I couldn't decide whether to make these shoes or the Gina courts featured earlier today our Not-So-Casual Friday shoe, so I decided to be generous and show you them both. Well, it is Friday after all...
For some reason, I keep thinking "bridesmaid" when I look at these shoes, although, in truth, they may be a little too "blingy" for that. These will be suitable for only the most dressed-up of occasions: you know, those times when you absolutely have to wear jewels on your feet. I'm thinking any black tie event would be a candidate, but you can decide for yourself what you think they'd work for, if anything. They're £116 and you'll find them at Viva la Diva.
Related: Faith's gold strappy Lahiki sandals | Georgina peep toe pumps by L.A.M.B | Christian Louboutin's Very Noeud Slingbacks
Yes, they are certainly zany all right. Victoria's Secret and shoes aren't necessarily two terms that I usually think of in the same sentence, however, the iconic lingerie label does dabble in footwear.
These gold zig-zag wedge, rhinestone embellished sandals are, well... something else. While I could easily picture them on winged angels, Gisele Bundchen or Heidi Klum, storming down the runway at VS's annual show, I doubt they hold much appeal for the average lass. Nevertheless, if they take your fancy then check them out online for US$89. Otherwise, I'm afraid to say it - but perhaps VS should stick to what it does best - pants.
Related: Betsey Johnson shoes for Victoria's Secret in the Semi-Annual Sale | Victoria's Secret Strappy Platform Sandal
Which celebrity strolled the red carpet in a pair of these Gucci Rosin ankle-strap sandals at the US Open official players party this week?
Here is a hint: She isn't a tennis player, but is a bit of an Ugly Betty at times.
Answers after the jump...
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Ah, good old Jimmy Choo - the brand that can always be relied upon to bring us pretty shoe. And OK, they can also be relied upon to bring us pretty, expensive shoes, but when you look at the detail on these 'Myrtle' sandals, it's not hard to see why.
The damage in this case is £675, but for that you get an elegant pair of evening shoes that, on closer inspection, prove to be embellished with beautiful flower-shaped jewels on the t-strap. They're not as ostentatious as some of the bejewelled styles we've featured here, so they'd probably be suitable for just about any dressy occasion you want to wear them to.
Related: Jimmy Choo's metallic t-bars | Jimmy Choo 'Glory' | Jimmy Choo patent Mary Janes
There is so much scope for clever design on strappy sandals that it's almost criminal we don't see more imaginative use of the straps cropping up more often. But you can rely on Balenciaga to step outside the norm, and they've done so with uncharacteristic restraint on these elegant 'flower' sandals.
£335 at Browns
Related: Balenciaga does gladiator | Balenciaga's square-toes platform bow shoes
After a while, you starting that think because you've seen 20 gladiator sandals, you've probably seen them all. This is probably true, only small things change with them every season - the thickness of the straps, details on the straps, how the straps wrap around the foot/ankle/leg, and of course the colours and materials used. While these ASOS Leather Suede Stud Detail Wedges aren't a ground breaking gladiator-style sandal, they're rather boho-chic. Either that or I like that they combined various studded detail into the shoe without over-studding the suede straps. Made for comfort as well as style, the semi-wedge heel is 5" high - but I'm guessing about 1" of that is offset with the platform base. A cute shoe that isn't too expensive at £50, they will keep you in good stead if you're in the market for a new pair of strappy gladiator style sandals.
Related: ASOScom's strappy platforms a great alternative to Miu Miu Mary Janes | Gladiator wedge sandals from ASOS
I've been noticing quite a bit of bug-influenced design cropping up in the accessories world recently, and while bugs aren't exactly my favourite species in general, the accessories they influence can be really quite beautiful. These shoes by Christian Lacroix, for instance, use a dragonfly motif on the font of the t-bar, to pretty good effect. I know crystals on shoes aren't to everyone's taste, but this is our Not-So-Casual Friday column, after all, and I think we can all agree that these are anything but casual!
We can probably also agree that they're anything but cheap - they'll cost you $1194, and are available at Zappos Couture.
Related: Faith's gold strappy Lahiki sandals | Georgina peep toe pumps by L.A.M.B | Christian Louboutin's Very Noeud Slingbacks
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