Last week I had the immediate pleasure and subsequent curse of trying on Manolo Blahnik’s new Suede Cap Toe Pumps (above-left). Putting them on was a sheer delight as the suede enshrouded my foot in delicacy and surprising support. The deep burgundy played with the dove gray to reference this season’s Gothic inspiration while the low vamp and classic shape lent it a refinement that you would expect from such a master. My bliss was ripped away from me as I looked at the price tag and recognized that suede this fragile negated the argument that these would be an investment. As I accepted the sad fact that this particular shoe love would be unrequited, I determined I would not give up on the dream.

A search then began for a comparable shoe to bestow my affection upon. In my quest I came across a surprising number of shoes that were incorporating the colorblocked trend we first saw at the Spring shows this time last year.  The trend has been updated to include somber but rich colors deployed increasingly sparingly to work on the foot’s more petite proportions. Two of my favorite options are featured above: Proenza Schouler’s lust-worthy Colorblocked Cap Toe Pumps (above-right) and L.A.M.B.’s fetching Harlie II Suede Pumps (bottom-right). They are in a word COVETABLE.

What do you think? Have these beauties captured your fancy or has your heart already been given to another of this season’s desirable styles?