High and chic

get the look ... and get it right

In an American study conducted some years ago, a high number of men were said to become aroused by women who said that their shoes hurt. Mmm. Well there should be no shortage of mysteriously moving table-tops this autumn, because stilettoes are the shoe to wear. And, worn properly, they hurt bad. There is to be no respite: heels are high and spindly, toes are pointy and mean. My favourites, not pictured but by Givenchy (deeeeevine), are to order only - but that's probably just as well. After a lifetime of wearing desert boots, my feet are too shy of such sexy shoes. On a style note: there is no point wearing these shoes if you can't walk in them, you'll ruin the look. So, either practise or forget it. Bobby socks and 9ct gold ankle chains are not going to be massive faux pas - sorry, they are kinda in, too. On a sensible, granny note: don't wear stilettoes walking late at night. You can't run in them. On the other hand, you might be mistaken for a hooker and earn yourself a few bob.

Stilettoes from Gucci Autumn/Winter collection, pounds 230, Gucci, 33 Bond Street, London W1. Enquiries: 0171 629 2716

Top: Snakeskin ankle-strap with silver stiletto heel, pounds 155, Russell & Bromley, 24-25 New Bond Street, London W1. Enquiries: 0171 629 6903 Above: Black/cream stiletto, pounds 89.99, Pearce Fionda for Ravel, selected branches. Enquiries: 0171 631 0224

Top: Black glitter mules, pounds 150, Elizabeth Emanuel, 26 Chiltern Street, London W1. Enquiries: 0171 224 4522

Above: Purple suede ankle-straps, pounds 262, Jimmy Choo, 20 Motcomb Street, London SW1, 0171 235 6008

Top: Black patent stiletto court, pounds 40, Faith, 192-194 Oxford Street, London W1. Enquiries: 0181 965 0744

Above: Black leather ankle-strap stiletto, pounds 54.99, Office, 10 South Molton Street, London W1. Enquiries/ mail order: 0181 838 4447