I was on a shopping spree of mammoth proportions.

My sister and I, were well into the flow of things, spending up large at the mall, when I spotted a branch of Schuh – recalling the store gift card tucked into my wallet.

I hate to let a good gift card go to waste; so I ventured inside to take a look around.

And then I saw them – displayed in all their animalistic glory – a pair of wicked leopard print stilettos.

In a moment of frivolity, I asked for my size, and proceeded to try them on. Spurred on by my sister, who was, at that moment, living vicariously through my wild shoe choice, I immediately fell in love.

There was no question of with what or when I would wear them; these shoes were a must-have, no two ways about it.

Had I not been in the possession of the gift card, there is a chance I may not have thrown caution into the wind in such a way – but the fact remains; the shoes are now mine, and I have become a fierce advocate of the ‘power of leopard print’.

Whenever I wear those bad boys – I am woman. I am animal. Hear me roar.

And so; I reckon that every woman across the land should have a pair of leopard print kicks in their shoe collection – here are my favourites – a style to suit everyone!

Red or Dead is known for its quirky styles and these amazing Zee Zee Leopard Print Boots are out of control! They have a soft, fur-like upper, with zig zag inserts to take them from middle of the road to traffic-stopping! At £99.99, they’re on the more expensive end of the scale; but they’re a Schuh exclusive you won’t see anywhere else!

To bring things back down to earth; Barratts has these Patent  Leopard Print Ballerina Pumps for just £12, with a stylish jewel feature. Leopard print pumps are an easy option when trying out the trend, and they look fabulous dressing up a pair of jeans.

And, managing to make a wild animal print look cute – are these Killah Mara Heels from Cloggs.co.uk. With a detatchable patent flower badge and scalloped edging, they have a vintage vibe, and are super practical with a modest 3 and a half inch heel. They’re £44.99.

Finally – if you want to pay homage to the man that started it all – Christian Louboutin – opt for these suedette ankle boots from Dorothy Perkins – they’re as close as you’ll get to the real thing, and just £40!

While they’re right on trend now, they’re modelled after an iconic style that won’t go out of fashion.

Go on – get a little leopard print in your life. Grrr.

Last season, the statement shoe reigned supreme. Summer was the time of fabulously frivilous heels; on the catwalk, and ultimately, on the high street, where you and me could realistically get a go at them.

I truly fell in love with shoes for the first time. In all honesty,  they used to be an after-thought. I was more of a clothes girl; my shoes were just the platform for the rest of my outfit.

But after the swoon-worthy summer collections, I fell head over six-inch heels.

Now, I’m all;  shelter, water and shoes. They are essential, and I just can’t get enough.

I’ve been enjoying a fine romance. But things changed. November happened. Big ol’ boots arrived on the scene, and I’ve been fighting the urge go back to plain and black ever since.

So yesterday, I bought a pair of completely impractical shoes. Violet-hued, high heeled, strappy suede numbers that stole my heart the second I spied them.  And I’m wearing them, right now. On a rainy, freezing cold day in London.

And I feel like a million bucks.

There’s nothing like a pair of new shoes; any time of the year, but the shoes on shelves at the moment are worth their weight in fashion gold; and they should be worn, and shown-off no matter what the weather. Well, that’s what I think anyway; and I’ve definitely caused more shoe-ward glances today than any of the other boot-wearing public down my street!

Pictured: The Black Gardenia Metallic Lace Up Sandal, £45, from Barratts, the Henrietta Peep Toe Shoe, £99 from House of Fraser and the Carvela Gwen, reduced to £49 at Kurt Geiger.

Office is starting their holiday celebrations early with up to £20 off selected party shoes.

The Thinpurse hot picks include:

Suss It Out Leopard ponyskin courts were £65, now just £50.

The Look At Me Now purple nubuck platform peeptoes; originally £85, now £65.

Sherbert Dip Silver cracked leather heels, now £50, marked down from £65.

Check out the whole selection here.