Pretty, Practical Patent Leather

When decked out in patent leather, you can have your cake and eat it too - that is, you can indulge in fashion's finest without spending a moment's worry on your arch nemesis: the weather. Rain, hail, salt, snow and mud can't leave their mark on your slippery new pumps and glossy glam clutch, so get pretty and practical in patent.

Shiny Patent Leather Shoes

Bring together patent leather and peep-toe and you've got yourself a pump that's beaming with timeless class and of-the-moment style. Aldo's fashion fusion shoe, the "Ath" features an unexpected band at the toe that adds a modern spice to the much-adored mid-century era pump. And in such vibrant hues as purple, yellow and fushia, as well as classic black and white, this patent peep-toe revs up the glitz and guts found in the most glamorous footwear silhouette of all.

Why show a little when you can show a lot? Put your toe cleavage on full display with the Guess Patty (Guess By Marciano), an open-toed heel that challenges the pleated plaid skirt as the epitome of schoolgirl sex appeal. The usual clunk and clumsy of the old-school Mary Jane is traded in for a sleek, slender strap and heel that put the sophistication in studious. And all that class comes with the added polish and practicality of bold black patent.

A Patent on Platforms

Leave it to Fendi to create patent perfection in shoe form. This spicy sandal, with a price tag that just might leave you homeless for a month, has got everything right: patent, platform, and peep-toe. The high-gloss leather has been cut, stitched and wrapped into a factory girl shoe that shines with the brilliant tones of rich brick, midnight blue and clean taupe. This hidden-platform sandal also features a sexy wraparound ankle strap with an aged brass buckle - could we ask for more from this dangerously desirable shoe?

Polished Patent Leather Outerwear

When it doesn't snow, it pours - so stick out your tongue at global warming with this sleek slicker from Club Monaco. Embodying the high-shine style of patent leather, Club Monaco's double-breasted raincoat combines the glossy trend with the class of a trench and the spice of the '60s swing jacket. As practical as your boxy yellow slicker, but much, much prettier, this 3/4-sleeve coat will have you conquering the horizontal downpours in high-shine style.

Perfectly Patent Leather Clutches

Alongside the peep-toe, the middle of the 20th century brought another bit of posh and polish to the forefront of fashion: polkadots. Wrap up that pretty little print in a glossy finish and you've got yourself Steve Madden's perfectly adorable patent clutch organizer.

Found in classic red, white and blue - we've have fallen desperately in love with the regal and retro royal blue - this tiny clutch opens to a dotted and striped interior that'll keep you organized with credit card slots, a zippered pouch and a second compartment with a kiss-lock closer. Stylish and sensible, this practical and patent mini purse is begging for a night on the town.

Get Belted in Patent Leather

You can't rock patent without cinching in your middle with a shiny, bold belt. Aldo's "Reed" belt, created with an ultra-glossy finish that hones the pristine of patent leather, features a timely wide strap and a massive, square-shaped buckle. In the classic colours of crimson-lip red and basic-but-brilliant black, this polished belt will give an otherwise matte ensemble just the right hint of shine. Link.............