Two-and-a-half years ago, I married my husband in a Zimmermann dress I bought off the rack.

While most women style their wedding outfit around the dress, labouring for months over the finer details, I actually did the reverse. I knew exactly which shoes I wanted to wear for the big day, and engineered my look around them.

Watch: The most popular shoes in the Mamamia office. Post continues below.

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Office Shoes

For years, I was obsessed with New York brand Loeffler Randall's Penny Mules — a backless block-heel style made out of pleated lamé fabric, knotted into a statement bow on the front.

Every so often I'd try on the heels in David Jones, admire their beauty, then put them back on the shelf, patiently awaiting an occasion to wear them.

When we got engaged in 2019, I knew it was my moment. I ordered the Penny mules in gold (it was never going to be anything other than gold), and kept them aside as a reference point for my bridal look.

After the wedding, I shared a photo of the heels on Instagram with a little description about why they were the perfect choice. I explained how the pleated fabric expands to accommodate your foot, and they were comfortable enough to dance in all night.

The likes rolled in fast. And then a funny thing happened.

Just days later, my shoes were the focus of an article on The Daily Mail — along with my just-posted wedding photos. My husband was internet-famous for approximately one day.

A photo from our wedding was featured in various articles online.

Women started finding my Instagram post and DM'ing me about the heels, saying they'd been eyeing them off for ages and this had finally convinced them. Others told me how they'd chosen the shoes in different colours for their nuptials and had zero regrets (one went with sky blue, one with pink, another with ivory.)

There were also hundreds of vicious comments on the article saying they were ugly, but fashion is so subjective. Beauty is in the eye of the beholder, and I happen to think they're beautiful.

There were other articles, on other sites, talking about "The Shoes". Several women messaged to ask me about the fit, or whether they were worth it.

I understand the hesitation. $600 is a hell of a lot of money for a shoe. Though not in the realm of a Jimmy Choo or Louboutin, it's still a major investment.

Bespoke wedding accessories are not known for having good cost-per-wear, either. When else will you get the chance to wear a pearl-accented veil, or some white satin pumps?

I'm pleased to report that since 2022, I've worn the heels to multiple parties, weddings and functions. They're always the highlight of my outfit, but they're surprisingly versatile too.

Wearing the heels to a hen's party. Image. Supplied.

If you're after a party shoe for the season ahead, there are lots of more affordable styles inspired by Loeffler Randall's Penny mules on the market.

Here are some options that might take your fancy, and two popular colourways in the original cult heels if you're looking to splurge.

Pink Ink Surge Gold Metallic, $189.95.

Image: Supplied.

Pink Ink Surge Fuchscia Fabric, $189.95.

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Pink Ink Tiffany Ivory Pleat, $199.95.

Image: Supplied.

Bared Sunangel, $279.

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Gorman Moonbeam Heel, $229.

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Asos design Hitched Bow Detail Mid Block Heeled Sandals, $84.

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Loeffler Randall Penny, $590.

Image: Supplied.

Loeffler Randall Camellia Knot Mules with Ankle Strap, $590.

Image: Supplied.

Feature image: Supplied/Tamara Holland.

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