I’ve revisted these Salvatore Ferragamo heels several times and I’m still not quite sure.

There’s no doubt the design is distinct, featuring leather petals with metal studs and a contrasting two tone metal spike heel.

The colour makes me think of Autumn/Winter.

(The detail reminds me of fish scales, but more in a Koi sort of a way. Koi in Japanese art and depicted in tattoos has been on the rise in popularity for some time now, so it’s in an artistic way that I think of fish scales rather than the petals. It’s possible the double rubber platform could also come into play.)

Nonetheless, I adore the 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.

When I see some of the variations of these heels I can imagine why it probably wasn’t as popular as it could’ve been. There is quite a bit going on, ankle cuffs with open toes and straps that cross over with small buckles.

However when I look at this particular style for some reason I immediately think of Napoleon Bonaparte, an Admiral’s uniform or something slightly regal.

I feel as though I shouldn’t really like them because I’ve always found that colour of gold a bit garish, but I really, really like the cuffs.

As of writing this post (November 2009), surprisingly the heels are actually still available at Flannels and are on sale.