Shoe Salvation

I HAVE a lot of shoes - all currently nestled in their own dedicated shoe room. And this week I've added another pair to my collection, which I am hoping will become the saviour of my shoes (and my feet too).

From www.redfootrevolution.co.uk they are a pair of little flat ballet pumps, which will fold in half into a little pouch which you can slip into your purse or bag when you go out dancing. When the pain of silly heels gets too unbearable (and it always will - if the shoes are truly fabulous) then rather than hobble to your taxi, just swap them for these glamourous flatties.

They are also perfect if you need to walk to work and don't want to wear out your heels but can't face the frump of trainers.

All the designs are just so cute, I bought these Dita redfoots (£29.99) which are embellished with a bow and gemstones for true chic  but the Alexa Aqua (£19.99) (above) caught my eye too in a wonderful sea-blue colour with studs, which provides a great look this season. 

The perfect pick-up

I'M a sucker for a cute cosmetic - I freely admit it. I once spent £20 on those little

cosmetics you attach to your phone like a charm, only realising afterwards that I didn't have the kind of phone you could attach anything to. But the assortment of lip glosses, eyeshadows and god-knows-what-else were so adorable they were worn around shoes, bags, belts, anything. 

My latest find are these handbag-sized trio sets of eyeliner (£14) by TheBalm at cultbeauty.co.uk.  These handy Pick-Up Liners are mini eyeliners in kicking shades of navy, olive and plum or black, brown and gray, and are water resistant to provide a soft texture for easy application and blending, with a long lasting finish.  The vintage inspired packaging and the names made me smile, 'You must know karate 'cuz your bod is kickin', or ‘Your name must be Mickey ‘cuz you’re so fine’, and even comes with a built-in sharpener to keep eyes perfectly lined at all times.

Creating come-to-bed eyes has never been so easy...

Rock the Summer

WHO would have thought summer trends would be so exciting.

A couple of years ago the high street was awash with muted tones, shapeless garments and just general blandness. 

Summer 2009 should be re-labelled Summer 2000-and-fine as jewel shades, bold graphics and studs take over the season.

A perfect example is the launch of Giles Deacon’s first ever beach collection exclusively for New Look. 

This fantastic range of swimwear, kaftans, jumpsuits, bags and shoes are sure to be a popular choice and they are just so exciting.

Giles’ beach collection is based around an L.A./ 80’s electro pop story. Key items from this capsule collection include a black canvas beach bag with stud detail, a black wet look bikini and a black and white graphic print one shoulder swimsuit. The studs and graphic prints continue through a selection of triangle and bandeau styles in black, white and neon pink and even studded flip flops. 

The collection is due to launch into stores on 8 June and will be available in New Look stores both nationally and internationally as well as online. Get those credit cards ready girls!

The big boob

TO men and women alike, the prospect of having an ample bosom is seen as a blessing. And in most scenarios, it is. 

However it can create problems; star-jumping will never be comfortable, for example.  And wearing a polo-neck is always a bad idea, unless you are going to a fancy-dress party as Velma from Scooby Doo. 

And any self-respecting fashionista with fabulous bangers will know the importance of making sure they are well-supported with the best scaffolding available. 

So it was fabulous to hear this week that a campaign to bring the prices of larger cup bras in Marks and Spencer in line with prices of smaller cup bras was successful.

Previously their policy was to charge an extra £2 on bras larger than a DD cup on the 

 grounds they cost more to make. 

Brighton-based Beckie Williams created the Busts for Justice campaign, with a Facebook group which attracted nearly 17,000 members objecting to the tit-tax. 

However on Friday the store took out adverts in the newspapers, admitting it had "boobed" and announced it will be bringing all prices in line, regardless of size. 

One small step for M&S, one large cup for womenkind. 

To celebrate, here are a few choices from the store for those "blessed" types. Above right, Ceriso bra £14; below left, Ceriso bra £14 and right, Per Una bra £12

Truffl-icious

TRYING to give up chocolate to get bikini-beautiful for the summer is always going to be hard, but these little guilt-free Lip Gloss Truffles from MAD Beauty are perfect to help you along.

They look, taste and smell good enough to eat – and what’s more, they are good for you! You can re-apply Lip Gloss Truffles throughout the day as required to keep your lips soft and supple (or to get that chocolate fix!). 

Lip Gloss Truffles come in a set of three chocolate flavours – White Chocolate, Caramel Chocolate and Praline Milk Chocolate and are just too cute not to add to your handbag. 

Each pack of Lip Gloss Truffles cost £6.99 and can be found at www.madbeauty.com or call 020 8958 0555.

Collared Cuties

STATEMENT jewellery will always have its place in fashion but right now I'm getting so excited about the pretty collar or bib necklaces out this season.

Perfect for dressing up a plain top or shift dress, these wide boys are the cherry on the fashion cake.

Accessorize have a number of collars which are cuter than cotton candy. They carry some of the main trends these season, from floral to oriental to colour.

Pictured are some of my favourites from the store: (from top) Absinthe Rose £25, Oriental £14, Nefertiti £20 and Bouquet £25.

Fabulous folds

ANYONE who has asked for my opinion of this season's fashion, will know that I'm having trouble containing my inner geek thanks to one particular trend: the origami tailoring.

In the same way that some will fold paper to produce little flowers, birds, animals or other objects, a bright spark in the fashion world has introduced it to fabric.

The end result is fascinating - it isn't a million miles away from the humble pleat or the simple dart you've seen in tailoring - but the effect to me is staggering and so, so unique.

For skirts and dresses when used with more rigid fabrics it can be used to create beautiful and exciting silhouettes.

This bandeau dress (above), £120, from Unique Boutique at ASOS.com combines hot pink and black in folded detailing across the front, which is perfect if you are having a fat day, as the central panel creates an illusion of being slimmer than you are. 

Depending on how you wear it, the trend in general can be utilised to hide or highlight curves, according to your preference. 

But as well as creating the main shape of garments, it can be used to adorn necklines. 

This silk top (right), £45, from Principles illustrates just how pretty the detailing can be.

It's a chic look, which can be worn either to work or at the weekend. 

For work try teaming a top, such as this one (£16) from Et Vous at Matalan, with a tulip skirt, or for lunch with the girls, wear it over your favourite jeans and some pretty flats. 

The detailing really speaks for itself so keep the jewellery simple, and go for beads in a contrasting colour.