Shoes & Accessories


Feature Writer: Gill Hart
Gill Hart, Gill Hart

No longer are today’s shoes and bags simple add-ons. Instead they make, break or update outfit and are a key fashion statement of their own.

From designer bags to high-street, keep up-to-date with trends and styles, be it clutch purses or oversized totes. Find out what’s hot in designer luggage and the look of the day in hats, scarves and belts.

In an age where shoes are as individual as our personalities being well-heeled has never been so much fun. From stilettos, wedges and gladiators to platform shoes, ballet flats and courts.

Bookmark this site for what’s hot and what’s not in the world of shoes and fashion accessories; product reviews and simple advice on what to wear and how to wear it!

Email me with questions or post a comment.

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Clutch Bag and Shoes, Christine Nichols - 123rf.com
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Gill Hart

2008 Revival of the Aviator Trend

In: Shoes & Accessories (general)

When to comes to sunglasses, everyone is wearing aviators this year. Back in style, with glamorous gradient lenses and embellished frames, aviators are right-on-trend. more...

Clutch Purse Trends - Summer 2008

In: Shoes & Accessories (general)

This season's clutch purses are giving oversized handbags are run for their money, with brightly-colored convertibles, hard cases and big, chunky clutches. more...

Sunglasses to Suit Your Face Shape

In: Shoes & Accessories (general)

Having a pair of great sunglasses, which flatter your face, is just as important as having a great pair of shoes or a great bag. more...

Hot Sunglass Trends for 2008

In: Women's Accessories

No spring or summer outfit is complete these days without a pair of oversized shades or classic aviator sunglasses, for adding some instant style to your wardrobe. more...

Sexy Trench Coats for 2008

In: Shoes & Accessories (general)

Over the years, the humble trench coat has enjoyed continued success as a fashion icon, with traditional, classic versions, or updated, modern looks for every season. more...

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Gill Hart

May 6, 2008

The Gwyneth Effect

Gwyneth Paltrow’s recent transformation from yummy mummy to glamorous goddess has meant big business for British retailers.


Such is our celebrity culture that British women are clamoring to by her super-high heels, from gladiator sandals to her seven-inch platform pumps.

The Daily Mail has been running a series of articles following Gwyneth on her four day Iron Man red carpet tour, culminating in its 30th April article, “The Gwyneth Effect.” The Mail has been highlighting Gwyneth’s transformation in the footwear department and documenting the fact that she has been rocking Europe; with her Pacini platforms in Paris, Louboutins in Berlin, Giuseppe Zanotti platforms in Rome and Givenchy peep-toe gladiators in London.

According to the Daily Mail , retailers are dubbing their sudden boost in women’s footwear as the “Gwyneth Effect.” The week of May 1st 2008, Selfridges has reported their super-high heels outselling flat shoes by five to one.

Certainly, Gwyneth has brought a new breed of gladiator sandal to the attention of the British masses. Her warrior-woman, war-like Givenchy peep toes made paparazzi fashion history, showing off a transformed and edgy Ms Paltrow.

Selfridge’s director of accessories, Sebastian Manes, refers to such fetish shoes as “not for the fainthearted, with their extreme attention grabbing look.”

Certainly Balenciaga and Givenchy are being credited by the fashion industry as playing their part in the revival of power dressing, with their warrior women’s gladiator sandals and boots being taken to new lengths.

I have to say that, after seeing fashion feature "Best in Show", in this month’s Australian edition of Marie Claire, Nicholas Ghesquiere's for Balenciaga gladiator sandals are actually growing on me (but most definitely not the price!)

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