Shoes, Shoes, Shoes!!

For some its handbags, others jewels and for the majority of womankind; it’s shoes; An obsession… And Spring/Summer 2012 is no exception. Can a woman ever really have too many shoes?

I feel that this question is something that is very close to my heart, and my purse, having recently (last week) gone out and bought myself two new pairs, whilst at the same time asking myself and my flatmate “Why can’t I have both?”

Both pairs are beautiful and totally impractical; The perfect combination? And I always tell myself that because my feet are such an odd size (size 3?) That I really must buy them when I find a pair that fits. Two pairs is just a bonus.

When leaving the shop I thought to myself, “I don’t feel guilty at all.” Just happy: unlike with handbags and clothes and jewellery. A beautiful pair of shoes can put a smile on a girls face quicker then pretty much anything.

I’m talking about shoes not only because of my newly re-surfaced obsession, but also because of the amount of shoes on the catwalk at the moment. The huge variation between the shoes, no two designers shoes collections are the same. There seems to be more emphasis on shoes this season. The shoes make the outfit, not the other way around and plain black stilettos are a rarity; A thing of the past.

Take for example Prada. A collection that is typically summery with pastel colours, prints and tube tops and lead your eyes down to the models footwear. Beautiful, bespoke creations adorn their feet and it is plain to see that the shoes have been made for this outfit. They have flames and thin metal heels. Anything plainer would have been an abomination; a crime against fashion. Each time I see the ‘Prada’ shoes I fall in love over and over again.

The exaggerated pointy toe made a comeback at Louis Vuitton, this time in metallic fabric. Chunky straps across the foot were fastened with delicate little buttons and they were almost mule like with their lack of ankle support.

Gone were stilettos as the theme of thicker heels spread across the catwalk like wildfire, Chloe introduced a metallic, snakeskin sling-back and yet something which concept seems so wrong has never been so right. The heel (slightly thicker than a stiletto but not quite the clumpy heel of past trends) was outdone only by the front (loafer crossed with delicate evening shoe) and the Perspex used on some of them immediately stole the show.

The runway at Alexander McQueen was as beautiful and shocking as only McQueen can be. Gorgeous snake skin strappy sandals dominated the footwear of the models. Seemingly quite ordinary, one glimpse of the side of these extravagant sandals revealed a wedge heel that curved inwards, making them look impossible to walk in. These heels were covered in curved ridges and were sumptuous colours, making them appear almost shell-like.

And of course how can we have a post about shoes without mentioning the infamous ‘flatforms.’ Will they catch on? As seen on the catwalk at Nicholas Kirkwood among others, I for one am dubious about this painful looking fad. I am however excited at any prospect of looking taller without the pain of 5 inch heels.

Another chance to buy shoes you say?