Here are two such shoes…

The Irena platform from the Pour la Victoire.

Also, this remarkable, burgundy mid-wedge shoe from the Tory Burch.

And, their own house brand, the Daniel shoes are very much worthy of your attention.

I became intrigued by espadrilles when I visited Cuba, a number of years ago.

There to experience the island’s university system, I spent an evening at the Hotel Armadores de Santander, a grand hotel in old Havana.  In the morning, I opened the French doors that led to a pink-tiled deck overlooking the Malecón. 

A previous guest had forgotten—or left behind—her sky-blue espadrilles; they sat contentedly under a table, all sun-and-salt-water bleached beauty.

What was so appealing about this humble mix of cotton canvas and jute?  Exactly that: the simplicity of design, the thoughtful color, and the fact that the espadrilles had been much loved (or much worn, at the least; they were abandoned).

This spring, designers have been in a flurry as they reimagine the classic espadrille, with looks that range from pretty to the truly eccentric. 

Here’s the “Tahiti espadrille pump” from Dior, which seems to be a fancy drink umbrella and shoe all in one;

The “cage” espadrille by Yves Saint Laurent;

Lanvin’s ballet-inspired “French” espadrille, in satin;

Kate Spade’s “Lido,” which conjures happy visions of bathing huts at the beach, or perhaps the stripes on Tadzio’s sweater in Death in Venice;

Tory Burch’s version, with her ubiquitous logo.  If I could coin a portmanteau, I might call it toobiquitous;

Ralph Lauren’s winning platform ankle wrap in a neutral tobacco;

a classic picnic-blanket version from Castaner, the Spanish company that has been making espadrilles since 1927;

the Tamariu tie espadrilles, worn to spectacular effect by Penelope Cruz in Volver (remember the from-the-beneath-the-bed shot?);

and this curious inclusion from Bergdorf Goodman’s website.  Made by Prada, this “espadrille” reflects neither the traditional espadrille materials nor design.  I call it the “ugly ’drille-ing.” (It’s more macaw than swan, though.)

My favorite espadrille remains the classic model, made in either Spain or France, without embellishment—the kind that can be kicked off at the beach or worn in town. 

Which model would gentle readers choose as the winner of their “Espy” award?

Spring is about to beat down my front door, and I don’t have a single pair of shoes to greet the sunshine.

Okay, that’s not exactly true, but here is the truth: I haven’t purchased any shoes for the spring/summer 2011 season. I’ve seen plenty of things I love on the runway and in department stores but pricing is prohibitive if I don’t want to live on Ramen noodles. For the sake of my sanity and my health, I’ve taken some time to identify shape and color trends I love and find lower cost alternatives (read: $200 and under) that not only reflect the trends but are fabulous too.

Shapes: Clogs, Kitten Heels and Wedges

The high-heel clog is a spring shape I love, and if you missed it last year it’s back again. Clogs are an easy shape to wear and they make legs look great. These BCBG Broma clogs in Red Berry ($77.00 at macys.com) are are sexy and adorable at the same time. They’ve got a peep toe to show off that fabulous pedicure, a super-high heel, stud details and a flower. And the color will set off all of your spring neutrals and whites.

After a long hiatus, kitten heels have returned. While I haven’t seen an overwhelming response to this demure style of shoe, it’s perfect for work yet still looks casual and weather appropriate when you step out of an air-conditioned office. The Pipa from AK Anne Klein ($69 at Zappos.com) is a lovely example of the trend and one I’d like to have in my closet.

The wedge is another style that was big last year and is going to be big again this year. The wedge with an espadrille look was a runway favorite, and Tory Burch’s “Contrast” ($165 at bloomingales.com) has caught my fancy. The Earth Khaki color mixes a great greenish-brown with black, making it easy to wear with so many things (and my wardrobe has plenty of black). The rope covered wedge is gorgeous and a super contrast to the black.

Colors: Neutrals, Metallics and Color Blocking

Go on any shoe website and I guarantee you the first thing you will see in a banner is “NEW NEUTRALS” or something similar. Neutral shoes provide the perfect balance for a loud floral dress or ground a black skirt without being heavy. There is so much neutral to choose from out there that I had a hard time picking one shoe. I finally settled on the gorgeous Withey from Aldo in bone ($80 at aldoshoes.com). The shoes have a patent finish, a must this season, an open toe and a high covered heel. Neutral? Yes. Boring? Absolutely not.

The metallic shoe is another ubquitous look this season. A sexy metallic braided shootie-style sandal? A necessity! Vince Camuto’s Adita sandal in new gold ($129 at vincecamuto.com) has a shootie shape with an open toe and heel. The vamp is covered in braid and the heel is stacked. Another way to describe these shoes? Hot.

The spring runways were awash in color…color blocking, that is. The Nine West Stylin ($89 at ninewest.com) an excellent example of a color blocked shoe. The pops of color along with the thick heel and easy platform make this a great casual shoe.

I’m off to shop for some new shoes!

Yes, the Jenny by La Canadienne is the marvelous everyday boot for the months of poor weather, and it certainly fits the requirements of the question, but it is, to the mind of the Manolo, perhaps too plain to be truly and absolutely super fantastic. Therefore, please allow the Manolo to make the few additional recommendations…

Here is the Cookie from Aquatalia by Marvin K., the suitable weatherproof alternative to the La Canadienne boots.

However, for those who wish to violate their self-imposed fashion austerity with the little bit of designer bling…

The Donovan Logo Boot by Tory Burch.

Of the course, if our besotted suitor wishes to be the super fantastic super hero in the heart of his beloved, he will completely ignore her demurrals and offer to her these…

The Miss Tack Botta 85 Tall Boot by Christian Louboutin.

Manolo says, here is the stylish Tory Burch Blondie flat sandal, perhaps the last final gasp of gladiatorism, on the deeply discounted sale, over 50% off of the normal price.

Manolo says, it is Tuesday, do you know where your Tory Burch Velvet Bria Pumps are? On the feets or in the closet are the only acceptable answers.

By the way, it is the bamboo heel that makes this shoe more than the sum of its very charming parts.

Manolo says, here are the fun and colorful Tory Burch t-strap sandals for your Thursday afternoon enjoyment. Before you know it, summer will be here, and you will want colorful flat sandals that make you feel happy, and these they are emphatically cheerful.