Fashion is very unpredictable at the best of times, but there are 2 things that go together like salt & vinegar and its bags and shoes.

I was getting ready to go out on a night out (a very rare event these days), when I come across that all to common issue of what to wear?

I did what any woman does in this situation… try several things on and ask our partners/husbands their opinion (which is never the same opinion as your own)

What became clear after 3hours of trying on my entire wardrobe is I could not get any handbag to compliment the shoes I wanted to wear.

Time was marching onwards and although I had narrowed my choice of footwear to just 2 pairs, none of the handbags that I had, went with the 2 pairs of shoes that I was choosing.

I did not want to obviously match up the handbag and shoes (it looks way too contrived) but at the same time I did not want them to work against each other.

Then it finally occurred to me rather than take a small handbag as an accessory why don’t I go for a much more bolder but casual bag that can withstand contrast and comparison with almost anything…

Enter my Hobo style bags, which I have a few from over the years. These are practical, trendy and are almost universal with much of what I would normally wear.

Here are some of my favorite hobo style bags.

The outstanding Glastonbury festival has begun in earnest for summer 2009. Glastonbury was born in 1970 and the only promotion was a little pink piece of paper handed out to the locals advertising  the Kinks.

Michael Eavis who is  the eccentric dairy farmer that has been at the helm and  hosting the epic festival for the last four decades is planning to pass on the reigns to his daughter Emily.

The Worthy farm’s kitchen table, the control centre for the world best known music festival for almost 40 years is making room for Emily who is expected to take full control in 2011.

In the eighties  Farmer Eavis established the festival as a bastion of the left: CND, Oxfam and Greenpeace all had a role, and he set aside a field for new age travellers.

But many regard the following decade as the event’s heyday, when gatecrashers swelled capacity to as many as 250,00 to witness career-transforming performances from the likes of Pulp, Robbie Williams, Oasis and Radiohead.

Farmer Eavis missed the anarchy that ended with the erection of an impenetrable fence in 2002. “Young people who come here now are all well-behaved,” he said. “They’re A level, Degree students – motivated and ambitious.”

The festival which has grown from a £1 ticket aimed at campers into a British Institution, synonymous with big act bands and large scale concerts.

The one aspect which has remained the same over the last four decades is the unpredictable British weather. The rain has been making its appearance almost every year, but the now 140,000 festival goers are now pre harmed.

Almost all carry their very essential wellingtons, no doubt a trend originally emulated from Farmer Eaves.  Although the latest designs have little resemblance to the traditional green or black farmers wellingtons.

The designs now are style statements and most go with what you are wearing. The designs are durable and the grip substantial, although many of the designs are reflective of flower power and are reminiscent of the old hippy style fashions.

Although many of the latest styles are much more contemporary and are quite funky with the latest stripe, zebra, block designs.

If you are going to a festival, look out for wellingtons that are durable and reach to just below the knee (many don’t).

  Also  pick a wellington that is quite flexible but fits your foot quite well, many end up slipping off in the mud and this can defeat the whole purpose of wearing them.

Look at the ones that I have picked, which I feel will stand out in the “war of wellies” this festival

These are absolutely gorgeous and look amazing on, really unique and individual

Make sure your wellies tick both style and practical boxes. This pair are certain to spark envious eyes in and amongst the tent-pitching crowd

Made from a High Quality Durable Waterproof Rubber material

The soles have large grips which makes these ideal for all weather conditions

Measurements  (Zebra)

Leg Leg is 12 inches

Calf Width is 14 inches

1 inch sole

Measurements  (Pink)

Leg Leg is 13 inches

Calf Width is 14-14.5 inches

1 inch sole

Okay it’s a one of those rare moments when I tell you “it’s sunny”, that’s right the weather is almost tropical.  I feel I would like to reflect my mood with a little colour and since this season is no longer about bags as a focal point but rather it’s about shoes, then where a better place to start.

If you’re out take a look at what everyone is wearing, you will come across many sandals in a summer white; you will also notice the more conservative shoes in brown and black.  Although the real hot colour to look out for, is “Bright Red”.  It’s a standout colour and works perfectly with everything from a little black dress to pencil skirts and even minis. Bright red shoes will look the best with basic black, although they look amazing with whites, zebra stripes, and charcoal. Be daring, but avoid colour clashes such as purple and yellow, oh and try not to colour match with a bag… that would be way too much.

There are loads of styles of shoes, from pumps, boots, wedges, and heels that will create a massive style statement and will keep your wardrobe exciting all summer.

One of my favorites is the high voltage red shoes from Dolce & Gabbana, although there are loads of funky designs at a fraction of this.

Emma Frain

Okay, this is quite an old story (around 6 years), but even if I came back to it 75 years from now this particular item  would still require the understanding of a kind bank manager or an heft mortgage.

I’m talking about one pair of one million pound ruby and platinum slippers with platinum thread.  These are available in the shoe department of London’s Harrods store. I very much doubt these will be in any January sale or will be sold out due to high demand.

Take a look  at the picture of model Nicola Churchwood wearing a pair of these “small island costing slippers.” They look okay, hardly a million pounds worth! But obviously it’s the precious stones that are the real cost as opposed to the actual slipper created by renowned designer; Stuart Weitzman.

I imagine they will not let many people into the changing rooms with these.

www.emmafrain.org

• The most amazing shoes ever seen and the quality is outstanding

• Very latest trend, these shoes are the most sought after style at the moment

• Sexy Strappy Gladiator style

• Fantastic 5 inch stiletto heel and 1 inch platform sole

• Super Sexy Design and bang on Trend!!

• Rigid rear ankle for extra support and padded footbed

• The design makes legs appear elongated and slimmer

These are a bargain for just £22.99!! Selling in most high street shops for over £40.00
Available on eBay 

Available on eBay  

As part of Air Ambulance Week 2009 (21st - 27^th September) the Sussex Air Ambulance is inviting you to join in…….

Funky Footwear Friday!

Taking place on Friday 25^th September 2009(or a Friday of your choice) Funky Footwear Friday is your opportunity to support your local Air Ambulance charity whilst having fun.

All you have to do is …..

1. Open your wardrobe and select your funkiest shoes, they could be odd shoes, have colourful laces, a pair of wellington boots…Anything!!
2. Put them on your feet
3. Wear them to school, college or work
4. Make a suggested donation of £1 to Sussex Air Ambulance and collect your funky button badge

Do your pupils or staff have to wear a uniform?          NO PROBLEM!!

Unlike some other charity days the beauty of Funky Footwear Friday is that they can still wear their full uniform, only their shoes would be funky.

Funky Footwear Friday is a fun and unique way to raise money for your local Air Ambulance.

To register your workplace or school simply click here to download your  Funky Footwear Friday Registration Form.

We will then send you:

1. Funky posters to advertise the day
2. A certificate for the funkiest shoes that you can present to someone (or take copies to award one per class or department)
3. “I’m Funky” Button badges for everyone who takes part
4. Details of how to pay in the money you raise

Don’t forget to include how many button badges you will need on your registration form!!

It costs £1.6 million a year to keep the Sussex Air Ambulance flying in our skies. With no financial support from the Government, National Lottery or NHS every penny has to be raised through voluntary donations from individuals, schools, businesses, clubs, groups and companies, just like yours.

By registering for Funky Footwear Friday you can help ensure the Kent Air Ambulance continues to be available to every person living, working and travelling, through our county each day, should they ever need us.

All participants that register by 31^st August will be entered into a free prize draw to win a visit form the Air Ambulance on Funky Footwear Friday!

Please visit http://www.kentairambulance.com/home/whatson/Funky-Footwear-Friday-2009   for much more details.

Getting married for me was exciting, stressful and frightening at the same time. When I got married I could barely walk with nerves, it was as though I’d had to much to drink.

I was so focused on choosing my wedding dress I left my wedding shoes right to the last minute. I nearly opted for what the bride did in the movie “father of the bride” where the bride wears trainers.

Although I am happy to say that I did not wear trainers, although I probably would have found it less stressful and time consuming.  I had 4 pairs of possible wedding shoes and could not decide between any of them.  I really wanted them to look good for my big day, but also I really wanted them to be comfortable to wear and walk in.

For those planning their big day my advice would be… when you are planning what to wear for your wedding don’t rush the choice of shoes to wear. I guarantee you that you will be looking at those wedding pictures of your big day and thinking “those shoes didn’t match”

The color of the shoes is can be quite important especially if you really want them to match. I would recommend that you take a sample of the fabric from your dress and match them directly to the shoes. Try not to do it from a magazine or online because sometimes the colors very often look different o the real thing.

Prepare in plenty of time your choice of shoes of your wedding shoes, try not to do what I did and try them on at the last minute. Make sure they are easy to walk in and that the heel is the correct height to avoid tripping over your wedding dress.   Any alterations to the dress should be made whilst you are wearing your wedding shoes.

You will look back at your wedding album and say “wow I looked good… especially wearing those shoes” J

I have fell back in love with high heels, which make my legs look slimmer and me much taller.  I was looking to keep with the high heels but find a more sandal kind of shoe.

I love sandals for the simple fact they look great with almost anything you wear. I love the strappy type sandals with around a 4 inch heel. Sandals are almost always in fashion when it’s the summer time and a great pair will last a few summers more.  Although as I suspect all of us have, we have purchased those last minute disposable sandals for our holidays, or for those summer days out.

These days I tend to prefer good quality sandals that may last a little longer than there cheaper counterparts, although I in no way believe that they should cost a fortune.

I tend to purchase lesser known brands for sandals with the aim of getting something a little more value. Although I do have a particular favorite by Jimmy Choo which I may look at getting (credit card willing)

The “serena” by Jimmy Choo are nothing short of gorgeous! They have a 4 inch with classic timeless lines. This shoe will still be trendy in 5 years. They are around £550 so probably 15 times what I would normally pay, although they would probably satisfy my sandal requirements for years to come.

These shoes are amazing, 4.5 inch stacked block heel and 1/2 inch platform sole

They are of superb quality with a lovely padded footed, in fact the material used for these are comparable with shoes that sell at the £60 range.

Quite a versatile shoe that is elegant to wear and will accentuate your legs resulting in a look which is incredibly sexy and will make your legs appear slimmer!

Fantastic black Pearlised finish, so they are a Grey/black. 

 
There is no need to unfasten the strap to put them on as the buckle is elasticized

 Available on eBay for only £14.72 with free postage 

Stripes are big this summer and are taking inspiration from all. The stripes are appearing on most  of the top fashion lines and are either vertical or horizontal , both offering that new world feel and remind us of nautical uniforms or even the Parisian styles from the 90’s so famously delivered by Jean Paul Gautier.

This theme is everywhere and is appearing in monochrome, various colours and is rejuvenating the zebra print styles.

Some of the most stunning examples I have seen are on footwear and bags  , even though these have been around for some time they are now hand in hand with the other summer stripes… such as rainbow hues, nautical prints, candy stripes.

Get out that very old striped deck chair its now in fashion.