Fashion Fantasy.... Peek-a-boo shoe boots

Just one more reason why I love Primark... Patent peep-toe lace-up shoots!

They were always destined to be THE shoe to be seen in this season after both D&G and Gucci featured them heavily on their Spring/ Summer runways, but after seeing Sarah Jessica Parker wearing a pair there's no doubt I just had to have some to add to my already extensive shoe collection!

Peep-toe shoe boots have recieved mixed opinions, with some people actually calling them 'Ugly' and others unable to understand the reasoning behind cutting out the toes from what could be a very practical, stylish shoe to keep feet warm on those breezy spring days. But me, I think its a genius style statement from the Italian designers and a trendy twist to update last season's shoe to be seen in!

However, as much as I dream about being able to afford a pair hot off the catwalk, once again the bank balance stands in the way! So, I'm sure you can just imagine my euphoria at spotting this almost identical pair in Primark for a bargain £12 - a mini fraction of the cost of a designer pair!There's no doubt I just had to have some to add to my already extensive shoe collection!

To all you sceptics out there, take a tip from me and pair them with a pair of cute, glitzy socks. Ok, so it kind of goes against the whole concept of the peep-toe by covering your peeping toes, but at least it goes someway to adding a little warmth to your feet on those breezy spring days.... oh so very Daisy Lowe style!

Lay off my blue suede shoes

Walking around topshop last weekend I spotted these lovely navy blue leather and suede court shoes, and just couldn't help secretly smiling at the thought of a very similar pair sitting in my wardrobe. Curiosity got the better of me as I strolled across to the shoe section, smug in the knowledge that mine were sure to have cost a fraction of the price.

On closer inspection I was actually surprised to see that they retail at £35, not expensive at all and very reasonable for Topshop shoes - well thats not expensive unless, like me, you paid a mere fiver for the below almost identical pair from a charity shop!

Ok, so don't shoot me, but I have to admit that the only thing I love more than getting an genuine vintage bargain is seeing a copycat version inspired my orginal pair on the high street at more than triple the price! Plus, the two may very well look very similar but I believe I am the one with the advantage knowing that when I wear them I am sure to avoid that dreaded moment... you know the one, that horrendous moment when you're in a bar in a perfectly planned outfit down to every last detail only to see a girl enter in the same dress as you!

That's the best bonus of a good vintage find or a customised piece of clothing, it's highly unlikely to bump into anyone wearing the exact same!

S/S 2008 - Nautical and Nice

The maritime moment we’ve been enjoying remains on the horizon for Spring/Summer 2008 as the nautical trend has firmly dropped anchor to survive yet another season. An all-American colour palette of smart navy, crisp white and cherry red reigns supreme, and go overboard for bows, buckles and brassy buttons – feminine details that add the finishing touch that emphasise the chic sophistication of a trend that owes inspiration to the 1950’s and 1960’s sex kitten. Sail into style with a sea of stripes, rope detailing and anchor prints that dominate tops, shirts, cotton dresses, bags and accessories, and the classic sailor-style bib collar gets a new lease of life in the form of dresses and smock shapes. Loose linen, denim, wide-legs, crops and full skirts are the bottom of choice to save you from sinking in the style stakes.

If top-to-toe sailor style isn’t your thing, just focus on the sharp core colour scheme for a look that is simple plain sailing - small touches like adding a red handbag to a plain white t-shirt and jeans, or this stripy handbag from Primark. Alternatively, hint at the trend with key accessories, such as big bangles in bold red and navy or an anchor pendant – often seen on celebs. My anchor necklace was a bargain from New Look at just £3.50, and I also have it in silver, but for a wider range of nautical accessories I recommend Ebay - you can even pick up original vintage accessories.

My take on the trend….

The high street is awash with nautical inspired wear, but as the nautical trend first hit the fashion scene decades ago thanks to the likes of Audrey Hepburn and Marilyn Monroe, being the vintage addict that I am, this for me is the perfect excuse to ‘hoist mizzen’ round vintage and charity shops to pick up some genuine pieces that have survived the decades – as you can see from the piccies, a successful shop all round!

For the office, marry minimal maritime details with a basic white cotton shirt and black trousers to introduce a more subtle nautical theme.

For the office...

• For a look that fuses two trends, a white and navy blue anchor print neckscarf used in the form of a statement pussy bow ticks the boxes for the beautiful bow trend.
• The nautical-inspired trousers with their brassy buttons gives a nod to the slouchy androgynous style seen strutting the catwalks.
• A flash of red brightens the classic work uniform and adds a colourful edge.
• Alternatively, team a basic red or navy top with a sexy pencil skirt team or these grey sheen sailor front crops from Warehouse, and accessorise with a neckscarf or chunky bangles.
• Stand out in stripes with a candy striped shirt, with my favourites being these from Warehouse and the online store Boohoo.com.
  Wear a striped cardigan over a plain white t-shirt or blouse for ‘sailor-meets-geek’ chic.
• Remember, stripes are infamous for making even the waspiest of waists seem wider, but the red stripes and wide navy waistband on this multi-striped cardigan from Topshop draws away the eye.

For the Pub...

• This full skirt with maritime inspired buttons is the key for perfect pub outfit. Try a denim skater skirt (where) or this rope-detail pencil skirt from Topshop also to enjoy a multi-trend moment by mixing nautical and denim.
• If you’re feeling brave and bold, go for these red shiny shorts or a red pencil skirt, both from Boohoo.com.
• Keep the focus on the skirt’s details and team with a stripy, anchor print or plain coloured vest.
• A vintage neckscarf adds an original touch reminiscent of the outfits worn decades ago – even better if you can find one with a nautical-themed print.
• Alternatively, try chunky accessories for nautical in the noughties.
• Add a flash of racy red to these sailor style dresses from Topshop with a skinny belt like this one from Primark and a red handbag.
• ‘Toe the line’ with a pair of red or navy heels – adding flats will dress down the outfit for a warm summer afternoon in the beer garden (not quite possible just yet!!)
• Add a pair of coloured tights to hide any white legs that have been snuggled up in winter woollies for the past few months.

For the Weekend...

• For a weekend look, team a printed vest with denim – I’ve gone for my favourite high-waisted black jeans, but a blue pair would enhance the nautical fee. Try the new flares out in the shop for a 70’s edge.
• Wear a pair of ballet pumps to ensure your feet can carry you shopping til you drop.
• The red hat is colourful yet practical touch to keep you warm until the sun comes out.

Accessories...

If you can't beat em, wear em... Winter Blues

Feeling blue?... Great, you're in fashion!

Who'd have thought scientists are so stylish? well, some clever boffins are certainly bang up-to-date in the fashion department with their latest diagnosis that this time of the year is officially the bluest... makes me wonder if their research came from the latest fashion magazines and a wander around the high street? Because fashionistas, it's a blue, blue season!

The high street is awash with blue hues at the moment, from baby blue to midnight blue, electric blue to navy blue, it's the latest colour to have in our wardrobes! So, let's brave the windy wet weather and defy the dark days to shop til we drop. Not only will shopping make you feel good, but a blue splash on any outfit will make you look good!

H&M's latest Spring collection certainly makes the most of blue. This blazer should be a staple garment for those with a love of all things bright and beautiful, and combine with these fabulous dresses and make a bold statement in top-to-toe electric blue - or add a spark to any outfit with the shoulder bag. A look not for the meek and mild, but not to worry, H&M has thought about you too with this cosy cardigan and trendy trench coat in baby blue. And I'm loving this knitted beige dress at £24.99... so much so, it's already hanging in my wardrobe!!

Being blue makes a statement dahlin'.. not only of our mood but also our style!

A New Year, A New Resolution, A New Blog

As I waved a fond farewell to the year that was 2007, like I do every year, I entered into 2008 with the confidence that a few New Year's resolutions is sure to transform my life. So, I made a pact with my little old self that this year I will stop biting my nails (again), start this fashion blog and cut back on the daily shopping. Ok, so the last two don't make sense - why set up a fashion blog but then stop the activity I should be writing the most about?! Well, understandably my motivation for the latter is to save a few extra pennies to jet off once again to the shopping mecca that is New York. I figured surely it would be worth a whole week indulging in my favourite past time in the Big Apple? Surely I couldn't get serious withdrawal symptoms from a few less days a week online shopping, or racing from shop to shop before they close after work at a breakneck speed that would have even Dame Kelly Holmes weak at the knees... but oh, how I overestimated my willpower!

Luckily for me who rejoices at the mere sight of a sale sign, most of the store sales started before Christmas Eve, which gave me the great excuse to have a mini blowout before my New Year resolution came into effect. Spending on the promise of the Christmas money I was about to receive, I managed to pick up a few excellent bargains without having to strengthen my bargain radar and exercise my crazed obsessed alter-ego that usually raises its ugly head in the need to compete with other January sales shoppers to find the best buys. Feeling pretty pleased with myself, I managed to persuade myself that I didn't need to go sales shopping over the Christmas period and that less shopping equals more money - but, looking back, I now realise that my euphoric state was actually induced by the sugary high caused by one too many Quality Streets and those sweet movie classics they re-run every year!

Because with Christmas and New Year over, my shopping habit returned to punish me with a vengeance as those retail gods that demand my every move have cleverly decided to have some damn good sales this year!! As soon as work began again in 2008, so did my daily shopping activity - well it's so hard working in the city to pass a shop without going in, and so easy to purchase with Internet access at my fingertips!

Let's just say I needed those 'Denise' shoes from Faith and ‘Cuff’ shoes from Irregular Choice, those Snake Panel Flat Tassle Boots, the Chiffon Racer Back Blouse and Pleated Satin Tie Blouse from ASOS, that 'Melange' skirt from American Apparel, a few cheapo vests, t-shirts and knits (essential for this British winter) from Primark, a couple of neckscarfs to keep out the chill, oh and I just had to have that anchor necklace in both silver and gold, with earrings to match each... well, some of these new fab additions to my wardrobe were in the sale!!

So, as I write this on the 15th day of 2008, with nibbled nails and a not so attractive bank balance, I am proud to report that this year I have at least succeeded in keeping to one of my resolutions - this blog! Ok, so it's taken me a couple of weeks to finally get round to my first post, but it's here and there's plenty more to follow...