These slinky heels are the perfect stiletto shape with just a tiny tweak: that fierce batwing effect on the heel.
Designers are playing with fire when they rework a classic, but Jerome C Rousseau knew just when to stop and I think that's what I like so much about these shoes. They're unusual and distinctive without entering baby out of bathwater territory. The muted leopard print gives the shoes a current vibe that would make a tweed or houndstooth ensemble explode with class - a sound investment of £415 from Net-a-Porter
Christian Louboutin has revealed that burlesque superstar Dita Von Teese is the inspiration behind his shoe empire. He explained: "Dita is the ultimate showgirl and top of my list of muses. When she was 11, she dreamt of living a glamorous life and now she lives the dream."
Von Teese has always had a special relationship with Louboutin's shoes. Earlier in the year she debuted his opulent Marie Antoinnette heels on the red carpet, and she was once papped showing off the underside of a very badly scuffed pair of red Louboutin soles, prompting some rather bitchy remarks on her attitude to shoe care. Personally, I think that's just evidence of a very much loved and well worn pair of shoes!
Stripy shoes that don't look clownish are hard to pull off, but if anyone can do it, Jimmy Choo can. 'Jody' is a shoe that oozes class and would steal the limelight from any evening dress you might wear.
These are shoes that would never go out of style, but that gold eyelet detailing makes them particularly on trend for next season's emphasis on hardwear. £600 at MyTheresa
Related: Jimmy Choo for H&M confirmed: have a sneek peek! | Karen Millen zebra platform sandals
Valentino is the name to trust if you want vampish, timeless glamour and these shoes embody all of those things for me.
There's more than a hint of 20s/30s sophistication going on with the diamanté t-bar detail, but these shoes aren't overpoweringly 'retro': they're the sort that will sit prettily in your wardrobe for many years to come, eagerly coming out to play each time you have reason to make an outfit a whole lot more special.
£585 at Net-a-Porter
Related: Valentino turquoise bow peep toes | Satin diamanté bow pumps by Valentino
I like to kick off the week with some particularly awe-inspiring footwear, so forget the tasks ahead for a moment and check out these towering slingbacks by Camilla Skovgaard. I love their tough femininity: the chain decoration on the skinny straps and that corrugated tread set against slinky heels.
Chains are going to be bigger and more visible than ever next season so accessorizing with shoes like these are a great way to ensure your going out look is totally on trend. £328 at Matches
Related: Camilla Skovgaard cutout buckle pump | Camilla Skovgaard peep-toe ankle strap bootie
I let out an audible gasp when these gorgeous, midnight blue velvet pumps flashed up on my screen. Their shapely, tactile loveliness is sent flying into orbit by the sparkle on the crystal heel adornments, making for a fabulous pair of party shoes.
Miu Miu footwear seldom comes cheap, but I think the price tag on these is quite reasonable: they're £330, so if you reckon you could raise that in the shoe fund in time for Christmas, you'll be well on the way to a stylish winter season and a shoe you'll wear to many functions yet to come. Seek them out at Net-a-Porter.
Related: Miu Miu's patent leather Mary Janes | Miu Miu snakeskin sandals with diamente heel
Like so many of my favourite designers, Georgina Goodman has opted for an electric blue look for A/W 09/10. And what an effect she's created!
These booties are all you'd expect from Ms. Goodman and more: they've got her signature slender heel and geometric styling, packaged in a python finish with an elasticated panel that gives contrast and makes it far easier to work those stems!
£530 at Georgina Goodman
Related: 'Perfume' blue python shoes at Rupert Sanderson | Hot trend alert: electric blue shoes | The stunning 'Candice' from Georgina Goodman
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