Understated can be so sexy, but it’s always fun to have a little bit of rebel in you.

Just like these gorgeous Alexander McQueen Skull Peep-Toe Pumps.

The simple leather peep toe is adorned with a metallic grey skull, which actually sport swarovski crystal eyes and teeth.

These heels could be worn rather cheekily, after all unless one really inspected the peep toe, how would they know?

These are currently (March 2010) available at the Alexander McQueen online store, as well as Zappos.

Who can forget the vicious heels for the sisterly duo Rodarte by Christian Louboutin. These shoes have been sported by the likes of Janet Jackson to Victoria Beckham (who we all know is a Louboutin devotee).

They would surely make someone think twice before trying anything.

I have to admit, I lust when I see these heels regardless of how slighty impratical they might be. I’d still be very willing.

I really like multiple ankle straps and somehow strategically placed mixture of studs and spikes, sporting the signature Louboutin red sole.

There are a few great shots taken backstage at the Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week 2008 which you can see at Getty Images.

These gorgeous, highly embellished heels are a result of floral meets chesterfield collision, in the nicest possible way.

While I’m a fan of ankle straps, I actually think there is enough going on here to do without them, but with 2 inch platforms, one probably needs all the support one can get.

These are currently (January 2010) on sale at Dolce & Gabbana (in limited sizes) with a generous 40% off.

So, Love Stiletto likes hearts, as if that wasn’t a teensy bit obvious. We’d prefer to show sexy, fierce, stunning heels, but underneath, we’re just big softies.

We’ve been away for awhile, but promise to be back bigger than ever in 2010, so we hope that everyone had a safe and wonderful holiday period and even more wonderful new year.

The heart theme seems to be making its rounds with Alexander McQueen. These two-toned heart courts are absolutely gorgeous. Very stylish heels with personality!

As of January 2010, these heels are still available at Zappos at 50% off in limited sizes.

On the first day of Christmas my true love sent to me…

A pair of Valentino heels by Philip Treacy.

How I wish!

A pair of shoes by probably the most coveted Milliner in the world! Philip Treacy debuted his initiation into decorating les pied in the Valentino Spring/Summer 2010 collection.

This is some serious news and I don’t necessarily mean the shoes. For some women, obtaining a Philip Treacy headpiece is in itself a dream, and now the man is designing shoes?!

There’s definitely a touch of whimsy. I think of dark faeries eating gothic fairy floss in shadows of the forest on a sunny afternoon.

Well, you know, dark, sexy and a bit vampish.

The styles came in black and nude.

So I’m continuing on with my Charlotte Olympia affair.

(I’m only sorry Love Stiletto couldn’t present a larger image.)

These heels are called Origami from the Big In Japan line.

I know this is going to come out wrong, and these heels are stunning, but I immediately think of big shoulder pads and teased up 80s hair.

(I could be making some sort of subconscious Deep Purple connection here so that’s entirely my fault. It’s kind of embarrassing and horrifying all at once! That my brain works that way, not that I like Deep Purple!)

Right, you can put all that I’ve just said by the wayside and we’ll start again.

Yes, I think these would look incredibly gorgeous with a Galaxy style dress.

The fashion world was abuzz last month with Alexander McQueen’s Spring/Summer 2010 Collection: Plato’s Atlantis.

The show at the time streamed live on the internet. You can still see it at alexandermcqueenlive.showstudio.com.

There’s also a great interview with McQueen himself, speaking not only about the collection and his inspiration, but he also allows us a glimpse into the inner workings of the man the behind the design.

The Plato’s Atlantis Collection has been described as wonderful through to confusing and grotesque, but that’s interpretation for you. With the relevation that McQueen enjoys scuba diving, one can definitely see the underwater inspiration.

From the show, the models and the collection reminded me of seahorses, coral and underwater reptiles. (Though, if one thinks of a seahorse, the hoof-like shoe makes me think of… well one can imagine.)

These heels, one of the three prominent designs in the collection came in a white and the other colours (aqua, black, blue, pearl, purple & silver) appeared to have more of a pearlescent colouring.

To me this design gives me more of a Gigeresque fossilised feeling.

All three heels are sported by Lady Gaga in her latest video clip for the single, Bad Romance.

If you’ve ever thought Winter was the drab part of the year, these gorgeous scuplted leather platform boots from Giuseppe Zanotti would probably make you think twice. (Although there’s nothing stopping you from wearing these on a cool evening of any season.)

These boots are such a statement, and for some reason it doesn’t surprise me that Giuseppe Zanotti was once in fact a DJ.

If there’s one place that women wear love to their shoes out, it’s to a nightclub.

There’s an abundance of inspiration, right there. Although these days, I’m guessing it’s not the nightclub that’s inspiring these designs.

I love the attention to detail from the curve of the sole to the centre seam, and, the rear zip, and, especially the moulded red platform and heel.

It wouldn’t surprise me if I possibly break my unwritten rule here of trying not to add shoes from the same designer/collection, consecutively.

Even though we’re fast moving into the 2010 season I confess I’m absolutely smitten with a selection of shoes from Charlotte Olympia well over a year on. When the stars in the universe align for the lucky few, this is probably the result.

A shoe line from Charlotte Dellal.

If I’ve calculated correctly – this will be her fourth season. Yet, her shoes project a timeless sort of aura, and, reading of her “It’s all or nothing.” and affection for old school glamour, it’s like someone is echoing my own private Love Stiletto sentiments.

A woman after my own heart.

Using names for her collection such as Show Time, Orient Express, Vaudeville and Big In Japan, Charlotte Dellal is certainly not afraid of going for broke.

I think there are several heels that could’ve spanned across a few seasons, but then, why the hell not? You only live once, I suppose.

Okay that’s enough, before I risk sounding like a sycophant.

You can see exactly why these heels are called Mercury (from the Show Time line) but for some reason whenever I see wings I always think of Icarus.

Otherwise known as the “Strappy Elastic & Suede Ankle Boot or Bootie” by YSL.

I’ll be honest, when I first saw the side profile of these heels, I didn’t even look twice.

Then I came across them again and my first thought (yes, The Pessimist) is that, well, if you’ve ever owned heels with some sort of elastic in it – including the elastic that is used with small buckle – they all eventually stretch and end up looking horrible.

Even the top profile didn’t really do it for me, until I saw the photos of Diane Kruger sporting them at the Mr. Nobody Premiere.

Then again, she’d look fabulous in a wet paper bag.

Yes, it means I’ve been converted.

I think the detail of the strap crossing over at the top of the ankle really set them off. The Black Divine heels are made in Italy.