Ever need that extra bit of oomph to take your little black dress from pretty to wow? These Ballin feather and jewel sandals ($928; farfetch.com) will do the trick!

I never thought I’d support a revival of the pointy-toe shoe, but after years of round shapes and months of clunky boots, this classic style couldn’t be more refreshing. Unlike most footwear trends that rotate out of the closet after a season or two, the right pair of pumps are an investment that will reemerge for decades. Why? They’re timeless, versatile and loved by woman of all ages.

Basically, pointy-toe pumps equip us shoe collectors with all the practical reasons to justify coming home with another box of Manolos. Pointy toes transition from season to season, and more importantly for modern ladies, from day to night. There’re an array of styles–from d’Orsay stilettos to unconventional straps to kitten heels–that suit every occasion and taste. Whether your style is classic, edgy, glam or preppy, and you’re headed to work, date or cocktail reception, you’ll delight in all the pointy styles available for spring.

Practicality aside, though, there’s another reason these shoes are a must have: attitude. Ladylike yet fierce, these heels have a way of saying, “I’m sweet and classy, but get the hell out of my way.” Ranging from conservative ‘50s styles to full-out mod, pointy toes can tone down or amp up a look with their leg-lengthening silhouette, eye-catching embellishments, austere cuts and slew of delicious colors.

Simply choose one (or two, or three…) of the hundreds styles and pair it with cocktail dresses, pencil skirts, tapered trousers, boyfriend jeans, miniskirts, et al. One can’t deny the resurgence of this timeless trend is one chic, fashionably versatile move that allows us to accent just about any outfit with pointy toes. This spring, I think you’ll all join me by saying, “Welcome back, pointy-toe pumps!”

Clockwise from upper left:

1. Schutz lavender suede pump ($214; shopbop.com). The chicest pump for spring. Understated enough for work, pretty enough for tea and fierce enough for drinks.

2. Kate Spade “Licorice” pump ($285; Shirise; 341 Park Avenue, Glencoe, IL). Basic, black and just plain sexy.

3. Valentino studded lace ankle wrap pump ($995; Neiman Marcus). Edgy and fearless. This shoe is not what you would expect from a comfortable and surprisingly versatile shoe.

4. Blue pointed pump ($90; Zara). There’s a reason Elvis wrote a song about blue suede shoes. Colorful, fun and a perfect pick-me-up to cure the winter doldrums.

5. Giuseppe Zanotti red patent leather “V” strap pump ($550; Saks Fifth Avenue). Va-va-voom! Femme fatale at its best.

6. Christian Louboutin “Pigalili 120 mm” ($3,545; Christian Louboutin). The power to stop ‘em dead in their tracks. Literally.

7. Messeca “Jesenia” pump ($110; Pump Shoes and Accessories; 1659 W Division Street). Add some swing to your swagger with these show-stoppers.

8. Topshop “Glitz Bow Point Court Shoe” ($125; Topshop). Conservative for the office, but fashion-forward for the weekend.

By Maia McGinley

Images courtesy of shopbop.com, Kate Spade, Neiman Marcus, Zara, Saks Fifth Avenue, Christian Louboutin, Pump Shoes and Accessories, and Topshop

Both Nicholas Kirkwood and Rodarte create wearable artwork, but when the two come together, they make magic. These breathtaking sandals ($969; Mona Moore) are proof of that creative genius.

With luxurious texture and eye-catching detail, Alexander Wang’s red suede and leather booties ($675; Alexander Wang) redefine the words shoe obsession.

Fierce and fabulous, these YSL black suede and goat hair pumps ($935; ysl.com) are anything but ordinary. Their classic silhouette and bold accent makes them suprisingly versatile, effortlessly taking you from the office to a cocktail party.

Clockwise from far left:

1. Alexander Wang “Hannah Velvet Loafer Boot” ($745; Alexander Wang)
2. Balenciaga by Nicholas Ghesquière crocodile moccasin pump (price available upon request; Balenciaga)
3. Prada patent loafer pump ($850; Bergdorf Goodman)
4. Stuart Weitzman ($385; Stuart Weitzman boutiques)
5. Miu Miu red platform loafer pump ($690; Neiman Marcus)

By Meghan Turner

Images courtesy of Alexander Wang, Balenciaga, Bergdorf Goodman, Stuart Weitzman and Neiman Marcus

Like a magnificent piece of art, this Nicholas Kirkwood heel ($1,245) is like a one-of-a-kind footwear masterpiece.

Everyone has his/her favorite neighborhood joint. Maybe it’s the corner bar, the local deli or the coffee shop that has your latte ready before you order. Well, my favorite spot serves a different kind of deliciousness altogether. Pump Shoes and Accessories (1659 W Division Street) is a retail wonderland where I find respite in a tempting selection of footwear and the promise of unsurpassed customer service.

Upon entering, it’s apparent that though the shoes are perched like mini pieces of art, the boutique is unpretentious and cozy. A gigantic, plush ottoman sits beneath a twinkling chandelier, beaconing shoppers to plop down and try on a pair (or two or three…). The boutique carries styles ranging from casual to formal by labels including Dolce Vita, Hunter, Calvin Klein, Jeffrey Campbell (“a bestseller,” according to owner Maureen Longua Bueltmann) and many more. In addition to the impressive shoe collection, Pump sells accessories galore: handbags, jewelry and hats worthy of the Kentucky Derby.

Pump has provided fabulous accessories to Wicker Park’s shoe addicts since 2004. When asked why she only sells shoes and accessories Maureen replies, “You never have to suck in your gut to wear them.” Unlike trying on clothes, shoes come without consequence and the need to lose five pounds. Guaranteed happiness!

Besides the irresistible selection, much of the shop’s 6-year success is rooted in Maureen’s commitment to her clientele. “As cliché as it may sound, they come here for the experience, and we come to work for the same reason,” she says. “I love what I do because of the customers.” As a cult follower I agree, and weirdly enough, my boyfriend does too. While on an agonizing search for my birthday gift, he wandered into Pump. In 10 minutes, the staff helped him find the best present I’ve ever received. They knew my name, knew my wish list and, craziest of all, knew my shoe size. The result was a luscious pair of over-the-knee brown leather Jeffrey Campbell boots.

Maureen’s impeccable taste—as my birthday present proves—and enthusiasm for shoes is contagious. “The Pump customer agrees the process of trying on shoes is as much fun as wearing them for the first time,” she says. In a city as diverse as Chicago, it’s easy to find a store where you can enjoy trying on amazing shoes. But, few stores have Pump’s abundant selection, fair price tags and outstanding customer service—the service that builds relationships with shoppers. It’s hard to find a shop where you feel at home, not swindled into a sale or snubbed. Though you won’t be handed a non-fat vanilla latte when walking through the door, you’ll be greeted with something with far more lasting power: an exceptional experience while perusing delcious shoes and accessories.

By Maia McGinley

Images courtesy of Pump

Glam and badass come together in one magnificent form: Christian Louboutin’s “Clou Noeud” slingbacks ($1,195; net-a-porter.com). Seriously…what’s not to love about this shoe?

I’m always blown away by Karen Millen‘s designs. This pink studded and diamante heel ($195) and matching clutch ($199) will bring a simple cream, white or black dress to a whole new level.