Monochrome Bliss

When it comes to shopping for my love of monochrome, it's safe to say that all logic goes out of the window financially! There's an element to this classic pairing of black and white that just takes my breath away, and it's such a versatile trend. Monochrome is a fashionable look that can be worked all year round, making it stylish to wear in summer AND winter. 

So I've recently been hitting the sales in River Island in search of some wardrobe updates, and I just couldn't resist these chunky black and white ankle boots! Not only were they a bargain on their original price, but they are also incredibly comfortable to wear if you're looking for footwear with some height, but don't want anything that's too elevated. These boots are fantastic to wear in all weather conditions too - I have been wearing mine with footie socks in the hot weather (note the breathable hole in the side of the boot's design), as well as wearing them in the rain (my birthday jaunt around the Lake District yesterday was living proof of this.)

Finally, let's not overlook the sheer attitude these boots add to an outfit! Their striking thick white sole contrasted with a black leather upper, buckle to the sides and zipper to the back scream, 'don't mess with me!' By far the best footwear purchase I've bought this season. 

If you want to read some more of my thoughts on the monochrome trend for summer, and maybe even pick up some styling tips in the process, feel free to have a browse of my article over on Le Reve's blog - you never know, you might just learn a trick or two. 

Thanks for reading! :)

Note: All images taken by Myself (Dawn)

The Art of the Ankle

For me the ankle has always been one of my favourite body parts to decorate not just with jewellery, but with beautiful shoes as well. There are so many ways to customize our own look these days and emphasizing certain attributes only adds to the fun of dressing up as a feminine, fashion-conscious woman. 

When shopping for stilettos I tend to try and look for the whole package: a steady platform that is pretty comfortable to walk in, a quirky design or embellishment, and an ankle strap wherever possible. Stilettos can be your best friend if you choose a pair that has decent ankle support. After all, the last thing anybody wants is a strain after only a couple of hours walking around in that new pair of shoes! Chiropody foam also works wonders for providing additional comfort to arched feet.

Sometimes I like to customize my stiletto collection by adding a D.I.Y strap onto a pair that doesn't already have any. A simple how-to tutorial is all that is required if you have a favourite pair of heels that needs some extra support.

Making a bold footwear statement has always been one of the most appealing things about fashion, and I love nothing more than eyeing up new lines on the likes of Shoespie, Dr. Martens and ASOS. Flats are equally as 'out there' as heels though, which is why I spend a lot of my time wearing boots, pumps and smart shoes in addition to stilettos.



Note: Images are not my own.

The Shoe Queen: SJP Launches Her Own Shoe Collection

Yes, you heard it here first. The lovely Sarah Jessica Parker is finally launching what Sex and the City fans have been wanting since the show first became popular in the 90's... a fashionable range of shoes designed by Carrie Bradshaw herself! ;)  I have always been a huge S.A.T.C fan along with my two sisters who I cannot wait to enlighten with the exciting news.

SJP is a celebrity who is synonymous for her passion for expensive shoes, in particular, anything Manolo Blahnik. So it was only a matter of time before she would be teaming up with this luxury footwear brand to create a spectacular new collection.

Sarah quoted in a recent Daily Mail article that "there's nothing sexy about not being able to walk." A statement I and I'm sure many other ladies can appreciate. This is why she wanted her range to be stylish but wearable. Sex and the City fans along with serial fashion lovers can look forward to seeing pumps, flats, booties and t-straps in a collection that promises to be timeless.

The exclusive 'SJP Collection' will debut on February 28th and will be sold in Nordstrom stores all across the U.S. as well as online. (Good news for those who don't live in America!) I for one cannot wait to scour the net to see her first shoe line for myself.