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

I was getting ready to go out on what is increasingly becoming a rare event, when I come across that very common obstacle… what to wear?

I did what we all do…  try several things on and ask our partners/husbands their opinion (which is never what you want to here)

What became clear after 2 hours of trying on my entire wardrobe is I could not get any bag to compliment the shoes I wanted to wear.

Time was moving on and I had narrowed my choice of footwear to just 3 pairs, although none of the bags that I had looked anywhere near okay with the shoes I was choosing.

You know the situation, you don’t want to obviously match up the bags and shoes (it looks way too contrived) but at the same time you don’t want them to work against each other.

Then it occurred to me (finally) 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.

See the picture for some of my favorite examples.

Michael Eavis who is  the eccentric farmer that has been 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.

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 (click here) 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 off to a festival, look for wellingtons that are durable and reach to just below the knee (many don’t).

  Finally 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

June in Scotland every now and again has one of those rare moments when I say “the sun is shining”, that’s right the weather is almost summer.  On those hot summer day’s it’s great to add a little colour, bags are no longer a focal point this season but rather it’s about shoes.

Take notice of this seasons popular styles and colours, 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 “Bright Red”,  It’s a sassy & funky 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 overkill.

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

The next time I venture into river island or look online and think the footwear is getting more expensive, than I will reflect on what I discovered today, over at

Okay, it’s quite an old story, but even if I came back to it 50 years from now they would still be very expensive.

I’m talking about a pair of one million pound platinum and ruby slippers in the shoe department of London’s Harrods store. I somehow doubt these will be in any midseason sale or will be sold out anytime soon.

Model Nicola Churchwood models a pair of these “bank busting 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 efforts of distinguished designer Stuart Weitzman… or is it?

I would be interested to see how many people they let into the changing rooms with those.

These will improve the look of your legs like you would not imagine.

The quality is outstanding, also the heel is quite sturdy and they are not that bad to walk in.

They are well worth a look.

For more info please visit eBay or Funky-Footwear

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 details.

Getting married is exciting, stressful and frightening at the same time. When I got married I could barely walk with nerves, it was like being a little drunk.

I put so much energy into my wedding dress I almost neglected my shoes, kind of reminds me of the movie “father of the bride” where the bride wears trainers.

Although I did not wear trainers, I probably would have found it less stressful. I had 3 pairs of wedding shoes and could not decide between any of them.  I really wanted them to look good, but probably more importantly, I wanted them to be comfortable.

My advice would be… when you are planning your wedding outfit, 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 colour of the shoes is important, if you really want them to match… take a sample of the fabric from your dress and match them to the shoes. Try not to do it from a magazine or online because sometimes the colours can look different on the real item.

Pre plan your audition 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.

It’s stated that we look and show off our wedding albums more than any other photos album, so with that in mind don’t leave those shoes to chance.

For more Wedding Styles please visit http://www.funky-footwear.com

Okay, well this got me thinking about my favorite topic… what to wear?

I have been wearing recently high heels, which make my legs look slimmer and me taller, so I was keen to keep with this but find a more sandal type shoe.

I really and totally love sandals because they look fab with most clothes.  The strappy ones with a nice 4 inch heel are my preferred sandal. Sandals are always in fashion when it’s the summer time and a great pair will last for many years to come.  However I, like many others have purchased those last minute cheap almost throw away sandals for holidays and those summer days out.

I feel that the bargain basement sandals are great for a few wears but often I find them a little uncomfortable and many don’t have a sturdy high heel attached.

For special occasions and everyday use 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.

As a rule I buy sandals with a non designer label.  I do this with the aim of getting something a little more for my money.  Although I do have my ultimate favorite from Jimmy Choo . I may look (dream) of getting (credit card willing)

The “serena”  by Jimmy Choo is iconic and  gorgeous! They have a 4 inch with classic timeless lines. This shoe will still be trendy in 5 years. They are around £530 so probably 15 times what I would normally pay, although t

hey 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

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.