It doesn't seem to matter how many talented designers work their socks off to produce fabulous, fashionable leather-free footwear, or how many celebrity endorsements they attract: the term 'vegan shoes' still conjures up images of staid, unglamorous clodhoppers for far too many people.
I think it's a real shame that so many leather-free labels go unnoticed, so I've decided to try and hammer the point home today by showing you a big picture of these gorgeous vegan heels by Balance. They'd certainly be welcome in my wardrobe at the moment; a great choice for hot summer nights with their breathable, natural linen uppers. The electric blue soles are just fabulous and I can see these working equally well with tights come autumn. Find them for £137 at Neon Collective
Related: Portia de Rossi planning vegan shoe line | Bourgeois Boheme 'Juno' vegan wedges
When I spotted Aldo's 'Guerette' sandal (right) in their shop window this weekend, I knew I'd seen it somewhere before: somewhere very much like the Givenchy catwalk, in fact, as the shoes share a lot in common with a style seen in the designer brand's A/W 09 collection.
Aldo's 'homage' has some superficial design variations (i.e. more straps) than the original, but is as close to the look as you can get without being a straight copy. As I loved the Givenchy shoes, I decided to give Aldo's version a try yesterday and was an instant fan: the shoes fit snugly and comfortably and have a pleasing 'weight' to them. So if you can't afford Givenchy, this would be my tip for an on-trend alternative. Guerette at Aldo: £90.
Related: Cheap vs. Chic: Faith Vs. Christian Louboutin | Cheap vs. Chic: Topshop vs. YSL
You're not going to get anything looking to close to the real deal at high street prices, but Dorothy Perkins have certainly been doing their homework on the Balmain phenomenon. Unlike Topshop's efforts, these shoes really take the harsh, studded look in their stride, so you can wear the look with pride.
£38 at Dorothy Perkins
Related: Balmain red-haute suede ankle boots | Balmain's sparkly studded heels on a budget thanks to Aldo
These fabulouslay striking Pierre Hardy shoes may be on a nautical kick, but it's a grown-up take on the trend that's far more eye-popping than Popeye. Their elegant summery look is all smooth lines and sheen, and I love how the oversized buckle provides extra retro appeal.
If you think these sandals would look even better with your jauntily painted toenails peeping out of them, you may have to go to Paris to find a pair. But if you're chic enough to rock shoes like these, I don't see that being a problem! Details at Pierre Hardy
Related: Pierre Hardy discusses the craziness of shoes today | Pierre Hardy gold rope gladiator heels
Stay one step ahead of the shoe-game with these Choos because, by the looks of the AW09 colour palettes, they'll be right on trend. Amazingly they're in the sale too! Reduced to £208 from £416. Half price! Winner, winner.
These retro platforms not only are in a gorgeous fruity coloured suede but they have a super 70s wooden heel -4.7 inches to be exact. Even if you're heel-shy the platform heel means you'll still be able to walk in these confidently and the adjustable buckle around the ankle will lend some much-need support. Ah, the wanders of a platform! They are just give, give, give.
These shoes are so playful and even though they have the signature summer peeptoe/slingback duo they won't be out of place come AW with a pair of thick opaques. I'd wear these with a colourful art-attack graphic shift (in my dream world it would have purple, blue and mustard yellow shades...) or go for colour blocking and pair it with an equally bright dress.
But if your not brave enough to spend a large chunk of your paypacket on fuschia footwear then there is the fail-safe black option. Either way, at half price it'd be cruel not to give them a nice new loving home!
Find them at Jimmy Choo.
Related: Gold, glittery peep toe platforms from Miu Miu | Psst: Jimmy Choo for H&M confirmed! Have a sneaky peek ... | Nicholas Kirkwood blue suede buckle platforms
Well it seems the nation (and the Shoewawa team) remain firmly divided as to whether jelly sandals are fashion-forward or just plain silly but I think I may have finally found a pair that actually looks good on a woman over the age of 18! (or could that be 8..)
And believe it or not it's Tod's who have triumphed! These jelly sandals are cute and stylish! There is still plenty of summer left so if you're not jelly-inclined why not throw caution to the wind and consider putting a spring back into your step with these jelly delights. Even if you are anti-plastic you have to admit these simple sandals are just gorgeous and at the very least they're guaranteed to make you smile! Oh go on, crack a smile.
Another reason to move over to the j-side is that they're practical too! The material is waterproof so no more soggy feet and there are grippy bits on the bottom so no embarrassing slips either! But what we love the most is that beyond the cuteness they still retain Tod's signature detailing inluding silver hardware and hand-made leather tassles.
These sandals are £95 in-store but if you're going on holiday head to Kurt Geiger at the airport and get them tax-free!
By them at all Tod's and Kurt Geiger Stores nationwide
Related: See by Chloe tie-back jelly sandals | Givenchy lace-up cage jelly sandals | Tod's beige patent leather 'Lois' pumps
Who doesn't love Louboutin? Well it's hard not to when he keeps churning out such beautiful shoes.
These tri-colour slingback peeptoes are mainly classic tan leather but the turquoise heel and bronze detail give it that edge. If you're looking to invest in your first pair of red-soles then you can't go wrong with these, the tan make them versatile yet the mix of colours bring it bang-up-to-date and give it that Louboutin magic.
The slingback and criss-cross peeptoe mean they're in the summer staple category so you can keep rolling them out every year, now that makes the £465 tag seem a lot more reasonable hey?
Buy these at Matches.
Related: Christian Louboutin's 'City Girl' platform sandals | Tan leather platform slingbacks from New Look | Christian Louboutin 'Mamimo 140' platform shoe boots
digg this |
del.icio.us this
| 
Stumble It!
