CNewStyle

The shoe. It is this season’s weapon. Do not for a moment undermine the heel’s potential to kill literally — they are sharp and long. However, just to be politically correct, I’m not trying to promote the shoe as a new killing device. Just doing an update on shoe trends. And saying very candidly that if it’s one Fashion item you plan to invest in this season, let it be the shoe.

Whether you are a high street shopper or a luxury brand addict, you will find the most irresistible variety this season. Nothing can do more for a woman’s self-esteem than a pair of stilettos. And nothing can lift a dress more than the right match in shoes.

Manolo Blahnik comes straight from shoe heaven. His new Anastasia inspired by Greece is ultra colourful and super cool. A plain black number with this shoe, as I said before, it is a silent weapon.

Flowers are big on shoes and sandals this season. Miu Miu has black patent leather mid-heel shoes with big metallic flowers on either side inspired by Mary Poppins. However over-the-top they may sound; they have an edgy feel to them. Valentino has pretty white sandals with monochromatic flowers. Have you seen Christian Louboutin’s over-the-knee boots with the trademark red sole? They may convey the promise of keeping your knee warm in cold subzero temperatures but I honestly thought they had a hookerish feel to them when I first saw them. But the salesgirl promises that they will grow on you.

These over-the-knee, long, long boots are a part of most collections this season, Jimmy Choo 24/7, Alaia, Giuseppe Zanotti to name a few. Alaia’s metallic gladiator sandals are a sure shot winner.

Peep-toe shoes are still big. Skin colour shoes, which give a sense of leg lengthening, are not going out of vogue in a hurry either. Simply because they do what they are supposed to — make a woman’s legs look long and glam. Super high heels, peep toe sandals, ballerina pumps, flats, very bling yet completely desirable.

However, Clogs are the one look I have never been able to appreciate. It is uncomfortable, impossible to walk with on cobbled streets and makes even the most gracious legs look boxy. Ask a man and he will tell you that pencil heels win over clogs or wedges hands down. If there is one shoe company which employs marketing geniuses, its ugg shoes. How on earth can a shoe be so ugly and sell so much? Incredible. Pick any location worldwide and you will see people waiting for hours outside the store for a pair of uggs. The positioning that ‘yes the shoe is ugly but ultra-comfortable’ has definitely touched a deep, aching chord in most consumers. My pursuit for the perfect pair of shoes is still on. Anyone with any answers?