The Miu Miu Glitter Shoe Bandwagon

Yeah that's right. Miu Miu again. Where would this blog be without Miuccia eh?

Anyway. I have been slightly obsessed with the glittery banana-heeled shoes of the Fall 2011 show for a long time now, and may or may not have let out a little squeal when I saw them in the flesh in Neiman's the other day. But as always I cannot afford to invest in such a trend-led pair of shoes (I would adore them forever of course, but give it a year and people will be sick of seeing my feet sparkle/cover their carpets in shimmer). 

For those of you that can afford the read deal here's my findings from a quick browse earlier today...

3 & 4 are the dream shoes right there! Though 1, 6 & 7 make more practical and versatile choices.

The main reason I began this post, however, is that when I was browsing through Topshop.com this morning with a particular style of ballet flats in mind, my eyes got distracted and excited at the pair below (2) and it only took me seconds to realise that they were a 100% unsubtle take on the Miu Miu collection. I was sorely tempted to buy the little cuties but I think it's too obvious, and I have a real distaste towards 'fakes'. I do slip up occasionally however and incorporating the general trends of the season is rarely something to be frowned upon, so here's some more Miu Miu inspired footwear from the high street...

Find out where to buy online and the possible damage to your wallet after the jump...

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Christmas Came Early

My mum visited this time last week for a Christmas shopping trip, where I got to pick out some presents. There surprisingly wasn't anything much that I wanted, except for some new heels.

I had already spotted these Topshop beauties online but was too desperately poor to invest, and then I saw them in the Selfridge's shoe hall and knew I had to have them. I spent the rest of the day looking around still, and in the end we were chasing them down in 3 different London stores before finally finding a pair in my size.

It was worth it though, and I lasted a very long night in them at the Levi's Christmas party this week. Amazing effort considering the alcohol levels consumed...

Apologies Ms. Prada - I was never really going to get my hands on one of your beautiful Miu Miu pairs, which I have spent months and months lusting after...

When I was seeing the mother off, a woman breezed past us in the station wearing a pleated black maxi that looked perfect, blowing around in the wind. Yes, I am still hooked on maxi's despite my lack of ability to wear them practically.

Anyhow, this woman - I figured - was just one of those annoyingly cool looking people who always has perfect clothes (you know the type) that I'd never be able to find. That was until I discovered that her skirt was from Topshop. Yes, Topshop to the rescue once again.

I had to search all of Flagship only to find shorter versions in several colours, but no black maxis.
Thanks to Topshop.com, another Christmas present from the mother is on its way to me as we speak...

It's weird, because before this past week Topshop hadn't been in my good books for months. I usually have a list as long as my arm of things I want from there but lately the spark has been missing, but it seems to be making a come back.

And finally... Wow, can I rant??

I just got back from a cheeky trip to Nandos with my dearest friends/roomies where we swapped Christmas presents before we head home over the next week.

They seriously are the best...

and it's still a whole week + half a day until Christmas morning. Getting SO excited now...

Christmas Gift Ideas for the Fashionable Lady in Your Life

Really, I've just picked out things that either I would like, or have actually asked for, but if you don't see anything here it might lead to another idea.

To me it seems late to be posting this, but I did have about half of my presents bought by mid-November...

Casio gold plated mini digital watch - £40 - ASOS.com, Rose printed long leg trousers and rib PJ vest - £28 - Topshop.com, Kerastase Elixir Ultime versatile beautifying oil - £32.75 - HQHair.com

Marc by Marc Jacobs pretty medium laptop case - £60 - Net-a-porter.com, Diptyque 'Roses' scented candle - £36 - Space.NK.co.uk, Premium intricate hard case clutch - £40 - ASOS.com

Hope that helps.

We all know men are the hardest to buy for anyway, 'fraid I can't help with that one...

Dear Topshop Satchel,

As soon as I set eyes on you, I was seconds away from digging out my purse and taking you to the till. Sensibility got a hold of me, however, so I turned over the price tag to find you were not the beautiful bargain of a new season bag I was hoping for. Turns out you're real leather, and therefore deserve an £85 price tag.

Maybe we'll meet again on payday, if fate has its way...

I have to have you

Valentino Couture Leather bow gloves, long or petit I am seriously lusting after them. How long will it be until Topshop are doing their own versions I wonder?...

(Images via Style.com)

Imogen Newton for Topshop.com

Imogen is another new face at Viva who's career is set to skyrocket.

Here's her recent shoot for Topshop.com

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The Clog Debate

Now, I know I seriously slated the Chanel Spring/Summer show... but half a year later already loving wooden heels but not so much the clog variety, I've seen plenty of interpretations and plenty of people wearing them and I've decided - I kind of like some certain styles.

Damn you Karl!

Topshop's tan take on the trend - £75.

Fact is, I'll never wear them. It sucks being too tall to wear heels on a casual daily basis.

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Buckle Me Up

I need these, please, thanks.

I remember a similar pair of Nine West gladiator wedges being out last summer, or maybe the summer before, and I really wanted a pair but didn't think I would wear them. Then, of course, pretty much every style blogger I came across was flaunting them in my face.

Oh, if only I had unlimited shopping funds...

('Warwick' wedges - Topshop - £70)

Sale? Sold!

Some longtime followers may remember me mentioning this dress a while ago - Topshop's very own version of the Alexander Wang embroidered mesh dress.

It kept selling out before I could afford to actually buy it, but with it being such a good copy of such a good dress there is no surprise.

The big surprise was finding one in the Topshop sale nearly two weeks after the sale actually started (usually it's a load of rubbish to begin with, nevermind this far in) in my size for only £20. I got my boyfriends staff discount on top of that which made me a little more smug. I can't wait to style it up...

This is the best image I could find and has both the original and Topshop version. Credit to wantandafford.com (obviously)

Paper Chains

Topshop have finally done a non-tacky/cheap looking version of the Louis Vuitton paper-chain style necklaces from their Fall show.

I fell in love with them at first sight courtesy of Style.com's coverage, then even more so when I got to hold one of the (surprisingly heavy) beauties in the Glamour cupboard back in June.

Topshop's version is an easy £18 - Guess where I'll be heading first with my Christmas present money...

Skirts are for life, not just for summer

I have a bit of a thing for skirts lately. Whenever I write lists (I write a lot of lists) of things I need to invest in more pre-shopping trip, skirts are always on there.

I used to live in jeans, but didn't actually realise how many people don't actually wear jeans all the damn time, until a friend pointed out last year how often I wear them and that I 'inspired' her go out and buy a pair.

With this in mind, and the fact I was becoming depressingly bored of my day-to-day outifts, I finally clicked that relying on jeans all the time wasn't giving me enough room for creativity. Besides, I find them so uncomfortable anyway, and they're such time consuming things to go shopping for, especially if skinny is your preference.

I picked out some of my favourite skirts online to share with you all after being inspired by some of the S/S'10 shows.

Runway

Burberry, Jaeger London and Versace

Online
L-R: Topshop £30 - Forever21 $28 - By Zoe @ My-Wardrobe £87

L-R: Vero Moda @ Oli £29 - See by Chloe @ Net-a-Porter £290 - Surface to Air @ Browns £110





My favourites are the Topshop and Vero Moda skirts - they've gone straight to the top of my (very long) wishlist.

Team them all with black wooly tights and boots for day, heels or pretty flats for night. They can all be teamed with floaty blouses or plain tops as they make a little statement on their own.

Call me psychic...

I think being a trend forecaster could be my calling after all. After all the posts I've done banging on about maxi dresses and looking for the perfect one, I recieve a Topshop newsletter telling all that the maxi's are the new hemline to embrace.

I'm waiting for them to now bring out a million styles over the next couple of months, seeming as noone else seems to have caught onto this quite yet and I like some variety of choice.



Image: Topshop

Topshop or Chanel?

Parisian Wedge by Boutique - £130

Sherbet Bow Platform Shoe - £70



Knitted Crochet Tinsel Jacket - £70

I want it all!

Yes, I am procrastinating from my huge deadline for tomorrow...

Christmas Gift Guide '09

It's officially one month until Christmas now, so if you haven't thought about what to buy for the girls in your life - or anyone for that matter - it's probably about time.

I've completed most of my shopping now but there's always the last few bits I get completely stumped on - The parents.

They never seem to want anything, and if they do they will usually buy it for themselves by the time Christmas comes around. Living away from home doesn't make this any easier...

I do love buying gifts for people however, and I've compiled a few little fail safe treats that might inspire some last-minute shoppers, or even inspire any of you to add some more things onto your own wanted lists.

It might also help anyone who's stuck on what to buy me, as I would love any of these gifts personally (cheeky hint!)...

1 - Sugar Coated 'Grape Crepe' charm bracelet - £10




2 - Accessorize 'Eiffel Tower' cluster necklace - £6




3 - Topshop grey marl 'premium' knitted robe - £30




4 - Diptyque John Galliano Candle @ Liberty - £38




5 - Benefit Celebutante kit @ HQ Hair - £29.50




6 - John Lewis brushed aluminium collage frame - £19.50




7 - Marc by Marc Jacobs plum enamel stamped metal bangle @ Net-a-porter - £90




8 - Kerastase Resistance Age Recharge Masque @ HQ Hair - £21




9 - Illamasqua 'Dramatic' false lashes @ ASOS - £11




10 - Urban Outfitters 'Chairs' jewellery stand - £40




11 - Miss Selfridge satin multi-pack briefs - £9




12 - Alexander McQueen skull print scarf @ Net-a-porter - £140

Wow

I am in love with these feather collars (£40 each) from Topshop!

I would probably never get the chance to wear one but they're so pretty , and a great, glam, alternative way of keeping your neck and shoulders covered up in the winter months.

Models Bring Us Back to Basics

It's no secret that the models of the moment always look great, but it isn't just down to their blessed genes - they show us how important it is to get the basic essentials right. I'm not usually one to promote a wardrobe full of black/white/grey shades, but they are staples for everyone whatever you chose to team them with.

Invest in good quality peices that fit well and have something a bit more interesting about them. Basics don't have to be boring and you can be head to toe in black and grey and still be inspiring with your choices. Now that winter is swiftly coming along we'll be seeing a lot of dull colours, so grabbing some of the key peices will stop you from looking frumpy, and leave everyone wondering how you look so good when youre wearing something so simple.

I scoured the internet to find some items that are worth snapping up.

1 - ASOS wet look micro mini-skirt - £12

2 - American Apparel unisex baby rib titted short sleeve tee - £11

3 - Muubaa black leather biker jacket with stud detail - £240

4 - Sass & Bide @ Net-a-Porter 'black rats' leggings - £93

5 - Warehouse black crinkle asymmetric cardi - £38

6 - Silence + Noise @Urban Outfitters grey open pleated shoulder blazer - £48

7 - Topshop 'britany' black leather thigh boot - £120

8 - Oasis 'stephanie' black studded bag - £50

9 - French Sole 'low cut' nude ballet slippers - £70

10 - T by Alexnder Wang at Net-a-Porter white scoop neck jersey tee - £85

11 - Accessorize lurex lofty ladderknit gunmetal snood - £18

Images: Jak+Jil, Altamira NYC