If the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach, the way to a woman’s heart will be by paying attention to her feet. Foot rubs aside, a sure-fire way to make a good impression is to present her with beautiful shoes that she will love. For that purpose, London-based shoes brand Charlotte Olympia will come in very handy indeed. Inspired by various characters from Agatha Christie’s novels, its designs for Autumn/Winter 2011 are quirky, colourful and very lust-worthy.

Charlotte Olympia is available at Tribeca (#02-05-08, Mandarin Gallery) from SGD1400

Every woman who is in touch with her femininity will understand the intense allure of sky-high heels. They can certainly look daunting and sometimes, even monstrously unwearable, but that is part of the thrill of putting them on – they are irresistible challenges from the fashion gods themselves. They have the mythical power of allowing you to stand taller, straighter and bestow you with a more attractive walk. Women’s shoes have never been about practicalities. They are statement accessories, works of art, and objects of wild desire. Here are three especially fine specimens from the fierce shoes department to make you go weak at the knees.

Lara Bohinc
Jewellery is accessories designer, Lara Bohinc’s first love. But that has not stopped her from churning out heart-stopping, gorgeous shoes. Her signature modern, sculptural art deco style can be seen in every single pair of her shoes, which are uncompromisingly strong and bold in their details. For her Seventh Seal collection, which is inspired by armour, crusades and the middle ages, she has incorporated tough elements like chainmail. These Morgana heels are perfect for a present day Princess Xena.

Lara Bohinc is available at TriBeCa, #02-05-08, Mandarin Gallery and retails from SGD1212

Raphael Young
I know that the future is supposed to be bright, but I didn’t know that it would be as well-heeled as shoesmaker Raphael Young has made it out to be with his collection of shoes, which looks like they are made for (female) storm-troopers in their inter-galactic travels. The sculptural heels are almost literally to die for. If you care about tradition and craftsmanship, you will be pleased to know that Young learned his trade from an uncle who interned under YSL. Each pair of shoes is also hand-made from stitch to finish.

Acrobats Of God
With a wonderfully ingenious name like Acrobats of God, you know that you will be in for quite a bit of fun with these shoes. These strappy Italian masterpieces feature sturdy elastic bands that have been criss-crossed and weaved into intricate designs. These ‘bandages’ then sit atop raw wood heels of varying heights. Summer styles are light and airy and come in pretty warm hues like taupe, yellow and chocolate.

You can find both Raphael Young (from SGD1450) and Acrobats of God (SGD628 to SGD678) from SGD at Ashley Isham, #02-15, Mandarin Gallery

There is an emerging trend of luxury street wear and it seems to be gaining momentum. While this may seem absurd to many of you, there is a growing appreciation for quality, stylish everyday threads that is differentiated from their inferior counterparts by their top-notch materials, immaculate construction, blissful comfort and admirable durability.

The price tags may seem overly large for wardrobe staples like t-shirts, sweaters and tank tops, but if we spend so much of our time in clothes like these, why not invest? Here are three brands that take street wear very seriously indeed.

Elizabeth And James
As the Olsen Twins are fast becoming fashion superstars with their designer line The Row, their more casual sister line, Elizabeth and James, is also holding itself up to be a formidable player in that no man’s land between designer and high street. Exuding effortlessly cool downtown chic, the brand is contemporary without being trendy. Its well-made basic t-shirts and tank tops have won it many fans among the young and fashionable while the ultra-soft cardigans and sweaters will become your prized favourites in no time.

Selected pieces from Elizabeth and James retails from SGD274 to SGD802 at TriBeCa, #02-05-08, Mandarin Gallery

Kai-Aakmann
With such a curious sounding name, it is hard not to take a closer look at Korean label Kai-Aakmann. Designer Soonjin Park’s modern take on the interaction of feminine and masculine elements in her clothes has resulted in a surprisingly pleasing aesthetic that is almost genderless.

Specialising in soft jersey pieces, the brand is largely inspired by youth, street culture and nature. Carefully constructed to compliment the human form, each piece drape and folds in just the right way.

Kai-Aakmann is stocked at Ambush, #03-14, Mandarin Gallery. Prices start from SGD70 for a tee

Willow
Australian fashion label Willow gives street wear an edgier, more glamourous spin. The Bachelor Girl collection is a masterful fusion of the pretty and the tough, the young and the sophisticated. Featuring shiny, black feathers and leather, it is a varied showing that consists of little tweed dresses, printed wide-legged pants, tee dresses and draped capris. Top pick goes to a highly versatile tank top with a leather front and mesh back that can be worn in a million and one ways.

Willow is available at #02-16, Mandarin Gallery. Prices range from SGD519 to SGD819

This festive season, gold is the indisputable metallic hue du jour. Diamonds may be a girl’s best friend but gold will capture her heart. Lavish her with a generous dose of glamourous glitz and gilt – from warm honey shades to the truly bright and shiny, Mandarin Gallery has you covered with this fabulously fashionable gift guide.

Clockwise from top left: Galliano Gold Aviators (from SGD599, OJO Optometry), Halston Metallic Dress (SGD858, TriBeCa), Triwa Watch in Beige and Gold (SGD285, InHaBit), Marc by Marc Jacobs Perfect Purse (SGD417), SAC Japan Gold Leather Purse (SGD135, Trioon), Moon Safari Antique Gold Necklace (SGD219, BLVD Gallery One), Topas Gold Luggage (from SGD1375, Rimowa), Sereni & Shental Gold Headband (SGD81, Number Fifty), Pierre Hardy Gold Trimmed Sandals (SGD1400, TriBeCa) and Ruby and Sapphire Floral Cluster Bangle from La Putri (SGD39,700).