Best Foot Forward

I am in a situation of temporary crisis. With every outfit I painstakingly choose for the day ahead, I am without the fantastic heels to finish it off. Sure, there are the masculine loafers and leather boots that I used to be just happy with. But now? My legs are crying to be lifted, by loafers, by wedges, by anything! So it was time to find my pick of this seasons heels, and just hope to god that someday I would be able to afford any of them.

1. The Ultra Modern Wedge

I admit that I am not normally so attracted by something so sleek, but how could these be called anything but beautiful? Making animal print look luxe not brash, with a huge platform for added height and a standout stripe design, they are the perfect pair to do with the infamous fur coat (faux, please) and those off-black tights you have been dying to wear. Thank you, Charlotte Olympia.

2. The 70s Loafer
Yes, it's back. Is anyone really so suprised?

There couldn't be a better shoe to wear with ribbed socks and peg legs, and when the Chloe 70s look is so popular, the loafers just had to get their heel back. This mustard yellow pair from River Island are perfect for teaming with a camel blouse and high waisted trousers for that dinner party in NY circa 1976 chic (just think panneled wood walls and mirrors...)

3. The Military Heel

This season military is back (well, isn't it always?), and so what better to pair with your buttoned up coat and rolled down socks or cigarette trousers than a huge strapy, lacy heel. And what better than a right-on-trend shoe from a hip young designer. Eudon Choi, we salute you.

4. The Ankle Boot

When the open-toed stiletto sorely needed an update, the ankle boot was there. Warm enough for winter, and chic enough for day-to-night wear, it hits the practicality vs. fashion nail on the head. This Christian Louboutin pair are cut open at the front for an extra modern touch, yet sadly, at over £900 pounds a pop I think that they will remain safely on my wish list.

Photographs from www.vogue.co.uk, www.riverisland.com, youngbritishdesigners.com and www.barneys.com