I'm going to go out a limb here and say that almost any suede shoe is worthy of a 'Not So Casual Friday' mention. I mean, it's probably the most high-maintenance shoe material going, and therefore best saved for special occasions and evenings when you're going to little except walk into a restaurant and sit.
So wet-look suede with diamanté and silver studs by Jimmy Choo is about as not-casual as you can get, wouldn't you agree? These heels are mighty pretty and, joy of joys, they look even prettier actually on the feet (check out the model picture on Net-a-Porter). Not-casual comes at a price though and these ones are marked at £695.
Related: Not-so-casual Friday: Giuseppe Zanotti on sale! | Not So Casual Friday: Stella McCartney's diamante platform sandals
I think these Metal Heel shoes from Dorothy Perkins put the phrase 'simple but effective' into good practice. In fact, they tick all of the boxes when it comes to a perfect shoe for me.
Purple is one of my favourite colours to wear because it always has such an impact - obviously I'm quite an attention seeker - and I do like a cut out shoe. The platform adds height which equals longer, slimmer looking legs. And cone heels are easiest to walk in. Plus, coming in at £38, they're a pretty perfect price too.
We've been overrun by shoe-boots, and now the next generation of shoe hybrids is upon us it seems.
Readers, let me introduce you to... sandal boots. Literally half sandal, half boot. Inspired.
I don't like them. I might change my mind if I saw them on a foot, but really, what is the point of them? You either need a boot, or a sandal. Not both at the same time. What's next? A fur bikini? And I know there doesn't really have to be a point to shoes, but they aren't even impressive to look at. They are just black. If you disagree, feel free to buy the Maison Martin Margiela black leather sandal boots for £464 (although for that price I'd want a bit more boot and a little less sandal).
Ok, my rant is over now.
Related: Casual Friday: Maison Martin Margiela confetti shoe | Maison Martin Margiela split toe booties
'Epic' is one word I'd use to describe these tall, multi-strap gladiators from Nine West but thanks to a huge sale going on across all brands at the Shoe Studio, the price is anything but. Reduced from £75, they're now £45 and with plenty of the season left for you to stomp around in them, I think that's a pretty good deal.
If you love the gladiator look but don't really 'do' flat shoes, a style like this certainly ticks the right boxes.
Related: Nine West's L-IRA2 contrast platform sandals | Nine West Jai peep-toe pumps
I've said this before, but I am addicted to my Havaiana flipflops and it would take a mighty great shoe to get me out of them this summer. However, I'm not against changing things up a little, even if it's on a purely rotational basis, so I'm going to be on the lookout from now on for something to add to my 'summer essentials' shoe pile.
These flat sandals from New Look have a lot of potential - they're a flip flop design, but are a bit different to the norm thanks to their pretty beaded ankle strap. They're also a very affordable £25, so even if they don't outlast my beloved Havs, I won't be too cross with them.
Related: New Look studded flat sandal | New Look polka-dot platform peeps
When it comes to these insanely incredible (or should that be incredibly insane) graffiti-print platform sandals, the truth is, I can't think of anyone - celebrities or "civilians" - who would actually be gutsy enough to wear them. Okay, scratch that, one name does pop into my head - and the last part of her name starts with 'Gaga', which would explain a lot really!
Designed by Celine, these mamas have a 16cm (yes, one-six!) heel and the wedge itself is 5-and-a-half cm too, so definitely not for those who are faint of heart. I'm not sure how well you'd fare balancing on these even with the middle section intact, so how you'd keep yourself sturdy with the open section in the sole is beyond me. If you're curious or just plain crazy, you can purchase these for £769 from Farfetch. And I wish you the best of luck!
Related: Celine X-Cross monochrome satin sandals | Celine's curvy wedge ankle boots
Castaner have some really strong summer styles at the moment, all of which are chunky but essentially very feminine and decorative.
My pick of the bunch has got to be these red on red wicker platform sandals, which would go nicely with this season's primary colours and nautical styles, and I love the way the rough-edged platforms contrast with the high-gloss red patent of the straps. £171 at My-Wardrobe.
Related: Castaner's funny blue wedges on sale | Monsoon's Castaner-style espadrilles
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