I tend to think of Pierre Hardy as being one of those rather 'inaccessible' brands, which of course, only adds to its allure. And I'm not only talking expense here, but more the fact that a trip to Paris is generally required to catch any of the designer's styles.
Good news then that Hardy has designed another capsule collection for Gap, which promises to be both affordable and available in a location you won't need a passport to visit. His A/W 90/10 collection, featuring sheepskin turn-over boots (£108) and many more new styles, builds on the success of previous collaborations with the chain, and coincides with Gap's rather belated decision to give UK customers the option of shopping online via ASOS. The range is available from September
I absolutely adore eco-conscious designer Nina Dolcetti and have been following the developments of her fledgeling footwear range for a while. Her previous collection was wild and very ahead of its time, featuring colour block heels and other beautifully crafted going-out shoes.
For her A/W collection, Dolcetti's brand has really grown up with a range of neutral-toned shoes that really capture the moment. It's great to see someone using such ethical materials (the label uses off-cuts and unwanted pre-consumer waste) to create such elegant and desirable shoes, particularly at a time when exotic skins are so in. See Nina Dolcetti site for stockist details.
These gold lamé flats by NewbarK (capitalisation intentional) are rather lovely, I'm sure you'll agree: they address the need for 'elegant slumming' that's so beloved of Yummy Mummies, home workers and yoga bunnies, but check out the price tag: £395 for what is essentially a ballet flat - and no, that's not real gold in the fabric.
I write about a lot of very expensive shoes and I will happily hand over quite ludicrous sums for well made, well designed high quality pieces of footwear. But I can't think of any justification for charging so much for fabric shoes, however lovely. I do, personally, like the style: it's a really stylish hybrid of ballerina, jazz shoe and sports pump, made up in some beautiful fabric finishes that will go with anything - but I'm still rather stunned. If you want to 'buy into' this new shoe trend, however, they're available in a range of colour combinations, £295 at Net-a-porter
Loads of designers are doing the monochrome contrast look with their shoes this season, but nobody does it quite like Charlotte Olympia. The label's signature shape is retained in the A/W look, but there's more interest at the heel with the unusual riveting effect.
These are instant classics that will be very easy to team with your wardrobe, but they're a definite investment at £500. If you want something a little cheaper than that, there are plenty of similar (if less statement-making) options available: check out Carvela's 'Account', Moda in Pelle's Cachia or these two-tone shoes by French Connection at Oli
Related: Sneak preview: Charlotte Olympia shoes | Charlotte Olympia polka-dot platforms
The unveiling of a new Rupert Sanderson shoe is always a happy event around here at Shoewawa, as we're huge fans of his intelligent and classy designs. So it's good to see some designs for the new season start to filter through.
Taking pride of place on his website at the moment is 'Perfume', a petrol blue python stiletto shoe boot with intricate buckle details and a delicate perforated pattern that makes the shoes just ooze style and character. I'd love a pair if I had a spare £895 in the shoe fund! Rupert Sanderson Perfume.
Related: Cheryl Cole loves her Rupert Sanderson heels | Mary Jane Monday: Rupert Sanderson lizard MJs
Sometimes when I come across classic shoes with bizarre detailing I always presume they were leftover shoes that have been updated in order to try and re-sell them. Take these shoes for example. I can just imagine some designer at Faith going 'ooh I know what lets stick some roses on them, I got loads of pink satin scraps!'.
I cannot believe for one second a designer actually designed these sickly sweet peeptoes from scratch! The simple style is quite classic and the colour is actually not hugely offensive if you like jewelled colours BUT those satin roses down the side!! There are no words. No words at all. They're just giving me horrible bridesmaid flashbacks. *Shivers* Ah, that may be it. Maybe they're catering for wedding season and all the bridezillas out there on the hunt for uh-gly shoes to help publicly humiliate their maids.
If you are one of them then they are £70 at Faith.
Ooh and did we mention there is a matching purse?
I love how Faith have a 'Remember Me' button, to store your fave shoes online but in this case most of us need a 'Forget Me. Now' option.
Related: Ugly Shoes | Shoewawa-Friendly Bridesmaid Options | Coming up roses: floral footwear for summer
I'm a big lover of exotic leathers and luckily for me they've been a huge trend for a while now. I always keep an eye out for skin-stunners and recently I've been hunting for a pair of flats that are suitable for work yet also satisfy my exotic-skin-addiction.
So joy of joys I found some...these Pied à Terre Garlasco flats! Exotic skin and pumps together -it doesn't get much better. These are just too beautiful, I heart the super luxe gold/cream colour it's guaranteed to add a touch of class to any outfit. Even if the outfit is Primarni.
They're reasonably priced too at £85 which is pretty darn good compared to some of the other exotics out there. The shoes are made from fish skin which gives it the larger ruffled pattern. A little bizarre and slightly icky I know but it's a nice change from standard snakeskins!
If the delicate colour just won't work in your wardrobe then P-à-D also do them in pink, black, and a white/black combo. I've got a ridiculous amount of pumps and these have already put half of them to shame.
Find them at Shoestudio and Pied à Terre Stores Nationwide
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