A Beautiful Swan

Have you got the most amazing pair of shoes in your collection but you can't wear them?

Well, I do and they are the stunning 'Swan' by Manolo Blahnik. 

'Swan' by Manolo Blahnik

These shoes were my first ever pair of designer shoes and I love them dearly. These shoes were made especially for the Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn movie as Bella Swan's wedding shoes. As soon as I saw them on the big screen, I was hooked on them. I was hunting for them online, while I was watching the movie.

I was obsessed from the first moment I saw them. It was love.

I needed these shoes in my life.

And I was generously gifted these beauties.

There is not much I can really say about these shoes but they are fabulous. Hand crafted in Italy, the quality of detailing is evidence of exceptional craftsmanship. And the quality of luxury materials, makes these a pleasure to wear.

The embellishments are stunning and exquisite 

What I love most about them, is the exquisite, hand crafted embellishments. They make such a bold statement and draw so much attention to your feet. I have never seen a pair of shoes, as beautiful as these.

These are my Cinderella shoes. I feel like a princess, when I step my feet into them. The 4 1/2 inch (10cm) stiletto heel is the perfect height. They are comfortable enough to wear for any formal occasion but still tall enough to make you feel elegant.

What are your most beautiful pair of shoes?

Currently Trending: The Backpack

The backpack. One of the hottest trends this season.

Most people are hesitant to wear backpacks. Some say it brings back flashbacks of their school days. However there are some super chic backpacks available now, which will make you forget those younger years.

Backpacks are the perfect accessory to carry your life. They are great for polished corporate outfits during the working week, but they are also super chic, with casual day time attire for the weekend.

Image via the Nine West Australia website

So, why are backpacks becoming so popular?

Well, they are the perfect combination of functionality and accessory. Not only are they a super chic bag, they are also incredibly practical to carry all your necessities around. Whether you are a uni student, hurling around heavy textbooks, or someone who loves the ease of carrying around a backpack, there will definitely be one backpack that will suit your style.

Style your backpack for everyday office wear. Find yourself a basic and simple shape, in a neutral tone so it will always look professional. Or, you can find yourself a printed and fun backpack for the weekend. Step into a pair of slip on trainers and you'll have a fashion forward, sports luxe look.

I've compiled a list of super chic backpacks to get you through this summer season.

1. Make a statement with this Colette Accessories backpack. I love the colour of this backpack. It's bright, bold and super chic.

This duck egg blue backpack by Colette Accessories, is a steal at $45.

2. If you are a professional woman, this Cue backpack is for you. It's chic, classic, stylish and very professional. Perfect to match your tailored suits and shift dresses.

This Cue backpack is perfect for everyday wear at $125

3. Do you want to make a statement with your backpack? Then I believe this Sass and Bide backpack, is perfect for you. I love the checkered print.

Spoil yourself with this Sass and Bide monochrome delight at $350

Convenience never looked so good.

Be sure to find yourself a chic backpack this season.

Happy shopping.

The must have LBD...Dress to Impress at your Christmas Party

Did you know, there is only 5 Saturdays until Christmas? Scary, right?

We are definitely well and truly into the festive season, which means it's time to plan your work party outfit, so you'll be ready for the occasion.

My Christmas party is coming up this weekend and I thought there is no better time, then now, to plan my outfit.

When it comes to work Christmas parties, one thing to remember is, it's your WORK Christmas party. Which means you still need to dress and act in a sophisticated and professional manner. There are definitely some outfits that should not be worn, while you're sipping champagne with your Boss' Boss' Boss.

First thing you need to consider, when dressing for your party, is the type of event. If it's a day time event, you can wear a simple dress and low heels. For an evening event, opt for a cocktail dress.

My favourite quote is "You can never be over dressed. What's the worst case scenario? You're the best dressed in the room!" So my motto is, 'If in doubt, always overdress'.

And there is nothing better then the trusty little black dress, to get you through the Christmas season.

Currently Trending: Metallics

It's time to step out in those bright and shiny metallic heels, ready for this Spring/Summer Season.

The metallic shoe trend, is nothing new. Like most fashion trends, it's one that has been in and out of fashion for the passed couple of seasons.

So, why are metallic shoes, always a popular trend?

Rose gold metallic heels and Samantha Wills rose gold bardot ring

It's simple. They lift your outfit. They have the ability to dress up any ensemble, especially denim and your favourite party dresses. They add the right amount of luxury, to any basic ensemble.

Metallic shoes are bright, bold and fun to wear. They are also incredibly versatile. Metallics blend so well, with neutral tones, as well as, bright colours and statement prints. Metallic shoes are also amazing all year round. You can wear them in Summer and Winter and be on trend for the season.

Here are my tips, for styling your metallic heels this season:

1. Treat them as a neutral shoe. There is nothing you can't wear with metallic shoes. The general rule to follow, is keep the harmony the same if you are wearing other 'heavy metal'. Don't clash too many metals when you are wearing your metallic shoes. The shoes make enough of a statement.

2. Keep your look simple and basic, when it comes to styling your metallic shoes. You want the shoes to get the attention. So a L.B.D or jeans and a basic camisole are the perfect accompanying outfit.

3. Tie in other metals, in the same tone as your shoes. This will ensure your look ties well together and blends everything together seamlessly. Whether you have statement jewels, in similar tones, or a statement clutch. 

The metallics trend, is one of my all time favourites. I must have been a magpie in a previous life... I love anything shiny. Especially my shoes. They can boost my mood and make me feel like I am ready to tackle anything.

You'll be shining in the spotlight, when you step out in your polished metals.

Happy shopping!

Lets Get Lost!

So, I think it's obvious by now... I have two obsessions.

One major one... All things shoes.

And, secondly... My love of Samantha Wills jewellery.

My Samantha Wills obsession started almost two years ago. I was browsing Instagram, when I spotted one of her pictures. Since then, I have been hooked. I love how unique her pieces are. The super chic bohemian style contains the right amount of luxury. Perfect for any occasion.

My bestie and I have also bonded over her pieces. Whenever we are together, we talk about the latest collections and our current SW favourites. 

So, it's no surprise that another one of my Accessory of the Week, contains a Samantha Wills piece.

I love statement necklaces. 

They lift simple outfits, into stylish and unique ensembles. If you are lacking outfit inspiration, adding a statement necklace can make you feel instantly chic. I love the unique shape of the 'Let's Get Lost' necklace. The beautiful etching draws attention to the turquoise bardot stone in the middle of the pendant.

What I love most about Samantha Wills jewellery, is how you can mix and match different pieces from previous seasons, and they all blend so well together. I had a bardot ring from a season before, which looks great when styled with the statement necklace.

What is your current statement necklace obsession?

Currently Trending: The Midi Skirt

The Midi Skirt.

What can I say about this latest trend, except, you definitely need at least one in your Spring/Summer wardrobe...

You can't go wrong with a midi skirt. It is the perfect outfit to take you from day to night. Whether you are heading out for a day of shopping or out at dinner with your beau, this is the perfect all rounder.

The midi skirt is incredibly feminine and flattering when styled correctly.

Wearing: Portmans Midi skirt, Kookai crop and Windsor Smith heels

The midi skirt is most amazing when styled with high heels. If you are a flats kind of girl, then this is one trend, you'll have to miss. Unless, you are one of those women, blessed with above average height! There are many heel heights and types available, I'm sure you can find one style to suit you.

For a casual day-to-day look, style your midi, with chunky block heels or low heeled stilettos. This will give you an effortlessly chic look and make your legs look amazing. When it comes to styling your midi skirt for a more formal occasion, this is where you can pull out your ankle breaker high heels and sparkling blouse.

The Midi Skirt worn by SJP in Sex and the City 2

Here are my tips for styling your midi skirts and the shoes I would choose to style with them.

1. Always wear high heels with your midi skirts! This is a must. If not, your legs will look short and stumpy, which won't be flattering at all. The only exception to this rule...if you already have legs that go one for miles.

2. Style your high waisted midi skirt, with crop tops. This will make you look so much taller. Have some fun with your crop tops. There are so many styles available.

3. As most midi skirts are full and puffy, remember to keep the look balanced. With a full and heavy skirt on the bottom, remember to keep your top half fitted, otherwise you will appear heavier than you are. Styling tip: Add a belt to your waist. This will cinch you in and give you a nice feminine shape.

Block heels by Wittner, Strappy sandals by RMK and Pumps by Siren shoes

4. As for the shoes, you can step into a pair of chunky block heels for casual, everyday wear. Style your midi skirt with a simple t-shirt (always tucked in) for an effortless look. Opt for thin strappy high heeled sandals for evening wear. It makes the look super feminine and makes your legs go one for days. And, finally, step into a pair of pumps and a soft blouse ready for the office.

The possibilities are endless, when it comes to styling a midi skirt. They are flirty, feminine, fun and fantastic. What more can you want? This is definitely one chic trend, that I will be loving this Summer season.

How do you style your midi skirts?

The Perfect Accessory

Every girl needs a statement clutch in their life.

They are bold, beautiful and the perfect accessory for any occasion. They can lift a simple outfit into a head turning ensemble, worthy of the red carpet.

And, I finally 'bit the bullet' and purchased myself a beautiful statement clutch by Samantha Wills. I have been coveting these handbags, since she first released them but I managed to convince myself I could live without one.

One day, I decided to take a closer look at the handbag and it was the worst mistake I could have made! I fell in love instantly. The clutch fits perfectly in my hand and feels amazingly chic, to hold. 

So, naturally, I made it mine.

I could have squealed with excitement, I was that happy.

Bohemian Dreaming Clutch - Turquoise

I love the feel of the black satin in my hand. It is a beautiful and soft, luxury fabric. But my favourite thing about the clutch is the beautiful turquoise bardot stone on the front. The gold plating, makes the turquoise stone pop. This definitely makes a bold statement and will make people stop and notice.

The clutch is also, deceivingly spacious. It is small in size, but it opens out, nice and wide so you can fit all your essentials in there, without fuss.

I also love the versatility of the handbag. It is stunning when accompanied with high heels and lace, but it is also perfect for Sunday lunch with the girls.

It is the perfect accessory, for any occasion.

Currently Trending: Block Heels

I love high heels.

Especially the thin and slightly impractical, stiletto heel. But, I have to confess something... They are not that comfortable. They look fabulous and super chic but they are for standing around, not running around.

That is where the block heel comes in handy. The popular and current trending style, is a comfortable and safe shoe option for the Spring/Summer season.

So, why are the block heels so popular?

My current fave  by Wittner

Well, stating the obvious, they are comfortable. They give you the desired height, without sacrificing comfort. Wearing block heels means you can walk for miles, window shop for days and party all night long.

Block heels were never my favourite shoe trend. I thought they were too bulky and not flattering at all. So, I avoided them. That was until, I kept seeing them more and more. So, I decided to try them on.

My feet were in comfort heaven and I couldn't deny them, that feeling.

So I bought a pair.

It took me a while to get used to them. But now, they are one of my favourite shoes in my wardrobe. I wear them to and from work, casually on the weekend and I have never been so comfortable.

The chunky block heel provides much needed support under the heel of your foot and supports the arch of your foot. What more can you want from a shoe?

Veronika Maine skirt, Kookai crop top, Wittner heels and Samantha Wills necklace

There are so many styles and options available in a block heel. They are becoming popular with celebrities and they have even made an appearance on red carpet.

So here are my tips for styling your block heels this Spring/Summer season.

1. Block heels can be quite heavy so style them with chic and feminine silhouettes to soften the look. My personal favourite, is midi skirts and crop tops.

2. Block heels are great all year round. Be sure to style yours with a pair of jeans, a cotton tee and a fitted blazer, for an instantly chic look.

3. If you are still nervous to try this trend, start off with a small, block heel to gain your confidence and then graduate to a bigger block heel.

I will always be a stiletto girl, but this is one trend, that I will be embracing this season. They have already made multiple appearances in my daily outfits.

Happy shopping!