The Ultimate Guide to Comfortable Heels

 

Before you say it, yes it is possible! Here are a few things that can transform wearing painful shoes into moments of luxury...okay that’s an exaggeration.

 

Let’s start with the shoes themselves. My first piece of advice would be to always try them on before you buy, none of this online shopping business when it comes to shoes. If you are anywhere near as fussy as I am with heels, trying on before you buy easily eliminates shoes that were never made to be comfortable. Intricate cut outs or complicated straps can be a recipe for disaster; remember everyone’s feet are different and fit into shoes differently, so for you it may be that rubbing and blisters are a definite outcome.

 

The awkward ‘walking around the shop to get a feel for the shoes’ regime is a must; yeah we look a bit stupid but it is necessary! If you can’t walk there, there isn’t much hope on cobbled streets under the mild influence of alcohol.

 

The type of shoe to choose is also important. Try to get shoes with good ankle support; ankle boots or courts with cross straps are great. A larger surface area on the soles of shoes will also help, so I find wedges great to wear. Lastly, to my confusion, there are some heels around that tilt at the front, making it inevitable to lose your balance when walking. AVOID at all costs.

 Next step is to wear your new heels in. Walk around the house, walk on different surfaces, just wear them sitting down if you want. The warmth from your feet will help to mould the shoes to the right shape, therefore when you wear them out for the first time, they will be much more comfortable and you will feel more confident walking in them.

 

Another, probably quite obvious tip is to look after your feet. Keep your feet moisturised and soft and they will feel better in new shoes. A mega important thing is to keep your toenails trimmed, seriously, when your toes are crammed together you do NOT want nails digging and cutting into other toes! Lastly, Vaseline is great when wearing strappy shoes; rubbing a bit over the area helps prevent sores forming.

 

Last but not least, the creator of shoe inserts should be blessed – I don’t know what I would do without them. Scholl or brands similar have a selection of pads to fit into your shoes, from heel shields to sore spots, or thin strips to line straps. I put a pair of heel shields into nearly every pair of heels I own, and it stops all kinds of rubbing and also stops heels from slipping when you walk. Not cheap I know, but really worth it. The gel pads for the soles of your feet are also great; it does give you that extra bit of comfort to last the whole evening.

 So I hope this guide will help all heel wearers out there to find comfort in their shoes and prevent unnecessary agony!

 

Ups, downs and keeping your options open

So this post really is going to live up to being like a diary. Here are my thoughts and experiences of trying to explore my future career, and an exciting new idea I would like to share with you all!

 

Many of you may know that fashion buying is something that I’ve been trying to get into since finishing university in June. In the fashion world, getting a job in any sector is never easy, unless you are very lucky or extremely unique and talented. For nearly a year I have focused on this single career option, working my CV, work experience and portfolio around buying. Now I have realised this isn’t the best idea.

 

So I have applied for countless vacancies for Buyer’s Admin Assistants, filled in a number of applications, racked my brain when writing cover letters and sent a great number of emails, with no luck. Recently I had started my applications for the Graduate Buying Schemes at M&S and Tesco. For those of you thinking of going for them, good luck to you, but keep in mind that they are so hard to even pass the initial stages. I encountered the numerical and verbal tests for the first time, and boy are they hard. I mean, I felt like I needed a degree to actually answer some of those questions. After hours of practise questions and the final test, I finished feeling disappointed and a bit down, and that’s something to do with my issues with failure. It’s a terrible feeling when you don’t do as well as you wanted, or you’re not good enough, but in a couple of days you learn to pick yourself up and carry on.

 

 

 The next opportunity for me came with a telephone interview for the Tesco grad scheme (telephone interviews are horrible by the way). This was another disappointment for me as it really could have gone better. I blame my terrible nervousness and my tendencies to go blank due to the previous. Another let down, but with that came an open mind and a box that I began to think outside of.

 

The realisation of how ridiculous settling for one job was appeared like the sun through the clouds. It was time to keep my options open and think of the many other opportunities that are available, not just in fashion, but in life. I am the kind of person that wants to do so many things in life; I need excitement and new prospects quite regularly. This was the point where I spent about two hours (when I should have been asleep) thinking of crazy new things that I could do and try.

 

In terms of fashion, taking my interest of blogging and writing forward would be something I would love to do, but I always dismissed it thinking that without an English or Journalism degree it would be impossible. In all honesty, I am probably just as likely to get into fashion writing as I am into buying. So what the hell, I’m applying for lots more jobs, thinking about internships and finding new things to learn to improve my skills. A month or so ago I also started writing articles for the website www.writeonstyle.com, so take a look as it’s full of talented writers and bloggers with some great style info. The experience from this could help me in future opportunities, and generally it’s something that I enjoy doing.

 

With the light bulb moment of realisation came a new exciting idea for my blog, which I am glad to tell you all about now!

 

 

 Within my blog, I’m starting up a little question zone where all my blog fans can send in questions about anything fashion related. The Secret Diary is opening its covers to find answers for your fashion history questions, trend queries and your fashion problems needing advice. I call it my ‘No more secrets’ fashion clinic. Every week I will try my hardest to answer all of your questions and put them in a blog post for all to see.

 

So for any questions you may have, you can send me an email at secretdiaryofafashionstudent@gmail.com or tweet me.

 

Trying something new is great, and it gives you a confidence boost when you need it. Don’t let job issues get you down; keep your options open and try something different. Don’t give up on what you want to do, just think of the million and one other things that might be perfect for you and go get it!

The Only Way is Berry

So Winter is upon us, although it seems to have been hanging around the entire summer...I can't say I'm a massive fan of winter clothes; it is always so much effort to pile on the layers to go outside, peel them all off again when you get back inside, regretting the decision of 4 layers over 3 when I'm positively roasting from power walking to keep warm! Don't even get me started on the hat hair situation or the 'coat or mac?' dilemma. And then having the pressure of finding the right coat and a pair of boots that will not fall apart/allow water to seep in/cost me the earth. Gahhhh.

An upside to this annoying season are the great trends; shopping makes a dreary December day significantly better. On top of that, there's always a Christmas party where a new outfit is needed. This Autumn/Winter, various shades of berry are a must, such as burgundy, grape and oxblood. It's definitely the colour of the season, and I've picked out a few of my faves to set us into the winter months, lads and ladies alike. As much as I've refused to start shopping for my winter wardrobe until I get back from holiday, I couldn't leave myself unprepared for when I get back could I?

First - ladies. Add just a bit of berry to your outfit with this Henry Holland satchel for £28. Classic style and brings in a little snakeskin too. There's some great quirky pieces by Henry Holland at the moment, so take a peek.

 

In a shade I would call 'wine', this knit jumper looks seriously cosy, and you can get it for £35 at Miss Selfridge.

 

 

Gotta love polka dots! This skirt is really adaptable for a smart work outfit or a casual skater look; simple but cute. It's from River Island for £18.

 

 



 

 

 

Hat-hair comment aside, woolly hats are amazing. Plus very necessary when the heating's not on in your freezing uni house (yes, I wore it inside all day.) The great thing about berry shades are that they go with almost anything, which is important when trying to get your hat to match with all your clothes. This is also from River Island for £13.

 

This crochet top is by Miso at Republic, and I will admit I have already bought this, but being holey and all it's not completely 'autumn/winter'. Layer it over a vest top or dress, accessorise and off you go.

This padded gilet is perfect before the weather turns really icy. If you don't mind having cold arms, gilets are great, and are actually quite warm! This one is from a brand at New Look for £60.

 

 

 

Annndddd you guessed it. These are actually stunning; River Island I expected no less from you. These raspberry peep toe wedges are those Christmas party shoes you've been looking for. Ahhhh...

 

Alright lads, a few treats for you too. A standard shoulder and elbow patched cardi for £19.99 at New Look, no effort needed here.

 

 

I like a man who can pick a good shirt, and a burgundy one would be a good choice in my books. This has a Ben Sherman feel to it with the checks, and you can get it from Topman for £22.



 

 

 

This casual jacket from Soul Cal is great for everyday wear and reasonably priced at £40.

 

 

 

 

Berry coloured shoes look great on guys, and these Ralph Lauren lace up plimsolls are the best I've found. They're £75 but they'll last you all season.

 

So there you have it, the only way really is berry!

Dress up, Britain!

There has never been a better time to support Britain and be a full-blown patriot than now, in full flow of the Olympics! It has been approaching for a while now; the media hype has got us all prepared for a once in a lifetime event that won't be forgotten! The 'British' themed trend has been booming alongside this, plastering the Union Jack across window displays, in packaging, interiors, quirky gifts, and of course fashion.

However, this isn't the first time the Union Jack has been exposed to the mainstream. Until the sixties, wearing the union jack had only been for serious patriots, so people were shocked to see musicians such as The Who boldly making a statement with their British themed fashion.

The seventies expressed a different attitude towards the British flag, as rebellion and anarchy rose up through the punk era. Most famously, The Sex Pistols made it clear how they felt towards Britain during times of hardship and unemployment.

And you're all waiting for it...The Nineties. Geri Halliwell is probably the most famous for wearing ridiculous union jack-themed outfits (I say ridiculous now but we all thought it was cool back in the day), and started a massive trend that the whole world was made aware of.

So here we are, recycling the trendy and not tired-out Union Jack once again in the 21st century. I have found my best picks of British themed fashion, not only to wear during the Olympics, but to show our ongoing support for the nation!

Firstly, this great little poncho from Topshop - probably the most useful piece needed in everyone's wardrobe this summer. Great for festivals, and would have done the job nicely if watching the women's road race on Sunday!

Love these Jimmy Choo shades, part of a British themed collection launched this year to support the Union Jack trend. Classic and cool.

There are a lot of Union Jack tees and tops around at the moment, so you are spoilt for choice. I like this one by AX Paris (you can find the brand in different highstreet stores, New Look being one of them), as it's a bit more edgy with a toned down colour palette.

Everyone needs a pair of wellies right? I know I need some new ones, and I think these are pretty cool. Again a festival must, or maybe just a must for one of those spare of the moment downpours we seem to be having. Sorry I'm moaning about the weather again. These are from Dorothy Perkins though there are many variations out there.

This cute little clutch from Alexander McQueen is great if you want to spend a little more. £1095 more to be exact. Ah well, I still love it.

A way not to work this trend...This guy from Made in Chelsea (I don't watch it but apparently his name is Ollie), looks ridiculous. Don't know what he's smiling about, but it shouldn't be anything to do with what he's wearing.

And because I can't possibly write a blog post without involving heels at some point, here are some quirky peep toes from Runway Shoes.

Here's some ideas, so dress up, Britain!

Mainstream or madness, I'll let you decide.

So, for those of you who don't know, I was lucky enough to get a placement in New Look's menswear buying department a couple of weeks ago, giving me a great insight into what I am hoping to be a future career. It did not disappoint; much of it was new to me but aspects were how I imagined it. Being in the menswear department was completely new to me however, but it gave me the opportunity to learn much more about the differences in trends and styles compared to womenswear. Hence, due to my inside knowledge of this autumn's and next summer's trends, I thought I would be kind and share it all with you! I'm sorry girls for focusing on men AGAIN, but hey, I'm sure boyfriends, brothers, friends etc would be grateful for the tips!


Flat Peak Caps (Yeh, one of those. I didn't know the proper name for them before either.)

With sportswear being a key trend at the moment with the Olympics approaching, sporty accessories are around now and here to stay for the rest of the year. These caps are being advertised profusely by celebs such as UK trendsetter Labrinth and rapper Wiz Khalifa, though Bieber obviously saw this trend coming a while back seen as he's been wearing one constantly since 2009...

I know it looks like it could be hard to pull off, but you're going to see them everywhere soon. Trust.



Leather


I don't want to scare you with the thought that all men are going to be walking around like these guys below, so I will point out now that it's merely ASPECTS of leather coming through this autumn/winter. Below is Yves Saint Laurent's edgy collection of tailored suits, jackets and trousers, with a large helping of leather.

The highstreet is pushing the leather accessories which are easier to work into outfits, such as bags, biker boots and boat shoes, though leather panelling and the classic leather jacket are there for the more confident. Topman is a great place to go for leather pieces; all the items below are currently on sale there.

Bow ties

 

Absolutely loving this trend. Before my placement I never really saw the appeal, but I have slowly grown to like them. Bow ties are going to be a must-have this autumn; just look at the celebrities already embracing the bows...



Quirky, colourful and fun, they're definitely worth a try next season. Go smart with a shirt and blazer, or casual with a short sleeve check shirt and jeans. Bow ties are no longer for just the preppy guys; they're versatile and show great character.

Onesies


Okay here's my thing. Onesies for men = giant babies. Kinda creeps me out, but I have been assured they will be popular this winter for lounging around the house. Still not convinced? No, neither am I, but thought I'd make a point of it anyway.

New Look are bringing in a range of animal themed onesies (not for everyone...) as well as some more stylish fairisle designs. Though their glow in the dark skeleton onesie is one to look out for! Topman have a range of jersey onesies, though being hoodless they actually look even more like baby grows...River Island are also in on the act, so it's got to be a sure thing right? I'll let you make your own minds up about that.

Nic's Guest Post!

Hi everybody! (Feel free to read that in the voice of Dr Nick.) My name is Nicola and I am your resident fashion blogger for today. Myself and Holly have swapped blogs, so you can find her at mine – fivethoughts.wordpress.com – talking about what I normally ramble about. So I’m here to talk to you about fashion. I feel like a bit of a cheat already, given the title of this blog. Today, it’s not so much the-secret-diary-of-a-Fashion-student, more like the-secret-diary-of-an-English-student-who-just-happens-to-like-clothes-and-stuff. Hmm.I apologise for the lack of expertise that you are so ordinarily used to...

I really racked my brains to figure out what to write today. As I am no fashion pro and I tend to rely on humour to cover up my own inadequacy, I thought I’d very vaguely write about the summer trends of 2012 and how we’re wearing them. I realise Holly your resident expert has been writing about next year’s summer for AGES now (these fashion lot, always ahead of the game!) but it’s never bad to focus on the season you’re in. Of course, it’s easy for me to happily ramble about these trends when I’m not actually wearing them due to my own poverty, but that’s what blogging is for! Behold, the most memorable trends that should be in our high streets at the mo...

Print

Yes! Summer means one thing, and that thing is colour! And with colour often comes print, also known as the time it is acceptable to walk around looking like a fruit bowl or some sort of floral garden. I love fruit! And flowers! This is the best season of all. Of course, said colour and print looks MUCH better under glorious sunshine neatly browning your already-glowing tan while you happily sip cocktails and wave fans lazily at your face – it’s just too hot, darling! – but we’re in England. Be serious, now. Wear it anyway.

Bralets

Why do magazines keep implying we should be wearing these? Yes, you CAN pair one with a high-waisted skirt to hide the muffin-top you have after binging on bread in the cold winter months (oh, just me?) but they’re never going to look great on a girl whose cup size is larger than a B. If I stepped out in one with my double-Ds on show, it’s likely the world would collectively gasp in horror and an old biddy might ask me why I forgot to put on a top that morning. Fortunately, as much as we can be told they’re a ‘must have!’, to this day I’ve never seen anyone wear one in public yet, probably because we’d all catch hypothermia. Best to leave them on Rihanna.

Flatforms

I’m actually undecided on these. At first, I was tempted to laugh at how ridiculous they look, but then I realised that they would give a person height without adding the inevitable pain of wearing heels or wedges (yes, WEDGES HURT TOO.) Willing to give these a shot, yes sirree.

Pyjamas

Now, I know Holly has dedicated some blog space to this so I won’t go too far into the pyjama trend. But I will say this... I think it can work. Not on the above picture (a red carpet, Rihanna? REALLY?) but only IF it is worn on a top fashionista with a stick-sized figure and only if the look essentially doesn’t look like pyjamas, more just like they’ve thrown on a cool printed top (not a shirt) and matching beautifully tailored trousers. But even that would look horrendous on your average British high street. So don’t bother.

Snakeskin print

Move over leopard print, there’s a new animal print in town! Well, I know it’s not exactly new, but I’ve seen a lot of snakeskin cropping up over the summer. It looks like the bold look du jour is snakeskin jeans. A risky choice, but one that can work if paired correctly. Like all patterned trousers or leggings, I think this works when your top is a little bit longer than usual. Pattern isn’t so flattering on the top parts of your thighs (certainly not mine, at least) but it can look really jazzy on the rest of your legs. Get some snakeskin in your wardrobe! I even wore a snakeskin print maxi dress for my End of Year Ball, and as I am evidently the ultimate trendsetter, I can see how it has caught on... er, just smile and nod at that...

And that is all from me, fashion followers! I’ve just realised that ironically, when I was given the chance to escape from my blog ‘Five Thoughts I’ve Had This Week’, I wrote about five things. Doh. Apparently I now think of things in groups of five.I’ve also realised that, after typing the words ‘flatforms’ and ‘bralets’, fashion words are silly. Never fear, Holly will be back for your next read. Signing out!

Men's fashion: My loves and hates

As a bit of a change, I thought I'd focus on some men's fashion - a few things I like, and a few things that I really don't. I'll just make it clear now this is just my opinion; please don't have a go at me if you own some of these things!

I'll start with the short sleeved shirt, buttoned right to the top. It's classic, and frankly just cool.

A massive turn off for me is men in flip flops. I can't explain it but it just creeps me out! I know it's a very common thing and I can't really go anywhere without the likelihood of spotting them, but if it was down to me they wouldn't be allowed. Sandals I can accept (without socks obviously), but with flip flops, there's just too much 'toe' on show. And let's face it, toes aren't exactly beautiful to look at are they...

Another like is for cosy cardigans and jumpers. If any of you have seen Channing Tatum in 'The Vow,' that's the kinda look I'm going for. They just look so cosy, and something you would definitely want to steal from a boyfriend in the chilly winter months.

Flat caps. Just no. Please leave them to the Granddads. Even Brad Pitt can't pull it off.

I have a weird attraction to men's espadrilles. Not really sure why; they're a cross between plimsolls and slippers, but they're summery. I like them.

Okay, skinny jeans. You either love them or you hate them right? Well mine's the latter. Even if they are as skinny as a pole, I don't understand why guys wear them. I wouldn't say they were flattering, and personally, my biggest worry is how everything is errr...packed in. It can't be good, can it?

The denim shirt. I love it, especially un-done with a t-shirt underneath. Most guys have invested in one, I'm glad to say. I mean who needs a chat up line when they're wearing a denim shirt?

My last male 'faux pas' as it were, is the polo neck. Even with David Gandy modelling it, I'm just not convinced. To be honest, I'm not even a fan of polo necks for women. They're suffocating, and a bit old fashioned if you ask me.

My last love is a classic. A shirt and skinny tie; you can't beat it. And the only thing to make it better is a bit of pink, which I like on a man! Smart, sexy and sharp. 10/10.