This is such a schizophrenic time of year when looking at shoes. It’s the middle of winter, but you’re seeing early Spring and Resort sandals and peep-toes, leftovers from Fall going on sale and it’s all rainy and crummy outside so you feel like you can’t wear anything but boots and wellies.

Plus, you’re broke from all that darn holiday shopping and spending on others.

But now is the time to get in there and pre-order any of the shoes you are in love with for Spring and Summer or, guaranteed, there will be slim pickings in a few months. I’ve already received two of my favorites – the Prada Spuntate flower heels and the Miu Miu Capretto jeweled sandal (both of which are freakin‘ amazing!) – because if those were to have run out before I got them I would be seriously heartbroken.

In looking through all of the new arrivals quietly drifting into stores I’ve seen a lot of color – bold blues, pinks, corals, reds and yellows – which I think I will save for another post. But another thing I’ve seen a lot are some strong tailored looks. Not tailored as in menswear, which we saw in the Fall of this year, but more like classic 40’s influences as well as some safari elements mixed in through the use of colors and materials.

Of what I’ve seen out there, here are some of the ones that rise to the top for me. In somewhat of an alphabetical order with front and back views as available. (click on the text to visit their page):

Dior Jeweled Python Slingback – $1450 – Neiman Marcus

I love exotics and the shape on this is great. Plus the jeweled element adds a contrast.

Giuseppe Zanotti Patent Open Toe Slingbacks – $492 – Saks

I love tan and red together and this sculpted heel just puts it over the edge.

Giuseppe Zanotti Patent Trim Spectator Pumps – $595 – Saks

This may be my favorite of the bunch. Guiseppe Zanotti is fast becoming one of my top designers. I love the classy stacked heel and the red patent at the back.

Gucci Sissi High Heel Peep-toe– $550 – Neiman Marcus

A very classy peep-toe and I love a well done white heel. Also available in black.

Jimmy Choo Eliza Patent Sandals – $585 – Saks

Just throwing in a little uber-glamour there. Kind of like a palette cleanser. What a heel! This comes in red with a black heel but I think the black with green is much sexier. Back to the show…

Jimmy Choo Erica Nappa Pumps – $660 – Saks

That to me is a real power shoe, perfect with a structured suit but still seasonally appropriate. I love that clay/taupe color too.

Louboutin Moyen Empire Cork Slingback – $735 – Saks

Very sexy, yes, but still sort of tough looking too. It has a very hot weather vibe to me.

Louboutin Quadrillette Leather Sling backs – $620 – Saks

These look eminently wearable all summer long. A great height, a great color and breezy. Perfect with work clothes or linen pants.

Louboutin Xatrinxia Platform Sandal – $425 – Saks

These are some serious statement shoes and, I think, sort of a departure for Louboutin. But they check all the right boxes for a tough, tailored safari-summer-ish look. I’m not sure if I would get them but I think in the right environment they would be amazing. They have to be accessorized with a icy drink that has an umbrella. And can you believe the “low” starting price for a Louboutin? Maybe because they are so different.

Manolo Pointed Toe Suede Slingback – $815 – Neiman Marcus

These have to me by second favorite. They are so lady-like and perfect. Of course they are totally pricey but they are suede and have lizard trim, so I guess that explains it. You could invest in these and wear them forever. They are very reminiscent of a pair of Ralph Lauren slingbacks I have from about 10 years ago. I still wear them.

Manolo Leather Kati Crisscross Pump – $666 – Neiman Marcus

I’m sure there will be events and nights out during the warmer months. These gold heels are tough enough for jeans but would be gleaming paired with black.

MARC by Marc Jacob Color-block d’Orsay Sandal – $395 – Neiman Marcus

These would be perfect with a linen shirt-dress in either a tan or dark brown then pair it with wood bangles and a large bag that incorporates the rusty orange. I’ll bet you could walk all day in those.

Stuart Weitzman Gator Printed Slingback – $285 – Neiman Marcus

Yeah, I’m a sucker for an alligator/croc print especially when it is as classy as this. If you can’t find a pair as good as my vintage ones, these are a good way to go. Get the brown and the black and you’ll always have something to wear.

Tod’s 85 Pump – $465 – Saks

Clay and white patent with restrained but luxe looking embellishments. What’s not to love. This would be great with a tennis looking outfit all in classic white. Dress your guy in white bucks and your good to go.

Enjoy!