Ode to Chloe

Despite the somewhat summery spell of weather we've been experiencing in the UK lately, my mind has been firmly fixed on getting hold of that fantastic autumn/winter weather essential, the boot.
Of course as I make this statement, I'm not being entirely honest. My fixation is not on boots in general, but on one particular pair. The black Chloe over the knee criss cross boots. Bang on trend with their virtually thigh high length and bondage style criss crossing. Their functionality in the form of flats, is the proverbial icing on the cake. Despite the initial criticism Hannah MacGibbon faced after taking the reigns from Phoebe Philo, I for one, am firmly on team MacGibbon.



Anyone who knows me will attest to the fact that over the past month I have talked about these boots non stop- trying to justify the approx £900 price tag they carry. Facing the inevitable, I have already made a space in my wardrobe awaiting their arrival, but in homage to the recession, I figured the least I could do was investigate close but cheaper competitors.

The first offering is from DICE. A suede, studded over the knee affair which on the positive side are flat, with the essential wrap detail and a completely affordable £90 price tag. The downside? I am not completely sold on them, perhaps its the studding, which dare I say, makes them look somewhat...well.....cheap. Sorry!

The next two contenders are from Office: the aptly named Crash Couture boots are a far too literal take on the cowboy boots, whilst the more palatable wrap boots are 'nice' but missing the OTT length needed to make them stand out as AW09 boots rather than '08 leftovers.


I remain very confused where Steve Madden is concerned. The fairly affordable price range of their shoes suggest a brand placed at the slightly higher end of affordable or high street fashion, yet every pair (to me at least) appears poorly made with cheap materials. Maybe its just me..... Anyway, here are a pair of Steve Madden boots which come in at £200 but look a little clunky and awkward despite being riding boots.

Now because I like to contradict myself, I'm including these fantastic boots from Gianvito Rossi. Yes they don't exactly count as 'affordable' but with a £840 price tag they are marginally cheaper than the Chloe boots, which I believe qualifies them for inclusion in this list! The suede/leather contrast is an oldie but a goodie that further justifies their presence.


Until next time.....

2009's biggest players

NY fashion week kicks off in a few days time, offering long awaited first glimpses into the big trends for 2010. I therefore christen now 'the perfect time to reflect on which Runway trends from the 2009 RTW shows made a big impact on mainstream fashion this year and which sizzled with as much panache as a damp sparkler'.

1, Distressed biker denim- Balmain, William Rast and Co. inspired a denim revival that infected all high street stores and fashion followers everywhere.


2. Leathers - Givenchy, Elise Overland and Chanel were amongst those making leather textured waves.



3. Power shoulders- Dynasty sized shoulder pads were given greater height and diagonal projection to bring the 80s trend into the 21st century. Antonio Beradi, Twenty8twelve and of course Balmain were shoulders above the rest (pun intended) in the inspiration stakes.



4. Less is more- lace, sheers and midriffs obtained a long awaited revival, and who could be surprised with the likes of Alexander Wang, Dolce and Gabbana, and Givenchy turning their hands to the former 90s trends.


5. Last but not least- Jumpsuits. This is one trend that like a middle child making a stand, refused to go quietly into the night. It appeared in one form or another in both 2008 and 2009 RTW shows alike. Persistence paid off and 2009 saw the trend finally gaining momentum amongst mainstream fashion. My personal runway favourite looks were those of Lily Donaldson in that green Chloe's jumpsuit and this silver number from Stella.


Until next time.....