Top 5 places to get coffee in London

Ever since I started studying at University, I began to drink coffee. Every time I drink coffee, I think back to my first year at University. I was fresh out of high school, excited to be an adult and eager to learn.  

I remember the people I met, my lecturers and the units I studied. I also remember all the coffee I drank and to this day, I can't function properly without at least one cup of coffee in my system.

I have to confess, since being in Europe I miss Australian coffee. I miss the coffee art on my morning flat white and most of all, I miss the taste of the perfected brew. I loved my time in France and I still want to return again, but the one thing I don't miss, is the coffee. 

I was excited to travel to a new country, to explore and discover new things. I have been in London for over 3 months now and I spend most of my free time finding the best coffee in London.

So, I've compiled a list of my top 5 places to get coffee in London.

1. Kaffeine in Soho. A café inspired by the coffee culture of Australia and New Zealand. Being Australian myself, this was one of the first cafés I tried in London. I loved everything about this café. My flat white was delicious and smooth and my tasty treats were indulgent.

2. The Coffee Works Project. We stumbled upon this café after walking along Southwark from the London Eye. We were tired from walking and in need of a caffeine fix! The industrial interior made it feel quirky and fun. The flat white was smooth and deliciously strong and the cakes were pretty delicious too.

3. Prufrock Coffee. After an afternoon of exploring London, it was time for some caffeination! This café was highly recommended so we decided to try it out! The people were friendly and welcoming and enjoyed a good conversation. Although, my Frenchy didn't get the coffee he ordered, we still enjoyed the experience and the coffee. With free Wifi, the modern café is a great place for an afternoon coffee or business meeting.

4. Wired Co in West Hampstead. This was one of the first coffees I had in London. I was heading to a job interview and arrived plenty early, so I had time to stop for a coffee. I stumbled passed this little café, so I decided to go in. The small café made it warm and cozy and my coffee was smooth and creamy.  The food menu looked interesting with fresh ingredients, so I'll definitely return to try!

5.  Flat White in Soho. Another Australian inspired café in London. I loved the small and intimate interior of Flat White. As soon as you walk in, you are hit with the smell of freshly brewed coffee. It's warm, cozy and the latte art is almost too nice to drink... almost!

Where is your favourite place to get coffee in London?

Head to the London Series for more tips from London.

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Top 5 tips for trying to open a bank account in London

The first two months in London were difficult.

I was super excited to come to London and to explore a new city.
That was until I realised how difficult it was to open a bank account in this city! Without a bank account, it means difficulty in getting paid and without getting paid, you will be crushed and eaten alive by this expensive city! 

Until you start earning pounds, your funds will dry up quickly and you'll be left with nothing! So make sure you have plenty of time, patience and money to help you getting set up in London.

So here are my top 5 tips for trying to open a bank account in London.

1. Most importantly, ensure you have enough money to survive up to 4 weeks in London. This is the most important thing! If you plan your budget and live cheaply, you should be able to manage!

2. If you followed my Top 5 things to do BEFORE moving to London, you'll be waiting for your N.I. number and it will be arriving any day now. Once you receive this, you'll have your choice of banks to go with!

3. If you are like me and don't have proof of address, it will start to get difficult now! Without proof of address, most banks will not even look twice at you. I have been told many times, by many banks that they only accept utility bills, tenancy agreements, current UK drivers licence, tax bills or a National Insurance Number. So, if you don't have this information, don't bother with Metro Bank, Barclays, HSBS or Nat West!

4. If you don't have proof of address (like me) you can try Lloyds bank. They apparently open accounts with just your passport. I was however not so lucky with this! I made the mistake of mentioning I live at a share house and when I mentioned this, they completely shut me down. So, don't mention the share house or anything, just bring your passport!

5.  If you plan ahead before arriving to London, I was told by HSBC that you can provide proof of address from another country, they just want to prove you are who you are but they do require originals (see point 1 to see the documents they accept!) so bring these from home.

And a bonus tip, if all fails (like it did for me) ask for other payment options by your employers/Human Resources, they may be able to do something for you. They may be able to issue you with a cheque. You'll need to find a money changer and they will take a percentage of the balance but at least you'll have some money to tie you over.

Moving countries, cities or continents can be hard so don't let it get to you if they say no. I went to more then 15 banks just to be shut down by every single one of them. It's stressful, frustrating and seriously annoying. So be patient and try your best to get all the documents you need to make it easier.

Head to the London Series for more tips from London.

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Top 5 tips for finding work in London

When I decided I wanted to live in London, convincing my Frenchy wasn't as difficult as I thought. I started searching for work, while I was still in France and found SO many job opportunities.

Upon our arrival in London, so many people told us London is a great place to progress in the workplace. There are so many job opportunities here, so you'll be sure to find something for you.

So where do you start? 

1. Work on your resume to tailor it to the positions you are applying for. Your resume/cv is the most important tool to assist you in your employment success. Make sure it is detailed, professional and easy to read.

2. Submit your resume to a recruitment company. They will help you find the job/career you want, while you can focus on the move and settling into the city.

3. Don't put all your eggs in one basket! Apply for a few positions before you get to London. If you are successful, hopefully you will have some interviews lined up for when you arrive.

4. Prepare some common interview questions and responses before your interviews. Also, remember to familiarise yourself with the Company, the more you are prepared, the more confident and professional you will sound. If you haven't had much experience in interviewing, you can always find some coaching professionals to help!

5. First impressions are very important. Make sure you are professional. Arrive to your interview ahead of time, wear appropriate interview attire, be well rested and calm. This will ensure you perform at your optimum capacity!

"By failing to prepare, you are preparing to fail!" Benjamin Franklin

Head to my previous post for more tips from London

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Top 5 tips for finding somewhere to live in London

I have to admit, London is an expensive place to live. Especially when you have foreign currency and need to exchange your euros and Australian dollars in pounds constantly.

However, once you start earning pounds, it makes the place more affordable.

My Frenchy and I have been looking for places to live since we arrived. And I have to say, it's not easy. There are hundreds and thousands of places you can live but how do you know what is the best place for you?

So here are some of the tips that we have found useful since being here.

1. Like I mentioned in my previous post, Airbnb is one of the best places to start out. Find somewhere a little further away from Central London. It's much cheaper in comparison to a hotel room and it's much more comfortable than a backpackers. Also, you can stay as many nights as you want (depending on availability) without needing to pay too much upfront.

2. Figure out roughly how much you will earn per week against the cost of living. This will determine how much you are willing to spend per week or per month and how much you can save. It will also make the search easier if you have a minimum and maximum filter on your search. Like I said, there are so many places to choose from!

3. The next important think to consider is the different Zone options. The further out you live, the more money you will spend on travelling into Central London. So think about where you are going to work and find a suburb close to transport and within nearby Zones.

4. It's important to find a selection of properties you like the look of and schedule an appointment to view them. You don't want to move in without looking at the place first. Make sure you feel comfortable and it's in a great location, close to transport.

5. And finally, don't settle for anything unless you are completely sure. Most places will have a 3-6 month minimum stay and you don't want to agree on it unless you truly love it.

Check in next week for more tips from London.

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Last Minute Travel Tips

Travelling is supposed to be a fun and exciting time but sometimes it can make a person incredibly anxious.

Like me.

I always feel like I have forgotten something important.

So I plan. A lot. And I thought I would share with you, my last minute packing/travel tips!

Firstly make a list of everything you will need. If you have it written down, you won't forget to pack it in your suitcase. Once you have your list, take that list to a friend or family member and they might prompt you to remember something. Or like a lot of friends, they told me I don't need to pack so many shoes (we are no longer friends!).

Photocopy your important documents. Save them on a USB stick or email them to yourself so if anything happens, you will have a copy of them. Always keep the originals and photocopies in separate bags. It will double your chances of keeping them safe!

Next, get all your clothes and shoes organised for packing.  Do this about a week or two before you take off. You can see if you have forgotten anything and you can also take stuff out if you don't think you need it. And check if some of the things you are taking require dry-cleaning. Take it in with plenty of time.

Pack everything properly! Make sure all your shoes are at the bottom of your suitcase so they don't damage your clothes. And also, pack things into your shoes. This uses up wasted space and it helps keep your shoes in shape. Bring lots of spare zip lock bags. You can separate your dirty clothes from the clean ones and you can wrap your shoes in them once they get filthy. This will ensure, your clean clothes stay clean. And pack your toiletries into plastic bags. It will contain any spillages or explosions.

Break in any new shoes. You don't want to wear new shoes when travelling as they are more likely to give you blisters. Break them in first so when you do start travelling, they will be comfortable!

Your carry on bag will be the most important thing you pack.  

What should you pack in you carry on?

• You want all your valuables with you at all times just in case your suitcase goes missing (touch wood)! This may be your electronics or travel documents but keep them close.
• Always pack a change of clothes and emergency toiletries in your bag. Again, if your luggage goes missing, you have fresh clothes, underwear and toothpaste at the ready! 
• Pack a scarf. Planes can get very cold so use it to keep you warm.
• Aspirin is also important. Planes can dry you out so drink lots of water and take some medicine if you get a headache. You want to be as comfortable as you can be.
• Pen and paper is also important. You'll need to fill out declarations and luggage tags so make sure you have a pen ready. Also, you are going to be stuck on a plane with so much spare time, you never know what inspiration may occur when you are travelling at 35,000ft.
• Wear shoes that are easy to put on and take off. You'll be going through security and you might want to take your shoes off in the plane. Have a pair of socks or slippers in your bag too incase you have to go to the bathroom or stretch.

It's important to tell your bank that you are travelling overseas! There will be nothing worse if they cancel your cards and you will be stuck without your funds!

Speaking of money, take some cash in the local currency. You won't want to be changing money at the airport plus you'll need it for transport out of the airport.

Don't forget your universal power adapter. There would be nothing worse if you couldn't charge your camera or laptop (oh, the horror!) while your away.

And finally, learn the local language. Now, I don't mean you have to be fluent in the language but it's important to know the basics. Write them down and try to use them when possible. It shows you are making an effort and it shows respect. 

Here are some of the basic French words you may need to know:

• Good morning/Hello - Bonjour
• Goodbye - Au revior
• Yes - oui
• No - non
• Please - s'il vous plaît
• Thank you - Merci
• My name is Fiona - Je m'appelle Fiona

But lastly remember to relax! If you plan ahead, you'll feel prepared and ready to explore the world.

Where is your next dream holiday?

Travel Series: What to pack for travelling in style

Boom! Boom! Boom!
My heart is racing... 
Racing to the beat of a drum...
Boom! Boom! Boom!
Nerves are creeping up inside me
Fear is close to taking over
I can't possibly live like this!

Let me paint you a picture of my current living state.

I have 3 wardrobes, hundreds of shoes, a party dress for any occasion and don't get me started on work clothes. All my wardrobes are bursting with clothes and shoes.

And now I'm expected to take only a few items... how is it possible to choose? What if the Queen wants to have dinner or what if I'm invited to red carpet event?

I can't possibly fit all the necessary 'in case of' items into my suitcase so I've really had to think hard about what to pack. And my conclusion is...

Keep it simple and bring back the basics!

You will need a few t-shirts to wear with skirts, shorts and jeans. And my choice is all things monochrome! Black, white, navy and grey, you can't go wrong!

Next you'll need your bottoms! Pack shorts, one casual pair and one a little bit dressier! From day to night, you can dress things up with a change of shoes and adding some sparkle. And don't forget to pack your Summer skirts. I've been told Europe can get pretty warm during Summer, so pack a comfortable one for the heat and one that can be dressed up.

Don't forget to pack your favourite jeans. They are perfect for trans-seasonal weather and look great day and night.

You will also need to pack a few Summer dresses for the beach and sightseeing. And pack your trusty L.B.D. This is a must have for a night out. You'll be wearing it a lot. Change your accessories to give a new look. And when the cold rolls in, add a jacket and some leggings to keep you toasty warm.

Also, you'll need a trusty jacket for every occasion. My jacket of choice is a blazer. They look great with t-shirts and jeans, dresses and they are suitable for work outfits.

And finally, playsuits! They are easy to wear and super cute for Summer. Pair them with your converse during the day and step into your heels after dark.

What can't you live without when your travelling?

Check out more travel tips here

My Top 6 tips for Walking in High Heels

Walking in high heels is an art.

I still admire women who can walk around in high heels and make it look effortless. And nothing makes me cringe more then seeing a woman who is struggling in her heels.

I constantly get asked how I can walk around in high heels. All I can say is, I've had lots of practise! I've been working in a shoe shop for close to 5 years now so I've had plenty of practise for walking in different heel heights.

When I first started my blog back in 2012, I wrote a post on How to Walk in High Heels, giving you all my tips and tricks for mastering the art of stilettos. So I thought I would narrow down my tips and make it easier for you to conquer those heels.

Top 6 Tips for Walking in High Heels shoes

1. Size matters! Make sure your shoes fit you right. Too big and you'll be slipping out of them or too small and your feet will be cramped.

2. Practise! The more you do it, the better you will be at it. Practise walking on different surfaces so you will have all the skills you need for tackling any occasion.

3. Don't just jump straight into the 12cm stilettos. Start lower until you master the more sensible heights, then you can graduate into the ankle breakers.

4. Always walk in a heel to toe motion. This will make you stand tall and walk more smoothly. Remember to keep your head up!

5. Don't be afraid of stairs! When descending stairs, make sure you use the railings for support and make sure your whole foot occupies the step. When walking up stairs, just place the balls of your feet on the stairs, this looks more graceful. Keep the heels off the steps otherwise you will look like you are stomping!

6. Be confident! Look up, stand tall and keep good posture. This will make you look more carefree and effortless!

Don't forget to have fun in your high heels and enjoy the looks of admiration you'll be sure to get!

Travel Series: The Must Have Accessories for Travelling

Apparently travelling is all about packing light. Or at least, that's what my boyfriend tells me.

He may have 12 months experience travelling but I still disagree with him.

I mean, who could get dressed in the morning with only 3 outfits to choose from? And don't even get me started on only having 6 pairs of shoes to choose from.

But, I found a silver lining.

Accessories.

So, what accessories should you take?

You definitely need jewellery. 

All kinds of jewellery!

Add stacks of fine jewellery to your everyday outfits. It adds luxury and personality to your basic travel outfits and they take up no space in your suitcase. Fine rings and necklaces are a definite must have, while your away.

Style Tip: Change everything everyday so it looks fresh and different.

Don't forget to add your statement pieces to your suitcase! Oversized cocktail rings and statement earrings are the easiest way to dress up a basic outfit and to make a statement. If you pack a few options, you'll always look fashionable!

They are small, can fit in any nook and cranny in your suitcase and they can change your look completely so don't be afraid to pack a lot.

Don't forget your handbags!

You'll need a trusty, everyday handbag for travelling. My personal favourite is cross body handbags! They keep your hands free while you are taking pictures or eating Nutella crepes in front of the Eiffel Tower and they sit comfortably over your shoulders! Pick one with zips and locks for extra security.

Style Tip: Pick one in a neutral colour so it can match with everything in your suitcase!

Next you'll need an evening bag. While you're travelling, you are going to have nights out and dining in fine restaurants. You'll want a handbag that will dress up a basic outfit and make you look more elegant!

Packing Tip: Pack your delicates and socks into your handbags! It helps your handbags keep their shape and it conceals your underwear!

Aside from shoes, what accessories can't you live without?

Travel Series: The 6 Must Have Shoes for Travelling Overseas

In under a month, I'll be taking flight overseas. I will be travelling with my boyfriend for a year, sadly leaving majority of my shoe collection behind! So from now until I leave, I thought I would share with you all the travelling tips I have discovered, right up until my heels leave the ground.

So, starting off the Travel Series is the most important and the most difficult subject to understand...

What Shoes Should I Pack?

This is the most difficult thing to pack... Especially for me. Shoes are my life. I love having many to choose from and I have the perfect shoes, for any occasion sitting in my wardrobe for when the time comes. 

But, as it is almost impossible to fit 200 pairs of shoes into my suitcase, I've had to cull... 

A lot.

And it makes me sad! After hours, days, weeks and months of planning, I have finally picked what shoes i'll be taking with me.

So here are my 6 Must Have Shoes for Travelling Oversees:

1. Luxe Trainers. They are all about sports luxury. Travelling is all about exploring new cities which means you'll be doing a lot of walking. So you need comfortable shoes for that! They should be comfortable and a little bit stylish so you can go from day to night easy. 

2. Next, you'll need a pair of simple ankle boots. They will look good with everything. You can wear them with dresses and playsuits during Summer and jeans and stockings during Winter. Choose a neutral colour so you can wear them with everything. Also, choose a pair you'll be comfortable in for a long time. You may need to wear them to work, out for dinner or during the day. Block heels give you height, while maintaining comfort so consider these!

3. If I couldn't bring a pair of high heel shoes with me, I would not be able to leave Perth behind. Choose a pair that can be dressed up for an elegant occasion or dressed down for something more casual. I chose a trusty pair of strappy heels. They are feminine, flattering and super chic.

4. Sandals are a must have for warmer climates. They keep your feet cool during the heat and if you choose a stylish pair, you can easily go from day to night and not feel out of place.

5. Walking shoes are unfortunately needed. They support your feet when you are lugging around your heavy backpack and you'll be able to walk comfortably.

6. Ballet flats. I almost couldn't write this but it's true. If you have a job that requires you to be on your feet for extended periods of time, you'll need a flat shoe. They'll be comfortable for a long shift and they'll look good with dresses, skirts and under long trousers.

What are your must have shoes for travelling?

Check in next week for more travel and packing tips.

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.

How to Wear Pointed Toe Shoes

Straight to the Point...

I was starting to stress out...

Panic was setting in...

My pile of discarded clothes was increasing, leaving me, with very few options.

And then, I had an idea.

I threw on my black tapered pants, white silk blouse and stepped into my favourite black, pointed toe shoes. I finished off with my red Chanel lipstick and black mascara, before rushing out the door.

Working in a shoe shop, I am surrounded by beautiful shoes, all day, everyday. And, I can't help but notice the latest trend.

Pointed toe shoes.

And, we are seeing an abundance of them. Pointed toe flats, boots and pumps, all in an array of colours, cuts and prints. And, I am in love with them all.

So, what's the point?

Pointed toe shoes can transform a basic look, into an instantly chic and stylish ensemble.

Pointed toe shoes are a 'must have' for every shoe wardrobe. They are classic, sophisticated, feminine and fun to wear. Not to mention, they are extremely versatile.

You can style them with dresses and skirts for an elegant occasion or wear them under trousers for corporate attire. They are also perfect to 'glam up' your jeans for fun.

This is usually 'the point of no return' for most.

So, why would you say no, to instant glamourfication?

You may be one of the lucky women, who have been graced with long legs and above average height. Which means, you will probably be well balanced and have slightly larger feet than average. Which means, pointed toe shoes, may not be your friend. They do elongate your feet and unfortunately, do make your feet look bigger.

My tip to you... Find a pointed toe shoe, with a slightly rounded tip, or a pointed toe shoe, with a shorter toe box. This will help reduce the length of the shoe, which will make your feet look smaller.

If you are the lucky percentage of women who have small to average size feet, you can wear whatever pointed toe shoes, your heart desires! So, wear them constantly, they are fantastic.

There is one major fault with pointed toe shoes, that most women complain about. They hurt. It is true. They can hurt, but only if you buy the wrong size shoe. If you have a slightly wider foot, opt for a pointed toe shoe, half a size bigger than your average size. Having the extra half size, will give you extra width and more room for your toes. You can always add a heel grip or gel cushion to take up any excess space in the shoe.

Also remember, as Christian Louboutin once said, "a woman carries her clothes. But the shoe carries the woman,"so be confident when you step out in your pointed toe shoes, they are fabulous!

How to Care for your Shoes

Everything happened in slow motion. The man falling into the woman, her cosmopolitan flying out of her hands and heading directly at me. Her glass and its contents landing directly on me and my nude high heels. 

Has this ever happened to you?

For you to get the most out of your favourite accessory, it's very important to care for them.

And caring for your shoes, could not be any simpler.

Leather Shoes

Leather shoes are extremely durable and easy to care for. 

When caring for leather shoes, give it a coat of good quality leather conditioner. The leather conditioner acts like a sunscreen and moisturiser for your shoes and protects your leather from the sun. It also stops the leather from ageing and cracking. 

When applying a leather conditioner to your shoes, apply a small amount of the cream to a clean, dry cloth. Lightly cover the entire shoes with the conditioner. NOTE: Do not to rub the leather.

I usually leave the conditioner on the shoes for a few minutes and then buff the shoes, with a clean sponge. If you have a good quality leather conditioner, it should dry clear. If the leather conditioner has left any marks on the shoes, you can go over the entire shoe with an instant shine sponge.

After you have leather conditioned your shoes and it has dried completely, give the shoes a coat in a good quality waterproofing spray. This protects the shoes, from water, dirt and oils absorbing into the leather.

Shoe care is an ongoing commitment, so I recommend using the leather conditioner and waterproofing spray after every seven to eight wears.

If you are busy and always on the run, you can get an instant shine sponge, for your leather shoes. The instant shine, is a sponge which is impregnated with an oil and will shine and polish your leather instantly. 

Suede Shoes/Nubuck 

People tend to wrap there suede/nubuck shoes in cotton wool and never wear them because they are afraid of ruining them. Don't! They are very durable and easy to care for.

Before wearing your new suede/nubuck shoes, make sure you give it 2-3 coats of a good quality waterproofing spray. This adds a protective coat/barrier around the shoe so no water, oils or dirt can get into the suede.

By waterproofing your suede/nubuck shoes, it will also keep your shoes smelling nice. Wet suede is not a great smell!

I recommend waterproofing your suede shoes, roughly every seven wears. I would also recommend using a suede brush on your suede/nubuck shoes. This will make sure they stay supple, soft and neat.

After a lot of wear, your suede/nubuck shoes can become very smelly, so it's important to wash them. You can wash your suede/nubuck shoes with a suede shampoo, which you can purchase from a boot maker or some shoe shops. Note: Make sure you let them dry completely before packing them away, as they can smell out other shoes if they have not dried properly. It is also important to use a suede brush when the shoes are wet.

Satin/Fabric Shoes

Satin and fabric shoes are just as easy to protect as suede shoes.

They can be protected with a waterproofing spray but I would suggest coating it with roughly 3-4 sprays, letting them dry each time. Satin and fabric shoes are not as durable as suede and cannot be cleaned as easy, so the more coats, the more protection, the better. Like suede, waterproof your satin and fabric shoes after every seven wears.

Patent Leather

Patent leather can be cleaned with a leather conditioner, just like your leather shoes. However, you will need to shine them, once the conditioner has been applied. To polish my patent leather shoes, I just use a clean, micro fibre cloth to shine them up or an instant shine sponge.

Other Notes

It's important that you choose shoe care products that do not have a colour base to them. This means you can use them on any colour shoes and it wont leave any marks on them.

The more you wear your shoes, the more frequently you should use your products. For me, I top up the shoe care for my shoes after seven wears.

It's also important to keep your shoes in shoe boxes. This protects them against dust and any unwanted moisture. By keeping them in individual shoe boxes, it prevents different fabrics and colours rubbing against each other and permanently staining them.

You can always take a photo of your shoes and put them on the outside of the box, that way you know what shoes are where and they will never be forgotten. This will also give your wardrobe a funky look!

If you are using new shoe care products that you have never tried before, I would suggest testing the products by applying a small amount on the shoe first, to see how it reacts. 

How to Wear Coloured Heels

We are now leaving winter and heading into the warm, summer months, so it’s time to dust off those bright and bold coloured shoes to brighten up your wardrobe!

When it comes to buying shoes, a lot of women are hesitant to buy coloured shoes. They believe there are limitations, with what you can wear them with and instead, opt for a neutral, versatile style that can be worn, with almost everything. Neutral shoes are a definite “must have”, however there are many benefits to wearing coloured shoes and a lot of different ways to incorporate them, into your wardrobe.

Coloured shoes are a great way to bring your outfit into the current season. During summer, it's easy to throw on a bright pair of shoes with a neutral outfit. And during winter, coloured shoes are a great way to brighten up your dark, winter clothes.

Coloured shoes can be worn in a number of ways. The below are my top tips for wearing coloured shoes:

1.     Add a splash of colour to a neutral outfit. There are many women out there that favour neutral clothing as it's a simple, elegant and versatile. Adding a splash of colour can bring that trusted little black dress, into the current season, with bold and bright colours.

2.     Colour blocking. Wearing multiple bright colours, 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 try and keep the tones the same. If you are wearing florescent coloured clothing and then pair it with a pair of pastel shoes, this will throw off the balance, so remember to try and harmonise your attire.

3.     Match your shoes to your outfit. With coloured shoes, they can be added, as an accent to a funky, statement outfit. If you are wearing a multicoloured, patterned outfit, pick up one of the colours in the outfit and add a pair of shoes in this colour. This will give the outfit an edge and blend it together.

4.     Add another accessory in a matching colour. This pulls an outfit together and adds harmony to your ensemble. Whether you add a handbag, piece of statement jewellery or a scarf, by adding in another matching colour, it will complete the look, without making it match, too much.

Coloured shoes are a great way to personalise your style and add character to a simple outfit.

How to Wear Neutral Heels

I stood in my wardrobe, staring at my discarded pile of dresses, my anxiety increasing, what am I going to wear?

Have you ever had an amazing outfit, but never the right pair of shoes to complement it?

Neutral shoes are an essential "must have", in every woman's wardrobe. They're extremely versatile and never go out of style. Here are some tips on understanding neutral shoes and incorporating them into your outfit.

The term "neutral" is defined by the World English Dictionary as, "dull, but harmonising, with most other colours." It describes a colour, which does not belong in the colour spectrum. Beige, ivory, taupe, grey, black and white can be defined as neutral.

The benefit of neutral shoes, means you can pair them with nearly any outfit. They also do not draw any attention, so you can go for funky outfits, in different colours or patterns, as the statement piece.

Neutral shoes, in reality, go with all colours. However, it is important to consider the tone of your outfit and pair it with the right neutral. For example, if you had a navy blue dress with a black belt and you paired it with beige shoes, this would draw too much attention to your footwear and throw off the balance.

The advantage of neutral shoes, means you can mix and match them with everything and they will never date. Even though you can wear your neutral shoes all year round, there are different neutral tones available during the different seasons.

During winter, there tends to be darker colours available, such as black, dark grey and brown. In summer time, nudes, beige and light greys, are the more popular choice.

Another major benefit to wearing neutral shoes is, they can make your legs appear longer. If you choose a neutral colour, similar to your skin tone, it will extend your silhouette.

The below are my tips for wearing neutral shoes:

1. Wear them as a neutral accent to a bold/colourful outfit. This means you can wear a statement outfit and the shoes will complement it, without drawing the attention away. For example, a bright orange and pink dress with nude heels.
2. Wear them with a neutral outfit as a contrast. For example, a dark grey suit with light grey shoes and a matching belt revamps that simple look.
3. Balance your outfit. This can be done by adding a belt or handbag in the same neutral as your shoes, to tie it all together. For example, a pastel pink dress with black pumps might overpower the soft pink tones, however, if you add a thin black belt or small clutch with your outfit, it will balance the outfit and give it a dramatic look.

The possibilities are endless for neutral shoes and I believe these are a guaranteed "must have" for everyone.

How to Walk in High Heels

I always get asked...
"How do you walk in such high heels?"

My response is always the same...
"With lots of practise!"

There are many benefits to wearing high heel shoes. They make you stand tall, your legs appear slimmer, define your calf muscles and they can even make your stomach, appear flatter. Not to mention, high heels are very feminine and can do wonders for your confidence and self esteem. Walking in high heels is an acquired skill and does take some practise to master. 

I'm no expert with regards to walking in high heels, but I thought, I would share my story and tips with you and hopefully you can use some of them, to conquer those high heels!

Working in a shoe shop, I always had to have current season shoes and I always tried to look my best. When it came to buying my work shoes, I chose styles with low kitten heels or low wedges. These were a good introduction into high heels. Still high enough to give my feet a workout, but low enough, to be able to wear them comfortably.

I believe that by starting with lower heels, it conditioned my feet and strengthened my ankles so I could eventually wear the higher heels.

Whenever I bought new shoes, I'd choose slightly higher heels each time, until I was in high heel stilettos, with a 10cm heel and above.

At first, it was very tough working long hours in high heels. I think my feet, were always hurting! I would wear the heels for a few hours and then change into something lower, to give my feet a break. 

I would wear a lot of wedges in varying heights, as this style evenly distributes the weight across the entire foot (making it more comfortable!), while still maintaining the height. This really helped with getting my feet used to being so high off the ground!

Everyday, I noticed I could last a little bit longer, than the day before. The longer I worked there, the longer I could wear the high heels and the better I was at walking in them!

By starting with small heels and working my way up, this was essential to me, being able to walk in high heels. The more I did it, the better I became at it. 

I find it very natural to wear high heels now and I'm even more coordinated then when I'm wearing low heels or flat shoes!

Here are my tips for walking in high heels and what helped me, in acquiring the skill:

1. Practise. The more you do it, the better you'll be at it. Make sure to practise on different surfaces. Walking inside on carpet and even surfaces is much easier than walking on uneven concrete or tarmac.
2. Start with low heels and gradually make your way up the varying heel types and heights. This strengthens your ankles, while getting them used to your heels being so high off the ground.
3. Be confident. Stand up straight with your core muscles engaged and your shoulders back. Don't look down at your feet! The more confident you feel, the more comfortable your feet will be.
4. Always lead with the heel. 
5. Take small steps and keep your legs close together. This looks more graceful while you are walking. 
6. Keep your knees natural. Your knees should not bend any more than when you are in flats. 
7. When going up in heel heights, try a wedge heel as this style is more comfortable.
8. Know the occasion. If you'll be on your feet for an extended period of time, and walking around a lot, maybe choose an option with a lower heel. This will ensure you last longer on your feet. 
9. Break in your shoes first. Wear your shoes around the house, around the office and even while doing your shopping. This will soften your shoes and get you used to wearing them. It will also start scuffing the soles of your shoes, so they aren't so slippery, when you wear them out.
10. Don't rush! When you're wearing your high heels, you'll never be able to walk as quick as you can in flat shoes, so walk slow and controlled.
11. While using stairs, on the way up, just place the balls of your feet on each step. This make the movement more graceful. While descending the stairs, use the railings for balance and support and make sure your entire foot occupies the step.
12. While you're out, don't take your shoes off! When your feet are sore, they will swell and it'll be much more painful, when you try and put them back on. If  you know you won't make it the night in your heels, carry a pair of flats that you can change into, for the remainder of the night.
13. If you want to wear a really high stiletto, choose an option with a platform. The platform takes away some of the height, while still maintaining the illusion of a high heel. The platform, better distributes and supports your weight 

Remember to give your feet a rest from high heels, as prolonged wear can result in irreversible damage to your feet and cause back problems.