Shoes are a girl's best friend. Okay, maybe not these ones...

For anyone that knows me well, they would know that I love my shoes. Heels to be exact. Really high heels to be even more exact. In the last few years, it seems that the height of heels has to continued to grow, and when we think they can't possibly get any higher...they most definitely do. In some cases, it's just plain ridiculous. Example one, McQueen's 'Armidillo' shoes.

These 10 inch (yes, 10 inch) hoof-like inventions are typical of McQueen's unhealthy need to create jaw-dropping fashion, and lets be honest, I expect no less. Probably the most impractical shoe I have ever seen, and in no way do they fulfil the most important role of the heel - to look graceful and feminine.

Example 2, Lady Gaga (well it had to be, didn't it?) in the clumpiest, most unflattering pair of shoes known to man.

She looks ridiculous. I have made my point.

Example 3, the 'Pointe shoe' heel.

One word. VILE. What were Louboutin thinking when creating these 8 inch things. Said to be inspired by ballet shoes...well yes, that is clear when they ARE ballet shoes, just with thin sticks stuck to the end of them. Okay, so they were made to raise money for the English National Ballet blah blah blah...but still, just no.

So, to cure bleeding eyes, I have found my top five heels on the high street that are a little more manageable. At 5, these cute wedges from Dune. Wedges are in my opinion the safest option - a little more surface area is always a good thing!

Number 4 - Stunning stilettos from Topshop. Major love for petrol blue at the moment.

These River Island strappy shoes are at 3; really summery and I love the print.

At 2, an exciting brand at New Look called Chinese Laundry have created these vibrant peep toes (yes I'm a sucker for animal print)

And finally, the shoes that I HAVE to buy before my loan runs out are these...

...GOD BLESS AMERICA!

Oh and before you go, just an image to remind you all to be sensible out there, even the best of us falter at the hands of unscrupulous high heels...

Pyjamas? Come again?

In the style of Harry Hill - "Most ridiculous fashion trend of the week"...


Goes to the pyjama look.

 Most trends I can understand, even if I don't like them, but this, really?? Reading in the Guardian last week that the trend has taken off in the celeb world was one thing, but believe it or not, it's set to be hitting Topshop very soon as well. The likes of Rihanna, Stella McCartney and Tilda Swinton have been spotted in 'pyjama chic' (if you can actually call it that), but lets face it, just because they can maybe/mildly/sort of pull it off, it doesn't mean the rest of us can. Rihanna; well she could go out wearing anything and manage to look good; Tilda Swinton has an...eclectic sense of style to say the least, so the pyjama thing really isn't a surprising look on her. I personally can not see the appeal of getting out of bed, showering, getting ready...and then putting a pair of pyjamas back on.

So the comfort thing is a plus side to this look, which you may think I shouldn't be complaining about. I mean how often is a trend so easy to wear and actually comfortable at the same time. Don't get me wrong, I'm not some sort of masochist who loves getting horrendous blisters and cuts from wearing heels, and enjoys not being able to breathe in a vast majority of my going out dresses, but hey! that's just how it is. Personally, I would rather be in mild agony to look great wearing that, than a pair of pyjamas on a night out.

So here's the big one - Comfort v.s. Style. Yes, you can get both (maxi dresses are the ultimate winner in that category) but it isn't easy. So yes, suggesting that the pyjama trend can tick both boxes would be great, but if you ask me, it should be a big fat CROSS in the style box.

The other worry I have here, is how the likes of Primark are going to interpret this trend. Primark are generally bang on the mark for following high street trends, but sometimes, they can be really off. I can just see rails of pyjama bottoms being moved from the nightwear section to day wear, and the unsuspecting population of shoppers being none the wiser. I mean I have actually seen people go out in their pyjamas. A memorable time was when I was working an evening in Tesco Pharmacy, when two teenagers turned up in full pyjama attire, slippers to top it off. If getting dressed is really that much effort, just don't go out at all. (I will add at this point there was a regrettable occasion when I went to Burger King in my pyjama bottoms (pink with monkeys on), but it was for a JOKE. However no one else really took on the whole joke thing, so I ended up just looking like a fool...)

So to conclude! I think this pyjama trend is ridiculous (apologies to anyone that likes it), a wee bit lazy, and I hope it disappears just as quickly as it did from my virtual wardrobe wishlist.

A Point of Inspiration

Designer inspiration is essential when designing. After getting initial research, ideas for mood and colour, and getting trend forecasts, I move onto looking at recent designer collections for further input. If you have read my previous post, you will know I am looking to design for Spring/Summer 2013; a smart/casual collection that I can see fitting the tourist market of holiday makers.

Burberry Prorsum (sorry if you are getting bored of me talking about them, but their designs never fail to impress) are the first port of call, as for Spring/Summer 2012 they quite rightly remembered their British background and designed an appropriate number of parkas and lightweight jackets into their collection.

The jackets are quite casual and over-sized, but are teamed with fitted skirts and tailored pieces that give the right balance. Bold prints and stripes are also scattered through the collection, which would look great for a 'traveller' style that's easy but stylish. The colour palette is also great; the orange and mustard colours are great accents against the duller khakis and browns.


Secondly, I looked at Issey Miyake; great designer, but also I just like saying his name out loud a few times because I like how it sounds... The pattern cutting here is more innovative, creating new shapes and lines but keeping the contrast between tailored and sporty styles. Lines are slanted and generally curved, making the collection softer and more feminine. I love the little jacket; the three-quarter length sleeve keeps it light and would be perfect for a cooler spring day.

Lastly, Michael Kors recent Spring/Summer collection links directly to the safari-like trend for next year. The camouflage colour palette is clear, mixed with animal prints and skins. Lightweight jackets and ponchos are teamed with original cargo shorts and buttoned shirts. The wrap-over skirt is great and fortunately carrying through to next year. I like the idea of tiering and layering which will become central when I begin designing. And now to the hard part...