Now the grotty weather has really hit us, thinking about autumn has become less of a vaguely pleasant academic exercise and more of a depressingly harsh reality. So let's all console ourselves by turning our attention to some footwear that's distinctly autumnal in tone and no less lovely for it.
Redherring's pkum tweed shoes are just adorable and would look great with thick tights and your favourite jumper. Their charmingly tidy bow and lace detailing make them extra special, and they remind me a lot of the elegant Sui Generis shoes recently worn by Cheryl Cole. They're a bargain too, at just £28 from Debenhams.
Related: Cream triangle court shoes by Redherring | Chocolate bow peep-toe heels by Redherring
These silver, cut-out flatties from Miss Selfridge share quite a few things in common with Stella McCartney's Modern Galactic ballet flats, but are a fraction of the price at ust £7.
Their metallic sheen makes them a perfect buy for autumn and winter, and being flat as a pancake they're the all-purpose shoe you can wear anywhere and with anything. I rather like the almost 'lacy' perforated edging on the shoe, and think they'd look extremely pretty worn with long socks if you've got the confidence to carry off the look! If you want a pair for £7 you'll need to hurry: there are just a few pairs left in the Miss Selfridge sale.
Related: Show some toe-cleavage with Pretty Ballerinas' 'Rosario' | Miss Selfridge leopard detail court
Matalan have definitely been influenced by Georgina Goodman's 'Nyla' peep toe, but in true Matalan style, it's less than a tenth of the price. The twisted strap look is relatively unusual in itself, so I think they've done a decent job.
When I buy cheap and cheerful shoes, I like to avoid styles that are already on the flimsy side, so the fact that this shoe's heel and platform look fairly solid is encouraging. The ruched elastic strap at the back is probably the worst thing about these shoes, but you can't really complain when you're spending just £18. Available online from Matalan
Love flatties? If your reaction to the launch of NewbarK's £295 ballet flats was one of abject horror, you'll probably be far more impressed by these stylishly comfortable pumps by John Rocha, whose affordable fashion line at Debenhams has been coming out with some great bargains lately.
His chunky suede bow pumps, available in black, purple and cream are a hugely wearable style you can dress up and down to your heart's content while the cream bow bar variety would be the perfect finish to a tailored look. Both are £22 at Debenhams
Related: Show some toe-cleavage with Pretty Ballerinas' 'Rosario' | French Sole loveheart detail ballet flats | John Rocha grew suede ruffle pumps
Dorothy Perkins are generally pretty good at their designer 'homages' and are doing a good job with these multi-strap courts that are just a little bit Fendi.
I think they've overstepped the mark a little bit with this style, throwing absolutely everything at it (faux snakeskin, twisty straps, big platform, etc), which is probably why it's on sale. The design falls totally flat in the pink and beige versions, but I think it just about works in the black style I've picked out here. If you like it, it's £35 at Dorothy Perkins
Still on a quest to find the perfect pair of ankle boots, I chanced upon this fabulous pair of Miu Miu ankle boots with an unusual lightening bolt design.
They're a perfectly balance blend of black suede and leather snakeskin, beautifully cut into a style that's a little bit 80s and very much now. I'm particularly in love with the chiselled heel, which also resembles a streak of lightning.
Reduced from £328, they're now just £164 at The Outnet
Related: Bargain Tuesday: New Look channels Chanel | Heel Candy: Miu Miu velvet platform pumps
You're not going to get anything looking to close to the real deal at high street prices, but Dorothy Perkins have certainly been doing their homework on the Balmain phenomenon. Unlike Topshop's efforts, these shoes really take the harsh, studded look in their stride, so you can wear the look with pride.
£38 at Dorothy Perkins
Related: Balmain red-haute suede ankle boots | Balmain's sparkly studded heels on a budget thanks to Aldo
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