SHOE CRUSH
A good pair of shoes can enhance a whole look so here are some of my favourites.

Metallic shoes are the most popular shoe trend of 2012. Whether you choose an allover shimmery platforms or just a metallic toe, your bound to turn heads. The above shoe is my favourite (and the mint suede version) out of the Miu Miu glitter boot collection. As seen on Anna Dello Russo and Kate Bosworth. This is one to break the bank balance for: the shimmering banana heel with a splash of pastel suede is fitting for the 1920s revival. It'll set you back £555 though.(I knew Natwest were urging me to get a credit card for a reason.)I say splurge. Topshop, ASOS, Steve Madden have replicas. I love a good knockoff but go designer for these ones. 

Topshop Astrid

Steve Madden

Metallic toes were big at YSL, Thakoon and Louis Vuitton. I really fancy the gold plated loafers at YSL. Im obsessed with smooth gold at the moment.

I'm not a fan of dainty sandal heels. I probably own one and have an excess of Super High Chunky Platforms. My favourites were from Rocha's Spring RTW. But I'm a sucker for the sportier chunkies this season. Most should come with an assistant to help you walk in them, included in the price tag. I predict the Lioness Topshop platform will be sold out soon. They're a glamourous take on 90's sportswear. Even when the sports trend is over they'll go with anything. Louboutin has 70's laceup platforms that are more exotic. I dare you to buy Kurt Geiger's two tone caged platforms-There's a few choices available- metallic or candy coloured. Lush! A colour blocking treat.

Louboutin 

Topshop

Kurt Geiger

SHOE CRUSHES OF 2011
If these shoes were within a pack of lions. I would risk my life for them. They are to die for. Visually Stunning. Worth breaking your neck for. That is all.


CHARLES ANASTASE

 

Can't afford these bad boys? Jessica 'Dany' is my favourite imitation due to its platform shape. Although ASOS Bitten and Jeffrey Campbell Foxy are contenders also. The 'Foxy' has velvet, metallic, suede versions-yummy.

IRIS VAN HERPEN

Solange, Gaga and Kim Kardashian looked amazing in Iris Van Herpen's X United Nude Synesthesia. Though similar to Mcqueen's Armadillo, this ankle bootie's architectural design left me speechless. Shame they were only limited at their flagship stores. Must. Try. Ebay. 

KERMIT TESORO

Filipino designer, Kermit Tesoro is known for his fashion forward heel-less shoes but his innovative skull platforms are the most wearable.

Why wear black when you can wear Mary Katrantzou?

Rumour has it February the 17^th is the date it finally arrives. Topshop has merged with London Fashion Week’s favourites Nicoll, Kane, Goldin, Jensen and Koma in the past but it’s now Mary Katrantzou turn. Hail Mary! I am so excited. I’m hoping they have a dress similar to the kite runner piece from S/S12 collection which left me speechless.  Here’s a sneak peek.

MARY KATRANTZOU
Kite Runner printed silk-jacquard dress

The recession has hit so in eyes that means invest in a key piece preferably a print. The summer catwalks were overflowing with graphic prints to choose from. That means Versace, Stella McCartney or Mary Katrantzou. With prints all over the summer catwalks, Katrantzou's are the most showstopping. There’s just something about Katrantzou that makes me gawp. Each dress is an astounding fusion of style and colour, creating a luxe fashion statement. Each design is unbelievable- sooo good it belongs in Tate Britain.

The Greek designer uses bold loud trompe l'oeil prints and structure to form her collections. Each line have been ”thematic”, inspired by perfume bottles, vases, interiors and the 18th century therefore showcasing a maximalist aesthetic. Energetic colours are always on display with a unique variety of prints - floral, baroque, renaissance, birds, fish, and bows whilst still managing to maintain a classic appeal.

Her Spring Summer 2012 collection played with her signature silk digital prints but switched up the silhouettes. This season saw flat and stiffer formed structures e.g. peplums. Her vivid flora and fauna prints were celebrated across her trailing chiffon gowns. Brightly coloured lips completed the look which amazingly didn’t clash with the prints. I loved The blue lips-they really suited the model. Everyone seems to be wearing Katrantzou and even Erik Madigan Heck, New York artist, is fascinated by her prints. Katrantzou is collaborating with luxury bag brand Longchamp and alongside Henry Holland has one the British Fashion Council‘s 2012 Fashion Awards. Rightly deserved. I love browsing through her lookbooks-I want everything gorgeous piece in my wardrobe. Be blown away by her masterpieces. Counting down the 

days Topshop!

  

LOVE THIS. WHERE CAN I FIND IT?

Drawing inspiration from the Cookie Monster, Chewbacca and Yaks

Vogue December 2011

The awkward moment when your sister counts your coats in disgust and another fur one is delivered through the post at that precise moment. I admit I probably have too many coats. But its not the quantity that bothers me. It's the diversity. I have fifteen in total (blazers, coats, leathers, capes, sheepskin, faux fur, vintage real fur, chiffon, yeti, denim, tribal, fringe)and I still have a trench, feather, cocoon, tweed and a tuxedo coat on my hit list this year. Plus I saw a gorgeous flannel jacket in Rokit, Covent Garden on Friday. Sigh.


Anyway, my attention is on faux fur today, fur without the guilt as I call it. More importantly: The shaggy yeti coat. I wish I was an eskimo...so I could wear it all day long. I love them. The Yeti had inspired the Sixties and Seventies and was seen recently in December's UK Vogue. Whilst I have a Kate Moss Topshop shaggy number in grey, I love the white monster look. Very reminiscent of Isabel Marant so I bought the Romwe version. Teamed with mahoosive lennon round sunglasses I was channelling daily my inner Janis Joplin.

Romwe Faux Fur Coat

Giles Yeti Coat

Fur and animal skins have dominated the runways season upon season. Just Cavalli's long camel flavoured yeti piece and Chanel  looks, F/W 2010-2011. Models rocked huge beehives with yeti trousers and the classic tweed jacket was coupled with shaggy rims. Whilst I was loving the iceberg purses and shaggy rucksacks, copying this look precisely would make me look like a huge yak. In the Fall/Winter 2011 season,  I adored Gucci, Furstenburg and Prada's vibrant of emerald, ruby and sapphire toned furs teamed with 1970's dresses and blouses. Frida Gianni, Gucci's creative director displayed hairy fur stoles, thigh slit chiffon dresses and a strong lip. It epitomised the Gucci woman: dramatic, powerful and sexy. Gucci continued its love affair with fur with Mary J Blige in November's Elle. The jewelled toned furs of Marios Schwab and Dolce & Gabbana's was to some too much Elmo and Bigfoot. For me, the yeti pinks of D&G and Topshop are too much but I adore other rich colours such as the below mustard.

The Fall 2011/2012 season focused on ingraining fur into pieces: fur collars both lapel and peter pan to fur cuffs. Total fur took a bit of a backseat. But fear not, 2012 Spring trends include pastels, candy cane colours and whites.  So why not add a bit of texture and luxury and incorporate a shaggy coat into that look.

Carine Roitfeld a connoisseur of effortless chic, shows just how to do it. She reminds us that shaggy yeti fur coats are a voluminous key piece and needs only to be accessorized with a heel and black tights. Teaming boxy faux fur with sleek skinny leather trousers/cigarette pants and sunglasses like Mossy and Erin Wasson gives a simple contrast. I wear my white version with just a House of Harlow Necklace or fedora hat. As a sufferer from chunky thigh syndrome....im a firm beliver that the bigger the jacket the thinner the thigh.

 

I'm pretty sure investing in a shaggy can add to any look. Glam rock: team with metallic or white tees, thigh highs and boots. Bohemian Chic: vintage fringed kimonos,velvet leggings, turban headbands and wine stained lips. Very early 80's Vivienne Westwood. Luxurious: rich reds mixed with brocades,embellishments and floaty midis. Day time: acid wash jeggings, brogues or cream converse. Anyone can look shaggalicious.

Fifty percent of magazine readers thought Kelis's mongolian yeti coat was a huge fashion mistake. Whilst seventy percent thought Beyonce's deep red Cavalli yeti was a fashion faux paux. Bleeergh what the hell do they know?!