Killer court shoes

I love a good court shoe, it's currently my go to shape of the moment. In a world of wedges, platforms, flatforms and heel-less shoes I think the humble court shoe gets overlooked and it's such a shame. There's a reason why it's such a popular red carpet classic; the simple shape and cut make you look like you have legs for days, just look at Angelina Jolie who is never without a pair of trusty court shoes. I have dozens of court shoes simply for this reason, they're my secret shoe weapon for long legs. Keeps your courts interesting by opting for a touch of glitter, some all over prints or a couple of bold hues. Here are my top 10 court shoes: 

From left to right:

Georgia Rose Giselle - £84

Carvela Artist - £140.50

Fornarina Demy - £118.70

Steve Madden Beast - £84.99

Arian Broda - £35.50

Fornarina Demy - £118.70

Friis & Company Cicely - £45.90

Carvela Australia - £140.50

Dune Belma - £90

Minna Parikka Melt - £284.75

Friday Fashion Fix

Claudia Schiffer returns as face of Guess after 23 years. 


Guess is celebrating their 30th anniversary by partnering with one of their original spokesmodels Claudia Schiffer for their new campaign. The campaign was shot by Ellen von Unwerth who shot the first few campaigns. Claudia looks absolutely stunning, only a true Super could look that perfect at 41.

H&M confirms new fashion chain. 


Rumours have been swirling for days about H&M launching a luxury line and the Swedish retailer has confirmed their plans to launch a new brand next year. A spokesperson for H&M said: "A new store chain will be launched in 2013 under a separate brand with a higher price point. It will not be a luxury brand, but it will be a retail chain that will follow the same ambition as H&M, to offer our customers the best price for a comparable item". 


Club Monaco launches transactional website. 


Earlier this week, luxury lifestyle brand Club Monaco finally launched their e-commerce site. The site is as beautiful as the clothing, I love the inspirational styled shots and clean layout. 

Christy Turlington (and tash) cover Tatler, May 2012. 


Another news on an original Super, Christy Turlington also shows off her timeless beauty, even with a mustache, on the cover of Tatler's May 2012 issue. What do you think of her new look? 

Karlie Kloss goes va-va-vamp. 


This is Karlie Kloss as you've never seen her before. The first of SHOWstudio's Fashion Fetish series features 19-year old Karlie taking the lead role as a super foxy vixen. 

Label love: Kelly Ewing

Inspired by Victorian aristocracy and pre-Raphaelite romanticism, Glaswegian designer Kelly's collection contains beautiful statement pieces. Her dresses feature vintage features such as boned corsetry coupled with modern pattern cutting and sharp tailoring. Traditional fabrics such as Harris tweed are pleated and draped and paired with gorgeous silk linings for a luxurious couture feel. Her edgy yet feminine designs were featured in the X Factor finale, worn by both Little Mix and Amelia Lily. I've fallen for the beautiful dipped hem pretty pink dress above, it's just so ethereal and delicate. What do you think of Kelly's designs?

Wednesday Wish List: New Look Shoes

From left to right:

New Look contrast peep toe court shoes - £24.99

New Look patent tassel slipper shoes - £17.99

New Look quilted toe cap ballet pump - £15.99

New Look beaded platform t-bar shoes - £24.99

New Look nude snakeskin platform courts - £19.99

New Look fanfare print strappy sandals - £29.99

New Look peach canvas cork wedges - £19.99

New Look floral satin peep toe shoes - £24.99

New Look yellow lace ballet flats - £15.99

New Look pale blue perspex heel court shoes - £29.99

Monica & Joe's 1st birthday party

Last week, I popped over to Soho House to celebrate the first birthday of contemporary womenswear boutique Monica & Joe. Founded by adorable husband and wife team Monica and Joe who have previous worked as head of buying at Arcadia and group merchandising director at Mulberry respectively. They decided to combine their fashion expertise on a trip to Paris where they were inspired by the gorgeous boutiques in Marais and realised that there was a huge gap in the market for affordably luxury brands in the UK. Cherry picking their favourite collections from new and established labels from Paris, London and Copenhagen, the boutique features the likes of Peter Jensen, By Malene Birger, Olivia Rubin and Pyrus. Both Monica and Joe are so passionate about what they do which really reflects in their collections. Here are my top pics, how gorgeous are the prints? 

Label love: Friis and Company

One of the best things about being a Sarenza brand ambassador is discovering new shoe brands. It's practically part of the job description to navigate the 300+ brands they stock, oh it is tough work! My current favourite is Friis & Company, a boutique shoe brand from Denmark. Created 10 years ago, Friis & Company's killer shoes are inspired by the hottest designers, resulting in really stunning shoes which always walk their way into my shopping basket. I recently bought these gorgeous Belinda boots. I was drawn to their casual vibe, the slightly hiker feel, little tasseled laces and chunky heel. As soon as I spied the cut away heel, I had to have them. Everything about them reminded me of the gorgeous Dakota boots by Alexander Wang which I was a little bit obsessed with. 

Wear a little M&S sunshine

Is anyone else ridiculously excited about spring? Lighter evenings, blue skies and sunshine after months of dreary darkness. However, just because we're out of the darkness it doesn't mean that good times and sunny days are here to stay. That's why I adore this Marks and Spencer Limited Edition chiffon dress. Why wait for sunny days when you can create your own sunshine with this buttercup yellow beauty? The cheeky low cut is a little surprising from M&S but the dress is sweet and charming to balance it out. One of the things I love most about it is the little pockets, pretty and practical is such a good combination. What do you think of this gorgeous little yellow dress? 

Jennifer Lawrence's red carpet looks for The Hunger Games

I really, really didn't want to buy into the whole hype surrounding the mega movie franchise The Hunger Games. Those of you who know me will know I'm a huge fan of world cinema, particularly Japanese and Korean thrillers. Based on Suzanne Collins' novels, the plot is alarmingly similar to one of my favourite Japanese movies: Battle Royale. Plagerism controversy aside, I couldn't help but be drawn into it by lead actress Jennifer Lawrence. She has been showing off her star power at The Hunger Games premiers across the globe and is looking every inch the seasoned Hollywood movie star. Here are my favourite looks from her red carpet appearances. 

Friday Fashion Fix

Karl goes grocery shopping for French Elle. 


There is one thing you simply must do today: buy French Elle. There is an 8-page spread with Karl Lagerfeld doing utterly boring, mundane tasks but with his usual flair. I don't think grocery shopping has ever looked so chic!

Prada's Real Fantasies video. 


Super powerhouse Prada have released an arty, off the wall companion to their fantastic main campaign videos. Featuring handmade collages, it's a very strange visual feast. 

Andrej Pejic models for Adeen.


Up and coming labels, take note. Take one gender-defying, super hot model add one profanity-laden baseball cap and watch the internet sit up and pay attention. New York-based Adeen sure knew what they were doing when they signed Andrej Pejic to front their campaign.

Jean Paul Gaultier for Diet Coke. 

Gaultier is succeeding Karl Lagerfeld as the creative director of Diet Coke. This involves designing limited edition bottles and cans (I still treasure my Karl bottle) as well as campaigns and online content. First up is a series of short films where he takes on various roles including therapist, journalist and a private detective. 

Wednesday Wish List: 20% off at Dune

Exciting news, show lovers. High street shoe heaven Dune have a special 20% off discount code which goes live at 4pm today until lunchtime on Friday. Whether you opt for bright hues, Gatsby-inspired t-bars, pale pastels or even emergency roll up flats, now is the perfect time to treat your tootsies to a pretty new home. Simply enter VIP15  at the checkout from 4pm today. 

Left to right:

Dune Anise court shoes - £64 inc discount

Dune Donna spotted peep toes - £72 inc discount

Dune Bounce snakeskin platforms - £72 inc discount

Dune Canary t-bar sandals - £68 inc discount

Dune Magic roll up ballerina flats - £16 inc discount

Dune Anise court shoes - £64 inc discount

Dune Candy slingbacks - £68 inc discount

Dune Drama diamante shoes - £79.20 inc discount

Dune Sparkling shoe - £72 inc discount

Pedro Garcia SS12

I have to admit to a little brand crush on Pedro Garcia. Here is the SS12 lookbook, shot in Lanzarote and inspired by the natural textures and colours of the landscape. 

Menswear Monday: Celebrating 10 years of LENS

I've praised the London fashion industry umpteen times for their support and encouragement given to emerging designers. London really is unique in nurturing talent and helping it grow - just look at Christopher Kane. He's gone from budding designer in Scotland to one of the hottest tickets during LFW and working on collections for Versus. Collaborations have been key, working with retailers such as Harrods who have provided a platform for his work to be seen to working with Topshop and Manolo Blahnik to bring his work to a new audience. It seems to be much more difficult for menswear designers, the one platform that I have taken note of is LENS which is ten years old now. 


Founded by Topman Design Director Gordon Richardson and "b Store" founder Matthew Murphy, LENS aims to showcase global menswear design talent. This season sees Omar Kashoura join the likes of J.W. Anderson, New Power, Uniforms for the Dedicated and Dexter Wong on the design roster. Described by Dazed Digital as "a key plater in the British Fashion Industry", Omar brings his signature tailoring and relaxed elegance to the collection. A mixture of lightweight knits with a touch of pastel and more formal luxe evening shirts, there are some real stand out pieces. 

J.W. Anderson is one of my favourite menswear designers (as is James Long) and his SS12 collection for LENS is more eclectic, featuring polka dots, Aztec prints, fine gauge knits and tribal print shorts.

Uniforms for the Dedicated showcase their classic Scandinavian utility workwear look through understated jersey pieces in a creamy colour palette. 

New Power Studio use an oversized silhouette with photographic prints for a really striking look. 

Fullcircle's tropical prints

As soon as I saw the tropical collection from Fullcircle, I had to share it. Fullcircle are a very traditional brand who pull together two collections a year which tie in with their brand aesthetic. This year though, they have decided to dabble in fast fashion with a couple of flash collections which have a very short 12-week lead time and aim to capitalise on seasonal trends. although Katrantzou-inspired prints are everywhere this season, most high street retailers fall short of her dreamy, punchy prints but as Fullcircle design and develop their prints in-house, they have created some really stunning statement prints. The Aloha floral print is a favourite, I adore the shorts.

Marni for H&M launches today!

Today is the day! Are you heading to your local store or trying your luck online? Here are my favourite pieces from the lookbook. 

Wednesday Wish List: Tropical Prints

Left to right: 

Topshop tropical print vest - £30

River Island tropical print pencil skirt - £25

River Island tropical print crop top - £14

ASOS tropical print jumpsuit - £70

Topshop tropical mirror print shorts - £35

Oasis tropical print jacket - £55

Warehouse Eastern tropic trousers - £38

Weston at Harvey Nichols

I’ve got to admit, for me Harvey Nichols is very much “the forgotten department store”. While Harrods is impossible to ignore, Selfridges’ familiarity and Liberty’s quirk have earned them a place in my shopping heart for life. For me, Harvey Nichols has lagged behind, offering very little to make it a destination for shopping. This has started to be addressed though, buying Fyodor Golan’s entire SS12 collection and supporting the likes of James Long, Katie Eary and Christopher Raeburn in their menswear project have helped Harvey Nichols to carve their niche in the London retail scene.

L’Odyssée de Cartier

French jewellery house Cartier have finally unveiled their epic masterpiece of a short film, which has taken 60 trained specialists almost two years to complete. L'Odyssee de Cartier follows the journey of the iconic Cartier panther through Paris, St Petersberg, Beijing and India and also features the flawless Shalom Harlow in a gown designed by Yiqing Yin, a graduate of the Ecole Nationale des Arts Decoratifs and of course Cartier jewels. The jewels in question are a 13.4-carat pear-cut solitaire diamond ring and a specially made platinum panther bracelet which features onyx for its spots and nose, emeralds for eyes, a dusting of diamonds and a massive 51.58-carat green beryl. A fitting opulent tribute to the brand's 165-year history. 

Designer Spotlight: Masc

I briefly wrote about emerging new label MASC a couple of months ago in a post about Selfridges' Bright Young Things but they definitely deserve a closer look. Founded just last year by Duncan Shaw and Billy Yick, the design duo took part in the final gala show at Graduate Fashion Week before being selected by Selfridges as one of the leading young design talents in the UK. Duncan was personally selected to study the Masters Fashion Design programme at the Institut Francais De La Mode in Paris, culminating in a Distinction awarded by Yves Saint Laurent co-founder Pierre Berg. MASC's design aesthetic is serene Japanese simplicity coupled with draping and structured silhouettes. The cutting techniques allow for expressive draping resulting in stunning form-focused womenswear. MASC is available at Young British Designers.