Ah, the thrill of the new! The sales have been exciting, but even more exhilarating is the arrival of the fall season and along with it, the promise of fabulous shoes. Where to begin? With a pair of marvelous platform dancing shoes, of course. (I never said “practical” was my middle name.)

This autumn, Yves Saint Laurent‘s suede and golden leather platforms are beckoning me. From toe to heel, the “Palais” is pure old Hollywood glam. The almond-style peep-toe, the crossover front straps, the quilted stitching, the mildly flared heel, and buckled ankle-strap – they’ve taken all the most attractive elements of 1940s-era high heels and packed them into one hot number that’s well-suited for the nightclub and far beyond. Come to think of it, these are very Salvatore Ferragamo during that time. Conjuring up only the most quintessentially glamorous images: Rita Hayworth in a shimmering metallic gown and the “Palais” slingbacks? Oh, yes! On Net-a-Porter for $845.

Pair with: A tube clutch in soft glitter is the evening-ready answer to these show-stopping platforms. Jimmy Choo‘s is made in golden twill, for sparkle that doesn’t go overboard. On Net-a-Porter for $1,150.