I was almost starting to wonder if we could justify a Mary Janes feature every week, but just as it looked to be on its way out the style seems to be kicking back with loads of elegant and playfully feminine MJ styles tripping into view. This one from Moda in Pelle is particularly darling, and it's on sale, too.
'Crumpet' has a soft and pretty velvet lace trim and a big floppy bow to hold the shoe in place. The high-gloss black leather is set off beautifully with Louboutin-style red soles that will look delightful around the Christmas tree. You know what? If I hadn't indulged in The Outnet's latest purse-burgling scheme I would almost certainly be putting these on my wishlist right now: they're £50 at Mode in Pelle
Related: Shoewawa Preview: Moda in Pelle spring/summer 2010 | Moda in Pele jazz it up with midnight blue sequins
We're still seeing a sturdy crop of shoes with contrasting and eyecatching colours and textures and the latest to catch Ms Shoewawa's beady eye are these fun Mary Janes from Miss L Fire.
The jolly, brogue-inspired design and irregularly shaped heel give the shoes heaps of character, while faux snakeskin and a black/neutral combo make them hugely wearable and in style just now.
£90 at ASOS
Related: Miss L Fire 'Make do and Mend' flats at Office | Miss L Fire nautical applieque flats
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
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