At first glance I fell in love.

The strappy design and minimal appearance of Louis Vuitton’s RTW sandals are classy.

But that sculptured heel, with its understated approach… and what looks like a little animal paw, I was unsure how I felt.

Then I discovered there are similar versions with other types of animal heels, possibly a zoo of choices.

But on to the shoes! I’ve been looking at all kinds as my shoe shopping isn’t really dictated by the season. More like what grabs my attention.

Like this black suede boot from Diane Von Furstenberg. I’ve been thinking of a suede boot for a while, but we get our fair share of rain here and it remains on my list of must have items still. It’s called ‘Guardian’ and looks stunning.

If price were no object, I might go for the incredible looking Skyscraper Shoe by Vivienne Westwood. I’d almost be willing to give up half my shoe collection for a pair of these. Little things like eating, bills, and guilt keep me grounded. but I love the description for these;

“Cause visual vertigo and watch others swoon over the arousing architectural allure.”

I’m a huge fan of L.A.M.B. and thought the ‘Peppa’ looked kinda spicey! Love the peep toe and t-strap design combination. And 20% off! Hmmm.

Sometimes a shoe that’s more sexy and flirty or more fun than the more practical. Like this one from DSquared2. I’m not sure if it’s all the buckles, the way it’s designed, or the silver heel. But it looks to have just enough glam and couture to make me want it.

Still missing from my closet is a pair from Giuseppe Zanotti, which makes me a little sad. I believe this one is called ‘nero’ and if you ask me it’s one of the more classy stilettos I’ve seen in some time. I wish I had a black tie function to attend soon so I might be able justify getting these. These would look so great with a gown at a swanky party of some kind. Note to self, more scratch and win tickets.

Confession time – I’m also in love with this pair from Alexander McQueen. I can’t put my finger on it, but I could see Uma Thurman wearing them in a future Kill Bill episode. Dress to kill! Speaking of confessions, almost half the time I buy high heels I don’t have anything in my closet to go with them. You think I’d learn. Sound familiar to anyone reading?

I hope you all have a happy holiday with friends or family and get yourself something nice. And Happy New Year!

London-based designer INSA’s 10 inch elephant dung heels. These pre-dipped pumps are inspiried by a controversial elephant dung rendering of the Virgin Mary by artist Chris Ofili. Wow! There really isn’t much else to say is there. Good luck with that lol!

Look at Suri! She’s growing up fast. It seems like just yesterday that Katie Holmes was sporting a baby bump. Even though she is only three years old Little Miss Cruise is ready for an afternoon on the town with her bright pink lipstick and pint-sized kitten heels.

There was an interesting addition to Beyonce’s T-strap Dior shoes at the BET awards in Los Angeles. I know its hard to look past the dress, but try. Mizz Knowles platform heels have a beaded accessory on the heel, similar to what you might see on an ankle strap of some sandals.

Here’s a close up so you can get a better look at her heels;

I’m not sure how I feel about this look. I’m kind of on the fence on this, but hope to see more if this, if its done right. Probably in a minimalist way, but I’d have to see to judge. I thought I had already posted this but it appears I was wrong, and for that I apologize!

And another shot of Beyonce’s high heels from the side as she works the red carpet;

I would love to know what you think of this – haute or not?

Or if it inspires you to come up with your own ideas or trends. Send a pic if you have, or leave your thoughts below.

Mwuah!

Starting with a simple pair of 3 strap shoes, these have a modest heel which is more and a thick heel, which tends to be more comfortable for all day wear.

Perhaps something in the way of a pair of oxfords is more your thing? A little bit bold, a little bit unique, and professional all the while?

Depending on your work environment, a pairof gladiator heels might not be the right idea, but you don’t have to settle for dull either!

If you’re looking for something with a little more oomph, try this pair of square toe high heels.  I thought these are simple enough to be a little sexy and serious at the same time.

These high heels are black suede and have a thick chunky heel and would be great if you do a fair amount of standing all day.

A few considerations when shoe shopping for the office. You might stay away from too strappy, heels that are much over 3 inches, and platform soles. This is my own opinion really, but something to think about.

Flesh toned nudes were featured all throughout the Spring/Summer 09 runways, courtesy of the likes of Nina Ricci, Lanvin and Phillip Lim, to name but a few.

Of course, this look will always look fabulous on the catwalk because, let’s face it, what DOESN’T look good on the catwalk?! But what we want to know is how we can make it work for us…

The naked truth is that the new nudes trend is not easy to master; but, if done correctly, the look is one of chic high fashion and sophistication.

According to Vogue UK: ‘As a broad rule, the choice of which neutral to wear is in inverse proportion to your skin tone; paler skins suit darker neutrals in cinnamon and coffee, while darker complexions can wear more buttery colours’.

If you’re thinking of trying out the new nudes style, then take a leaf out of actress Diane Kruger’s book and choose an outfit with textured fabrics; this avoids the appearance of having a second skin. Bleugh.

Peeping out beneath Diane’s dress, as pictured at the Cesar awards, is a pair of gorgeous strappy platform heels in a deep toffee colour. The look is a testament to the fact that when going for the buff trend, don’t be afraid to mix up tones.

Luckily for us, this trend has gone beyond the catwalk and has been snapped up by our favourite stores so we mere mortals can have a chance to look fabulous in flesh.

If you’re dubious of going all out in the nude look then why not subtlety introduce it to your wardrobe, feet first! Put your best foot forward in a pair of nude Ashlee Pump courts by Restricted.

‘This classic and chic little number is a must for every girl’s closet…It doesn’t get any more timeless than this.’

These heels would look fabulous teamed with a shift dress and would even look fabulous popped on over a pair of tights.

L.A.M.B. was also quick to jump on the bandwagon and provides a delicious offering of straps galore with the Tizzy shoe.

‘…with a golden zipper at the ankle and a 4 ¼ inch self-covered stiletto heel, this fierce statement-maker is sure to make to the envy of every girl.’

So go on, dare to bare and brave the new nudes trend!

Christian Louboutin has collaborated with renowned embroiderer Jean-Francoise Lesage to create the Marie Antoinette, and they are limited to 36 pairs per design. At about $6,300 a pair, I’ll take 2. Riiiight…

Originally created for Catherine de Medici, who wasn’t vertically challenged, but wanted to stand tall alongside her fiance’s mistress who was slightly taller. This was around 1533, so the soon to be king having another woman was probably a sign of the times. Giving her an extra 2 inches and a sway when she walked, Catherine de Medici’s more more towering physique was a wild success.  By the end of the century both sexes wore high heels and a person who had authority or wealth was typically referred to as “well-heeled.”

A centruy later France’s King Louis was wearing heels with little battle scenes… and across the pond the Massachusetts Colony had passed a law banning women from wearing high heels,, assumed it was to ensnare a man. and they would be tried as a witch ! Needless to say, the high heel scene cooled off for a while.

A half century later high heels started to become popular again. When high heels made their comeback, some wearers were comfortable in five- or even six-inch heels. As with corsets, high heels were claimed to be not only harmless, but beneficial to the health because, as advertisers stated, high heels helped alleviate backaches and stooping and made walking less tiring. But critics cited that high heels created a more sexually aggressive gait and compared the high heel to a “poisoned hook” to catch an unwary male. Some even associated the high heel with the cloven hoof of a devil or a witch.

Entering the twentieth century, heels became even more popular when higher hemlines encouraged visible, elaborate, high, slender Louis heels.  Then it was Hollywood, with the elegant the look and stars’ shoes like Ginger Roger’s that created a new interest.

The Pièce de résistance was when French designer Christian Dior and his collaboration with shoe designer Roger Vivier developed a shoe with a narrow heel, and voila the stiletto was born. Stiletto, an Italian word for a small dagger with a slender, tapering blade was the perfect description, and an overnight success.  Fast forward to modern times and there is no shortage of sandals, stilletos and even  heelless high heels by Manolo Blahnik. Now an everday site, high heels wearers no longer need to worry about being called a witch. In fact, our biggest concern we have now is filling our closets with Manolo Blahnik, Jimmy Choo, Christian Louboutin or Giuseppe Zanotti. That’s my picks anyway…

This one caught their eye…