If you have your hand raised, and you don’t baulk at the idea of paying $1,295 for your shoes, I think these would make a beautiful pair of bridal shoes. They’re by Manolo Blahnik, and the crystal detail on the vamp really deserves a closer look:
Beautiful. So beautiful, in fact, that I’d be tempted to go for a knee-length dress, just so I could show them off.
Jealous of the brides getting all the fun shoes? Don’t worry, these are available in black, too: click here to buy them from Neiman Marcus.
Now, I know I’m late to the party here, but remember back in April, when Kate Middleton married Prince William, and we all spent weeks – OK, minutes – wondering what her wedding shoes looked like? Well here they are!
These were custom made by Sarah Burton for Alexander McQueen, and they’re not actually the reason for this post. No, here’s the real reason for this post:
I spotted these shoes at Net-a-Porter last week and had to share them with you: not because I particularly like them, you understand (for some reason, a huge white platform instantly makes me think “Spice Girls”), but because they’re pretty unique. At first glance, I assumed they were wedges, but closer inspection reveals them to be stiletto mules, which have a strip of tulle stretched between the heel and platform.
The heels themselves are also rather interesting:
I rather like this effect, mostly because the buttons remind me of my wedding dress, which had a row of buttons down the bodice (although mine were square, not round). I also like the delicate flowers at the heels, and on the arch of the sole.
Where would you wear them? Net-a-Porter have a suggestion: “Wear them as the focus of your look for a contemporary summer wedding,” they say. To this I would add an important clause: ONLY IF YOU’RE THE BRIDE. I can only really see these working as wedding shoes, can’t you?
I was just about to describe these shoes as having “mid height” heels, then I took a closer look at the product description, and realised that they’re actually 4″, which isn’t even remotely “mid” height, is it? I guess I’m just so used to looking at all of those super-high platforms now that even a shoe that would formerly have seemed high, now appears almost low in comparison! When it comes to wedding shoes, however, I think that’s actually a good thing. You don’t want to go for something too “trendy” on your wedding day, because the shoes will date really quickly, and you’ll look back and wonder what on earth you were thinking.
That’s why I think these Nine Westshoes are perfect: the style is classic and timeless, but thanks to that flower detail on the front, they’re not boring. The satin uppers also have a lovely, soft sheen, which makes them stand out, too.
Of course, if you’re worried about standing all day in four inch heels, fear not: it just gives you an excellent excuse to buy a second, stand-by pair for the evening!
These are £93 at Spartoo, and, as an added blessing, they’re also available in half-sizes, making it easier for you to get the perfect fit.
I really wish the makers of bridal shoes would provide their creations in some non-bridal colours, too: I seem to be forever finding beautiful shoes, and then realising that without the matching big white dress, they could end up looking just a little bit silly. If every bridal shoe was also made available in a couple of bright colours – let’s just say red and green, for argument’s sake – I bet I would be a much happier Shoeperwoman. And a much poorer one, too.
Still, if you are a bride-to-be, let me just direct you to Monsoon’s ‘Elizabeth’ court shoes, which are perfectly simple, yet perfectly sweet, and proof that you don’t need to spend a small fortune to find a lovely pair of shoes.
The white uppers say “wedding shoes”, but that crystal heel says… well, actually it ALSO says “wedding shoes, or at least shoes for some very special occasion, the likes of which Shoeperwoman never gets invited to,” doesn’t it?
Damn, I really want to get re-married now. I knew it was a mistake to watch the royal wedding on TV.
If you are getting married, or can think of another occasion on which white, sparkly sandals would be appropriate (I can think of loads, right off the top of my head. Walking the dog, for instance. Washing the dishes. Watching TV. Going to the supermarket. See? Totally versatile!), these are £535 at Net-a-Porter: click here to buy them.
Beautiful. So beautiful, in fact, that I’d be tempted to go for a knee-length dress, just so I could show them off.
