You can’t wear sandals all the time, even in summer (although I try!). Sometimes your outfit requires actual shoes. One of the hottest trends for 2011 is booties—low boots that work with almost everything. And the great thing is, you can wear these in every season, too.

Something like this patent-leather trimmed suede boot is one example. The blue version would pop, and the black version would go with everything.

A simpler option is the classic shoe bootie, which would look fantastic with trousers or a short skirt and tights.

And for a casual look with jeans, khakis or leggings, these low-heeled laceup booties are a must have.

What’s your favorite bootie look?

One trend I’m seeing a lot of these days is vintage clothing—or new clothing in a vintage style. There are so many cool looks from “back in the day” that are being incorporated into clothes and shoes.

This vintage lace top is one example. With its pretty style and delicate ruffles, this piece is old fashioned and completely modern at the same time. It’s such a fun way to incorporate a new trend into your rotation.

This vintage beaded tunic is another way to bring classic old style into your wardrobe. Simple, but elegant.

Either of these tops would look great paired with jeans or black pants and these ruffled booties or these button booties, both of which were inspired by Victorian-era shoes.

Old is new again, so take advantage of this fun new trend!

Purple is making a comeback as one of the hot colors this winter. Plum, grape and all the shades in between are showing up on runways and in fashion magazines as designers rediscover the fun and pop of purple!

There are tons of ways to work this color into your wardrobe. One easy way is to simply choose clothing that’s purple—this print trim dress, for example. This is a comfortable plus-size dress that you can pair with tights and boots for a great winter look.

Another way to enjoy purple is shoes—like these microsuede scrunch boots or these jewel wedges in purple.

And then, of course, accessories! This floral stretchy bracelet makes a fun, dramatic statement. And the stone in this beautiful sterling silver ring is an eye-catching purple that will stand out on your finger.

How do you plan to bring color into your winter wardrobe?

I blogged not too long ago about boots and how to wear them, but I think it’s time to highlight one particular style of boot that’s really trendy right now: the bootie! This style is really popular, but can also be difficult to wear. The key is to pair booties with pants or shorter skirts (knee-length or shorter); that way you’ll avoid looking awkward.

These lace-up booties are basic, but still very stylish. They’re also a really nice suede and the laces are a fun detail. Plus, they have a side zipper so they’re easier to get on and off. These would look great with trousers or jeans.

The classic shoe bootie is exactly what it sounds like—a perfect shoe that also happens to be a boot! These classic booties will go with just about anything

And finally, these rhinestone ankle boots are just the right look for a day at work or a night on the town (or both!). They would look super-chic with a skirt and tights or a pair of black pants.

I’ve seen some crazy shoes out there lately – the kind that you can barely stand in, let alone walk in. But people will wear very interesting things in order to be trendy, no doubt. High heels, crazy platforms—whatever it takes to be cool.

For some of us, though, crazy trendy shoes may look cool—but we only want to look at them on other people. We don’t actually want to wear them ourselves as we go about our daily lives.

I found some compromise shoes—the kind that look trendy without making you feel as though you’re about to fall over. I found a few good looking pairs that can add some style to your fall wardrobe without causing sprained ankles.

These Spectator shoes are stunning suede with vintage details that make them unique and eye-catching, too. You can wear them like you would wear ankle boots or other “low” shoes.

And these Victorian lace-up pumps, also in suede, have fun ribbon ties and are super-chic. Wear them the same way you would wear traditional pumps.

Another old-fashioned (but trendy) look are these button-detail booties. Wear them like you would any other pair of ankle boots for some fun flair.

See more fall shoes here.

One of the fun fall fads this year is animal prints—specifically a touch of animal print in an outfit to spice it up. Shoes are a great way to add some animal prints to an outfit without overwhelming your look with leopard spots.

I want to talk about three pairs of shoes that pull off the animal print thing really well—they’re a nice way to start incorporating the look even if you’re not ready to go all out.

These mock-croc leopard print slip-ons would look great paired with black pants. They add a splash of fun.

Another subtle animal print shoe are these leopard cuff booties. They’re mostly black, but then—surprise!—a leopard print cuff. They’re a lovely plush suede and you could rock them with jeans or any other pair of matching pants.

And finally, if you want to be crazy bold, these leopard print cowboy boots. They’re stylish and very eye-catching. You’ll probably be the only one with a pair of boots like this!

Other ways you can add animal prints to your outfits? Keep your eyes peeled for bags, scarves and other accessories that can add a touch of excitement.