Kelly Fleming

Your Retail Therapist is no expert on women's shoes, but I've enlisted the help of someone who is: Kelly Fleming of Dandelion Feet, a ladies' shoe store specializing in designer footwear in downtown Roanoke.

Here's Kelly's take on the new shoe season (with a little commentary from me):

Color me fresh

Fresh is the key word for color this spring. White, green, metallics and naturals are the latest hot colors with a cool touch.

The best of this season's white shoes feature subtle shimmer and iridescent tones like mother of pearl. (example: Anne Klein New York Tide, $169). All shades of green are popular this spring, either as an accent or as the primary color (example: Morenatom Hazel, $157). Fleming says that Army green is shaping up to be a hot color going into fall as well.

Metallics are still hot, but for the warmer months they are subdued or have a "washed out" appearance (example: Daniblack Joey, $128; Daniblack Nico, $129). Natural shades like muted pink tones and warm browns round out this season's color story (example: Morenatom Sarah, $138)

Marcia, Marcia, Marcia

It's not quite "The Brady Bunch," but the shape of things to come in spring shoes takes inspiration from the 1970s (with just a touch of 1940s nostalgia).

Wedge heels, which started creeping back into fashion last fall, are still significant this spring but are updated with a platform sole (examples: Beverly Feldman Sunscreen, $155; Daniblack Baha, $153).

For something a little lighter, round-toe ballet flats are still hot. For spring, they work best with a contrasting trim color.

More is more

Leave your plain shoes in the closet, because this spring is all about fun embellishment. Whether you love crochet, embroidery, weaves or studs, this season has something in store for you.

Studs and grommets are everywhere and on everything in multitude of metals, for that frisky look anytime (example: Cindy Says Nola, $94; Cindy Says Prize, $90). For a softer look, crochet adds the touch of romance and femininity (example: Beverly Feldman Garnish, $148).

Woven materials convey rich textures that are a new direction in fashion (example: Morenatom Hazel -- note the wedge heel), while embroidery conveys the rich texture trend in a more prominent way (example: Beverly Feldman Sunshine, $134).

Pretty, comfortable

Comfortable shoes are always in, and they don't have to be ugly anymore! The latest styles prove that your feet can feel good without making you look bad (example: Mephisto Sydel Gold, $158).

All styles listed are available at Dandelion Feet, 108 Church Ave., downtown Roanoke. Call 345-0915 or visit www.dandelionfeet.com.

STORE REVIEW: Bush-Flora Shoe Co.

There is life beyond the self-serve shoe rack, folks.

Before discount shoe stores, picking up new treads was a more ceremonial affair. Old retailers like Hofheimer's and Propst-Childress took the time to measure your feet, bring out the latest styles and pamper you with selection and service.

Compare this to now, when even finding a Brannock device (that's the metal shoe measuring thingy) in your local Rack Room is cause for celebration, and finding personalized service can be difficult.

Before you run around barefoot looking for honest shoe salespeople, let me clue you in to one of the last of the old-guard family footwear sellers in the Roanoke Valley (and one of the area's oldest businesses): Bush-Flora Shoe Co.

The shoes

The store's merchandise is a bit conservative, to be sure, but it's up-to-date. You won't find Manolos or Nikes there, but the high-quality, comfortable brands they carry (including Ugg, Clarks, SAS, Sebago, Allen-Edmonds and New Balance) will treat your feet better than any fad will. They also carry stylish handbags and accessories from locally based designers Claire V.

The service

When you ask for service at Bush-Flora, you get it and then some. The store's employees are seasoned in the science of fit and won't let you leave with a pair that's not right for you. They offer an array of widths and sizes, and if it's not in their vast in-store inventory, they can track it down for you fast.

The most surprising part about Bush-Flora is the prices. You would be hard-pressed to beat their prices on identical merchandise anywhere in town, and buying their more locally exclusive merchandise can be cheaper and faster than shopping on the Internet. Plus, for all you shoe addicts out there, Bush-Flora has major sales twice a year, when their already low prices go even lower.

Bush-Flora Shoe Co. is located on the upper level of Towers Shopping Center next to Fresh Market at 2125 Colonial Ave. in Roanoke. Call 344-7398.