Versatile Heels For Spring: Day to Night

It's something every girl hopes to find: the perfect versatile, affordable, and wearable pair of heels. Much like your beloved LBD or go-to skinny jeans, having a grab-and-go shoe option makes putting outfits together a lot easier. In cooler months I tend to stick with the tried-and-true simple black or tan pump, but as Spring approaches I'm ready to show off my lilac pedi. The sleek design and dainty structure of a good single strap sandal heel does just the trick. Not only do they allow for a range of looks from day-professional to night-edgy, but there are so many amazing options out there in fun Spring-Summer colors.

Admittedly, I covet these shoes thanks to the lovely Ashley Madekwe. The day this fashionable gal made her exit from the soapy suspense-driven show Revenge, I quickly took refuge in her blog to continue my obsession with her fashion prowess. She rocks high-tops, grunge boots and trainers to no end, but more often than not she relies on slender Saint Laurent sandals. For a night-out look, pair your favorite pair of strappys with skinny jeans or simply toss on your favorite LBD. If you're wanting a little more edge, add a touch of leather. Seeking a softer look? Pump up any of these styles with a floral or colored heel! This trend is available in so many budget-friendly and designer options, there's sure to be a pair perfect for you. I am personally a fan of Victoria Secret's mid-heel, which is easy on the wallet and great for the office and cocktails after work!

Check out a variety of Spring-friendly looks below for mix-and-match inspiration! 

How would you pair these versatile shoes with your favorite looks? 

 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9

Ready to Glow

Getting fancy for an event? Rachel Bilson shines in a breezy floral dress with single-strap shoes that show off her tan legs! Try budget-friendly # 1 for some silver sparkle. For a playful vibe, try #6 or #7.

Street-Style Edge

Miley adds a little edge with zipper skinny jeans and a structured leather tee. Pair with plain black, or add saucy neon #2 for more "wow" factor.

Babes Who Brunch

Popular blogger Pink Peonies shows that chambray, white jeans, and a funky clutch are the perfect pairing for nude (#8) heels. Wear #3 in place of the patterned clutch and sling a leather bag over your shoulder for brunch or running errands in style.

Date Night Dazzler

A sweet LBD and black heels work well for a date, cocktail party, or concert. Go for #5 or #8 in black and take a tip from Ring My Bell blogger Ashley Madekwe by slinging a leather jacket over your shoulder. For a softer look, add a pop of mint (#4). 

Fab Girl Friday

Barbara Palvin rocks this work-friendly suit with some feminine single strap heels! Put on some red lipstick on your way out of the office to spice up this sleek look. Wear with #7 for some Spring flair or #1 for a business dinner.

Day-to-Day Classic

Follow Miranda's lead by looking put-together with some classic pieces you already have in your closet: black tank, skinny jeans, your favorite colorful purse and (my favorite) #8 heels. Spice up this classic look with any heel you want!

Modern Office Chic

Reese adds a pop of pink to a work-friendly blazer and skirt with similar heels to #1. After work, simply take off the blazer, add #9 floral heels, and you're ready to party!

On Trend: Fade Away Color (Pastel PINK)

I saw a photo somewhere with the lightest kiss of pink highlights peeking out from blonde hair and really wanted to give it a try. From what I've seen in tutorials, this is entirely do-able at home because the pink fades quickly (which is perfect for a weekend look, if you can't have pink hair in the workplace). I had mine done professionally because I didn't quite trust myself with a bottle of pink goo. The color did end up fading out completely after about a week. I loved how it looked after three washes (I used dry shampoo in between so it lasted longer). 

I'm thinking of trying a pastel lilac next. It's so fun seeing all of the different ways pastel color is being used as highlights and ombre! Anyone have good results with colorbug or manic panic when trying for a pastel shade?

I found the pics above for inspiration on Pinterest. I took #5 into the salon.

1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6  (My color by: Gene Juarez Salon Seattle.)

On Repeat: Dreama Walker as "June" on Don't Trust the B in Apt 23

Dreama: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5

Dreama: 1, 2, 3

I really loved this show and was so sad when it got cancelled. June had an especially attainable wardrobe with lots of dark jeans, pops of yellow, cardigans, and fun wedges. I love how wearable and easy the first look is with an unexpected leopard trench thrown over a fairy simple outfit. Her office looks were also great inspiration for 20-somethings wanting to look professional but still crisp and fashion-forward in the workplace. I was drawn to this one because of how fitted and unfussy it is. It would be great to wear to a meeting or even an interview (rather than the normal black-on-black look). I will miss this show's quirky humor... I must have re-watched the "you from Queens!?" episode a dozen times. Definitely repeat-worthy!

On Repeat: Zooey Deschanel as "Kit" in Failure to Launch

Book Look: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5

Champagne Look: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5

Mockingbird Look: 1, 2, 3, 4

This silly little movie is the perfect summer chick-flick. I love Zooey's quirky jewelry and interesting patterns mixed with simple black high-waisted shorts or boyfriend jeans. It's also super easy to get behind the idea of Champagne Thursday (which can land on any day, really...and that's convenient).

On Repeat: Yvonne as "Hannah McKay"

Look 1: Yvonne in Car, Yvonne, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5

Look 2: Yvonne, 1, 2, 3, 4

As my husband would say, only I would point out "how cute those boots are" during an intense scene on one of our favorite TV shows. 

We may be a bit behind, but nonetheless, Yvonne Strahovski is killin' it on Dexter (pun intended). I'm half scared of her and half envious. Her wardrobe as Hannah Mckay is sweet and carefree without looking too girly, which perfectly befits her character. The airy tops (with a black bra underneath to add some edge), denim, and ankle boots yield a lovely laid-back look. Great for a day in the sun, her hair usually has a slight beach-wave and she wears very little makeup (most likely a sweep of bronzer on the cheeks, light brown shadow with mascara, and a blush-tone lip). What's great is that many of us may have a lot of similar pieces in our closet already. All that's missing is a pink-spattered orchid and a gorgeous cottage with an adjacent flower nursery.