So this is what they mean by the term “killer heels.” Giuseppe isn’t messing around! Not only do these booties boast a 5” stacked stiletto, they encase your foot in a very foreboding arrangement of thick, cage-like straps and taught lacing. But the genius of Zanotti is that these shoes don’t deliver what you would expect a “corset bootie” to be all about. He is a designer who is dedicated to the unexpected, and there is somehow no fragility to this curvy bondage heel.

Because when you set such a style in blatantly rugged tan suede with purposefully imperfect contrast topstitching; when the laces are not slinky and dainty, but outdoorsy strips of braided leather, you’re changing the whole game. This wicked shoe even has elements of the high-heeled hiking boot, just reworked to creative anonymity. What I love about this: your foot may be done up to the nines, but you’ll still feel like you can go outside and kick some butt. So lace up your corset and knock ’em dead! At Bergdorf Goodman for $1,295.

Pair with: If you’re going for action-packed, a constrictive skirt just won’t do. Go for Zadig & Voltaire’s Pitt Deluxe shorts; black leather makes shorts autumn-appropriate and a pair of tights, like Wolford’s decadent cashmere and silk blend, will complete the look. Zadig & Voltaire Pitt Deluxe Leather Shorts. On Net-a-Porter for $480.

Is it just me or does anyone else despise the word “pantyhose”? Come to think of it, does anyone even like the feel of pantyhose? They are always falling down in the wrong place or too tight in the wrong place or catching a run when you’re trying to run out the door! I loathe the confinement of tights and pantyhose, but since I love the look, I’ve been buying stockings to wear under skirts (with comfort and style, Wolford is the best way to go if you’re willing to spend the dough).

Or what about tights you don’t even wear on your legs? Maison Martin Margiela just took the idea of stockings to a whole new territory. A flesh-toned leather pump acts as the skin for this sexy take on the classic polka-dot fishnet, and the offbeat separated sole brings a Margiela twist. Intricate lace like this is so delicate and pretty, but that fine overlayer is not going to look glamorous if it gets snagged or torn. One rip will take you from living it up at the Moulin Rouge to down and out on the streets of Paris. This pump is one of those special cases: if you have the money, invest and treat this stocking-shoe hybrid like a piece of art. Wear them sparingly for events of a daintier nature. If one fool drops a single lit cigarette ash on your toes, you’re done for. On Ssense for $1,040.

Pair with: Let’s hope your heels stay sensual and proper, and pick a bag that struts on the wild side. Dolce & Gabbana’s double clutch is half rose-gold sequins, half leopard calf hair, and all about frivolous fun. A star-spangled chain-strap makes this a piece that will light up a special night. On Net-a-Porter for $1,825.

As much as I love to splurge, let’s be honest. I’m a single, young 20 something with two full time jobs; Working during the day and shopping at night. Between my love of fashion and my knack for strategic spending, I have come to be an online/store sale snob. I think it’s smart to invest in things that I know I will wear for more than just a season, and go cheaper on things that are trendier. I also believe that before you press “complete order” you need to do a quick shop search on to make sure you are getting the best price. Depending on what your favorite type of boot this season is, you may want to spurge on some for full price, and save on another style. I have been scouring the sales to purchase a new trendy boot this season. Here are my finds in each trendy category that won’t empty your wallet, but will last you long past the first snowfall.

Best Bootie: J.Crew Willem Wedge Booties

Super skinny laces, menswear chic but with a feminine twist, these wedges will take you from work to weekend with ease (and comfort)! $250 @ J. Crew

Best Riding Boot: Frye ‘Celia’ Boot

With subtle stitching accents, this tall boot will add sophistication to any outfit. A must for the season. $297 @Nordstrom

Best Over the knee boot: BCBGGeneration Wexler High Boot

These zip-closure boots are tall, black and classic. Over the knee with east. @ Zappos for $139.

Heeled Knee-high Boot: Braden by Vince Camuto

With soft leather and tall shaft, these pull on boots are affordably luxury. $149 at Nordstrom.

Best Lace-up Boot: Sam Edelman Karla Suede Flat Boots

Lace up boots are all the rage right now, and ankle length could never be hotter. These suede lace-ups by Sam Edelman have you covered in both categories. $150 at ShopBop.

Through thick and thin, platforms, wedges, and countless red heels, Manolo Blahnik has stayed unflinchingly true to his classic, ultra-feminine shape. (At times stubbornly so!) Discovered by Diana Vreeland in 1970, Manolo has been loyally cultivating his distinct aesthetic ever since: pointy toes and a sexy stiletto.

While I might have found the look tired a mere few months ago, I’m now sensing a shift when it comes to my feet. And now I’m glad Mr. Blahnik never wavered his very specific stance on the high-heel! Despite the ongoing chunky platform craze (which shows no sign of slowing down), I have to say I am suddenly finding this traditionalist pump refreshing and alluring.

Such a simple silhouette in glossy patent leather – just a low vamp for a sliver of toe cleavage and some sharp, sculpted angles – is the ideal palette for a bright, juicy color. A jolt of burning hot pink, punchy royal blue, or searing neon yellow will give the plainest ensemble purpose, and at over 4”, keep in mind that pin-thin stiletto hits hard with womanly appeal. At Bergdorf Goodman for $595.

Pair with: A razor-sharp black dress with sensual cutouts is in keeping with the lightly eighties style of a pointy pump. Lanvin turns this stretch-crepe mini up an octave with a light-catching brass-collar detail. On Net-a-Porter for $2,780.

Palpitations. A quickened pulse. Possibly a tremor. These shoes have induced so much excitement, I don’t even know where to start. Here we have one of the rare snakeskin instances when the python isn’t the scene-stealer. As we have recently learned (thanks to Giuseppe Zanotti and Jil Sander), the cutout wedge cannot be ignored.

Alaïa’s take on the untamed, sculpted platform is a real force to be reckoned with. So lively and intriguing, it almost looks like a teeter-totter. Yes, the most glamorous teeter-totter you have ever seen.

Glistening black python takes this wacky wedge right over the edge. I love the contrast of high-gloss skin on buttery suede, and casting it as a lace-up, peep-toe bootie only increases the element of pleasant surprise. Not all shoe designers can pull it off – you have to know what you’re doing to go the wild-meets-traditional route.

Clearly, Alaïa has the bravura to do it in spades. These 6” booties even possess the versatility to make everyday special. Although they will go perfectly with pants, why would you ever want to hide that wedge? Show them off by leaving them exposed and delightfully imposing. On Net-a-Porter for $1,750.

Pair with: Strut these stunners right into evening with Alexander McQueen’s freshest interpretation of the skull clutch. A provocative zipper gives classic black-and-white bouclé new meaning, so you’ll be striking from hand to toe. Alexander McQueen Classic Box Skull Clutch, $1,375.

Sometimes you should ask yourself, what would ladies like Jane Russell, Marilyn Monroe, and Sophia Loren do? It’s so fifties to have a patterned shoe. But while those icons would have been likely to coordinate their striped peep-toe pump to the rest of their outfit, these bodacious Giuseppe Zanotti sandals don’t even match themselves! With a tiger-print trim and a lemon-yellow snake-stamped heel, classic black-and-white stripes have been amply updated.

These days, we are all about that extra splash of color, the infusion of an opposing pattern. Giuseppe nails the notion of mixing and mismatching with his refined touch and a relentless sense of glamour. Even better, he’s done the work so we don’t have to; this is an easy way to work in the trend without exerting too much thought. Intrigue onlookers with the details when you approach and shoot a blast of color from the heel when you walk away. A fun and totally wearable bombshell shoe, I would wear these with something unexpected. Don’t try to restrict your palette to boring black and white – too retro. Be vivacious and bold (I have a hot pink dress with a gold belt that would be stellar); you’re going for chic-circus. Think Cirque du Soleil, not Circus Circus. At Bergdorf Goodman for $750.

Pair with: A coquettish peep-toe like this demands the ultimate fifties-era toenail color: bright tomato red. Deborah Lippman’s Supermodel (created for modern muse Dree Hemingway) will put the finishing touch on an energetic look. At Nordstrom for $16.

Well it’s officially bow season again (no arrows needed) and the Tory Burch Eddie Blow Flats are a great opener to the sweet trend. The pebbled leather flats will not only have you walking in comfort, but will also have you sparkling the street up with their rhinestone bows. These would be the perfect flat to wear for a busy day at the office with some plum Rag and Bone pants with a DVF blouse. Flats this fancy will seamlessly translate to the weekend with some David Lerner leggings and a LNA boyfriend sweater for a Sunday brunch with friends. These flats will add glamour to any look and come in black and brown.

ShopBop for $250

I have never been big on the gladiator style, but that’s because it was never done right (too many straps! Trendy! Sloppy!). Until now.  Givenchy’s sandal still has that eighties’ vibe of almost-excessive woven leather, but this is polished and updated for the new century. A thick band of glossy leather through the woven suede straps makes for a keen juxtaposition that any gladiator-inspired shoe needs to look smart, not slovenly. Add that large strap to a closed heel, and you have a substantial sandal that still doesn’t overwhelm the foot. Just to reinforce the fact this treads on modern ground, buckled, wrap-around ankle straps maintain a rocker vibe that’s got no choice to be anything but cool.

Then there’s the refined peep-toe. I appreciate this touch because rather than caging the toes in – leaving the big toe with room to try to escape and jut out (it’s a form of “scraggle toe” and there’s nothing worse!) – it tapers your foot and keeps your toes in elegant confinement. And perhaps most importantly, the wedge: a perfect balance for a casually strapped sandal. Designed to both cover and bare your foot, Givenchy has produced a gladiator for those who always fought against it and a shoe for all seasons. At Saks Fifth Avenue for $1,100.

Pair with: Transition these into the cooler months with a fuzzy-frayed sweater in a pale hue. Helmut Lang’s dirty-white angora pullover is semi-sheer with a cropped front and elongated back. On ShopBop for $460.

Miu Miu’s glitter-and-suede Trompe L’Oeil peep-toe: Fashion Week’s most-worn bootie, showcased by the likes of Alexa Chung (with a Rebecca Taylor frock) and Anna Dello Russo (in head-to-toe Miu Miu). Now that we’ve seen that sparkle coming and going, it’s time for a great alternative.

Add some sport to the sassy heel’s spice, with the sneaker version. I’m probably too old to wear these, but these are so fun they can’t be ignored. Decked out in aluminum-colored glitter with metallic gunmetal accents, olive laces, and a studded silver cap-toe, they are the freshest and most spirited take on the Converse All-Star low-top I’ve ever seen. It’s no easy feat for a sneaker to get hearts racing (okay, maybe that’s an overstatement, but these do have my eyes widening with interest!) – Miu Miu proves why an athletic shoe should be playful, frivolous, and well, anything but athletic.

Receive 20% off your purchase of these sneakers at Barneys! Call Steve (469-221-4700) and tell him Shoe Snob sent you. At Barneys New York for $450.

Pair with: Silver-tone twinkle would do well with deep-teal denim. Rag & Bone’s skinny jeans are enhanced with zippers at the front pockets and cuffs, for a little something extra for your off-day. On Net-a-Porter for $240.

Feeling a little bold and colorful out there? Try these on for size. The shimmery, crystal covered peep toe platforms are not for the faint of eyes, because these will demand attention wherever you strut in them. They have an adjustable slingback to strap you onto the 5″ covered heel. These are statement making shoe and a little bright for this time in the season, but they would work great with a Therese Rawsthorne shirt dress and a Helmut Lang tux blazer for a friday night date night. Don’t let these party pumps scare you off. Paired with the right things, these can make you stand out like a diamond in the ruff. Feeling up to the ultimate colorblack challenge?

$1495 @ Bergdorf Goodman.

The Jimmy Choo Icons collection, ICONS, a capsule collection of shoes inspired by the most significant creations from the company’s archives, is launching tomorrow on NET-A-PORTER.com and we have an exclusive preview for Shoe Snobs!

The Marlene feather shoe (above) will be available tomorrow.  It was inspired from the SS98 edition made famous by Carrie Bradshaw in SATC – ‘I lost my Choo’ episode. How can we forget?!  Carrie running after the Staten Island Ferry and falling out of her shoe was one of the best fashion moments in tv history.  I love the stunning color combo of teal and violet, such a head turner.  And for the record, I’d rather miss my boat than lose my shoe.

Net-a-Porter

Somehow stingray feels even more decadent when it’s injected merely into the heel and platform. Coating only the base of the shoe is the perfect way to incorporate the mysterious exotic – this is maximum impact.

That’s what Yves Saint Laurent is all about: knock ‘em dead heels that go the distance when it comes to both comfort and versatility. This sandal is a subtle variation on their famously wearable Tribute shoe. The only difference is this fellow T-strap style lacks the looping straps of the Tribute and has a smoother and more minimal look. That’s just what you need to juxtapose against bumpy, scene-stealing stingray.

Besides, a T-strap design makes for an inherently sensible shoe. (Oh, yes. I just called these sensible shoes!) Happily, with all that fabulousness going on, this sandal is clearly anything but frumpy. You can – and you will – want to wear this everyday. Start now and let this winter white transition into spring. At Saks Fifth Avenue for $995.

Pair with: Take advantage of the simplicity of a cream-colored shoe and whip out a wild, painterly print. Marni brings an artistic aesthetic to their belted, silk dress. At Barneys New York for $1,765.

Riding boots are a cool weather staple and can pull together an outfit in an instant. The Sartore Riding Boots are classic, versatile and will go with about 98 percent of your closet. These have a bit of a twist to them with the lace up the shaft of the tall leather boot. I would wear these every single day with everything from some AIKO leggings and a Phillip Lim blouse to play up the equestrian look for work to a Twenty8Twelve sweater dress for a weekend look. These boots will take you almost anywhere and are abled to be paired with almost anything. You will be glad you made the investment with these great go-to boots for the season.

$965 @ Elyse Walker

Your granny’s booties? Not even close. The latest selection of lace-up boots posseses the refined quaintness of the Edwardian era (petticoats! Bustles! Layers of lace and tiers of satin!) with an edgy and often almost S&M spin that would make Victorian ladies grasp their hankies in horror. The old world has a new take. Grommets, high-shine texture, cap-toes, and oodles of spunk make for booties with sugar and spice. More mischievous than mild, wear these with short skirts, woolly ankle socks, or flirty tights. And remember, when your shoe is all laced-up, your look should be just a little undone.

1) Marc Jacobs Rubber Fetish Boots: The perfect mix of rebellion and classicism, Marc Jacobs PVC-slick boots top the list. Oxford-style perforation keeps them elegant, and that mirror-shine black texture makes them really racy. Inquire with Marc Jacobs, $1,139.

2) Dior Muse Ankle Boot: Endless details add up to a feast for the eyes. Layers of grommeted scallops, endless stitching, and a simple, delicate shoelace make for the most refined rendition of studs I’ve seen in awhile. At Bergdorf Goodman for $1,100.

3) Givenchy Luistania Booties: Givenchy has achieved modern sophisticated polish with old-world appeal. The shape, with a mild 4” heel and pointed toe, is a throwback to Belle Epoque-era booties, but the ultra-shiny texture takes them into this century. On Ssense for $895.

4) McQ Lace-Up Leather Ankle Boots: Alexander McQueen’s little sister line brings a naughty London edge to a classic ankle shape. With lacing all the way to the scant cap-toe, these put a lighthearted emphasis on the bondage reference. On Net-a-Porter for $555.

5) Versace Lace-Up Open-Toe Boots: This suede-trimmed lambskin bootie reaches far up your calf and with Versace’s trademark plaque hardware references the supermodel-heavy, early-nineties era of the house. A little camp, a lot sexy! On Luisa Via Roma for $1,695.

When it comes to snake shoes, too much of a good thing doesn’t exist. It’s probably the endless neutrality, but I can never get enough python. Bring a cork wedge into the picture and you have a look that’s lighter and less serious. Envision this with a palette of paler-spectrum colors – Alexandre Birman’s sandal functions like a white shoe.

Then again, the sensual cross-strap, designed to frame and hug the foot with delicacy, makes it a bit more formal. So you can take this shoe either way. The sculpted 5.5” platform makes for an up-there yet easy gait, and best of all, this is real python. For the price, it’s a total steal. I just spent more on Marni’s printed python.

So why aren’t these on my feet? Python can’t be shipped to California – someone needs to order these for me! Anyway, this is an early-spring shoe available for pre-order to ship in December. Boo! I would be able to wear these now, thanks to the good weather here. Luckily, I have a pretty solid collection of python sandals to keep me satisfied for the time being. At Saks Fifth Avenue for $650.

Pair with: When the time comes, these will look great with Yves Saint Laurent’s surprisingly chic denim clutch. Their trademark hardware and touches of paneled white leather make for a fresh take that has me already daydreaming of spring. Yves Saint Laurent Large Denim Clutch, $695.

Some things never change. Tweed will always be ladylike, round toes will always look classic and Emma will always love this look. The Oscar de la Renta Tweed Round-Toe Platform Pump is the perfect addition to your Fall shoe wardrobe. The piping makes the bright red orange color jump out from the textured pattern. I can see myself wearing these with some J Brand skinny jeans and a Free People comfy yarn sweater for the ultimate prepster Fall look. Tweed will always be in style in the Fall so grab this perfectly proper pump and wear it for the uptown girl in all of us.

For $745 at Bergdorf Goodman.

I’m sensing a trend here, and I’m liking what I see. A lot. Chunky heels with loads of height and zero back pain. Not only do they look good, they feel good. First, I was enamored with Marni’s cutout platforms, then up strutted Derek Lam’s Mirte sandals, another wood-soled shoe that’s no pain and all gain. Now Marni has done it again.

These chunky platforms have me doing cartwheels, literally. There’s that mellow pitch again – so light and easy, these are like wearing flats but you’ve gained five inches! Curving lines that hug the foot with sharp little cutouts add up to balanced eye candy. The split wedge switches things up a bit – you’re not focused on a hunk of sole. And the color? To die! Midnight navy suede makes for the ideal winter sandal. With enough coverage and a bit of lightness, these will absolutely amp up any pair of woolly tights. On Net-a-Porter for $710.

Pair with: An angular wool coat by Theyskens’ Theory will compliment the relaxed height of these platforms. The Monk jacket’s sharp lapels and double patch pockets bring cutting-edge freshness. At Barneys New York for $795.

I have to give Raf Simons due credit for this polished bootie. His unique, overtly modern sensibility is in full effect. This is the most sophisticated wedge boot I’ve ever seen. While most wearable wedges, in simple black ankle boot form, look perfunctory, ordinary, or downright dull, this rendition is so keen you almost forget it is a wedge.

What does it take? Nothing more than shiny black leather (not that there’s anything groundbreaking there) sculpted into a 5”-high-heeled almond-toe shape – sleek but also casul. One clasp fastener of brass hardware – ski boot enthusiasts take note: a single buckle is enough to get in on the trend without risking overkill. Surprising white stitching all around, particularly appealing on that back panel – a clean, fresh detail that makes it truly Jil Sander. And one unexpected cutout, a genius detail that breaks up the bulk of the wedge while maintaining its comfort. You might not tell from look at it, but the cutout serves a practical purpose: to hold the label’s stirrup pants (made with Velcro closure) in place. I actually prefer it for decorative purposes – that way you get to flaunt all the fabulous details of this wicked wedge. On Net-a-Porter for $1,395.

Pair with: What’s better than these Jil Sander wedges? Getting to wear them with a shearling aviator jacket, also by the brand. This is as sumptuous as cropped leather gets. On Net-a-Porter for $4,675.

Looking hot is the best revenge, and spiked heel shoes will help when you dig your heels into the heel. Just ask Demi Moore! She may have still been wearing her wedding ring at the premiere of Margin Call in New York City earlier this week – along with a red leopard-print dress by Zac Posen – but it was her shoes that announced she’s a force to be reckoned with. The Kasha pump, a feminine shape in soft black velvet out of Brian Atwood’s Fall/Winter 2011 collection, isn’t your average feminine five-incher. Adorned with prickly spikes all over the heel, these will give you a grand exit. Even the sexy pull-tab, reaching up the slimmest part of your ankle, is adorned with sharp studs. And why not? Pointy heels are already dagger-like as they are. Studs just add glamorous insult to injury. Yes, the Kasha is for the lady who is not afraid of kicking some ass. We would expect nothing less from Demi!

Or for a sprinkling of studs all around, pull on Atwood’s studded Inez boots, an elaphe ankle style with panels of spikes. They don’t have the element of surprise, but they do still pose a fierce threat. On Net-a-Porter for $1,880.

Shoes designed with Kelly in mind!  Sporty with some nuance. I just love finding shoes my personality perfectly. Sooo many times, tooo many times, we step into what feel like someone’s else’s shoes just because they are sooo fantastic. And of course, it’s fun to play dress-up and walk as someone else for the day, but when the shoe fits, well, you know the rest.

So you can bet I’m buying these Derek Lam’s Mirte sandals! There are a whole bunch of reasons these are made for me. The pairing of a light wood wedge and sage leather is incredibly soothing. It looks smooth as can be, and you get your color fix without committing to an unwearable hue. The T-strap is hardly typical. Curvy and elongated, it’s a thong, sans the pain and difficulty when it comes to walking. But it’s always the little things that do it for me, and in this case, it’s the contrasting white tab that’s making me crazy. LOVE. Of course, what I really love is that slight pitch: you get a total of 3.5” of height with an easy-to-handle 2″ pitch. Finally, a comfy padded insole and rubber sole make these walking shoes.  So cute, I can’t stand it! At Saks Fifth Avenue for $590.

Pair with: I’ll be keeping it light and easy, carrying MICHAEL Michael Kors’ Tilda tote, blush-nude leather in a boxy shape that holds literally everything. And the price can’t be beat. MICHAEL Michael Kors’ Tilda Leather Tote, $300.