I am, even knowing that I have an over due mobile phone bill, or perhaps have missed a car payment…sometimes I would even try not buying latte’s for month to save for the little pumps I saw in the window! Here are a few major trends you should be looking forward to for Spring / Summer 2008.

Tip Toe Around in Ballerina Slippers

Dance shoes seem to be a continuing trend for 2008. It’s all about the flat shoe! They come in all forms, in all prints, jeweled and plain, round toe, square toe, hard soles, soft soles. Now some ladies have a problem with this “flat” trend, some may feel that flat footwear are not as sexy as “heels”. Here’s a hint, foot cleavage: Where the front of the shoe comes across the foot low enough to show the “cleavage” between your big toe and second toe. The right amount of “toe cleavage will give the foot a sexier look and feel! Christian Louboutin advises that women wanting to lengthen their legs and slim out the foot, should go for the lowest cut shoe they can!

Love for the 40’s: Brogue, Ribbons & Peep Toes

My love for the 40’s stem from the love of swing dancing. Flapper girls, feathers décor, lace and ribbons. This year you’ll be seeing a plethora of girly shoes with peep toe detailing and ribbon trims. This very feminine silhouette is crossed with a masculine touch with “brogue” details. This brogue detailing is indicative in men’s tailored footwear and is popping up as a prominent detail now in women’s footwear.

Go Shiny or Go Home!

Bring out your shoe buffers and shine those shoes! This popular upper material has made a come back since the 80’s and in the present time we are seeing it used in several bold styles as well as a soft muted color palette such as nudes, light grey, yellow and soft rose. Watch for a hint of iridescent and pearly materials as well! Patent pumps are the easiest way to jazz up a party dress or a sharp business suit.

Sunny Shum, Your Industry Insider