Sunday 11 November 2012

Valet Parking Heels–How High is too High?–Best of the Evening Shoes Updated

Karen Millen Gold Cutwork Peeptoe ShoeSome time back I fell in love with a pair of Stuart Weitzman black suede sequinned platform shoes. They are without question the highest pair of heels I have ever stepped out in and they have travelled with me out to dinner everywhere, as they go with everything. 

Karen Millen Lace Print Shoes
I thought carefully about walking in them and knew that for more than a few yards I wouldn’t want to. Hence the description ‘Valet Parking Heels’. The kind of shoes that make you feel great but that you know you want to drive up in (or be driven up in) step out of the car in your LBD and say to the parking attendant ‘thanks I’ll see you later’. As they do far more in the US than here unfortunately.

Jean-Michel Cazabat for Coast Matt Sequin ShoesDune black suede crystal studded stiletto shoeThe alternative of course is to travel in boots or shoes you can actually walk in and have your heels stashed in your handbag, or another bag so you can change when you arrive. I have been known to do that as well - who hasn’t? As to how high is too high? Some of the platform shoes and high heels around this season are positively vertiginous but if you’re not afraid of heights then you may want to go for it. To wobble is not an option. 

LK Bennett Lace and Black Suede Evening Shoes
Carvela Gold Diamante Peeptoe Court ShoesFrankly there’s nothing like a great pair of evening shoes to add glamour and sex appeal to the simplest of dresses. These are my six favourite lace, sequinned, gold and chic black embellished suede evening shoes to take you through the Christmas season.

Watch this space – Russell and Bromley, who have held out for so long from the lure of the web, will apparently be launching a transactional website sometime very soon. Well………..there are just two words to sum up that little piece of joyous news; ‘About time.’

High evening shoes, particularly of the peep toe variety are best worn with gleaming bare legs and great nail polish.  The sexiest of all, they require shoulders back and walking tall.  And try to get to your table without having to take them off...............................there's no glamour without pain.

And finally....none of the above shoes are bank breakingly designer desirably expensive.  If that's what you're looking for have a look at Net-a-Porter's collection of sky high heeled confections by (including) Christian Louboutin, Jimmy Choo, Charlotte Olympia and Alexander McQueen.  

The Christmas Guide is now up at www.thesiteguide.com, with the best tried and tested places to find  Christmas Cakes and Puddings,Christmas crackers, Christmas tableware, gifts for everyone and much more. New additions to the Christmas candle section can also be found in Latest Website Reviews with wonderful candles by Ancienne Ambiance.