Now September is here, I'm hugely excited about London Fashion Week and have been boning up on the last set of catwalk collections to get me in the mood. Footwear is important on any catwalk, regardless of the designer, as it's the first thing front row spectators will see, so it has to be big, bold and exciting - and designers are determined not to disappoint!
Pictured here are Christian Dior's fabulous lace-up shoes featuring one of the season's key footwear trend: the 'wonky' heel. I expect to see more examples of this new statement heel from the 18th!
Related: 'Fork' out for Rupert Sanderson's new Gio Ponti wonky heels
New in at office is this rockin', studded flat ankle boot that's bound to be a huge hit next season. It would be a definite wardrobe staple for anyone even thinking about nodding to fashion's whims, and looks comfy too.
I like the fact that they haven't gone for too pointy a toe here, as it seems the winkle-picker style is now (finally) tip-toeing out of the building. The multiple straps are a nice touch too, and stop the shoe from straying too far into boyfriend territory (have you ever met a man who'd be willing to do up all those buckles?) £100 at Office
Related: Betty Jackson's studded ankle boot is pure rock glamour | Comptoir des Cotonniers exclusive DM boots
As rumours begin to surface on the details of Mulberry's spring 2010 shoe collection, all eyes are on the brand's winter range, which is fresh in the shops and features some classic and sophisticated styles that are grown-up glamour at its best.
I've picked out a few of my favourites out here, including the Bayswater and Hala knee boots in two key tones for the season: tan and grey. I particularly like the croc print effect on the Hala boot (shown right) and the silver clip and ribbon detail brings this quintessentially English style right up to date. The shoes shown are the Bayswater high heel pump in black, red bow ballerina and Bayswater pump in smudged leopard print.
For the full range, visit Mulberry.
Related: The Mulberry Bayswater pump | Mulberry debuts first shoe line by Jonathan Kelsey
We all like to revel in the joy of our latest shoe purchase, so I hope you'll forgive me for a moment while I talk about mine.
Charity shops aren't usually a great place to find shoes, in my experience, since even on those rare occasions where you do find something lovely and in your size it invariably turns out that its previous owner had bunyons or a fungal foot infection adding a certain unwanted 'aroma' to your purchase.
The shoes I found at Save The Children in Edinburgh ARE scented, but happily, not in the way I've come to expect from second-hand stores: instead, they have the unmistakable bubblegum smell of a pair of brand new Melissa shoes, as the shop is selling off unworn 'Origami' shoes in various sizes for a fiver. I'd only gone in for an umbrella, but was more than happy to come out with two extra waterproof items in my bag. Just look how shiny they are! These look wonderful with sundresses and are elegantly quilted for extra comfort. Can't make it to Edinburgh? They're also on sale for £22 (reduced from £45) here.
Related: Melissa and Vivienne Westwood 'Ultra Girl' flats | Melissa's two-tone 'Happy' flats
These are just a few pieces from the outstanding A/W 09 collection by British designer Chrissie Morris, whose geometric, architecturally inspired shoes are hugely popular on the catwalk. Each one is beautiful in its own right, and complements the existing s/s 09 collection that's a joy to behold on the designer's own site, here.
The range is not yet on sale anywhere, but I'll be keeping a close eye on this designer's next move. My absolute favourite piece has got to be the boot with its scalloped effect; a softer look that really highlights Morris's scope.
Related: Chrissie Morris peep-toe stripe insert pumps |
Chie Mihara's distinctive, simple silhouettes are back for a brand new season with her Autumn Winter 09 collection, now available online. Shown here are 'Royal' flats (£228) and Ayoi ribbon boots (£257 at Footlux)
Chie Mihara's 'unique selling point' seems to be the ability to be quirky and sensible both at the same time, which is a very fashionable philosophy at present. Her preoccupation with mid-heel t-bars, Mary Janes and ankle boots is as apparent as ever in this collection (with a few more grown-up looking knee-high boots thrown in for good measure) but each is given its own distinctive twist. Look out for loads more designs over at Chie Mihara.
Kurt Geiger's new 'Sugar Rush' collection has just hit UK stores, bringing a welcome dollop of block colour to the high street.
Standing out for me was this 'Diana' thick-heeled style with studded dots that inject a real sense of fun into this grown-up and ladylike shape. The style is also available in a seriously smart slate grey shade.
£220 at Kurt Geiger
Related: Kurt Geiger Fashionistas is back to steal the show
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