Standing on the cracks

OK I might be standing on the cracks of the pavement outside the Palais Royal in Paris (which I was always informed as a child would give me bad luck) but I just don't care because I am now the proud owner of some quite beautiful Lanvin boots. What is luck when you have a pair of beautifully handmade boots from Italy that make you look like a long lost third member of Daft Punk?

It was quite an adventure getting to Paris in the first place as the most efficient route of the Eurostar was far too expensive at £230...I was only going there for a quick wander around and to pick up something at the sale! So, we took the coach from Victoria which was full of French people complaining about the cost of the UK (seriously the two guys in front of us chatted for the duration of the seven hour journey about the expensive nature of all of the cities in the UK, even Manchester, sorry EJ!). We didn't have a ferry crossing on the way there, that adventure was saved for the return leg of the journey...anyway, I will save these tales when I next see EJ in person, let's get back to the...

The 'aren't they beautiful?' close up

So as you can see I managed to pick up a pair of Lanvin boots in Paris during the recent sample sale over the weekend (I have connections, I can say no more). I am told that the menswear on offer as a whole was not that great as it included a number of suits even my Dad wouldn't wear and a collection of shirts that were far too big for my frame...However, fortunately for me the sale did have the perfect solution to my current footwear conundrum. I have been on the look out for a pair of boots for sometime now and the sale provided the solution. I was not able to try on the boots myself because I was not at actually at the sale myself. At the time I was inside Colette buying christmas gifts whilst receiving picture messages of various Lanvin sale items (oh the life I lead at the weekends certainly beats the Monday to Friday monotony of work!) but the picture of these boots stirred my consumerist loins and I just had to have them. The price? Well I am told that these were originally priced at 2000 euros but this being a sample sale and all I managed to acquire them for 150 euros!

Outside the Palais Royal

What belt would you wear with these?

It is a common held belief that your belt should match your shoes and I try to follow this as best I can. However, the great shoe dresser that is Pierre hardy has just devised this hi top which makes belt matching a touch tricky. I would suggest wearing a nice grey belt with these. I am in love with hi tops at the moment. I'm not entirely sure why, it is extremely unlikely that you are going to see me within 100 yards of a basketball court. I just think they are the trainer of choice right now. As for Pierre Hardy at times I wish i was female so I could wear his designs. Hardy's work has been influencing accessories and fashion design for decade and he has made his name creating masterpieces for Dior and Balenciaga. I will buy myself a pair of his creations for myself at Christmas.

A peek into the future with B Store

and the future is...men wearing a cross between brogues and sandals, I call them Brandles (More on these later.) More importantly though I've mentioned my love for B Store which stocks some labels and of course budhahood shoes. B store has been a mecca for new fashion talent since opening in 2000 and it now has an immaculately displayed Savile Row boutique. I've managed to get my hands on some images from a recent press day where some great and interesting items were displayed from the labels which can be found inside 24a Savile Row.

B - s/s 08 collection - This is top of my want list but I don't think I can wait until it's available in the store. Fast forward winter, just make it Spring! I was tempted by a similar jacket by Siv Stodal for Topman Lens but the fit was terrible (when I saw the fit is terrible I tend to mean that it is not fitted enough, that was the case in this instance.)

Above is a collection of shoes. I've mentioned that the boutique is best known for the footwear it offers - (budhahood shoes). I'm liking the grey brogues very much. The three on the left are intriguing. A cross between a shoe and sandal - the brandle. I don't think many could pull this off but it certainly is an interesting idea. This design could be the answer to the ever annoying conundrum of 'what pair of shoes do I wear with those shorts?'. The ordinary shoe can look to clumpy and many trainers can spoil the more tailored look of smart shorts - This wasn't an issue for me over the recent summer because I didn't wear shorts once. My legs are still as white as Santa's beard.

I've not taken EJ to this store yet but next time she visits I will certainly take her. It is everything a shop should be. Great designers on offer, beautifully displayed and friendly staff. Bring on January when the above should be available and I should have some Christmas money left!

We haven't been shopping in London for an age, have we? We'll have do a proper trip sometime soon... window shopping only of course as I am incredibly poor right now.

I love those shoes. LOVE them. Please never call them brandles again though. I think you will need to try them on and take a picture so that I can get my head around them a bit better. What would you wear with them? Contrasting socks? No socks? Hmm... I may have to buy these for myself. Quite like that jacket too. Very Clash.

Made for each other

While I'm aware that it's about time I did proper post for this place, I'm afraid that birthday fever has taken over and my tiny attention span is even shorter than normal. I thought that I'd just post quickly about a couple of articles that have caught my eye lately: this one about bespoke shirts and this one about bespoke shoes.

I love the idea of having all my clothes made just for me, but have reconciled myself to the fact that this is not possible just yet. I think what is interesting about the first article particularly is what he discovers about how clothes are meant to fit (as well as learning the terminology). It is shocking how many men you see walking around wearing clothes that are completely the wrong size. A friend of ours thought that- despite being extremely skinny- he was a size large or extra large simply because he was slightly taller than average. The fact that the shoulders of his t shirts hung close to his elbows and that his body was just swamped with excess fabric (and not in a trendy, deliberate way) did not trigger off any thoughts in his head that maybe- just maybe- these clothes were 3 sizes too big. So many people, myself included, will also sacrifice decent fit because they like something so much they're desperate to MAKE it fit. With me this just means I wear the item a couple of times, feel incredibly uncomfortable because it doesn't look or hang right, then shove it in the bottom of a drawer with a vague sense of guilt until the next charity shop clear out. Well no more! I say.

Don't worry, I'm not about to say we should all sacrifice our social lives and food budgets for half the year to afford four bespoke shirts (£700 seems indecent, but then I'm not wealthy) but it's time we stopped compromising on fit. Do it today! Go to that wardrobe and drag out anything that doesn't fit quite right. Trousers particularly are easy to fix- I would hope that the waist is right or, really, what were you thinking? If they're too loose, make sure you have a good belt that suits them, if they're too tight, chuck them, they look crap anyway. Look at the length: if they're too long, seriously consider getting them shortened. By and large trousers should break once on the shoe, not pool around your ankles- I'm sure you all know that by now, so why are we putting up with anything but perfection when it is so easy (and relatively cheap) to get them altered? Be ruthless too with your tops. I am aware that it's not so easy to get these altered and I know that a man's bond with his favourite shirt or his favourite t shirt is sacred but call me sacrilegious, looking really good is more important than a material posession if said material posession just isn't working. If you love the fabric of a shirt too much to get rid of it entirely, try using it in a different way, perhaps tearing it up to make hankies (sorry, pocket squares), patches or if you're really handy with a needle and thread, to line the inside of another shirt's collar and cuffs.

Hmm, I seem to have gone off topic a little here. I did warn you about birthday fever though.

The glory that is my 21st birthday cake- check out the long hair!

All In A Flap

There is no doubt that one of the single most important pair of shoes you're going to buy in your time are the ones you'll wear on your wedding day. Some of you may be like me and think ONE of the most important pairs, not THE most important pair. I take pleasure in buying all shoes but wedding day shoes are going to be a pretty important choice. These little beauties from Roberto Cavalli and too darn gorgeous! If you're keen to completely splurge on your wedding shoes these would be the perfect pair to purchase. They'll be worn again, the t-bar will hold you in nice and tight and they would, believe it or not, be pretty comfortable (if you're a high heel fiend!). If a vintage inspired wedding is on the go then they'll fit the bill absolutely pefectly. WARNING: Keep your credit card statement to yourself! To buy online visit www.net-a-porter.com or visit www.robertocavalli.com for stockists.


Roberto Cavalli Swarovski crystal-embellished sandals £1,094

Posted by Emilie Harrison

Choo's Cruise

We all know Jimmy Choo is a label that every girl wants to wear on her wedding day. The new Cruise 2010 collection is oh so pretty and is brimming with brighter than bright colours that scream summer fun. More and more girls are now opting for gorgeous statement shoes in colours such as red, royal blue and pink and I have a feeling the new Jimmy Choo collection will make more than a few girls swoon. The collection will be available from the Sydney store from mid November. Visit www.jimmychoo.com to cruise the collection.


Dante in silver & Dexter in fuchsia


Mason in silver & Mostyn in chalk

Posted by Emilie Harrison

Shoe Shop Heaven

Entering a swanky shoe store with shelves and shelves of sequined, embellished, patent, satin heeled shoes sends me into a bit of a spin. You know the look on a childs face when they enter a lolly shop? Well that's how I feel about shoes. One of my favourite shoe stores is Melbourne's Miss Louise. It's the place to go for your dose of designer deliciousness. Balenciaga, Balmain, Brian Atwood, Chloe, Valentino, Yves Saint Laurent and many more will have you taking big, deep breaths praying that weak moment, where you whip out your credit card in a frenzy, doesn't arrive. Miss Louise has a gorgeous range of bridal shoes that give hope to all those brides who are anti the boring, ugly bridal shoes that are so often on offer. Bridal shoes can be stylish and sexy... just ask Miss Louise. Visit www.misslouise.com.au or visit the store at 205 Collins Street at the Westin, Melbourne.


Brian Atwood


Giuseppe Zanotti


Giuseppe Zanotti

Posted by Emilie Harrison

Golden Tootsies

I think if Dorothy was living in 2009 gone would be her red sequined sparklers that became famous in The Wizard of Oz. I'm almost certain she'd choose these shiny gold numbers from Christian Louboutin. The t-bar is ever so classic and makes for a perfect shoe when dancing is on the cards. Will you wear these again? Most certainly. Will you want to take them off? Most certainly not! Visit www.net-a-porter.com to buy online, visit www.christianlouboutin.com to view the entire collection or if you're in Australia call or visit David Jones in Bourke St, Melbourne, Elizabeth St, Sydney, and Queen's Plaza in Brisbane.


Christian Louboutin Archidisco 120 t-bar sandals £637

Posted by Emilie Harrison

Will You Be My Valentino?

Valentino, one of the biggest names in extrodinarily glamorous fashion, has added a simply loveable selection of evening shoes to the mix. And... they best bit? They're black! I am a sucker for black shoes. At last count I had around 20 pairs. I know, I know... what's wrong with me you ask? Quite simply I'm addicted. Lucky for my credit card these beauties are a little out of my league but... there is always the lottery. Visit www.netaporter.com to buy online.


Satin diamante bow pumps £710


Jeweled satin slingback sandals £721


Diamante embellished peeptoe pump £615

Posted by Emilie Harrison

Peep Toe Joins the Party
The ever popular Peep Toe Shoes is super happy to announce their first ever Wedding Collection. The gorgeous collection consists of heels in champagne silk, delicate cream lace, soft nappa leathers in gold and antique teamed with jewels and sparkling crystals. All heels in the Wedding Collection will come with a nude sole and retail from $249.00 - $345.00. The collection will be available instore from October/November 2009. Visit www.peeptoeshoes.com.au to view the entire collection, along with colour options.


Mrs Fairytale


Mrs Wedding March


Mrs Kiss


Mrs I Do


Mrs Bride

Posted by Emilie Harrison

Shoes snapping shoes

I came across a piece of 'news' on Dazed Digital which made me smile over the weekend. The Shoes, one of the latest acts to emerge from the French electro scene, have combined their current single "Knock Out" with a photography project. The duo have taken three hundred Polaroids (I have often discussed my love of Polaroids) of fellow artists' shoes and attached one to each of their limited-edition 7" records.

"The idea came to us all of a sudden," said Gui, one half of the pair. "We wanted each vinyl to be unique and offer not only music but also an object that could be collected. We know many people involved in music and art in general - some of them are famous, others aren't, but we fancied the idea of melting everyone in that project." Of course this is a promo gimmick but it is a nice one. I wish more bands did things like this- it has made me want to take more Polaroids of the people around me and their clothes. A visit to unsaleable is in order methinks to stock up on supplies.

Oscar Loves Helen
Not only is Helen Rodrigues now stocking the spectacular Oscar de la Renta bridal collection in her Neutral Bay store, she's now added the gorgeous shoe collection to the mix. The shoes are just so pretty and are no doubt shoes a girl is likely to wear more than just once. To find out more about the Oscar de la Renta collection available visit www.helenrodrigues.com.au.



Posted by Emilie Harrison

Sparkle & Shine
I don't think a single day goes by where I don't see a pair of shoes and sigh, thinking to myself, "why can't I have you?". These MiuMiu glitter gold pumps made me sigh, tilt my head to the right and wonder how something that goes on your feet, which in turn gets put on the ground, can look so gorgeous. With jeans or the ultimate little black dress (think a Herve Leger number) I think they would be a complete knockout. Available from www.net-a-porter.com or visit www.miumiu.com.


MiuMiu giltter peep-toe pump £283

Posted by Emilie Harrison

Shoes like Opal Fruits

These shoes by Jaime Hayon have got me salivating. The beautiful, slightly unsual shades have got me dreaming of one-colour outfits: men in crayon colours with a grown up twist. That shade of blue is particularly appealing and would look amazing with the right grey suit. It's days like that I'm glad that I have freakishly large feet to match my freakishly large hands... with a bit of luck I might be able to get myself a pair.

More info here.

Shoe Love
As many of our dear bloggers will know I'm a bit of a shoe addict. Shoe's were, according to my Mum, my first passion, followed closely by friends, boys and parties. I had to share with you these most gorgeous Christian Louboutin's. OH MY! Love comes in many shapes and forms and for me, these are it! Although on the very pricey side they would be worth every cent. Imagine your bridesmaids sashaying down the aisle in these numbers. No doubt you would have girls eyeing them off... and not in the kind way. Available online from www.net-a-porter.com.


Rhonda Dina 140 platform pump £647

Posted by Emilie Harrison

Spring time!

Click for bigger! Background found here

So Spring is here, even if it is colder now than it was in February (or at least feels that way). I always find in Spring that I'm suddenly aware of the new year and start really thinking about what to do with my life/year/wardrobe, but in an excited way, rather than the 'ohmygodit's2008whatthehellamIdoing' real new year way.

Of course, this is just my way of leading up to my Spring 'if I was a boy' wishlist/inspiration boards. I realise that I'm doing a lot of inspiration board type things at the moment but... well, it's been raining pretty much constantly for a week and it doesn't look like stopping so these have been a welcome distraction. So here we go:

1. This chap, courtesy of the Sartorialist, I'm sure you must've seen... he's wonderful. If I were you I'd be scouring second hand shops for a similar jacket and swearing off skinny jeans and trousers forever.

2. Umbrella from Fulton Umbrellas. I would've thought this was a pretty obvious one. This is tiny and would probably fit in the pockets of a decent sized overcoat, or in that manbag you should be carrying. I know some men don't like carrying umbrellas (more on that at a later date) but frankly, if it's pouring down with rain it's better to carry an umbrella than to get soaked.

3. Slim wallet from QuietDoing (another Etsy find!). I've never been one to have a 'long term' wallet. You know what I mean: leather, expensive, faaaahbulous stichwork. So Spring is the right time for me to get a new, fun wallet and mix it up a bit with my accessories. Plus you've been carrying that hideous wallet you got for Christmas for 3 months now, you're not obliged to use it any more.

4. Adidas Grey Marl trainers. I know, I know, get over the Adidas already but I really like these. The look really fresh and I think you could dress them up a bit or just wear them with jeans. Plus, I'm blatently going to get them as soon as they're in the sale.

5. Another Sartorialist chap. Aside from the fact that this man is godDAMN gorgeous, I really love this look. His shirt is absolutely fantastic; the little flecks of colour in it look fantastic against the plainness of his coat... and what a coat! Also, if someone could arrange for me to have his hair, that would be great.

6. Mjolk Stone trench coat, for obvious reasons. Trench coats are everywhere at the moment, but I especially like this one which is part of Topman's new season LENS collection.

7. Blue Fairtrade cotton hoody. This is a bit of an odd one out, but I love the colour, it's in the sale and I love the buttons. Plus it's Fairtrade if you're bothered about that sort of thing.

8. Engineered Garments Overnighter bag. I know it's a bit pricey, but it's also beautiful, and handy if you go visiting a lot.

9. Silver Converse. I could say I'm influenced by the Converse worn by 1., I could say I'm influenced by the reflections in the puddles, but really I just like shiny things. I'm a simple soul.

Viva las 90s!

There seems to be a bit of a 90s revival going on at the moment (have you seen Chloe Sevigny's collection?) so these Puma/Fresh Prince of Bel Air packs should come as no real suprise.
Being the Adi-whore that I am, other trainer brands slip through the net for me, despite sites like Sneaker Freaker, Sneaker Files and Bay Area Kicks doing a great job of keeping me up to date with the latest releases. Frankly, it's probably best that I do restrict myself to one brand as I too many pairs of trainers already. However, J is insistent about Puma and the idea of a Fresh Prince 'pack' is too intruiging not to talk about.

The first pack (above) is based on Will's life before he moved to Bel Air, and the trainer features graffiti writing in the style of that seen in the opening credits. It comes with a rather funky green watch too... I must say, I think I prefer the watch to the trainers though.

The second pack (naturally) is based on Will's life when he got to Bel Air and, as such, has a more 'sophisticated' look, made of (I am informed) "top quality Italian croc skin leather with regal gold accents". I suspect this shoe will appeal to Steve who had his eye on a similar pair of Adidas (there's that name again) trainers a couple of months ago. This pair comes with a gold watch which I'm not that big a fan of... I guess this is my problem with the idea really. I like the watch of one pack but the trainers of the other. It's a pretty big ask of me that I'm going to love and want to invest my money in both a pair of trainers AND a watch all in one themed package. Maybe I'm missing the point.

There always seems to be a 90s revival, have you seen ID over the last couple of years? I am in agreement with EJ, the watch is the best piece out of the three shown here. I commented yesterday on Puma, I find the brand a little too try hard. Against the likes of Adidas and Nike, Puma is trying to find its own feet and times it creates some great pieces but these are few and far between. I tend to avoid themes like this as they date so damn quickly...that said I'm a fan of the show...Now, this is a story all about how , my life got flipped-turned upside down and I like to take a minute, just sit right there...I'll tell you how I became the prince of a town called Bel Air.

The marriage between Converse and Music

Apologies for the lack of posting recently, EJ and myself have been pretty busy but be rest assured after the Easter holidays we will come back with a vengeance (I don't think this is the true message of Easter but that's what I take from it). Before I go back home to see the old folk and eat my body weight in various forms of chocolate and of course hot cross buns I thought I'd share with you an interesting article from the Guardian. Kriss Murison ponders how a sports shoe now owned by Nike came to symbolise good old fashioned Rock & Roll! The article discusses how a number of brands attempt the association with music and in particular trainers and some get it very wrong. This comes in the aftermath of the Dr Martens running an advertising campaign featuring dead rock stars such as Kurt Cobain and Sid Vicious wearing the brand's boots in heaven which caused a great deal of controversy and saw the Ad agency Saatchi & Saatchi sacked.

Edgy or bad taste and offensive?

What ever your feelings about the ad campaign it wasn't successful but Converse are always so good at demonstrating this link between music and their classic shoe. The new Converse ads bring together Sid Vicious and Joy Division's Ian Curtis alongside musical icons still-pumping musical blood, including Karen O of the Yeah Yeah Yeahs, Green Day's Billie Joe Armstrong and soundclash experimentalist MIA. Non-musical legends, from Hunter S Thompson to NBA star Dwyane Wade, also appear in the ad, which is intended to drive home the message that Converse has "always been about inspiring originality and the spirit of optimistic rebellion". Karen O from the YYYs confesses her love for them "They have become as much a part of my image as the bright red lips and torn fishnets. I'm happy to endorse a shoe that my feet have known so intimately throughout my rock'n'roll exploits."

We all have at least one pair of Converse...I have four pairs...but are the shoes rock'n'roll? I was leaving the office yesterday for a spot of lunch when I looked down in the lift and noticed that all four guys inside were wearing the same pair of white converse like a uniform. We work in Marketing. I have to add though that while my peers had pristine glowing white ones mine were a little more rock'n'roll as they have become pretty darn battered and are more grey/brown than white. That said if you think of some of the most enduring rock'n'roll images ever captured many will involve Converse, from the Ramones' All-Stars sticking out like canvas clown shoes at the ends of their drainpipe jeans, to the Strokes' NME cover.

Many brands try to profit from the relationship between music and fashion but I don't any will be as successful as Converse who have a strong bond that goes far deeper than clever ad campaigns!

Choo for Everyone
I don't think I've ever met a girl who hasn't wished for a pair of Jimmy Choo's. They're the dream, the benchmark... and they make me very excited! I have, today, become rather jealous and a little bitter. Jimmy Choo are releasing a collection for High Street mega store H&M. If you are lucky enough to live in North America, Europe, the Middle East or Asia you will, no doubt, be rubbing your hands with glee while those of us who do not have an H&M store within reach scowl and think 'why me?'. From November 14 H&M will stock Jimmy Choo accessories for men and women, as well as a clothing line. So, get yourself prepped to battle the crowds on November 14. These hot little pieces will be gone before you have the chance to bat your eyelashes at the sales assistant. Visit www.hm.com for further details.


Shoes from the Jimmy Choo for H&M collection


Jimmy Choo founder and President Tamara Mellon


Georgia suede lace and biker leather sandal GBP$495 from the Autumn/Winter 09 collection

Posted by Emilie Harrison

Cesare Paciotti-killer heels!

I came across Cesare Paciotti in the latest Vogue and promptly fell in love, it didn't take me long to find their website and start coveting everything on it! Especially their heels... stylish, sexy and glamorous, I'll take any pair please! Which are your favourites? Hard to choose isn't it?!

All images via Cesare Paciotti