Spotted: The Chunky Heel

So there I was, wandering around The Gardens Mall on a Tuesday night (all the while stealing longing glances at the Coach window display just ahead of me), when I saw this super-skinny chick sporting these:

*

*

T-strap chunky sandals, Emilio Pucci

To be honest (or catty, whichever way you choose to look at it), her outfit wasn't anything to blog about. But those shoes! Oh, those gorgeous, heart-stopping shoes!! I could not take my eyes off them. In any case, as I watched Little Miss Sexpot Shoes sashay out of my line of sight, I figured that was the end of that.

That fleeting encounter would turn out to be my first glimpse of a trend that is starting to gain momentum here in this colourful city of ours.

People, say hello to the chunky heel.

*

Sasha Open Toe Heels, Urban Original

These shoes just scream 'high-street chic', don't you think? In fact, I'm pretty sure this is what Kate Moss would be if she were ever reincarnated.

*

*

What Kate Moss would look like if she'd been born a shoe: Steve Madden's Martiny
*

Sienna Miller in her next life: Aldo's Helaine

Now, magazines and fashion blogs would have us, the fashion addicted public, believe that these heels go best with flowy, feminine dresses.

But I have my doubts. I think shoes like these go so much better with anything that clings to you like a second skin (skinny jeans or leggings), or shows off your bare leg (supershort skirts or shorts).

*

Charlize Theron shows us how it's done...

*

...in shoes that look pretty similar to these: Manolo Blahnik's Vella

After a preliminary traipse through the malls, I'd say the best place in KL to head to for these fabulous kicks would be Guess or Aldo, both of which stock different styles of chunky heels, although these are my particular favorites...

*
*

Aldo's Sowinski
*
*

Guess's Delicacy

For those of you with cash to flash, perhaps I could interest you in these...?

*

Jimmy Choo's Glenys

Nayuta, by Gwen Stefani's label LAMB

Preppy chic, perfected by Valentino

As of this writing, I'm still on my quest to find the perfect pair of chunky heels that won't break the bank. So far, only one promising candidate has emerged, a rainbow-spotted pair from Nose (colorful spots on a white background; similar in design to the Glenys, but without the zip down the front).

But I'm pretty sure we can do better than that, so I predict there'll be some serious mall crawling over the Raya break...watch this space.

Final Verdict: So what if I'm secretly afraid anything too chunky will make me look stubby-legged? The right pair of these shoes will make you feel like a Rock Goddess Extraordinaire. Get in line already!