Accessorize's foray into footwear seems to be stepping up a pace each season, and I've noticed this trend reflected in the cost, too. What used to be a store for flip-flops and 'costume' slip-ons is now selling fully-fledged shoes - at fully-fledged prices.
These grey Mary Jane shoes are a good case in point. I do like this style a lot: it's smart, has the season's 'business grey' bang on and the contrasting suede panel adds interest and quality. But I can't help thinking I've seen very similar shoes for half the price elsewhere...
£50 from Accessorize/Monsoon
We've all heard of polishing your shoes so well that you can see your reflection in them, but these sandals from Thakoon really take that concept to another level: they're completely covered in mirror mosaic tiles that reflect the world perfectly, with a super shiny heel to match.
With a hint of Art Deco and more than a passing ressemblance to a disco ball, these stunning sandals have got to be the ultimate party shoes. They're brand new from Thakoon, who also relesed a pair of dazzling ankle boots in the same ultra-reflective materials. Sadly, this isn't a style I can see the highstreet pulling off with much panache...
£875 at Net-a-Porter
Related: Dress to impress with Gucci's mirror shine stilettos | Topshop's £50 version of Victoria Beckham's mirror-shine shoes | Juicy Couture mosaic print wedges
How do they do it? How!? Redherring are just hitting the jackpot every time with their affordable and stylish shoes, which just keep getting better.
Red, high-gloss shoes are a good look at the moment, providing the perfect counterpoint to the monochrome and business chic styles that are doing the rounds. I can see these cute MJs doing just the trick, providing a welcome 'pop of colour' (sorry) right where it's needed.
£25 at Debenhams
Related: Plum tweet court shoes from Redherring | Cream triangle heel court shoes by Redherring
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
On a recent shopping trip with my mother, I popped into Clarks (yes, I really was out with my mother; I don't need to make up excuses for going into Clarks) and had a good nose around their latest women's collection. There's always a suggestion that Clarks are getting more 'trendy' in their designs, and having been brought up wearing some of their originals, this is something I always want to believe.
All the shoes in the collection are still definitely what I'd call 'sensible', but they have taken inspiration from some cult trends - and for those of us with less than perfectly narrow feet, 'sensible' versions of hot designs can be a real blessing. These 'Banana Boat' shoes are a great autumnal style with their contrasting berry and chocolate tones, and the shape reminds me a bit of Betty Jackson's multicolour peep-toes but with a very sedate, mature makeover. If this idea appeals, they're £54.99 at Clarks
Related: Clarks glams up its act with new party shoes | Clarks Beryl Molly red court shoes
Mary Janes are often dismissed as the 'little girls' of footwear, often designed with no thought for sophistication or sex appeal.
Not so Bottega Veneta's satin and lizard-trim Mary Janes which would kick you where it hurt if you ever had the nerve to call them childish! Tough, smart and with a hint of twenties cheekiness, these unusual mushroom-coloured shoes are certainly feminine but they also mean business.
£430 at Browns
Related: Bottega Veneta cut-out ankle boots | Mary Jane Monday: Minna Parikka patents
These studded Mary Janes from Topshop have been on my radar for a while now as they're one many styles brought out to address demand for the "studded" look this autumn.
Personally, I wouldn't wear these shoes as I prefer to either go all-out for a trend or ignore it altogether. These sit somewhere in the middle: a slightly wussy attempt to 'get the look' without truly embracing it. In fact, they look very much like last winter's MJs to me, but minus the pom-poms. What do you think? I'm sure there'll be a huge market for this style as plenty want an on-trend look that won't be screamingly dated in a year, and nodding subtly to a look is a good way to do that. But I'm not sold.
£70 at Topshop
Related: thigh-high boots from Topshop | Topshop's 'Hugo' fringed studded sandals
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