My Demonia shoes (below) are a leftover from my days as a Goth in high school. Most of my Goth stuff is long gone, but there are a few pieces I just can't part with. This pair of shoes is one of them.

I don't remember where I got them; probably online. I do remember they were inexpensive - under $50. They are surprisingly comfortable for cheap shoes (in case you haven't noticed by now, I am a total shoe snob) and it's not just because of the large heel.

The platform sole allows for more padding than a typical shoe. The faux leather is surprisingly soft and not prone to rubbing.

Ah, that heel. That heel is, of course, what drew me to these shoes. A sculpted heel has always fascinated me. You can find a thousand different variations in shoe shape, but when it comes to heels, most shoes have one of three or four shapes, all a variation of each other.

Whenever I find something with an interesting heel (right) – for instance, this shoe by Dior — it immediately grabs my attention. And this phenomenal pyramid heel grabs attention whenever I wear them.

I also love the Mary Jane pump. It has been my obsession for the last two seasons. When I found them at the back of the closet, I was psyched. I had another pair of Mary Janes to add to my shoe wardrobe.

This, plus the heel, makes up for the half-inch platform the shoe sits on. I know, I know, platforms are back in a huge and towering way, but I just can't get into them.

I am only 5'4" so you would think I would love an extra five or six inches, but I'm just not a fan of big, clunky shoes. I prefer something more delicate. The high heel and square toe balance the shoe well, make my foot look teeny-tiny, and I don't feel so clunky.

Photo by Andy Kitchen