I heard recently that they'd discovered dinosaurs that were covered in feathers, so here's something else you wouldn't expect to come with its own plumage: a Pedro Garcia shoe.
His 'Michelle' peep-toe pumps look a bit like a tiger or leopard print-style from a distance, but once you look closely, you can clearly see the fluffy feathers covering them. This creates a frayed, three-dimensional element that certainly makes a difference form all the 'exotic skins' out there at the moment. I imagine caring for them would be a bit of a worry though: I can't see the guys at Timpsons being much help on this one once they've got a bit ruffled!
£460 at Net-a-Porter
At 5ft 4in, I'm a girl that needs heels. Not only do I need them to make me visable when heading for the bar, but they make me feel slimmer and girlier.
Saying that, I fully emphasise with taller ladies who yearn for high heels but fear they may tower over the rest of us. Whilst we may envy their supermodel height, they're eyeing up the killer pumps we're tottering about in.
Some leggy ladies, like blogger Legseleven7, ignore any height worries and quite rightly splash out on a pair of gorgeous shoe boots like the Dune Romeo boots on the right for £90. However if you don't feel confident enough to do that, we've found some shoes that still give you a little spring to your step, without adding a foot to your height!
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There's a tremendous amount of Chanel-apeing going on at the moment, and not all of it is good. But I have to hand it to New Look for getting it just about right with these sequinned shoes stilettos with just the right black and white ratio and no crazy colouration (OK, there is a pink and a blue version that I'm not quite so crazy about, but they're still a classic shape and in colours that match).
Their sequin stiletto in the monochrome tones is a good solid evening shoe that will give you instant Parisian chic on a shoestring.
£22 at New Look
Related: Bargain Tuesday: New Look channels Chanel | Dorothy Perkins two-tone black and cream peep toes
Dries Van Noten loves his prints: an affinity that has afforded him mixed results. But I think he's on the money with these silk printed pumps, which have a subtle cami-like look about them that's quite grungey but in the more dressed-up, 09/10 sense rather than the bashed up plimsolls look of old. Add a python heel, and the sophisticated 'update' is comlete.
The abstract patterning on these shoes would make them easy to match with a day-to-night versatility and would work well with any largely monochrome outfit.
£365 at Browns
Related: Dries Van Noten's 'Grass' shoe with metallic heel | Dries Van Noten's splash and floral-print court shoes
Just check out these babies! If I hadn't seen these two eyecatching styles in Office, I'd never have imagined they came from a high street store, as they have all the hallmarks of current designer obsessions: interesting edging, irregularly-shaped heels, bright block colours.
The soft suede uppers will make for easy wearing while pairing these shoes with anything from this season's collection will be a doddle. I think that's what I like best about both styles: even though they are loud and statement-making, they are simple enough not to dominate an outfit and will instead just inject a touch of rock chick glamour. The black pair, with their gold heels will add a gentle touch of fashion bling while the red, set against black opaque tights will make it look like your feet are on fire. Love it!
£70 at Office
We've featured a lot of 'Ruby Slipper' style shoes recently but this is the first time I've seen the look combined with a stripy heel - or indeed any kind of 'statement' heel - and I'm surprised at how well it works. Aren't they just delicious?
Iron Fist shoes crop up all over the place, with concessions in several alternative boutiques and websites, but I found these ones at Office, where they've been selling some of the brand's more outlandish (and far less wearable) styles for some time. These, however, are a thing of beauty and are going on my can't-have list forthwith. They're available online for £50
Related: Ruby slippers custom made for you | Ruby slippers from New Look
Since I was little, I always had a thing for suede footwear. I'm not sure if it's the feel of the soft material, or the luxurious look it gives the item, but I've always been drawn to it. This is particularly if it's covering a pair of very high, very sexy heels.
So you can probably see why I love these Asos Suede Heel Flash Court shoes. Not only are they coated in my favourite fabric, but they also come in my favourite colour of purple! Look closer and you'll notice they've got a metal flash design at the top of the heel. This flash looks particularly nice in the taupe version of the shoe, giving it a designer look. Luckily, it's only £60 from ASOS.
Fancy a cheaper version?
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