Deluxe News – Shoes, Footwear and Fashion from online shoe store deluxe-boutique.co.uk

Spring is a tough season to dress for so concentrate on investing in shoes and accessories that are bang on trend instead…

The Leopard Print Ballet Flat from Pretty Ballerinas

Leopard print: from head to toe!

Here at Deluxe Boutique we love our leopard print pumps from Pretty Ballerinas. It’s a print that can lift outfits out of the ordinary and smacks of sophistication and just a touch of fun.

In 2008 Ralph Lauren brought us the leopard print trilby worn at a jaunty angle to top off his sophisticated black outfits. Last year Christopher Kane showed us how to breathe new life into the look by injecting red and orange tones into his leopard print scarves and sweaters. This year Alexander Wang hit the ground running with leopard print shoes to complement his sporty themed collection.

Style note: The leopard print ballerina flat looks fabulous teamed with chinos, and the pink contrast trim lets you work two trends in one with a flash of this season’s pastel tones.

Grey is the new black!

In every shade from delicate dove to edgy gunmetal, grey is the new black for Spring 2010. Leave behind the dark days of Autumn/Winter and indulge yourself in a timeless alternative to black.

Think ‘classic with a twist’ and introduce interesting materials and finishes to stay on-trend. The catwalks saw suede, wool, metallic, jersey and embellished greys so we were incredibly excited to unpack the new Pearl Opal styles from Birkenstock – classic Madrid and Gizeh sandals with a shot of metallic grey/blue to help you put your finest fashion foot forward!

Style note: Grey on grey is a key look for Spring/Summer 2010 but it can result in outfits that are ‘dull’ or lacking in definition. Work the full shade and texture options – a bold metallic grey sandal is perfect in combination with the latest grey marl jerseys.

Sock it to ‘em!

Okay so the last time you wore pumps with ankle socks was primary school, but you can’t avoid the fact that socks

and flats are enjoying a stint in the fashion spotlight. Appearing on catwalks with sandals, on

Chloe Sevigny with flat orthopaedic sandals, and on the lovely Alexa Chung teamed with a classic ballerina in black, it looks like we are going to have to embrace our worst fears and rock the socks!

Style note: Ruffled ankle socks and ballet pumps will make you look like you are rehearsing for the lead in Alice in Wonderland so keep it edgy with sparkly or sheer socks. To capture Chloe’s festival style raid your fella’s sock drawer and pull on your favourite Birkenstock sandals – perfect with this season’s floaty florals.