Gill Hart's Blog

Posted by Gill Hart

Little did I know when I purchased a pair of titanium, rimless frames in Dubai nearly 10 years ago that they would become such a hot fashion item this fall.

Indeed, Governor Palin's rimless frames appear to have sparked a new fashion trend, with even a mention at the current New York Fashion Week Spring 09.

Opticians all around the U.S. are receiving inquiries regarding Palin’s glasses, with the ones she wore at her Republican convention speech in St Paul, Minnesota, being the most in demand. The sudden interested in rimless frames has given opticians a shot in the arm in terms of new business.

According to the Los Angeles Times’ online blog of September 4, 2008, these sought-after specs are designed by Kazuo Kawasaki and are from the 704 series. Palin’s particular style is 34 gray. Her local optician, Home Optics presented her with around 300 frames to choose from, which Palin then narrowed down to 5. The LA Times cites USA Today as quoting Home Optics owner, Joy Leedham saying Palin’s family “helped her pick-out the final style.”

Titanium frames are extremely lightweight and easy to wear. The fact that mine have lasted me since 1999 is a testament to their durability. In fact, I liked them so much, compared to my previous heavy granny-like frames, that shortly after, I bought a similar pair to be made into sunglasses, which I still continue to wear.

Another advantage is that, as there is no frame to focus on, rimless frames tend to accentuate the eyes, rather than draw attention away from them. They are also compact and easy to carry. The only down-side I have found personally is that my lenses are prone to knocks and chips, as there is no outer frame to protect them — but maybe I'm just clumsy!

Posted by Gill Hart

I came across an article the other day in the British newspaper, the Guardian, entitled "Pick of the Week -Banana Shoes", so I just had to take a look. I soon realized that I actually wear these type of shoes on a regular basis, I just didn’t know their name!

It seems that “banana shoes” is the term which refers to those flat, bendy-soled ballet pumps, which have morphed into banana-shaped shoes due to their turned-up toes.

These shoes are so easy to wear as they fit closely around the feet, with soft bendy leather, and such a lightweight sole, that you hardly feel you’ve got them on.

According to the Guardian, the trend has flourished on the catwalks primarily among designer brands, as due to their minimal sole, they lend themselves to a posh taxi lifestyle, just like those 7-inch heels!

They certainly have a point. Whilst I love mine, as they are so comfortable, you can feel every pebble or bump through the sole.

Higher-end designers like Lanvin, D & G and Tods favor the shoe, and on the high street, labels like Top Shop and Gap, or online retailer, Asos. These shoes look really cute and girly, with that most staple of fashion furniture —leggings, or skinny jeans, or a mini dress.

You may also know them as “canoe shoes,” a common term in North American, given that they also resemble the shape of a canoe. Whatever their name, they are great for summer, comfortable and lightweight, and oh so cute too!

Posted by Gill Hart

The two designer bags on offer are a summer white Fendi Doctor Bag, worth $1680 or Miu Miu’s much sought-after ruched frame bag in plum, one of the IT colors of the season. This one is worth $1595 and is currently sold out on the site. Miu Miu has really made its mark in the last few seasons when it comes to purses. The ruched frame bag is as practical as it is stylish and due to its additional removable over-body strap.

When it comes to every-day bags, I always look for one which can also be carried over the body, with an across-the-body strap. Since being the victim of a handbag snatch here in Thailand, by a rider on a motorbike, a few years ago it has taught me to more wary. Sadly handbag thefts have become more common place the world over, so it always pays to be vigilant. Whilst a purse simply perched on your shoulder represents an invitation to an opportunist thief, one that is secured across the body means it cannot easily be pulled away, and provides a deterrent.

In conjunction with Bagsnob.com, the draw finishes at 11.59pm EST on July 2nd, 2008. I’ve already tried my luck, as this is one of the few giveaway offers that is open to entrants around the globe.

Simply click on the link to the giveaway page, and you’ll see a short entry form.

Posted by Gill Hart

Saks Fifth Avenue Online Designer Sale, with up to 40% off. Reductions are exclusively available to those who purchase over the internet, for two days, 26th and 27th May 2008 only. After that the sale is opened–up to in-store customers too. There are online bargains from the best of the best including Prada, Dior, Jimmy Choo and Fendi. So snap some up whilst they last.

If, like me, you are a bag lady and fanatical about Fendi, then there are reductions on the Fendi B bag, the calfskin, the embellished and the metallic B bag clutch. Now is the time to buy one of the classics in purses. Fancy some Fendi footwear to match? Then there’s the look-at-me Fendi chain heel suede sandal or a more delicate metallic T-strap.

There are also some classic Jimmy Choo’s, from chic patent pumps to peep-toes; and a couple of Jimmy Choo snake skin shoulder and evening bags, messengers and hobos. Some of the best summer-white handbag bargains have to be Tod’s Softy Tacolla Media and Took Sacca Shoulder bag, and Jimmy Choos Rania Drummed Leather Hobo. I don’t think these will stay in stock long, I can imagine shoppers from the sofa frantically clicking their mouse as we speak!

Visit Saks to view all the current bargains. For 26th and 27th May 2008, the sale is open exclusively to shoppers online. The sale starts in stores on 28th May.

Posted by Gill Hart

This season accessories are bigger and more ostentatious. From huge cinch-waisted belts, oversized cuffs and giant cocktail rings, to supersized purses. Finally fashion houses have designed clutches that hold more than your lipstick. The days of trying to squeeze all your essentials into a tiny box-shaped bag are over. Attempting to jam in your mobile phone and bunch of house keys is a frustrating experience, all in the name of looking chic!

If we are talking high-end designer, my favorite is the Fendi Oversized Whipstitched Clutch (£1040 from Net-A-Porter). In this season's bright white, this is classic Fendi at its best. Another chic white number is Oscar D La Renta's .Doheny Oversized Clutch. Fast fashion dictates that inspired pieces fill the shelves of high-street stores, so there is plenty to choose from at the en-mass end of the market.

The accessories chain Accessorize has a number of designer inspired designs, and online retailer Asos has a couple of oversized purse exclusives from Mogil. Their oversized Mogil Panel Clutch bag (£70) is right on- trend with multicolored and metallic paneling and snake skin.

Whatever your preference in styles, McDonalds isn't the only place, this year, to supersize your portions!

Posted by Gill Hart

A word of warning, don’t throw away those old red tights from your youth, that are still lurking in the back of your closet. It’s official, according to Style.com (and who am I to question this dependable source?), the in-thing in the tight department for fall 2008, is red-hot hosiery, in all shapes and forms.

To prove its point, Style.com currently features a picture of the model of the moment, Agyness Deyn, sporting a pair of red opaques, in it’s Style Hunter article, “Seeing Red.”

Personally I am not too keen on having legs the same color as a chicken, but I’ll dig out my pair of red opaques that I bought by mistake, here in Thailand, last year. Instead of picking up black ones, I couldn’t understand the information on the labelling (I can’t read Thai) and just went by the image on the packet. I got quite a shock when I opened up the pack, and thought I’d never have the opportunity to wear them. (Or at least, without looking like a left–over from a fancy dress party). Seems I was wrong!

If you, like Agyness, want to get ahead with the trend, then add a splash of color to your morning by wearing a pair of Jonathan Aston scarlet tights from Tightsplease. They also do a similar, denser pair of 60-denier red opaques from Charnos.

Wear red-blooded hoisery with a short solid color-block skirt or dress in complementary colors. This year your hosiery is supposed to match your outfits and not your shoes!

Posted by Gill Hart

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!)

Posted by Gill Hart

One thing that has taken me almost twenty years to realize is that style is not necessarily about following fashion trends. Style is about wearing something that makes you feel good, flatters your body shape and makes you look classy and not tarty.

There is no better way than to create your own signature style than with a special bag, a pair of shoes, a print scarf, a man's watch, or any other fashion accessory. In Glamour magazine’s November 2006 article “The 8 Laws of Style” runway king Michael Kors advises, “Have a signature piece. It’s the most classic way to look chic. Zero in on that one thing – eg boots, a bag or sunglasses,”

Once you have honed in on a piece in your wardrobe you really love, then wear it with almost everything! If it is likely to last more than one season then buy the best quality you can afford. This also means, according to Kors, that its okay to break the fashion rules, like wearing boots in summer or wearing a brocade skirt to work.

Personally, I love this year’s trend in headbands and now have a collection of over 20, (which I wear with almost everything.) This is my signature style, and whilst albeit a temporary one, it makes me feel fun and flirty. The locals here have got to know my distinctive look, and the headbands have become a conversational ice-breaker and are often met with a warm Thai smile.

Two other weaknesses I’ll admit to is my cream Spy bag and a pair of baby-soft suede boots, which I insist on wearing (over jeans) here in Thailand, despite temperatures which never dip below 25-30 degrees!

Posted by Gill Hart

Although I am almost ashamed to admit it, I am a big fan of jelly shoes. Not only are they practical beachwear, protecting your feet from hot sand, stones, coral and concrete but they are also so amazingly comfortable that you forget you have them on. I wear them around the house, the garden and to walk my dogs.

The current resurgence in jelly shoes means that not only is there a variety of cute, flirty, feminine styles to choose from, but for those who want to sport an upmarket fashion label, premier designers like Fendi and Marc Jacobs have got in on the act.

Whilst they may be a bit over budget for many, Fendi’s clear jelly ballet flats with ankle strap ($175) provide a fun summer feature with a sundress, caftan or shorts.

A pair of Marc Jacobs, oh-so-comfortable, pastel blue rubber ballet flats ($160) would look really cute with a mini dress or a pair of skinny jeans.

If you are satisfied with less than designer then there are many high street brands available in the marketplace including embellished jellies with petals, beads and gems. Shellys London rhinestone jellied sandals with ankle strap are an example of how jellies have evolved from just plain practical to ultra-stylish.

Finally, what summer 2008 shoe collection would be completed without combining the best of summer’s shoe trends, gladiator sandals and jellies. Givenchy’s fierce looking jelly gladiator sandals ($165) are “a cheeky take on the Roman style,” according to Style.com. The Romanesque gladiator sandal is this season’s must-have, a perfect partner to the current fluid fashions and Grecian dressing of the moment.

Posted by Gill Hart

This celebration of the French shoe designer’s life is called "Sole Desire", due to the fact that Louboutin shoes are most famous for their trademark red soles. No matter what color the shoe, every pair of soles is crimson.

The Sole Desire exhibition from March 13 to April 19 2008 at The Museum at FIT is on Seventh Avenue, 27th Street, New York. Admission is free and opening hours are Tuesday - Friday, 12pm to 8 pm and Saturday, 10 am to 5 pm. The museum is closed on Sundays, Mondays and public holidays.

A special online presentation of Christian Louboutin shoes is accessible through the museum's website, for anyone who is not able to attend the exhibition.

Christian Louboutin shoes have received tremendous media attention of late due to the high profile A-list celebrities who wear these status shoes. With footwear boutiques all over the world, this king of the red-hot shoe is well known for his sexy, fetish themed 5 inch stilettos as well as elegant and feminine daywear inspired by dance, nature and far flung exotic places.

Louboutin's footwear is a mixture of art, history and culture, and every part of his shoe is handmade, including the signature sole. In today’s ultra fashion-conscious world, a flash of Christian Louboutin red sole is the ultimate in status shoes.

Louboutin spokeswoman Shawna Rose says, "Christian likes to say when he designs a shoe it's much more like designing a jewelry collection than it is following fashion"

In January 2008, Christian Louboutin shoes were also featured on the Oprah Winfrey show as part of the shows theme “The Face Behind the Name”.

Posted by Gill Hart

Whilst I am a big fan of this year’s elegant and feminine Greco Roman Goddess gowns, I must admit that I initially loathed the masculine Romanesque gladiator sandals that came to the fore last season. This black/brown bondage footwear looked as though it would be more at home on the set of Ridely Scott’s Gladiator than in the park or the high street.

However, I have since (almost) been converted by the variation on the trend for this spring and summer. Shoe designers have come up with more feminine, ornate sandals which are infinitely more flattering to legs and can be teamed with many more outfits.

There are smaller strapped metallic versions and ornate bejeweled sandals perfect for a beach party or evening wear. These replace the strappy thong, and are definitely more practical. I even invested in a pair of Sci Fi looking silver metallic gladiators, which my husband jokingly refers to as my “martian shoes.”

The new trend in gladiator boots however, is definitely not for me. These should be filed under the “only if you are a willowy waif with long-limbs” category, and I can’t imagine too many oversized fashionistas rushing to buy them.

Whatever your preference, women’s magazines and fashion blogs are touting the gladiator sandal as the shoe of the season. This is largely due to the vast amount of Hollywood celebrities like Mary-Kate Olsen and Vanessa Hudgens who have favored the look.

If you intend to dip your toe into the trend then be aware that wide-strapped gladiators can shorten your silhouette and make legs look chunkier than they really are. So unless you intend hiding yours under a pair of skinny jeans, choose a style that has a low ankle strap to show more expanse of leg.

Posted by Gill Hart

If that wasn’t bad enough then there’s Japanese designer Y3’s Phasma 90 Stretch Wedge, at $750.00. I agree wholeheartedly with Tyler Alexander’s comments on the Shoe Goddess.net that “this is one of the ugliest, most impractical, overpriced shoes I've ever seen.” These shoes look like something from a Sci- Fi movie.

Don’t get me wrong, I am actually a big fan of heel art. I think it’s great that shoe designers have given us new outlets to express our personality, but that includes flowers and jewels on the heels, not the heel itself looking like it would be more at home in the Tate Gallery of Modern Art, (unless you intend placing it in a glass cabinet, instead of walking on it!)

My current favorite is Mui Mui’s Floral Carved Sandal at $550 from Saks, with its beautifully carved wooden heel. These are gorgeous worn with a smock dress, safari shorts or jeans. Their neutral color means they can be teamed with pretty much anything and are sure to be a big hit this spring.

In fairness to Marc Jacobs, I actually think the backward heel is a real conversation stopper, pushing the boundaries of shoe design. Presumably the heels are no harder to walk in than a normal shoe, though I am not sure I can imagine spending $1,100 on them. Says the shoe blog Cuffington.com, “These shoes actually remind me of some chairs that my aunt and uncle used to have by their pool. I was always afraid to sit in them because I always thought I'd immediately tip backward.”

Posted by Gill Hart

However, the tide has turned and commercial high-street chains have gone overboard for the look and we are seeing an explosion of ship-shape jewelry and belts, handbags and shoes in nautical navy and sailor stripes.

Fashion accessories can triumph by giving a nod to the trend, rather than causing you to go overboard on striped outfits and anchor prints. A navy blazer and crisp white shirt can look amazing with a stripy pair of courts, a sailor-style duffle bag and gold anchor pendant.

Personally, I have an aversion to anything navy, a throwback from when I was at school. I also don’t do horizontal stripes on the whole, as they have a tendency to accentuate an already ample bust! In my opinion, stripes are unforgiving and should be the domain of the less-well endowed, who are much more capable of wearing them without resembling a barrel.

My only foray into stripes this year is likely to be on the feet. There are certainly a wide variety of styles to choose from. Designers have embraced the trend with Chanel’s head-turning stripy suede shoes with cork heels, and a pair of ice-white roped leather flat sandals by Moschino. Men’s footwear has certainly not been overlooked. Tommy Hillfinger’s boat-shoe design sneakers are both practical and fashion-forward.

For those whose obsession is arm candy then there are sailor-style duffle or barrel bags aplenty. The Billy Bag Francesca Large Rope Barrel Bag, with rope detailing on the handles, is set to be a real winner. According to Handbags.com, “This leather handbag is beautifully soft and would be the perfect bag for everyday use, with its relaxed styling and spacious interior.”

Posted by Gill Hart

This year heralds, according to the UK's Daily Telepgraph, a “farewell to arm candy” and a “hello to foot bauble.” According to research by Mintel, the next five years is likely to see a decline in the popularity of designer bags, and an increase in women’s desire to be well-heeled.

In 2007, no longer demure and delicate, fashion footwear exploded onto the runways with chunky wedges, platforms and sexy peep-toes. Lavish designer collections garnered embellished heels and toes, and heel art which, in some cases, proved outrageous in the extreme.

The 2008 seasons see a continuation of the trend, with more footwear designers getting in on the act. Whilst some of the designs are impractical and outrageous, there is no doubt that these foot baubles have taken the fashion runways by storm.

Even Muicca Prada has recognized the demise of the arm-candy era and heralds the age of the designer shoe. Research by Minitel suggests that in the next five years women will be more inclined to be expensively shod, which indicates that we could be seeing a culture of “It” shoes to replace our current obsession with “It” designer bags.

For me, one of the most appealing aspects of this new trend is that I can express my personality and sense of style by choosing a pair of statement shoes that fits my mood and demeanor. Whilst some of the most fashionable designs look akin to something out of Star Wars or the Rocky Horry Picture show, there is no doubt that the recent trend in heel-art, such as Miu Miu’s Floral Carved Sandals or Prada’s Waves Flower Pump has revolutionized women’s footwear.

In the future, women are going to be teetering down the high-street, not with “flowers in their hair”, as the song suggests, but petals on their heels!

Posted by Gill Hart

In recent months I have been having a love affair with a pair of stiletto shoes. Previously I had always shied away from skyscraper heels believing them to be uncomfortable and impractical, given the fact that here in Thailand I do not own a car (too scared to drive on the roads with maniac motorcyclists coming at you in every direction) and therefore do a large amount of walking (my daily exercise routine!).

However, recently, on a visit to a local shoe store, this sexy, sleek, white and gold pair just seemed to jump off the shelf and call my name. Towering above everyone else in the shop, I tottered about for a few paces and couldn’t believe how comfortable they were. Not only that but they made my legs look much slimmer, transformed my outfit and did wonders for my self-esteem.

I can honestly say that now I am a convert and own several pairs. I finally know what the attraction is, provided I can find stilettos that do not feel like cheese cutters on my feet and are relatively comfortable (or at least bearable) to wear for a decent period of time.

However, walking in high heels takes some getting used to as it requires a different approach to that of a flatter shoe. The uninitiated need to take smaller steps, and instead of walking from toe to heel, you need to land on your heel first; then quickly transfer your weight to the ball of your foot. Don’t lift your other foot until you have repositioned your weight on the first. When tackling stairs, going up requires you to initially land on the ball of your foot, and for going down, take side steps with your toes pointing in the same direction.

Posted by Gill Hart

In an age where women obsess about handbags, many of us have a wardrobe bulging with purses of all shapes and sizes. Personally though, I am the kind of woman who has an aversion to swapping bags on a daily basis and am joined at the hip to my Chanel oversized metallic tote – practical and spacious, it carries everything but the kitchen sink.

However, according to Zoe, no woman’s wardrobe collection should be without the “fab four” - four essential styles to cover every eventuality.

Firstly there is the oversized tote – practical enough to carry all your personal clutter and technological gadgetry and small enough to be taken on a plane.

Second on the list is a simple leather medium-sized handbag which will blend with pretty much any outfit proving both functional and fashionable.

Thirdly, a winter white bag, as white has become the new “black” in fashion circles and last but not least a classic black patent clutch, for evening, as patent never dates. The most fashionable clutches are currently the box style and another fashion trend is to hold a chain handled bag as a clutch, proving twice as versatile.

When deciding on your 4 essential handbags, remember to choose one that flatters your body type. This would include considering the length of the strap and the size and shape of the bag itself.

If like me, you are too lazy to change your handbag on a regular basis as it means upending all the contents and transferring them elsewhere, then you may well be categorized as a “Prepared” archetype. After two years of research, author Kathryn Eisman divided women into four main personality types based on the contents of their bags.

Posted by Gill Hart

It is a commonly known fact that shoes are an object of desire women find hard to resist. Whether it be the ability of a pair of stiletto heels to transform a humble housewife into a sex kitten or the fact that no matter how much our weight fluctuates and how much we diet, our shoes are the one item of clothing that will always fit!

However, if you are looking to reduce your shoe collection to a manageable size then make sure they include these four essential pairs:

The first pair are ballerina flats or ballet flats. This versatile footwear works for both day and eveningwear and always look chic. Gone are they days when ballet flats were just casual and comfortable foot attire. Now they are dressed up to the hilt with buttons and bows, jewels and ribbons, and look great in metallics.

Second on the list is a pair of metallic strappy sandals which go wonderfully with everything from jeans to a goddess gown. Be right on-trend this season with a pair of jeweled sandals with embellished heels.

Thirdly, a pair of knee-high boots and last but not least a classic pair of classy (and sexy) black pumps, with a heel as high as you can handle. These instantly flatter the leg and narrow the ankle. Just like our outfits, the shoes we wear can do wonders for our body type providing we choose the correct styles.

Personally I am a recent convert to the comfortable and versatile ballet flat, providing the toe is fairly pointed and not the classically rounded style. Being a little on the short-side, I've found that rounded toes make my legs look chunkier than they actually are.

Posted by Gill Hart

If you are up for a spot of retail therapy and are lucky enough to be visiting Dubai then you will be transformed into a land of designer boutiques, wall to wall shopping malls and gold souks.

Fashion conscious Arabic women live for their handbags and shoes. Their main pastime is shopping. With their closets heaving with Prada bags and Manolo Blahnik heels, I have never lived anywhere where the women are so obsessed with shoes and accessories.

Given that the majority of Emirati women wear the Abaya and Shayla (a black outercoat and headcovering), all that is discernable in order to make a fashion statement is their Jimmy Choos or Fendi Baguette or Hermès Birkin bag.

Shoe-aholics should visit the Jimmy Choo store at the Boulevard, Emirates Towers or Harvey Nicholls at The Mall of the Emirates. Bur Juman is another exclusive mall and includes a Fendi and a Hermès store and a Saks Fifth Avenue.

Dubai is always awash with designer labels but during the month-long Dubai Shoping Festival stores compete with special promotions and discounts, competitions, prize draws and also offer a celebration of cultural events.

The wealthy emirate is one of the most amazing places on earth. Amidst the backdrop of sand, huge shopping malls and modern skyscrapers, there are the most beautiful beaches and friendly faces. Dubai is famous for its low crime rate and its respect shown to women travelers. It is without doubt the safest city I have ever lived. You can safely leave your purse sitting unattended in a shopping cart, and if you happen to forget your bag on the counter when trying on those Jimmy Choos, it will still be there when you get back!

Posted by Gill Hart

Designer James Coviello’s eccentric sculpted cloches and subdued broad-brims are all set to hit stores for fall 2008. Trilbys and Fedoras are currently complementing the trend for boyfriend dressing and Panamas look likely to provide stylish alternatives to sunhats this summer.

I have never been much of a hat person but when I lived in Dubai, some kind of head covering was essential to provide protection from the searing heat. One of the biggest dilemmas with a hat, however, is what to do with it! Not so with my Dubai sunhat. Made from a soft, resilient mesh, it was designed to be folded or rolled up for carrying, and then bounced straight back into shape the moment it was opened.

Here in Thailand they sell much less up-market versions. Simple cotton sunhats built around a fan-like frame, which can be opened or closed, just like a fan. Cheap and cheerful, but practical none-the-less.

My other close encounter with hats was when I lived in Istanbul and was dating a male model. Never one for the limelight I was always a little shy of the media attention and I remember us going to an opening party, with me hiding my face under a fashionable porkpie hat. However, instead of having the desired effect of shielding me from the spotlight, our party photographs printed in the newspapers the following day revealed that the hat had made me even more noticeable than usual, so it was a lesson well learnt!

All I can say is that given some of the bold fashion-forward designs on offer this year, wearing headgear is not for the shy or faint-hearted. If you are brave enough to wear a hat you are sure to get noticed, so beware!

Posted by Gill Hart

A pair of shoes. In fact, many pairs, from Manolo Blahnik’s Spring and Summer 2008 collection in his fusion of Turkish architecture and Marimeko prints.

Inspired by a trip to Istanbul, Blahnik was influenced by the architecture of the windows from the Hagia Sophia Mosque/Museum, which has the unique distinction of being both a mosque and a church in its lifetime.

This foot candy Turkish delight is one of Blanik’s favorite themes of Spring and Summer 2008. Fresh from the wonders of Istanbul, he then paid a trip to Bath in Southern England “and came across some really fantastic Marimekko prints in this little shop.” Says Blahnik. “The two just happened to fall perfectly into place - bizarre as that combination may sound."

I was interested to take a closer look at this season’s creations as anything connected with Istanbul brings back fond memories for me. I lived there for a number of years, and as the bridge between two continents, Europe and Asia, this city is unique. It's one of those places which you either love or hate and nothing in between!

I can discern the influences of the Byzantine architecture in some of Blahnik's collection although the unexpected fashion pairing of Finland’s designer, Marimeko provides a unique twist which makes these look-at-me shoes a bit impractical for the office!

The King of killer heels is famous for his outrageous statement shoes and five and a half inch stilettos. This season he concentrates on womens shoes which make ankles slimmer and legs longer.

Spring 2008 also sees the launch of Blahnik's first menswear collection in seven years.

Celebrities and socialites love his footwear the world over but for most of us, owning a pair of limited edition “Manolo’s” to add to our basic footwear collection are the stuff dreams are made of.

Posted by Gill Hart

I love the way the fashion world has embraced the embellishment trend this year. Jewels, sequins, beads, bells and petals feature right across the board into flapper dresses, tops, tunics, swimwear, hats, flats, heels and handbags.

This very feminine trend means that women are not just carrying handbags or clutch purses, but pieces of beautiful jewelry instead. These chic clutter carriers not only take on the role of carrying cosmetics, keys and money, but act as fabulous pieces of jewelry, planned to enhance your outfit.

Peep toes, courts and ballet flats have been modified with decorative jewels and beads, not to mention the celebrity favored heel art. These high heels are encrusted with studs, petals, jewels, bows and bells, as in Dior’s Metallic Platforms.

Embellishments can be tough and chunky or for a more subtle look , choose pieces with metallic embroidery or beading. For evening you can mix and match encrusted pieces for a more relaxed glamour.

Personally I am a big fan of metallic bejeweled flats, either with a single stone or smaller ones dotted across the toe piece. For eveningwear these spice up the casual ballet flat making it smart and replacing those skyscraper heels, which seem to burn the soles of my feet after an hour of so. Still not over the top for daywear, team bejeweled flats with simple jeans, plain black pants or classic shift.

Even hats and other headwear are receiving the embellished treatment. I for one would not be brave enough to wear in this season’s mini turban but for the sheer fun factor, I might pluck up the courage to venture out in a bewelled headband with a quirky mini dress and flats.

Posted by Gill Hart

One alternative is to buy cheaper designer look-alikes. As I currently live in Thailand it is impossible to walk more than fifty paces without bumping into a “designer inspired store” of somekind.

There is another alternative. For those of us who can’t afford to splash out £1,000 ($2,000) on a handbag, another option is to rent one.

A new trend has emerged in designer purses, rather than hiring a car for a month, go for a Chloe or Louis Vuitton instead. You can’t fit the kids in the back but it will make you feel like million dollars!

Thanks to innovative new fashion firms in the US and UK, women can now borrow coveted couture purses. One husband and wife team in the UK rent out bags to would be fashionistas for a small monthly membership fee plus bag rental cost. Such has been their success that membership has grown from 3 to 3,000 in just three months.

Something like this would never work here in Thailand, where most Thais tend to be superstitious of anything that is second-hand. However, I can see the potential for handbag hire in most of the western world and have a friend in the States who thinks "bags for hire" is the best thing since sliced bread!.

What woman wouldn’t miss the chance of carrying a Louis Vuitton or oversized Birkin on her arm to the next Christmas Party or a fabulous Fendi on that first special date.

For many years we have been able to hire evening gowns and tuxedos for special occasions, so why not expensive designer bags?