I remember many moons ago adding a shoe with an animal print wedge to my ThisNext shopcast. But are the boots even better? It's definitely a good way to try the print without going over the top, but it won't appeal everyone. If you love the boots, they're by Giuseppe Zanotti, and will sell to one lucky size 37 fan for €420 (down from €600) at Luisa Via Roma.
Valentino leopard print wedge | Louboutin leopard demi-wedges | Zebra trim heels
It's amazing what you discover on our fashion forums. I'm all for shoes made of interesting materials, and still swoon over Gwendolyn Carrie's fishskin wedges, but these ankle boots are a step too far even for me. They're made from cattle reticulum leather, which is just a slightly more palatable name for tripe. Yes, tripe, the inside of a cow's stomach. It's one of a few interesting materials that Gaio Molina uses. Others include Tilapia fish and frog leather (which is surprisingly beautiful, if a bit hard to stomach, natch).
Now, I'm a dedicated wearer of the highest of heels, but even my ankles ache just looking at these. They're something of a contradiction, too: the raffia material says "beachwear" to me, but the platform sole says "don't even think about it, sucker". Ah well: all that said, I still love them - and hey, it's nice to see the world from a different angle sometimes (even if that angle is "face down on the floor once you've fallen off them"). They're £560 and you'll find them at Bergdorf Goodman.
Manolo Blahnik raffia d'orsay pump | Ravel 'Raffia' | Fendi's canvas 'B' shoes
Still hankering after the '80s? Here's a shoe to see you through: it's by Salvador Sapena and it's in that oh-so-eighties blue and grey combo that you don't see too often these days. Actually, I think these are rather lovely: the material is "cracked leather", which has that nice, soft, slightly weathered look, and the inner soles are floral print. I don't know why that kind of detailing makes me like a shoe more, but it does. These are £115 at ASOS.
Poetic licence grey peep toes | Grey peep toes from Jones Bootmaker | Grungy grey
Python flats have been pretty popular this fall, and since they're so suitable for spring, I'm sure we'll be seeing more of them. If you're not a fan of the sometimes too-natural-looking pythons out there, these snake-stamped leather flats are a chic option. Interwoven straps add a little extra detail, and at $88.95 they'd probably be a worthwhile investment for seasons to come.
Pricey python | Delman Python Skimmers | BCBGirls Lassye pump
There are times when embroidery enhances a shoe; and then there are times when you’re left wondering what on earth possessed a designer to use it. Another Christian Dior offering, these chunky mahogany leather boots are embellished with initials and... flowers? Looking more suited to hill walking than anything else (and I know few hill walkers who look for boots that are flower-embellished!), they're a gut-wrenching (even in spite of the discount!) $836 at Bluefly.
New pre-Fall Dior flats (a la Chloe!) | Christian Dior aqua ribbed leather 'Tallulah' sandals | Dior vintage flowers trainers
We've all heard that neon is 'in' this Spring/Summer, and most of us may be a bit wary of wearing those kinds of colours. After all, who looks good in neon? So why not inject some vibrant colour into your wardrobe via these 'Suzy' peep toe flats from Shellys. They will certainly liven up a simple outfit, so in this case let your shoes do the talking! Don't worry - for those of you who prefer something a little more subdued, they also come in a natural snakeskin colour way. At £28 they are a perfect example of disposable fashion. So if you only buy them for this season, I'm sure the cost-per-wear will balance it out.
'Intrigue' Mary Janes from Shellys | Shellys 'Hacienda' elastic front sandals | More from the High Street
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