Pre Paris Wishlist

Hefner slippers, £165.00 here

In a matter of days, I am heading to Paris for a lovely Easter mini break. This week, I have spent every lunch hour poring over guidebooks, blogs and Instagram (always a good shout for cool spots off the beaten track), trying to work out exactly where to check in. Three meals a day is just not enough- is it greedy to attempt two lunches? I've managed to find some great little places - with a big thank you to Serena Guen and Erica Berman of Hip Paris - and look forward to sharing these with you after my trip.

Round the Block

During the winter months I am rarely seen without a heeled ankle boot. From where I am sitting I can see eight pairs of black, almond-toe leather ankle boots, and that is but a sample of my expansive  collection. I have, however, reached a seasonal turning point: it's hot, hot, hot in London, and there really is no place for boots when it is above 20ºc. Also, nothing looks more confused than a sunshine yellow chiffon dress with black Chelsea boots.

I love ankle boots as they are versatile, practical and flattering. Heels are simultaneously powerful and feminine, but they must always be comfortable, for no one wants throbbing feet by lunchtime.

Behold, my spring/summer 2014 solution: the block heeled sandal. When in Barcelona for a friend's 21st earlier this year, I visited the ZARA mothership and treated myself to these tan leather strappies. Often ZARA shoes can cut feet up, but these are crafted from soft leather, making them comfy enough for everyday wear. The tan shade is totally versatile, not as harsh as black but not too girlish like nude.

My next purchase will be a black version. Though I am dreaming of the Whistles Gia style, I think I may opt for these H&M leather strappies with gold buckle detailing. Wear with structured midi skirts for an elegant city chic look.

1. ZARA tan buckled sandals in leather, £79.99 here

2. H&M imitation leather sandals with statement buckle, £24.99 here

3. H&M leather sandals with glossy heel, also available in nude with tortoiseshell heel, £39.99 here

4. Whistles Gia leather sandals in white, also in black and silver, £185 here

BEST OF THE REST

Tick Tock Hot to Trot

 

Charlotte Olympia Timeless Pumps £525 here

There was a time when I dreamed in Louboutin: my heart and soul longed for a flash of scarlet sole.

These days, though, Louboutin stands alongside a number of other fabulous footwear fancies: notably Charlotte Olympia and Sophia Webster, both of whom combine wearability and wit in their designs. 

My latest obsession are these adorable "Timeless" pumps from the new Fall 2013 collection. A classic heeled slipper style, akin to those purr-fect Kitty heels (sorry), these velvety black pumps feature a golden clock for an idiosyncratic twist on a failsafe pump. 

A charming addition to any shoe collection, these timeless courts will work with everything from the new vinyl A-lines through to your sculpted new season coat. 

Treat yourself- they are timeless, after all.

MORE TEMPTING TREATS FROM @CHARLOTTES_WEB

Friday Fashion Treats

I must apologise that I have been so absent from my blog of late. I have been interning and moving, so the blog has gone a tad quiet.

I have also been without internet which makes life pretty difficult for a blogger.

Alas, I am back and felt I should share with you some glorious end of week treats to tempt you away from your pressing Friday evening work.

1. Every time Bijoux Bazaar gets a new drop, I notice a sudden drop in my bank balance. Anyone else feel this knock-on effect? This dove grey and crystal MANHATTAN style is the latest piece to catch my eye, and I am terribly worried it will sell out very soon. It is the perfect piece to throw over a casual sweater dress, or to add a healthy bit of chic to your LBD. It is a great buy... but please don't all buy one. Leave one for me, yes?

2. I have fallen hard for these burgundy velvet Hoxton sandals from ASOS. Velvet is so very decadent and elegant, and this rich colour just exudes opulent allure. They are the perfect shoes to buy in the run up to the party season.

3. A slip dress is foolproof for a Friday night, and this metallic one is a real dazzler. It's so 90s Kate Moss it hurts, and the silver sheen is perfect for both AW13 and SS14. It's a knockout. Sadly most small sizes are gone, but it will work on anyone.

4. This nail polish by Seche, also at ASOS is the perfect regal raspberry shade to compliment these killer ASOS heels.

Introducing the Bike-sea Boot

There are countless reasons why I am so fond of fashion. Within the top fifty, though, is the fashion folks' penchant for inventing bonkers new words to be used in a sartorial context. I say inventing, but usually these words are simple hybrids- the been-and-gone Jegging is a prime example, as is the ultra cosy Coatigan. 

"I love your top Shona!"

"Oh, you mean my blirt?"

As of yet, nobody has penned the Chic-tionary- to be frank, ain't nobody got time for that. But if you keep your finger on the pulse in reading your dailies, weeklies and monthlies, you should be well on your way to fluency in fashion.

This season I have decided to coin my own term so as to describe my chosen boot style. Behold, readers, the mighty Bike-sea.

At the AW13 press days I fell massively for all the biker boots on display- universally chunky and subtly punky.

However, when I began browsing the stores in pursuit of an everyday style, I felt a touch intimidated by these badass bikers. I like to think my style is quite feminine and elegant. Biker boots are not. If I were a boot I'd be the safe and simple Chelsea boot, not a Doc Marten. 

Also, lest we forget, biker boots are far from flattering. They are all well and good if you are Freja Beha Erichsen, but if you have even a slight curve to your leg, you must be wary. 

The Bike-sea boot is a reassuring alternative. Cut to the ankle, the Bike-sea features a chunky, practical sole alongside classic biker detailing. It is stompy and contemporary, but still forgiving, falling just on the right side of edgy. 

My pick is the Kurt Geiger Saturn, which is currently topping my new-season shopping list. Short enough to work with dresses but substantial enough to see me through Scottish snow, these are ticking all the boxes. 

Here are the best of the rest. 

1. Carvela by Kurt Geiger SATURN Boots - £160 here

2. Jimmy Choo YOUTH Boots at Net-A-Porter - £595 here

3. River Island Gold Detail Biker Boots - £45 here

4. Zara Cut-Out Bikers - £89.99 here

SHOP SIMILAR: 

Be My Baby Blue

Perk up your day with some delicious new shoes, and how could you get much cuter than these powder blue boots by Sophia Webster, available here from www.matchesfashion.com.

A delicate shade of sky blue, these feminine but modern shoes feature pretty bow and frill detailing along with polka-dot mesh for an extra helping of girlish innocence.

I'd keep it pretty and pair with a clean and crisp white shift for a fresh look. 

Shop these Sophia's delights here. 

Simple Pleasures

1. Dune studded sandals here
2. Office Roman sandals here

Gladiator sandals are a perennial Summer favourite, and each and every year I find myself drawn to all manner of glam glads.

I have been spending like an absolute crazed lady of late, treating myself left right and centre, and I have now settled upon THE sandals of my Summer wardrobe.

I have a tendency to opt for over-elaborate sandals and those with all sorts of twinkling trinkets attached. However, my experiences with such sandals always seem to end in tears when the gems fall off. And yes, it's as traumatic as it sounds. 

This year I have been more than a little bit smitten with these Isabel Marant sandals at Matches and Aimé on Ledbury Road, but my student/intern budget is certainly not going to reach to these Elvis sandals any time soon, unfortunate as that is.

When I spotted these tan studded sandals in Dune (not my usual shoe stop) I simply had to treat myself. Though they are not quite as dazzling as the Isabel Marant, they have a similar shape and style complete with a block wooden heel to elongate my less-than lengthy legs. 

I was tempted by the white alternative, but managed to resist temptation and opted for the simple tan shade. If you're not one for studs, try this alternative from Office. These Roman sandals are flattering, simple and effortlessly chic.

My sandal collection just got sensible. 

Le Flamboyance

Happy Sunny Sunday, all!

On a day like today, there is nothing more appropriate than some seriously pretty sandals, a floaty little sundress and copious amounts of ice-cream/frappuccinos/frozen-yogurt/Pimms (delete as appropriate).

If you are regular reader of my blog (hi Mum), then you will know that I am something of a girly girl with a penchant for all things glossy, pretty and cutesy. So, I am sure you can all imagine my elation on spotting these sweet Sophia Webster sandals on Never Underdressed.

I have been swooning over the bold, kitsch designs by Sophia Webster for a few seasons now, and these sandals (at Net-A-Porter) really embody the fun spirit of London's latest fashion force. 

With yellow and pink polka-dots on the cylindrical heel and cartoon flamingos kissing at the clear perspex peep-toes, these adorable shoes are like Mr Blobby meets Barbie, in the coolest way possible. 

Granted, they are not exactly a throwaway purchase at £315, but how could you ever be in a bad mood when wearing shoes that are so very jolly?

PS

FUN FACT TIME. A group of flamingos is called a flamboyance... Such divas. 

PPS

If this has whet your Sophia Webster appetite, check out these bad boys... More fabulous than a flamboyance. 

What's Up Stud?

Mmm it's going to be a scorcher this weekend, so I have spent the majority of today trawling the internet looking for all sorts of ludicrously scimpy outfits that I can wear while i'm still young and fun and all that stuff.

It's my new way of convincing myself that it's okay to spend nearly £200 on one Zara spree... After all, girls, this is the best we are going to look, so may as well make the most of it.

While thinking of a nice little post to do today, I had a little browse on Zoe Karssen's website and found a rather apt sweater (here) "Live Fast Cause It Won't Last", which I feel pretty much sums up my warblings. Beside the sweater was this killer tee and I decided to do a post featuring this Suicide Blonde tee with some sexy punky accessories.

If I could afford this outfit (which I can't... just so you know!) I would most certainly be slinging it in my suitcase for my upcoming trip to New York where I shall be visiting the Punk: Chaos to Couture exhibition at The Met. How chic... How apt!

Hope you like and hope you are all enjoying the sun!

1. New York designer Joomi Lim is pretty much an obsession of mine at the moment, and this London Calling necklace with pearls and mixed metals is just the thing to jazz up this sexy slouchy t-shirt. I adore pieces that marry silver, gold and gunmetal together seamlessly, and this necklace 100% does that. I am such a statement necklace freak, but this one needs to be mine.

2. When I first spotted this Suicide Blonde varsity tee by Zoe Karssen I was a little bit smitten. It's such a relaxed, cool and fresh tee with a gorgeously flattering neckline. It is around €60, but it is worth it for Zoe Karssen tees are such great quality- so fine and soft.

3. I recently did an interview with Katie Canvin, the lovely co-founder of the glorious Austique boutiques in London, and she tipped me off about this amazing jewellery designer she found in NYC. Jacqui Aiche do the most gorgeously delicate body jewellery including this bracelet ring chain, which will hopefully be coming to Austique very soon. Stay tuned London ladies, or keep checking their website if you're no local.

4. Rebecca Minkoff handbags are another NYC staple, and this iconic MAC clutch in basic black with gleaming golden hardware is a great investment. These handbags are such gorgeous quality, and what I really love about them is that not everyone has one. You can grab this gorgeous number at Atelier-To-Go. If you don't, I will, so get them before they all go. 

5. Boticca jewellery is my one-stop-online-shop for quirky, beautiful jewellery at reasonably accessible pricepoints. These shark tooth bangles from UK based designer Beau & Arrow are just edgy enough to add a little punky punch to this über cool look. 

6. This Zara white "skort" is not to everyone's liking, but I love the directional origami-esque front, perfect for smartening up a casual tee. They also come in black and make for a great wardrobe staple with a little fashion-forward touch.

7. Last but not least, the most beautiful shoes I have ever seen... Well, this season at least. These Balenciaga motorcycle wedges are available at Matches for a cool £600 but they are so, so, so, so divine. Is it possible to be attracted to a shoe? 

Kat Maconie Shoes A/W13

This week I paid two visits to Soho House- I felt well glam- one for a lovely Butter London event with Nicole (who's got a cracking blog over here) and the other for the Profile PR AW13 press day.

Profile look after a selection of lovely brands, but i'm a shoe fiend so I was pretty much there to feast my eyes on the new collection from Kat Maconie- my favourite accessible designer shoe brand du jour (check out a couple of posts featuring her chunky but chic footwear here and here)

The Autumn Winter collection is honestly every bit as covetable as Kat's stunning Spring collection. With a versatile colour palette featuring cream, black, petrol blue and hot pink, this is an exciting collection that is instantly recognisable, not to mention a little too covetable for my liking... Or, should I say, my credit card's liking.

Kat Maconie shoes are wonderfully striking and sculptural, and I was particularly fond of these cutaway peep-toe boots complete with gleaming gold hardware, as pictured above. The style is modern but edgy and, though I am instantly drawn to the black leather style, the glistening petrol blue velvet is really quite something and would really pop with a little cream dress and some statement jewellery. 

These leather lovelies are a classic style from Kat Maconie, with her Spring collection featuring a neon yellow interpretation among others. For Winter she's gone a little to the dark side and reinvented the style in glossy black and mirror shine petrol blue. I love the bold blue which has an almost oil-slick appeal to it.

Just imagine with black leather pants and a sheer cream blouse... Gorgeous!

I must admit that Kat Maconie shoes are not really for "girly girls". If you are obsessed to spindly Louboutins and cutesy heart-adorned Charlotte Olympia styles, then these probably aren't going to tickle your fancy, but I personally love the chunky aesthetic of Kat Maconie shoes along with the directional edge they add to an outfit.

There really is a reason that these are a favourite for runway shows- they are statement shoes that don't cost a bomb and they make everything look that little bit cooler. 

What do you guys make of the new collection? 

Sweet Shoes: Kat Maconie SS13

As worn by GIRLS star Allison Williams on the cover of Company magazine earlier this month, these neon shoes are a firm favourite of mine from the Kat Maconie collection this season. They'd be just dreamy with a little white dress and a bold necklace like this one from H&M (such a steal!) 

I have long been a fan of Kat Maconie shoes since spotting these bold beauties at the London Fashion Week showrooms a few seasons back (see my age-old post here). 

Sculptural, modern and striking, Kat Maconie shoes are the sort that can make even the simplest of outfits, and the best part is that the are reasonably affordable. 

Manolo, who? It's all about Maconie, ladies.

Following studies at London College of Fashion (where all the best fash-gals and boys go, just so ya know), Kat launched her statement shoe label back in 2009 and I really do think it is going from strength to strength.

I am very sad to say that I do not, as of yet, own a pair, but i'm hoping I can treat myself soon as the Spring/Summer collection is my favourite yet.

With a fierce but feminine aesthetic, these powerful shoes are injected with a lively splash of colour and print, inspired by the Brazilian Carnival. Classic styles and shapes are given a modern hit for evening with block heels and gleaming metal trims, while peep-toe wedges and mid-heel mary-janes allow for contemporary but cool everyday footwear.

The styles look a little futuristic while still maintaining an air of 1960s simplicity, making them the perfect partners to the romantic minimalism trend for Spring. Standouts for me include the neon Abigail as featured above and the nude Pearl: envy-inducing heels that shan't break the bank. 

The metallic flat is an essential this season and I adore this MAGGIE style in gold (£185, here). With a contrasting black trim, this block heel Mary-Jane is modern and fun. Pair with a monochrome shift and a stunning collar necklace for a chic little look. 

A popular style from the new collection, the ABIGAIL printed t-bars are unfortunately out of stock. I'd suggest checking back here regularly for a new drop! They are just £230 and would look amazing with everything from bold pink shifts through to a simple monochrome jumpsuit.

Simple dove grey courts with a striking update, these VALERIE shoes (£210) are the perfect pair to replace your staple nude courts. 

Another favourite of mine, these flattering gold and nude PEARL shoes are versatile but modern and sure to attract many a compliment! (£230 here) 

As worn by the lovely Allison Williams on the cover of COMPANY magazine, these neon snake ABIGAIL heels are another new season hit. I'd wear with a simple white shift. Unfortunately these are out of stock online but keep checking back here for updates (£230)

Growing up, I was never able to find ANYTHING with my name on it. Whether I was looking for a little fridge magnet at the zoo or sweet little hairband, nobody catered for the Shonas of this world, and it was rather heartbreaking. Thank heavens, then, for these dove grey SHONA wedges, then. All is forgiven. (£180)

Details, Darling: H&M High Summer

Earlier this week I was lucky enough to go along to the gorgeous H&M High Summer Shoes and Accessories press day and, let me tell you, you guys are in for a treat!

From gorgeous white courts with directional platform heels through to gloriously twinkling statement necklaces and luxe leather cuffs, there are a lot of luscious pieces I just can't wait to get my hands on.

Let me know what you think!

Some of these pieces are already in stores now, so check out the current ranges of shoes and accessories at H&M here.

LFW AW13: How Do You Shoe?

Though Milan has now kicked off, i'm still playing catch up with LFW, so here are some more lovely images to feast your eyes on!

Today we have the most divine shoe porn from a number of AW13 presentations at Somerset House, ranging from delicious little pumps through to pencil heeled sparklers. 

My personal favourites have to be the French Sole pumps. I know it's safe, but i'm a total ballet pump devotee, so imagine my joy at spotting these studded ankle strap flats. I can only imagine how lovely the nude pair would look with these luscious J Brand skinnies from Atelier-To-Go (how amazing?!) and this Equipment Leandra blouse... What a lovely outfit post that would be... Curse my student budget!

For a little bit of different, though, I adore the outlandish quality of Sophia Webster's collection. How about that arty clutch for a witty but pretty way to spice up a little black dress?

Aah... Shoes, glorious shoes.

PS.

I couldn't resist updating my shoe collection with these jade Zara heels... Perfect with skinnies and a printed blouse. Unfortunately, though, the pair I bought have a nasty scuff on them so I'll have to keep my fingers crossed that my local Zara have a replacement. Wish me luck!

Reiss SS13: Fashion Blogger Picks

As a fashion blogger with the fantastic guys at Handpicked Media, I was invited along to the lovely REISS S/S13 press day, where the team were showing off the most delectable pieces from the womenswear, menswear and 1971 ranges. You may or may not have seen my original blog post about the collection (which you can read here), but I thought i'd just show you this lovely video which popped up on my Twitter feed (shameless plug: follow @SWfashion_ if you like) last week.

The video sees me in some pretty brilliant fashion blogging company including Navaz from Disney Roller Girl, Anna from South Molton St Style, Isabelle from Isabelle OC and Carina from Carina 100 as we all explain our favourite pieces from the collections. 

I just thought i'd share it with you, alongside some of my top picks from the upcoming SS13 collection at Reiss. I have only picked a few pieces from the ever-elegant mainline collection, but do stay tuned for some yummy picks from their rather cool 1971 line. 

In addition, I must apologise for how many times I say the word "beautiful" in this clip, but do be kind for I had very little time to prepare. Plus, I am the first to admit that I do indeed have a face for the radio and therefore the camera is NOT my friend. 

I doubt i'll be debuting SW Fashion TV any time soon, to put it gently.

Do let me know what you think ladies and gents! 

1. First up we have this gorgeous little dress, which is actually available to buy now for £159. I love the pretty monochromatic print that is a little bit geometric but still feminine and very pretty. This dress would just be perfect for work paired with my new pointy studded flats and a gorgeous handbag. It would also look rather fabulous paired with a certain pair of hot pink cage sandals...

2. This cute little belt is available to buy online now for a very reasonable £39. It is just a gorgeous neutral belt for spring time, working with every colour from juicy watermelon through to marshmallow pink. Buy it here and wear with a slick white shift and bold shoes.

3. These shoes are just beautiful. I used to have a strange aversion to all things barbie pink, but this season that has all changed, for I am beginning to appreciate the sophisticated side of pink, and these shoes have that down to a fine art. Reminiscent of the iconic YSL cage boots of 2009, these hot pink shoes in suede and patent leather really do make a statement. I won't tell anyone their not designer if you don't!

4. This vibrant coral mini handbag with gold hardware is almost good enough to eat! It feels oh-so summery with this bright fruit punch shade, which particularly comes alive when paired with glossy gold. I really am smitten with this handbag, it is such a delightful colour and the styling is clean and simple. I'd wear it with white, for you can't go wrong with a little bright and white.

5. This dress is so feminine in a contemporary way, which I really do love. A little white dress is a wardrobe staple, so it'd be mad not to treat myself to this one. It reminds me of a little white bubble dress I had when I was around fifteen years old, only this is far more sophisticated with sheer frills and straps and a flattering slouchy shape.

6. Last but not least we have some cute little sandals. I must admit that this hot coral shade just has me longing for poolside bubbly and summer sunshine, but I shall have to come back down to earth and face the fact that London is cold. BOO. When it does come round to buying sandals, though, these are certainly contenders. 

Louis Vuitton Pre-Fall : The Time and Lace

I was lucky enough to go along to the recent Louis Vuitton Pre Fall press day this week, unlucky in some respects given that I ended up falling in love with a number of truly divine pieces that I cannot quite afford... Yet.

With a 1960s aesthetic, Prefall 2013 both classic and contemporary and full of truly covetable pieces of the utmost quality. You're best looking away now if you're trying to be good on the spending front. 

What's hot? Fresh ways of interpreting lace, luxe fur detailing, boxy evening jackets and revamped frock coats with baroque lace trompe l'oeil. As ever, though, the shoes come out on top... The studded pointed courts are such a great investment piece: the perfect way to marry together gold and silver jewellery in an outfit. I am also smitten with the LV detail chelsea boots- can I have them?.. Please?

My favourite piece, though, has to be the reversible shearling and leather coat which would just make every outfit enviably chic and decadent.