We've had a bit of a breather from bows on the site recently, after what felt like an entire summer where anything not festooned with ribbons could barely qualify as a shoe.
But that doesn't mean they've gone away: if anything, bows are getting bigger - but they're moving around to more interesting positions on the shoe than the traditional toe configuration! This one by Ted Baker has a huge, scroll-like bow on the heels that's made of contrasting soft leather.
£90 at ASOS
While we're running with an American theme for New York Fashion Week, I thought I'd share these two-tone pumps by DKNY, which I stumbled across on the US Net-a-Porter site. They're a simple design, but just so classy and elegant, reminding me of the cap-toe Marc Jacobs Mary Janes as worn by the glamorous Rachel Bilson.
Red and black are such huge fashion colours at the moment that you couldn't go far wrong with these, whether you were after a chic, day-to-day office style or something to go out in. Pair these with a generous helping of houndstooth for serious style points!
$275 at Net-a-Porter.com
Related: Gina's two-tone platform pumps | BCB Girls' two-tone Mary Jane brogue heels
I was starting to think the the regular Mary Jane feature was starting to get a bit tired - showing slightly school-marmy shoes week after week that don't seem to excite anyone. But this pair from across the pond have changed my mind, and if you're looking for something to spice up your shoe collection, these could be just the ticket.
The patent and faux animal print Mary Janes by Naughty Monkey look cute from every angle - and being MJs, you don't need to worry quite so much about staying upright in those vertiginous four-and-a-half inch heels. Check out the other styles too: there's a black and zebra-print version and a deep brown version with Japanese-style flower print. Super cute! $95 (£57) at heels.com
Related: Mary Jane Monday: Minna Parikka patents with cut-out heart | Carrie Bradshaw's Manolo Blahnik "Campari" Mary Janes to hit London again
Styles that gently subvert classic ones often do well, particularly when they leave in as many original features as possible, like these moccasins by Gianna Meliani. Everything about the basic shoe is what you'd expect of a moccasin - but there's a towering heel and oversized tassel on the front to inject a little sophistication and class. Suddenly, these are shoes you could wear to a special occasion - but because they retain that casual style too, you'd more than get away with them during the day.
The shoes are £237, and are also available in black and tan - but I think they electric blue is the most fun and is definitely the most 'now'.
Slumdog Millionaire actress Freida Pinto clearly has a lot of love for British designer Rupert Sanderson, as she's been spotted wearing not one but two of his styles already this week - and it's only Wednesday!
Freida wore Sanderson's Inferno boots at the Hermes/Liberty event on Monday, and secondly in Rupert's Khyber cut out sandals at the GQ Men of The Year Awards last night. These are two different shoes for two very different looks: the sandals look amazing with an equally 'cut out' dress, while the heeled boots are the perfect finish for a more toned down look.
Khyber and Inferno are both available online from Rupert Sanderson.
Related: Fork out for Rupert Sanderson's new Gio Ponti heels | Cheryl Cole loves her Rupert Sanderson heels
This is the shoe at the heart of a row that's erupted between the TUC's health & safety body and stores such as Debenhams and ASOS; both of which are stocking the so-called 'killer' six inch Goldie stilettos by Miss KG.
The TUC is campaigning against companies that impose the wearing of high heels and recommends heels should be no higher than one and a half inches and shorter than an inch if worn for prolonged periods. Until now, I'd thought most stiletto injuries were self-inflicted, but I've just heard that airline cabin crew are forced to wear heels, and Does anyone else here work in an industry that enforces uncomfortable footwear?
As for the shoe, I'm personally not sold on such a gigantic platform (although it should be pointed out that such a large wedge on the front of the shoe will to some extenet balance out the six inch heel that's causing such concern, so this particular style is an odd target. But if you like it, it's from KG's new 'lower end' range, Miss KG, which is selling similar styles to its KG and Carvela ranges at more affordable prices. These ones are £65 at ASOS
Even to the seasoned shoe-addict, H&M footwear is a bit of a mystery. Barring the odd designer collection their selection is often pretty limited - majoring mostly in canvas flip-flops and casual shoes - and then they'll suddenly bring out something lovely that usually disappears within weeks. It's always cheap, invariably chasing a trend and of variable quality - but when you strike gold, you'll get a fantastic bargain.
I'm keeping an eye on these bow-strap heels, which I've only seen on sale in some of the bigger London stores, so if you like them, I suggest you strike now. They cost a mere £35 and felt sturdy enough when I tottered about on the adjoined pair shown in the photograph.
Related: Jimmy Choo for H&M confirmed: take a sneaky peek! | H&M's spring patterned plimsolls
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