Strappy sandals are usually thought of as a summer accessory, but they are a must for cocktail parties and formal wear year round. Giuseppe Zanotti winterized these shoes using suede, and the result is a beautiful cold-weather sandal.

These Giuseppe Zanotti shoes are black suede with crystal covered buttons on the straps. They have a back zipper closure at the heel and have a leather sole and insole. They have a 4.25 inch heel. $775 Available here.

Nicholas Kirkwood shoes are known for their signature architectural heel and platforms, and have put the label among the best in designer shoes. These boots are a new design with an angular cut heel and toe that makes for a very interesting look.

They are black leather booties with sculptured cut-out wedge heel. They have decorative stitching and detailed angular toe. There is an inner zipper closure and side stretch insert for snug fitting. They have a 5 inch high gloss wooden wedge heel and a hidden 1 inch platform. $887 Available here.

I have been telling you for awhile that ankle boots are huge this season, but especially open toe boots or designs with lots of cut out details. Obviously these Giuseppe Zanotti shoes have an open toe, but they also have interesting deep cut outs by the ankles. Being such a unique design, these shoes would look best with bare legs.

These designer shoes are black satin with leather inserts at back heel quarter and lining. They also have a leather sole and insole. The bright silver mesh ribbon drapes on the front of the boot and is accented by crystal embellished harness that sits right below the deep ankle cut outs. They have a zipper at the back of the heel. The heel measures 4.5 inches with a 0.5 inch island platform. $1,095 Available here.

Elizabeth and James shoes are my ‘go to’ label when I want a current and stylish design, but don’t have the budget for Louboutin’s or Choo’s. Their shoes are well made and comfortable and always have a reasonable heel height, usually 4.5 inches or less. The collections are usually on the conservative side with shoes that would be acceptable in a business or social setting.

These shoes are black and brown distressed leather with elastic straps across the front of the shoe. They have a 4.5 inch heel. $354 Available here.

These Giuseppe Zanotti shoes are very interesting in the fact that the bling is limited to the rear view. With the front being completely open the focus is on the exposed foot, but from the side and rear view the red crystal details catch the eye, so it’s an understated flashy shoe. I like it.

These beautiful designer shoes are leather and textile with red crystal details covering the heel. They have an ankle strap with a silver metal side buckle closure. They have a leather sole and in sole. The heel measures 4 inches. $850 Available here.

These Alexander McQueen shoes are another example of the huge fall trend that is crystal embellishments. They are everywhere on accessories from shoes and boots to handbags, and all of the big name designers are doing it, and I’m not complaining…I love bling.

These designer shoes are black suede with silver and purple crystal accents. They have a leather sole and insole. They have a 4.5 inch heel and a .5 inch hidden platform. $1,369 Available here.

Although there are many fabulous shoe designers today, and no one compares with my main man Louboutin, but I can always count on Nicholas Kirkwood to put out a ‘Wow’ shoe. His designs are always distinct and very eye catching, sometimes even over the top. This design, however, is perfect. It’s very distinct, but also very beautiful, and the polished wood heel and platform add a sophisticated element.

These Nicholas Kirkwood shoes are lizard skin with clear mesh inserts at the sides. They have a leather insole and lining and lace up at the ankle. They feature a 4.75 inch polished wood heel and a .75 polished wood platform. $1,380 Available here.