N.B. In today’s episode of the guest blogging, the Manolo’s sharp-as-the-tack, shoe-loving friend Shuzluva provides to us the invaluable service: trendy shoes at the reasonable price.

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!