The 5 shoes to avoid this Winter in London

We are definitely well into Winter now and it's sadly time to pack away some of your favourite shoes to get you through the rain, cold and snowy Winter here in London. Firstly, I haven't been in London very long but I can say from my experience... it rains a lot here. So there are many styles, materials and heels that won't make it through the season..

So, for now, it's time to pack away your trusty Autumn shoes and get prepared for Winter. Here are the 5 shoes to avoid this Winter.

1. Say goodbye to your beloved stilettos:

It pains me to write these words but it's true. Rain, snow and London, are not a very good combination! Walking in stiletto high heels in London, is a challenge in itself but add Winter elements... It's a disaster waiting to happen!

Instead, opt for a slightly chunkier, block style heel. They will be more stable and comfortable when walking around the London sights! 

2. Suede? No way!

Suede is one of my all time favourite shoe materials. The are soft, comfortable and elegant to wear, but sadly, they won't survive a second in the torrential rain London has. No matter how much waterproofing spray you put on them, I can almost guarantee, they won't survive. So leave them at home until the Spring has sprung!

Reach for your durable leather shoes, they'll hold up so much better in the weather!

3. Relaxed trainers

Since I began travelling, I have a new love for the sports luxe trend. I wore my white Armani canvas trainers with so many outfits. But they are not made for the Winter months. No matter how comfortable your canvas trainers are, I'm sorry, but they will not keep your feet dry. I remember walking home from the Tube station and completely underestimated the depth of a puddle! My poor feet were freezing cold by the time I got home. So, say goodbye to your old friend for now. They'll be waiting for when the puddles dry up!

If you can't survive without your comfortable trainers, you can find some luxe leather trainers which will have a much longer life in the Winter.

4. Sandals...

My biggest shoe weakness is suede, strappy, high heeled stiletto sandals so this post is completely crushing my soul! I'm sorry but sandals are not designed for Winter. So, if you want to keep your toes and not lose them to frostbite, it's time to let your favourite sandals rest while we endure this frightful season! Sandals shine the brightest during Spring and Summer so be patient!

If you can't survive without making a statement in sandals, opt for statement closed toes, you can wear hosiery to warm your feet up without drawing too much attention to your feet.

5. Ugh!... I mean Uggs!

I'm all for relaxed outings but please, Uggs are not boots! Leave your Uggs at home this Winter! I know they keep your feet toasty warm and comfortable but they are not proper Winter boots. Aside from the water resistant styles available, your Ugg boots will not handle the outdoor terrain, no matter how well you protect them and clean them. Keep yours Uggs fluffy and cozy for your feet to step into after a cold and busy Winter day.

As a shoe lover, it is very hard for me to say goodbye to some of my trusty shoes this Winter but, the silver lining... It's time to go shoe shopping for Winter.

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Check back next week for the must have shoes for Winter.

January: The Highlights

How was everyone's first month of 2016? Have you kickstarted your 2016 resolutions?

January has been a month of growth for me. I've settled into my new job, found time to juggle work and life, explored more of this city and I've even gone shoe shopping!

So here are the highlights if you missed them:

After an initial struggle with homesickness, I picked myself up and embraced this wonderful city.

I took some time to explore a little bit of London and visited Tower Bridge.

I went shoe shopping at Kurt Geiger and rewarded myself to some new shoes.

And I built my Winter wardrobe to help fight the London cold.

I fought the cold and explored the Big Ben, Westminster Abbey and the London Eye.

Finishing up the month, I styled my Ultimate Vegas Outfit.

What were the highlights of your January?

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Coming up next: The 5 shoes to avoid this Winter in London

All I want for Christmas is shoes...

Christmas is a time to spend with your family, eat lots of food and if you are forunate, exchange gifts with your loved ones. Whilst I value anytime with my family as precious and priceless, I do also love getting presents.... I mean, who doesn't?

For me, my gift this year is exploring the other side of the world with my Frenchy but a girl can dream about overflowing stockings and mountains of presents under the tree.

And being a shoe-a-holic, all I want for Christmas.... is shoes! 

During my short time in London, I've been exploring different London stores, coveting the different shoes and dreaming of the time I'll be able to afford the pretty shoes.

So, I've compiled my London shoe wish list by budget.

Under £100

This has been a difficult month for me. Settling in to London has been rough and getting back into work, well, I've had to make some adjustments! And I've had to budget my money and stop buying shoes! *insert gasp here* But by lowering my budget, I've discovered some reasonably priced shoes here in London... 

Especially at Zara. 

I am currently coveting these elasticated black ankle boots for just £30 ($62). I love the simplicity of them, the chunky heel and the tapered toes. The perfect shoes for everyday!

Elasticated ankle boots
Image via the Zara website

Under £200

I have a weakness for black suede, high heels and strappy sandals, so when I discovered these caged 'Gracie' heels by Carvela, I was obsessed immediately. They are made of suede, they are strappy and they have a 11cm high heel. Perfection.

What's not to love for just £120 ($250).

Gracie caged heels by Carvela
Image via the Kurt Geiger website

Under £500

How amazing would these heels be for a New Years Eve party? I looooooooove these Anouk pumps by Jimmy Choo! I love the classic pointed toe, the gold sparkles and the high heels of course. I spend a lot of my spare time window shopping in Selfridges and when I saw these, I wanted them for this upcoming party season!

Jimmy Choo Anouk heels
Image via the Selfridges website

Coming in under £500, these heels are the perfect party companion for just £425 ($879).

And 

Break the bank £££...

The best thing about Winter is the fashion and I'm currently obsessed with these grey suede 'Lowland' long boots by Stuart Weitzman. I've seen them all over Pinterest for the passed year but when I saw them at Russell & Bromley, I fell in love all over again.

At £595 ($1232), these boots are sure to break the bank but the versatility is totally worth it!

Stuart Weitzman 'Lowland' boots
Image via the Russell & Bromley website

While I am still crazy obsessed with fashion and footwear, this year for Christmas, I would trade all the shoes in my collection, just to spend the day with my family on the other side of the world.

Merry Christmas to you all!
May your day be happy and prosperous with the special people in your life!

Block it Out!

Have you got that one pair of shoes that you wear all the time? 

Well, these are my new favourites and I don't leave the house without them. I love the black and white print. The monochrome style makes them versatile and easy to match with any outfit. 

Meet 'Riley' by Senso, my new favourites.

I've been coveting these Senso shoes for a while now and I was lucky enough to receive them as a birthday present and I couldn't be happier.

What I love most about these shoes is the block heels. It makes them super comfortable and easy to wear, everyday. As much as I love stiletto heels, sometimes it's nice to have a pair of comfortable favourites to wear on days when you have sore feet.

And the lace up front, adds a nice little detail to the shoes.

There is nothing that these heels don't go with. I wear them with jeans, trousers, dresses and skirts.

These are such a versatile pair of heels which will be making many appearances into my daily outfits.

Flashback Friday

I am dedicating Flashback Friday to one of my most popular Shoe of the Week posts done back in 2013.

Meet 'Melpensa' by Windsor Smith.

Wearing Kookai dress

What I love most about these shoes is the minimalism. The single, delicate strap across the toes and around the ankle, makes them perfect for the Summer season.

The 10cm stiletto heel adds glamour and elegance to the sandal. They are the perfect heel height for any occasion. They are high enough to give your calf muscles a workout but they are still a comfortable heel to walk in.

But the main reason I love these shoes, is the gold studded detailing all around the shoe. They make them a statement sandal. Perfect for when you want to make a bold statement and turn heads. The contrast of the gold studs and black suede of the shoes, makes them a classic combination and a statement heel.

High heeled sandals are incredibly versatile. And these shoes are easy to wear with everything. They look fabulous with Summer dresses and playsuits but they also look elegant and chic with skinny jeans. My favourite Summer trend this season is the midi skirt and these heels are the perfect accessory to wear with them.

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: 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!

Currently Trending: Crimsonite

Do you have that particular pair of shoes, that no matter how blue you are feeling, they make you feel better, instantly?

Well I do, and they are red.

No matter how sad or unmotivated I am feeling, as soon as I step my feet into a pair of bright, red shoes, my mood lifts and I feel like I am ready to conquer the world.

Red shoes are nothing new, they have been a popular trend for a long time, but I think they deserve a special mention for the Spring/Summer season. They are great to accompany your neutral Summer dresses during the warm months, but they are also fabulous for adding a pop of colour during the cold Winter months. The perfect all year rounder.

My tips for styling your red shoes are:

1. Add that little pop of colour to a basic neutral outfit. There is no neutral that red will not go with. My favourite outfit, is a black pencil skirts and white blouse, paired with red pointed toe pumps. The red adds a pop of colour to your outfit, while still being appropriate for the office.

2. For a fearless and jaw dropping outfit, definitely add your favourite red lipstick with your killer red heels and you'll be able to conquer any task given to you.

3. Avoid wearing your red shoes, with overly suggestive outfits. The pop of red in your shoes, is already sexy enough, so be sure to keep your outfit simple, classic and elegant. The red shoe will definitely do all the talking.

There are some things, that you should avoid wearing with red shoes. Red on red is just a red overkill and looks like you are trying to hard. And, the only appropriate time to style your red shoes, with a green outfit is Christmas time.

Last year, I dedicated a post to my first pair of red shoes. Since then, I have bought 3 more pairs and cannot seem to stop. There are so many pairs available and they come in an array of styles. You definitely should get shopping, to find the right pair for you.

Happy shopping!

Currently Trending: Sandal Up

Summer is coming, which means, it's time to get your feet out and into some cute heeled sandals, ready for the 40 degree heat.

I have to admit, I am a Winter girl. I love the cold weather, wearing ankle boots and skinny jeans. But if there is one thing, I love about Summer, it's the strappy, high heel sandal.

What I love most about the high heel sandal, is how feminine and flattering they are. High heel sandals are the perfect accessory for the Spring and Summer seasons. They go well with the latest fashions and complement the latest prints and patterns.

The minimalism of the shoes, makes them, incredibly versatile. Having a simple shoe, means you can draw more attention to your clothes. So, be sure to pick the craziest and brightest outfit to style your high heel sandals with.

So below are some of my tips for styling high heel sandals:

1. Clashing prints is a popular trend this season, so be sure to style the latest trend, with a pair of minimal high heel sandals for an instantly chic look.

2. Midi skirts are a popular trend this season, so slide into one and step into a pair of stiletto sandals for an elegant and classy outfit. The perfect outfit for lunch with the girls or dinner with your beau.

3. Add a pair of stiletto sandals to your favourite jumpsuit for the perfect trans-seasonal outfit.

The Summer sandal is a definite must have for the Spring/Summer season. The versatility of these shoes is endless. There are so many styles available, so you'll be sure to find a pair that suits your style.

Happy shopping!

Currently Trending: Bold Colours

Perth has caught up with the Season calendar (about time!) and we are seeing some warm and sunny days. Finally some appropriate weather, to start calling it Spring time.

And there is nothing more appropriate then colourful shoes, to get you through your Spring season.

There is something about colourful shoes, that make you happy. They are bright and cheerful and just perfect for the Spring/Summer season. You should definitely step into a pair of bright, colourful shoes, to give you that little spring in your step.

Most women opt for neutral shoes, instead of coloured shoes, as they believe there are limitations to what you can wear with them. Now, it's true. Neutral shoes do go with absolutely every colour, print and pattern around but every now and again, you need to spice up your look and step into a killer pair of bright shoes.

Don't be afraid to wear multiple colours in one outfit. Colour blocking is a popular trend at the moment so why not try it with your shoes? Don't worry about the colours clashing as this is what colour blocking is all about. Just remember to keep the harmony of colours the same.

My tips for styling your colourful shoes are:

1. Style your bright and bold coloured shoes, with a neutral outfit. Step into those bright coloured shoes and your favourite LBD and you'll be ready for the spring races. They are the perfect accessory, to bring your outfit into the current season.

2. Match your shoes, to your outfit. If you have a statement outfit, with multiple colours, prints or patterns, pick out one of the colours in the print, and find a pair of shoes in the same or vary shade of the colour. This will tie the whole look together.

3. Add some accessories in matching colours. Whether it be a matching handbag, jewellery or a scarf, this will harmonise your outfit and make it pop.

You can't go wrong with a coloured shoe, this Spring/Summer.

Happy shopping!

What is your favourite colour for shoes?

My Designer Wish List

I love shoes.

It's as simple as that.

They make me happy, they are reliable and they don't break your heart.

It's true love.

And, one of my favourite shoe designer has me crushing...hard, every season.

Christian Louboutin is a legend and a fashion god. He creates beautiful, sexy, unique and super stylish stilettos, that would make any shoe lover swoon. I spend my free time, browsing and coveting his latest collections. Dreaming about when I would have money to be able to afford his beautiful designs.

So, I thought I would compile a list of my dream shoes.

1. Coming in at number one is the beautiful and amazing 'Hot Chick' black patent pump. Everyone needs a black patent pump in their life, and the 13cm stiletto heel is sexy and feminine. A definite must. Words by the fashion god himself, "high heels are pleasure with pain."

2. Everyone needs nude sandals in their collection. What I love about these shoes, is the two-tone colour, with the spike detail and not to mention, the alluring 12cm stiletto heel. It is pure lust at it's best and simply perfect for the Spring/Summer season.

3. There is not much I can say about these Mrs Bouglione shoes. They make a statement, draw attention to your shoes and are just flat out gorgeous. These are the perfect trans-seasonal shoe.

4. What can I say but Oh. My. God! Statement shoes are a must have in everyone's wardrobe. I first fell in love with these shoes, when I watched the 2nd Sex and the City movie. Since then, I have been dreaming of how I would feel, once I could finally step my feet into these gorgeous and flattering pumps. They had me at crystals.

5. Classic pumps are a necessity in every girl's wardrobe. So it's no surprise that another one of my wish list items is a pointed toe pump. But, what makes this pair amazing, is the 12cm heel and the cut outs on the side. This makes them super flattering, feminine and sexy as anything. I need these in my life.

The Iriza 120mm nude pump... Perfection

6. And finally, my last, Christian Louboutin wish list item, is his 'Rouge' nail polish. I've always had a love affair for red nail polish. It is always my colour of choice when it comes to pedicures! So, when Louboutin released his new nail polish line, it became more of a need then a want. It's the unique glass bottle and tall, stiletto inspired cap, that had me swooning.

Christian Louboutin designs are timeless and classic. They can change any simple outfit, into a sexy and stylish ensemble.

Read all about my only two pairs of Christian Louboutin shoes here and here.

What are your dream Christian Louboutin shoes?

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?