Vivienne Westwood D’Orsay Roman Pump

You know, I can’t hear the name Vivienne Westwood without thinking of Gwen Stefani’s “Rich Girl.” I’ve had it stuck in my head ever since I saw these shoes. At least it’s a song I like pretty well, and not something horrible that would make me want to jam sharp pencils in my ears. Something like, oh, I don’t know, “Umbrella” by Rihanna. Oh yeah, you heard me. That girl cannot sing. She alternates between whining and a robotic monotone. What’s that? It’s too soon to pick on her because of the whole Chris Brown debacle? Whatever. Yeah, he’s a douchebag, but she was posing as a singer even before all that happened. And can she not appear on or in a magazine now without being topless? Oh yeah, I take her so much more seriously now. She’s just the poster child for empowered women. Right. Anyway, where was I? Oh yes, Vivienne Westwood. After a few posts about the spring neutral trend, I needed some color, and boy did I find it. Vivienne didn’t hold back with this D’Orsay Roman pump.

Not only will it wake you up from that neutral shoe nap, it fits right in with another spring trend—orange. Well, really, what’s hot now is orange and pink, and the Roman leaves out the pink, opting instead for violet, yellow, and silvery gray, but it’s still a great way to wake up your wardrobe. The upper is fabric in an abstract harlequin print, but it’s lined in leather. The sole is also leather—metallic gold leather, actually—which will add a bit more flash to every step. The 3.75-inch stiletto heel is covered in the same printed fabric, and perfectly complements the d’orsay and open-toe design. Hope you’ve been saving up, though. The Roman will set you back $484.87 at Zappos.com.

Budget Saving Alternative 1

Yeah, I know. You could buy several pairs of shoes for that price. Or a ton of earplugs to use whenever a Rhianna song comes on the radio. That’s a tough choice right there. But since this is a fashion blog, after all, we’ll stick with the shoes. I don’t think it’s possible to fit another color on the J. Renee Gretel d’orsay pump. Wait, it might be missing a little yellow. And there’s not a single spot of white on the shoe. As it is, the Gretel’s upper is a tranquil scheme of blue, teal, pink, and amber—a definite departure from neutral. The upper is fabric, and the 3.5-inch heel is also covered in it. What I like best about this shoe, though, is the vamp. It draws together to form a little ruffle, and is topped with a slender teal bow. They’re feminine but not flouncy touches. Get the Gretel for just $84.95 at Endless.com.

Budget Saving Alternative 2

Anne Klein may not be the hot brand it was in the ’80s, but it’s a classic that isn’t going anywhere anytime soon. This Catherine Flora D’orsay Pump is perfect for spring with its sunny yellow upper and three-inch stiletto heel, mixed with a few shades of pink, green, and even a splash of robin’s egg blue. It’s an abstract watercolor painting on silk. The lip of the Flora is covered in fuchsia patent trim, and the sole is man made. After you click the link, be sure to also check out the Catherine 2, which comes in a beautiful orange, pink, and green pattern, as well as a beautiful blue and pink combo. Get a couple of pairs since they’re only $69 at Endless.com.