Top 10 best party shoes for christmas

 1. Bow-backed ‘Anemone’ pumps

When we were putting together the Shoewawa Christmas Top 20, it took us all of about 20 seconds to agree that Christian Louboutin should be number one. But which pair of Louboutins to go for? The fact that we were so spoiled for choice was definitely a sign that Mr. L. deserves his place on the top of the chart, and we eventually decided to go for these bow-backed ‘Anemone’ pumps, which have been causing a stir since their release earlier this winter.

Now, we know these shoes aren’t to everyone’s taste, and even I have to admit to finding the bow just a little too big to be practical, but they’re so supremely festive (by which I mean, “they look just like a Christmas present”) that they seem a good choice – and if you don’t want to wear them, you could always just sit and look at them! They’re currently sold out at Net-a-Porter, but you can still find them on eBay, where they’re currently selling for in excess of $1000.

2. Dolce & Gabbana’s ‘Carla’ peep-toes

While some of you might only want your two front teeth this Christmas, we here at Shoewawa have tastes that run in a more decadent line. Dolce & Gabbana’s ‘Carla’ peep-toes were a firm favourite this year, with their gorgeous jewelled vamp – not to mention the beautifully detailed conical heel! Certainly one that will stun onlookers from every angle, our runner-up is reduced to $409 from $585 (yahoo!) at eLuxury.

 

 

3. Laser-cut court shoes by Roberto Cavalli

It’s been quite the year for Roberto Cavalli: designing a collection for H&M;, creating the Spice Girls’ stage costumes – and now finding out that he’s managed to snag the number three spot on Shoewawa’s Christmas countdown with these laser-cut court shoes – such excitement! These are a great example of the metallic trend put to good use; we also saw almond toes replace the pointy-toe during 200, which caused all our toes to heave a sigh of relief, I’m sure! These are in Cavalli’s classic, flamboyant style, but are still very wearable – get them at online for $748.95.

 

 

4. Cute as a button mouse flats by Marc Jacobs

It’s been a rough year for Marc Jacobs and Shoewawa, whose relationship was rocked by a long series of very ugly footwear. But you know what? We’re willing to forgive and forget, Marc, because: a) we’re nice; and b) you did give us a few lovely offerings, the favourite of which was your cute-as-a-button mouse flats. Yes, these were the adorable originals that sparked the oft’ amusing trend of animal-styled shoes on the high street. If you fancy a pair of our Number 4 favourite, they’re $358.95 online.

 

5. Flat winter boots By River Island

A good pair of flat boots are a winter essential and these ruched leather numbers from River Island were the ones that won our hearts this year. These are from the good ol’ high street, but having seen them in person, I found the quality high enough to justify the price (£79.99) and thought they were the kind of boots you’d keep for years, and which would only get better with age.

They’re still in stock at the River Island website, and are also available in black.

 

 

 

 

6. High heels by Miu Miu

Certainly one of the more interesting trends this year, it was Miu Miu who lead the field in the ol’ stick-a-ruffle-anywhere competition, which is why this unusual court takes out our Number 6 spot. A lovely blend of neutral patent palettes, which was popular with our readership too, they’ve sadly sold out at Net-A-Porter. Keep an ear to the ground, though. We suspect that the ruffle trend is far from over!

 

 

 

7. ‘Tallulah’ peep toes from Monsoon

Although not everyone agreed with us, Monsoon’s ‘Tallulah’ peep toes checked all the right boxes for the Shoewawa staff back in July. They had the bold colour, the slightly vintage style, the bow detail we love so much (even although it’s been well and truly done to death), the diamante sparkle for added “bling” factor, and, of course, they were peep toes. We love peep toes.

The colour and diamante detailing would make these perfect for the Christmas party season – which makes it even more of a shame that they’re now sold out: boo!

 

 

8. Manolo blahnik urban legend mary janes

Another year, another version of that fabulous Blahnik Mary Jane – and what Top Ten would be complete without one? This year’s incarnation took a step away from patent and leaped into the world of snakeskin footwear. In glorious red, they’d make a fabulous seasonal shoe – or a year-round love of your life! Also available in tan, they’re on sale for $566 at Neiman Marcus – in limited sizes, though, so get in quick!

 

 

 

 

9. ‘Eva’ booties by Gucci

Two types of shoe dominated the shoe world this year – the shoe boot and the brogue, and back in the summer, Gucci managed to combine both to fabulous effect with their ‘Eva’ booties – they even managed to throw some metallic in there, too. These are shoes that will make you walk tall – well, with a 4.1″ heel and a high platform, you couldn’t really do anything else, could you? Part of Gucci’s autumn/winter collection, you should still be able to find these to buy, and will pay in the region of $635 for them.

 

 

 

10. Velvet peep-toes from Charmone.

Kicking off our Top 10 favourite shoes of 2007 are these fantastic rich burgundy velvet peep-toes from Charmone. Featured in our Yay or Nay column back in November, they were a rare pair of shoes that captured the minds and hearts of our readers, meaning a unanimous (and particularly enthusiastic) Yay! Thankfully, they’re still available, and have been reduced (yahoooo!) to $279.99 from $349.99 at Shoes.com.