A New “Slant” On Heels

While I love the summer, I am much more of a cold weather person, and now am eagerly awaiting the advent of fall. Of course, at this time of the year, it’s virtually impossible to escape the barrage of daily emails from myriad online websites advertising their new fall arrivals. And because I am basically always on the hunt, and never want to miss something, I invariably click on in hopes of finding something I simply can’t live without

Miu Miu red patent slingback with white buckle and  blocked heel fall 2015

For the most part, my every day sartorial choices are defined by a rather simple, classic ‘uniform’ (which varies depending on the season and the weather), so my choice of accessories is all the more important. There is no question that the right shoe (or boot) can be a game changer and make all the difference in the world (don’t most of us dress from the feet up?) There’s something so chic about wearing distinctive shoes while being otherwise rather simply and classically turned out. Also, I love to walk briskly and I prize my comfort (I myself wear very high heels only occasionally), I am always on the lookout for great looking AND practical footwear. I don’t just mean sneakers, (which are indispensable but let’s face it, they have their limitations), or even flats for that matter.

One of the best ongoing ‘trends’, is the merging of form and function within the footwear arena; across the board: for both day and evening. There’s been no shortage of distinctive looking shoes and boots featuring ‘manageable’ low heels. Specifically, low blocked heels which are made even more interesting and arresting by virtue of their sculptural shapes, and the employment of metals (and other materials and finishes).

Among the standouts:

Gucci Arielle ankle boot with Swarovski encrusted  gold slanted heel



Gucci’s ‘Arielle’ tall leather boots ($1650); ‘Arielle’ side zip ankle boots ($950); ‘Arielle’ kangaroo lined eel pump ($1200), all of which feature a 1.5 inch satin finished half-moon shaped heel punctuated with a black Swarovski crystal (www.gucci.com).

Gucci Querelle sling back sandal

Gucci’s ‘Querelle’ slingback sandal with wide lamb straps, Velcro closure, and a 1 inch gold satin finished heel, ($1850, www.gucci.com).

Jimmy Choo Mercer black textured over the knee  boot

Jimmy Choo’s ‘Mercer’ textured leather over the knee boots with 2.5 inch silver block heel, ($1450, www.netaporter.com).

Miu Miu suede ankle boot with jeweled heel

Miu Miu’s dark navy suede side zip ankle boots with 2 inch jeweled heel, ($1100, www.neimanmarcus.com).

Nicholas Kirkwood Prism polka dot flocked satin  pump
with pale gold tone triangle block heel

Nicholas Kirkwood’s ‘Prism’ polka dot flock satin pump with his signature 1.8 inch pale gold tone acetate triangle block heel, ($760, www.lanecrawford.com)

Robert Clergerie Patsy black patent leather loafers
with gunmetal tone metal heel

Robert Clergerie’s color blocked ‘Patsy’ patent leather loafers in black and ivory with a metal block heel, ($575, www.lanecrawford.com).

Stuart Weitzman Discopoco pumps with glistening
diamante encrusted block heel

Stuart Weitzman’s ‘Discopoco’ lame pumps (available in black or gold) with a 1.8 inch rounded rubber capped Diamante glitter lame heel, ($498,www.lanecrawford.com).






– Marilyn Kirschner

Marilyn Kirschner

I am a long time fashion editor with 40+ years of experience. As senior market of Harper's Bazaar for 21 years I met and worked with every major fashion designer in the world and covered all of the collections in Paris, London, Milan and New York. I was responsible for overall content, finding and pulling in the best clothes out there, and for formulating ideas and stories.

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