Currently Trending: Florals

So, I randomly asked 10 women, what they first think of, when they think of Spring.

And, the most common response, was...

Flowers.

So, it's no surprise, that one of the most popular Spring trends, is florals. You should definitely get yourself a pair of floral printed shoes, to match the hottest trend.

When I think of florals, I can't help but think of Meryl Streep's character in The Devil Wears Prada, and her hilariously sarcastic response,

"Florals? For Spring? Groundbreaking!"

I know, it's such a popular trend and does come in and out of fashion every Springtime but it is certainly on Spring/Summer trend that won't die anytime soon. And, if you look after your floral shoes, you can definitely wear them, years from now. They will always be a hot trend for the Spring season!

Floral shoes are a definite 'must have' for the Spring/Summer season. They are fabulous for the Spring races and they are the perfect accessory to brighten all your neutrals and simple outfits.

My tips on styling your floral shoes are:

1. Buy the matching handbag! This is a definite must. The amount of women who regret, buying the matching floral handbag is astonishing. You should splurge and treat yourself so you have the complete, floral accessory set. You definitely won't regret it.

2. Style your floral shoes with a neutral dress. My personal favourite is a little white dress. It is super feminine, flattering and really refreshing. You can also style them with your trusty L.B.D. It will make the florals pop.

3. Pick out, one of the colours within the floral print and find a bold dress in the same colour. The colour in the dress, will blend and tie the whole look together.

Florals are beautiful and refreshing for the Spring season. You should definitely get your hands on some. Happy shopping!

Wardrobe Inspiration!

Do you ever have that dilemma, where you are staring at your wardrobe, thinking "I have nothing to wear"?

That is my dilemma, every, single day.

I have so many shoes that I have now, forgotten half of my collection. I have a very small wardrobe and have no where to store my ever growing shoe wardrobe. I have wanted to create an amazing shoe wardrobe for a long time now, as I feel like, I have to showcase my large collection.

So, I have been perusing the internet, coveting celebrity wardrobes and seeking wardrobe inspiration. I thought I would share with you, some of my favourite wardrobes that I have come across, on my search for the perfect wardrobe.

I've had people ask to share my shoe wardrobe with them, so here is my messy, unorganised shoe chaos. And mountain of shoe boxes. I like my shoes, stored in their shoe boxes as it makes them easier to stack, and it protects them from dust and other elements. My collection, is nothing fancy, but I do hope one day, I can build a beautiful wardrobe that will showcase my wonderful shoe collection.

This is all the shoes, that I have in my very small room. I have also taken over two other wardrobes and I have some shoes hidden under my bed!

How do display your amazing shoe collection?

Currently Trending: White Out

There is one fashion trend that took me a while to get used to. And now, I cannot get enough of it.

White shoes

We have seen glimpses of white shoes over the passed few season. I think the fashion industry was trying to get a 'feel' for how people would react to the fad. And, apparently people were loving them because we now have an abundance of white shoes to choose from.

And I have to say, I am loving them. I just knew, I had to add them to my ever growing shoe collection.

White shoes are so bright and refreshing. They are the perfect addition to everyone's Spring/Summer shoe collection. They are extremely versatile. They go well with brights, pastels, prints and other neutrals. They are a definite must have.

So, how can you say no, to such a versatile shoes?

Well, white shoes are one of the well known, fashion rules. People say, white shoes should not be worn after Labour Day.

And all I can say ladies, is rules were made to be broken.

Not only are white shoes, great for the Spring/Summer season, they are great all year round. If you find the perfect style, they will be the perfect trans-seasonal shoe for you.

So here are my tips for styling white shoes.

1. White on white is such a popular trend at the moment. It is fabulous and feminine on everyone. You should definitely pair your white shoes, with an all white ensemble. It makes such a bold statement and will be sure to turn heads.

2. Style your white shoes with other neutrals. Grey and white is such a refreshing combination. Perfect for spring. And monochrome is such a popular trend this season, so add your bright white shoes with your little black dress.

3. White shoes look amazing with faded blue jeans. So throw on your favourite jeans and step into a pair of white summer sandals and you are good to go for Sunday lunch with the girls.

Now, the only downside to white shoes, is they will definitely show up a few unwanted marks, so do make sure you look after them correctly. Remember to waterproof your white shoes (anything other than patent leather) before heading out. And if you do happen to get some marks or scuffs on them, use a leather conditioner to clean them up. After leather conditioning your shoes, make sure to re spray them, with your waterproofer again. Just remember to use silicone free and neutral base products, so you wont discolour the white.

Happy shopping!

Happy Feet

We all spend many hours on our feet, everyday. On average, I walk over 10,000 steps every, single day (thank you to my Fitbit for those stats!). So we must keep our feet happy and healthy so they can continue to carry us places.

The best thing you can do for your feet is buy good quality shoes. So, what does the extra money get you?

You will get better quality leather, which means they will mould to your feet better and they won't rub (blisters? no way).

The extra money also buys you more foot support under the arch of the foot and cushioning in the soles. This will absorb some of the shock and pressure from everyday wear. When you are on your feet for long periods of time, you definitely want a pair of shoes, that will provide the support your feet need.

And, the more you spend on your shoes, the longer they will last you, providing you look after them correctly. See my How to Care for your Shoes, for tips and advise. Now, in saying that, I don't mean you can only buy Salvatore Ferragamo or Christian Louboutin shoes, you can still find some good quality shoes in the middle of the range.

My 2nd tip, to happy and healthy feet, is buy shoes that actually fit your feet.

There are so many styles, cuts and shapes available, and I am sure you will find something to suit your feet. There is nothing worse then Bad Fitting Shoes, so make friends with fitting aids! Your shoes will fit so much better!

It is important to understand the shoe materials you are buying. A leather shoe is designed to soften and mould to your feet, so it's ok if they are a little bit snug, just make sure they are not, painfully tight. And those cute floral satin heels, you've had your eye on, they wont stretch very much. Maybe opt for a slightly bigger size and add some fitting aids.

And finally, my key to happy feet is, don't sacrifice comfort for fashion. Know the occasion before picking your shoes.

I personally love high heel shoes and I wear them, almost all day, everyday. But, I have a confession to make... I walk to and from work, in slightly more practical shoes.

I admit, it's not ideal, but walking up and down stairs, across uneven surfaces and running for trains, it's not practical in heels, so personally, I opt for sensible and appropriate shoes for those situations. My top picks for fashion savvy, comfortable shoes are, chunky heeled ankle boots or slip on trainers. You can't go wrong with those!

You can find some super stylish and super comfortable shoes around, so why not leave those pointed toe heels under your desk at work? Your feet will thank you later.

Currently Trending: Sports Luxe

I have to confess my love for the latest Spring/Summer trend.

Sports Luxe.

The sports luxe trend has been around for a few seasons now, but it does seem like more emphasis has been made on it, this Spring/Summer season. More designers are embracing it and more celebrities are seen sporting this trend during their downtime.

I think it's time, for you to get your hands, on some amazing sports luxe shoes, to complete the look.

My current favourite pair of slip on trainers are these beauties, from Witchery.

My favourite pair of sports luxe shoes, is definitely, a slip on trainer. They are super comfortable, incredibly versatile and come in an array of colours, prints and materials. I can guarantee, you'll find one, that suits your style. And you cannot forget the fashionable, wedge sneaker, which I also adore.

As per the Wittner Australia website, sports luxe shoes can be defined as anything from chunky heels and slides, to mules and slip on trainers.

Donna Player, the Group Executive Merchandiser of David Jones says, "Sports luxe is not about mixing two classic trends, it is about two very different aesthetics coming together to create something wonderful and new...Beautiful things often come to fruition when opposites attract - embrace it."

So why is the trend so popular?

Sports luxe, takes fashion to a whole new level. For once, people are opting for comfort over fashion. People are being more relaxed. And it's now, more acceptable. I never thought I would admit to it, but the sports luxe trend, is surprisingly flattering, when done correctly.

So how should you style your sports luxe shoes?

1. When it comes to styling your sports luxe shoes, make sure you get the correct ratio, when it comes to sports and luxury. Do not get too relaxed. Inject the correct amount of glamour and even throw in some leather too.

2. Style them with feminine silhouettes and elegant ensembles. They look fabulous with A-line and pencil skirts.

3. Sports luxe shoes are great to accompany your jeans and cotton t-shirts during the trans-seasonal weather.

4. Slip on trainers are a must have for the festival season. Style them with denim shorts or playsuits for an effortless, trendy (and comfortable) look.

Not everyone loves the sports luxe trend and it is one, that has caused a bit of controversy in the fashion industry. What's your opinion on the trend, do you think it is fashionable or are people just being lazy in their fashion choices?

Wedge Sneakers...Love or loathe?

Wedge sneakers have been popular for many seasons now. They were made popular by designer, Isabel Marant and leading sports brand Nike. Many celebrities are seen sporting these during their downtime and they have even appeared on the red carpet (Ellie Goulding and her gold Nikes!).

But, this is one trend that not everyone loves.

I admit, I loathed this particular trend for a long time. I thought they were ugly and only appropriate in a sports bar or gym locker room. But like most things, the more I saw them, styled differently and worn by different people, the more I liked them.

And I finally found a pair that suited my style and converted me into a lover.

Meet 'Nevan'... These amazing Nine West, wedge sneakers from their Winter 2014 collection, make such a bold statement, in my already overflowing wardrobe.

I love how different they are from everything else in my collection. When you have over 170 pairs of shoes, you tend to have the classics covered, so it's time for the statement shoes. I love the studded, gold toe caps and the lace ups. They are the perfect combination of chic and sports luxe.

They are super comfortable with the 10 cm wedge heel and are the perfect accessory for winter and trans-seasonal weather. They are great for keeping your feet toasty warm.

These shoes definitely turn heads. Everyday that I have worn them, someone has stopped me and told me how amazing they are. It is a good feeling when strangers stop you, to admire your footwear. 

I rarely wear the same shoes, two days in a row but I have to confess, these are my new 'go-to' weekend favourite. It's safe to say, I am a little obsessed with them.

So, what's your opinion of the wedge sneaker? Do you love them or loathe them?

Currently Trending: Monochrome Madness

MONOCHROME!

Monochrome is the hottest trend to hit the runways and red carpets, for the Spring/Summer season. And what better way to complement those beautiful monochrome prints and patterns, then with a matching pair of monochrome shoes?

Monochrome, is definitely nothing new. It is a trend that has been popular over the passed few seasons. The two neutrals harmonize well together and designers are constantly gaining inspiration for monochrome designs. So it's no surprise, the trend has come around again, this season.

As Coco Chanel once said, "Black has it all. White, too. Their beauty is absolute. It is the perfect harmony." And, I couldn't agree more. The timeless classic, is glamourous, sophisticated and flattering on all skin tones.

To me, shoes, are the perfect accessory. With a quick change of shoes, you can have yourself, a fashion savvy and on trend ensemble. And, if you invest in a pair of beautiful monochrome shoes, you'll be able to wear them all year round. Monochrome is a great trans-seasonal trend and you'll definitely get your money's worth.

So, how can you style your monochrome shoes?

1. Add a monochrome pair of shoes, to a monochrome ensemble. Be bold. They are the perfect accessory to complement all monochrome prints. Just make sure you don't clash too many prints or patterns, as monochrome does make such a bold statement and it can look messy.

2. Add monochrome shoes with a matching clutch, to a bright, bold colour. Yellow, red, blue, green and orange look amazing when paired with monochrome accessories. Just make sure the colour is one, block colour. If it's printed or patterned, the overall look will be too busy and confusing.

3. That little black dress...Add a monochrome pair of shoes and you have a fashion forward, on trend look, ready for the Summer season.

4. Add a splash of colour to your monochrome look. It will break up the black and white and soften your look. I like to add red lips or coloured jewels to my monochrome ensembles. Everyone loves a splash of colour.

Monochrome is a simple, and timeless trend. Most people have the classic pieces in their wardrobe already, so everyone can pull this look together, effortlessly. Have fun shopping for that perfect pair (or two!) of monochrome shoes!

Designer Shoes: Are you afraid to wear them out?

Christian Louboutin 'Fifi' black spikes

I sit down, heart racing and excitement increasing. I slowly lift the lid to the box, exposing, crisp, white tissue paper. I pull back the tissue paper revealing the most jaw dropping pair of shoes.

Peeking up at me, is a pair of beautiful, black patent leather pumps, embellished with black studs and the thinnest stiletto heels, I have ever seen.

I pick up the shoes to admire them closely. I slide my hand over the smooth, red lacquer sole, admiring the craftsmanship of the shoes.

Intoxicated by the smell of new, fresh leather, I can't resist the urge to giggle and jump around in glee.

These are my first pair of Christian Louboutin shoes.

My pride and joy.

It was love at first sight. The black spikes and thin stiletto heel, were my undoing. I had to have them. To me, they are a piece of art. They are beautifully designed and exquisitely hand crafted.

But, almost 18 months on, I still haven't worn them out. I'm too afraid to ruin them and the red lacquer sole is way too beautiful to scuff. And, not to mention, the money factor, if I ruined them!

Shoes take a major beating. Walking on cobble roads, through the weather and the general wear and tear. Can you blame me for being afraid to wear them?

So please help me!

How do you get over the fear of ruining your designer shoes?

Read the full story of my first pair of Christian Louboutin shoes here.

Currently Trending: Going Nude

My current season nude of choice is the Tatiana pump by Nine West

Spring is in the air!

The flowers are beginning to bloom, the weather is warming up and everyone has, that little spring in their step! So what better time, to start building, your 2014 Spring/Summer shoe collection?

And, why not kick off your new Season collection, with my favourite and most popular trend for the season... Nudes.

Nude shoes seem to be the colour (or neutral) of choice for the Spring/Summer season. Everywhere I look, I am bombarded with an array of styles, in varying shades of cream, beige, tan and everything in between. Who would have thought, there was so many shades of nude available?

So, what makes nude shoes, so amazing?

The main purpose of a nude shoe, is to elongate your silhouette. If you find the perfect shade of nude, close to your skin tone, your legs will appear so much longer (amazing, right?). There are so many shades of nude available and it can be daunting, but have fun, every girl loves trying on shoes and you'll find the perfect pair eventually.

Nude shoes are the perfect accessory for statement outfits. They complement bold colours, prints and patterns, without drawing too much attention away from your outfit.

Tony Bianco 'Aliyah' Heels and Samantha Wills jewels

Not only are nude shoes perfect for Spring, they are great all year round. They complement brights and pastels throughout the Spring/Summer season, but they are also great for breaking up the blacks and greys throughout Winter. Who could say no, to the perfect trans-seasonal shoe? These are a definite 'must have' for every wardrobe.

The possibilities are endless, when it comes to styling your nude shoes. Below are my top 3 tips:

1. Find a clutch or handbag, in a different shade of nude. This season, is all about contrasting different shades of nude, so it doesn't matter if your bag isn't a perfect match, to your shoes. Just make sure the tone of nude is similar (pink tone, grey tone, yellow tone etc).

2. Add nude shoes to a bold, statement outfit. They go well with printed, patterned and coloured outfits. They will complement your look, without drawing too much attention away from your ensemble.

3. For a fresh, Spring/Summer outfit, add a nude pair of shoes to a simple white dress. This look is super feminine and effortlessly chic. The perfect outfit, for lunch with the girls.

Nude shoes are popping up online and appearing in shops all over the city, so get hunting, for your perfect nude shoe. This is one particular trend you need to get your hands on quickly.

For more tips on styling your nude shoes, see my popular blog post, How to Wear Neutral Heels.

Be sure, to check back next week, for more of the latest Spring/Summer trends and styling tips.