Foot frenzy Steps to happy feet

Attitudes to shoes are changing as New Zealanders realise that black does not necessarily look best with everything and that a pair of good shoes will instantly update an old or ordinary outfit.

One fantastic thing about manolo shoes is that for once size doesn't matter unlike trousers, good shoes will more or less fit you for life.Everyone can have a must-have look of the season with an equally successful result. A nice heel not only makes you look taller and thinner, it can make you feel like a goddess and it is hard not to feel fabulous in this season's wide selection of styles aptly described by Joan Flanagan, accessory buyer at Kirkcaldie & Stains, as "the many moods of the woman".

From low-down tiny-heeled pumps to high-heeled and sexy, there are myriad styles to choose from.

The pointy toe dominates, and it will be an enduring look for the coming summer and next winter, despite designer Marc Jacobs new round-toed styles.

To enjoy the elegant pointy look without feeling as though you're risking breaking your neck, go for balance by trading killer heels for kitten heels.

London's Sunday Times fashion manolo blahnik editor Colin McDowell was disparaging about kitten heels at L'Oreal New Zealand Fashion Week 2002, but they are still selling strongly in New Zealand and in Europe.

Ankle straps and pretty ballet ribbons that tie up your leg are a dominant look but difficult to carry off if you don't have slim, toned legs. For most women ankle straps provide an unflattering cut-off point and shorten the legs. This is where the contemporary take on the Mary Jane shoe comes to the rescue because the strap sits below the ankle.

Texture is a big influence for fashion manolo blahnik shoes this winter and footwear is no exception. Styles are available in suede, velvet, satin, animal prints and plain leather mostly black, brown and dusky pink adorned with beads, buckles and embroidery.

Boots are flat and high-heeled, smooth and scrunched. Many of this season's styles are made of forgiving stretch fabric that is kind to New Zealand calves. Check out Roberto Ricci's boots at Kirkcaldie & Stains ($ 390). They're made in Italy at the same blahnik shoes factory where Italian designer Roberto Cavalli has his shoes made. Made from stretch fabric, pointy toed with a medium-height kitten heel, they are the ultimate compromise for women wanting to feel sexy and comfortable.