Top 10: Ballet Flats The S/S 14 Edit

As a young girl I used to do ballet, I loved my attire for ballet class, I’d wear a leotard, wrap –cardigan, tights and my special ballet shoes and l would never want to take it off.

I’ll never forget how desperate I was to reach a certain grade and age just so that I could go onto points when I was at dance school. Ballet was great except when it came to exams, I’d be nervous yet smiling throughout as butterflies swirled around inside of my tummy.

I’m no way near as agile or as flexible as I used to be and I’m glad that you don’t have to be to wear a good pair of ballet flats. Every time I don a pair of ballet flats these days, I feel as though I’m vicariously living my childhood in some form of small entity. I love how this artful dance has essentially made its way through to a mainstream fashion, where everybody is rocking this shoe style all over the globe.

Ballet will always be a common stylized theme point of inspiration for many. Ballet was a huge theme for Viktor & Rolf S/S 14 couture show, they took the traditional ballerina's and portrayed the models as quirky unconventional ballet dancers with fuzzy afro like hair. Ballet style footwear is the ultimate flattie shoe that you can wear no matter the season. I have had so many pairs i'd dread to know the amount i've brought, to be fair most of them had been done to death or I've had to chuck out because of bad odour.

I think almost every girl now owns a pair of ballet flats, which is ironic considering the fact fashion critics saw Kate Moss walk in a pair and doubted the shoe style would ever take off. But my, they were wrong. This is the most practical shoe style to ever of graced the planet. They are the ultimate shoe, especially if you’re not one to wear heels, you can walk for miles in a pair of flats and not feel a flinch of pain or bare any blisters.

There is no shoe out there more perfect for the summer, they are shoes that are light and comfortable, versatile enough to team with most of your wardrobe. Ballet flats are so practical because you can move around on your daily rounds swiftly. This shoe style makes a good commute shoe where you’ll have a steady grip, and if you have to tuck them into your handbag for a quick change, it won't weigh a ton.

Because ballet shoes are flat they are so comfortable, there’s nothing worse than being in a pair of shoes all day, tightly gripping your feet where you end up with awful bunions and corns. Ballet flats have got to be the most comfortable shoes out there, where the value of the comfy aptitude has been developed into a shoe collection called Rollasole, who specialize in ballet flat shoes for a night out, not to rock in the club but for after when your feet are aching with every step you take after strutting your stuff in sky scrapper like Louboutin stiletto heels.

Ballet shoes are available in a variety in styles, where you can choose a pair of cool on trend leopard print numbers to a style that is foldable footwear unfolded. It’s a shoe style that you don’t have to just stop at one pair, you can have them in the colours of the rainbow if you’d like.

Anybody who is anybody loves a ballet flat, with celebrities like Victoria Beckham, Paris Hilton to Kate Moss and Pippa Middleton all know the value of having a ballet flat as your best, best friend. There just so easy, they completely take the head ache out of getting ready when you’re in a rush in the morning, a shoe style you can just slip them on and off so effortlessly. What I really love about this style of footwear is that you can wear them for any occasion, from doing your grocery shopping to more formal events like the day at the races and still look stylish and cool.

In celebration of a shoe that you can wear anywhere, I have listed the top 10 new season styles...

One: Saint Laurent

Source: Two: ALAÏA

Source: Three: Bottega Veneta

Source: Four: Balenciaga

Source: Five: Maison Martin Margiela

Source: Six: Kenzo

Source: Seven: Tod's

Source: Eight: Isabel Marant

Source: Nine: Miu Miu

Source: Ten: Fendi

I hope you enjoyed the edit as much as I loved bringing it you. This season will be all about some explosive trends from statement heels to graphic animal and floral prints to monochrome looks with everything in-between.

The easiest way to explore a fashion trend is through how you accessorise your look, shoes are ultimate style pick to go for when you’re tapping into a trend. Let your shoes do all the talking when it comes to finishing off your most stylish look.

Which would you want to rock this spring summer?

Top 5 High-Fashion Mules

Mules are big news for Spring/Summer 2014. Alongside the pool slider, they’re tipped to be one of the season’s biggest trends when it comes to footwear. Call it the Celine factor: we were hooked as soon we saw Phoebe Philo’s geometric version, and the rest of the fashion industry has followed suit.

We’ve rounded up five of the best, from both designer labels and high street brands, to point you in the right direction when it comes to mastering this slightly tricky shoe shape. Think clean lines, monochrome palettes and pure minimalism: this is a new take on the mule, unlike any we’ve seen before.

Leather wedge mules, Reed Krakoff

Who would have thought that a wedge-heeled mule could become so cool? Reed Krakoff has paired soft nude leather with a gleaming metallic heel, and the results are ridiculously covetable. Thanks to sharp lines and immaculate construction, what could easily look like an old-fashion slipper has become slick, urban and effortlessly cool. But what really separates them from every other style on this list is the square toe, which feels extra modern compared to the more usual rounded styles.

Croc embossed, Rag & Bone

We can’t get enough of these croc effect Enid mules from Rag & Bone. From the back they almost look sensible, with a thick, stacked heel that’s not too high, and a low leather back. But the grooved crocodile pattern looks incredibly luxe, and means you can wear them in the colder months as well as all summer. Wear them with knee-grazing culottes and mannish separates to really up the fashion ante: these shoes were made for leaders, not followers.

Glossed leather, Alexander Wang

If you’re unconvinced by the appeal of mules this season, try a more subtle sandal instead. This year the best ones are referencing mules with a low, wide strap across the foot, but are lighter on the feet and look a bit more subtle. This pair from Alexander Wang is our absolute favourite. In glossy black or white, the leather has an incredible shine and wraps right around the heel of the shoe. A skinny heel keeps things feminine, but the low strap still looks fresh and contemporary.

Sophia Webster

If minimalism just isn’t your thing, or you prefer your feet to look a dash more colourful, Sophia Webster’s appliqued clouds are for you. Her pink-trimmed sandals are a playful take on the mule, with a wide strap that wraps around the front of the foot, and the candy colours are a definite nod to this season’s pastel trend. The icy sorbet of blue and pink is offset by a clear Perspex heel – perfect for adding quirky, girly edge to boyfriend jeans and a classic white shirt.

Peep toe mules, Next

Unfortunately it’s mostly designer labels who are offering high-fashion mules at the moment, but we wanted to round out the top five with a more affordable option. This pair from Next has a chunky wooden heel and classic, black leather upper. The peep toe stops it from looking too simple, and they’re versatile enough to work with your entire summer wardrobe. We’d suggest torn-up boyfriend jeans a grey marl tee to begin with, if you’re still feeling slightly tentative with this trend.

Hair Accessories London

I discovered hair extensions around the time of my school prom which is going back a few years now and since then I’ve never looked back to having completely natural hair.

Not all of us are blessed with the hair of our dreams so with thanks to the Brazilian girls cutting off their hair, I'm able to buy virgin hair extensions at an extortionate price which is one reason alone as to why I pay so much attention to the styling of my hair.

This season has been all about the high buns, plaited creations to thick black head bands, scrunchies and gold hair accessories have all been fashionista favorites.

Hair for me is the key component to masterfully finishing off a stunning fashion forward look. Hair accessories give your look that in depth fine tuning where poorly groomed hair does not compare.  I love a hair accessory because those days when you want to do a quick hairstyle and your lacking inspiration the hair accessory is a heaven sent piece that can provide your overall look with depth and texture.

Keeping up with all the fashion trends is a job in itself not to forget to mention it can end up costing you the earth. I’ve found that the perfect way tap into each seasons trends by adopting them in the accessories and hair accessories which gives a  look a subtle take on current trends as well as being far more cost effective.

I’ve listed my top 10 designer and high street hair accessories that will keep you on trend and on the right side of your bank manager where this edit lists pieces that you can actually wear season after season.

One: Hair Vine-Asos

I was almost put off by the bun hairstyle because everybody was wearing their hair this way I almost found it tacky and even vowed not to wear my hair like it again. But how could I not? It’s such a cool effortless hair style perfect for keeping your hair out of your face.

This crystal vine hair piece is the perfect way to give your high bun that chic appeal. This piece will give your hairstyle that blinged distinction with its easy slide in grips.

Two: Gold Scrunchie- Topshop

The last time I actually owned a scrunchie was literally way back in primary school where I thought it was so cool to layer them up in contrasting colours. Twenty years later and there back and I love them as much now as I did back then.

The scrunchie is the ultimate hair tie that you can work with so many hairstyles anything from a pony bun to a low pony this hair band will give your look that glittering gold infusion which is what this season is all about!

Three: Crochet Headband- Wetseal

Updating your summer wardrobe can end up being somewhat a wardrobe overhaul where picking out all the right colours and prints to rock during the summer season can all become a little overwhelming not forget to mention time consuming.

This sky blue crochet bow head wrap is an effortless way give your look an instant update where you can wear this piece with most of your summers looks giving your look that splash of colour.

Four: Braided Hair Band- Browns Fashion

Leather has been a popular fabric choice for designers this season where we have seen it manipulated in more ways than ever. I love this piece because you can complement the leather within an outfit with this piece.

This braided leather hair band is a stylish hair accessory pick that you can wear with all your sartorial and off duty looks. I love the fact that you can wear this piece in the traditional way or you can style it by tucking the hair into the hair band for a Grecian inspired up do.

Five: Leather Hair Tie- Architects Closet

We all have those days when we all just need to chuck our hair in a ponytail and get out of the door. This leather hair tie is the perfect solution in giving the illusion that you have actually taken time and consideration with your hair in the morning.

This nifty little number is so simple to put into your hair, you just tie your hair as you would normally and tie the leather piece around it. This leather tie is of a sophisticated design. The styling posibilities with this piece are endless where you can wear your hair in a slicked pony to a style to a plait.

Six: Hair Garland- Not on the High Street

Every and anywhere you go there are hair garlands from real to artificial styles. It’s a trend epidemic that emerged from festival goers and bohemian fashionista's.

This hair garland is of a simple dainty design which would blend effortlessly with most of your looks giving your style a shimmer of boho chic glam. This would look awesome worn with a floral dress for a stunning summers look.

Seven: Charm Braid-Free People

I love a good old plait whether it’s your traditional to braids, cornrows or even a French plait they always give a look that stylish depth.

I absolutely love this charm suede braid that you just weave into your plait. Alternativly you could wear the piece with your hair down by clipping it into the hair and letting the tassels metal beads dangle within the hair.

Eight: Marc Jacobs’s Hair tie- Shopbop

These designer hair bands are simple but cute with their dangling charm detailing. These are not much of a show stopping piece to have or give as a gift.

Nine: Floral Hair Ties- Free People

These floral hair bands come in a pack of two and they are essentially in a design of hair tie hair garland. They are really pretty and would look adorable with the hair in bunches or in a Pom Pom ponytail hair style which you could achieve with the investment of a second pack.

Ten: Custom Dreads- Etsy

One key hair style trend that looks super cool this season is the dread inspired hairstyle. Karl largerfeld sent his models around a Chanel super market runway with their hair in slicked back ponytail with dread ends.  Moschino also sent female models down the LCM runway with a take on the dread trend where they donned massive twisted style dread updos.

Dreading your hair in reality is like getting an undercut its a permenat style choice that needs a lot of consideration. These custom dreads from Etsy allow you rock the trend as you please with their custom dread extensions that will not do any damage to the hair as you can clip them in and out.

There you have it the my top 10 hair accessories of the season. Which hair accessory do you fancy trying the most?

Velcro Shoes

When you think Velcro shoes you almost automatically think of either senior citizen shoes or shoes for toddlers. Velcro shoes are no longer made just for grandparents and children, there are plenty of fashionable styles out there to rock with your wardrobe staples. The styles of Velcros shoes have changed rapidly over the years where they have gone from a fashionista's nightmare to a style pick must have.

Velcro was invented back in 1941 by George de Mestral. Velcro fabric essentially works by two pieces of fabrics having two different surfaces, one being a hook and the other piece a loop. The ingenuity of this invention means that when the two pieces of fabrics come together they form a easy fastening. Another great benifit of Velcro is that is incredibly strong, It is said that a 2 inch square can hold 79kg.

There is always that morning when you’re running slightly late and every single thing you do seems to take an exceptionally longer amount of time to do. Your shoes are always the last thing to go on and it’s as though one can’t anticipate the fact if you choose to put on a pair of Giuseppe Zanttoni ‘s boots with fifty buckles, it will literally add on a good five to ten minutes of your getting time ready, which is never ideal when you are running slightly late. With Velcro shoes you have the advantage of wearing a pair of shoes that you can slip on with ease because you don't have the long winded kerfuffle of doing up laces or buckles, without compromising on style.

1.       KG by Kurt Geiger-  £65- Stut Wedge Trainers

These wedged trainers are a sports luxe dream shoe. They come in black leather with a royal blue upper and two Velcro straps that fasten over the top of the shoe. These shoes are stunning they will make a statement and have heads turning where ever you go. This style is also versatile, it could be a style pick that you keep to rock on the weekends or would look amazing teamed with office wear to help define a chic sporty look. This style would look particularly good with black leather trousers or skirts.

2.    Jeffery Campbell- £106-Platform Sandals

This Velcro shoe style is the epitome of edgy and stylish. These shoes come in multi pink and black shoes are also available in a pink and baby blue tone. They come in techno fabric that sees three Velcro straps for a easy fastening. They have a chunky black block heel with a cut out pink platform. These shoes are stunning and would look awesome teamed with light blue denim skinnies. Wear these with contrasting ankle socks and when the weather is a little colder chunky knee highs or tights will also look super cool.

3.    Acne Studio’s- £276- Ankle Boots

The all black ankle boots will provide your look with added depth and texture. These boots come in a really unique design that sees inner suede inside the shoe that goes up and around the ankle. This contrast nicely with the rest of the shoe which is of leather in four straps Velcro design with an open toe. The chunky heel and sole of the shoe are in all rubber which adds to the texture of the piece. Wear these with your favourite pair of skinnies or harem pants and look mighty fine.

4.    Jeffery Campbell-£90-Solitair Ankle Strap

Taking a walk on the wild side is one of this season’s biggest trends with leopard print being at the forefront for inspiration. These white ankle strap pumps with a snake skin embossed surface are the perfect way to subtly wear the animalistic inspired trend this A/W 13. Team Velcro straps with sophisticated evening looks or off duty casual boyfriend jeans to add a twist of feminine attitude.

5.    Weber Hodel Feder -£488- Brogue Boot

This shinny blue number is an ankle boot delight. They come in an all leather design that draws on the style aesthetics of a traditional brogue shoe. They have no heel, which would make the very comfortable and easy to slip on with a four strap Velcro fastening. They have intricate stitch detailing and have a rubber nude rubber sole. These boots will look good styled with mini skirt and tights or bright or printed trousers.

6.    Alexander Wang-£236-Noemi

These combat style booties have a midi heel. They come in all beige lizard printed leather with a chocolate quilting detailing around the ankle. The shoes come in an open toe design. The whole shoe is enclosed with three Velcro straps and features lace detailing adorned to the middle strap. Nude shoes are the best style of shoe you can wear to eleongate your legs, nude shoes are a great choice shoe for wearing bold busy prints.

7.    Pedro Garcia-£196-Platform Sandals

These black sandals are in a suede chic design that sees an embellished rhinestone detailing on the top of the shoe. They have a easy fastening of a Velcro strap. This is a good investment piece that will work well with all your party ensembles, that you can wear season after season and look just as stylish and fresh.

8.    Serafini- £110- Etoile Wedge

All suede beige shoes in a strappy wedge design are style of shoe that can transition well between spring summer and autumn winter. These shoes will go with almost any ensemble you pair them with, be it a floaty skirt or denim on denim looks. This style will take you effortlessly from day to night.

9.    Fornarina-£159-Calf PU Wo’s A Boot

These metallic infused wedges are a stylish futuristic number that any shoe collection should welcome. Unlike most other wedged trainer styles these sneakers have a pointed toe and embroidered logo. These stunners are available in black or red, blue and black.

10.  Pedro Garcia-£109-Platform Sandals

These all black suede platform sandals are dolly shoe inspired. They feature a chunky banana heel in an open toe design. The shoes have one strap that go over the top of the foot. Every girl needs a pair of black shoes and these feminine treats are a versatile pair that you can wear with your sartorial wardrobe.

There you have it, this seasons Velcro shoe designs that will your style kept at its very best. Have you worn Velcro shoes before and would you give any of these styles ago?

The Summer Denim Edit

There is literally never a bad time to update and complete your off-duty denim line up as it never goes out of fashion, just varying degrees of stylishness. Denim will go with almost anything in your wardrobe from a simple basic white tee to an amazing pair of embellished heels; it’s the ultimate word in sartorial versatility.

So with that in mind we’ve come up with a couple of items that will make day-off dressing conundrums a thing of the past. Because once you have these wardrobe basics you’ve got some pretty sterling fashion building blocks to work with.

1.       Theory John Denim Jacket – TheOutnet.com – You might think that denim jackets should be reserved for 90s girl bands such as B*Witched but with the right components a denim jacket can look seriously chic. Try teaming yours with an oversized white shirt dress and ankle boots.

2.       High Waisted Denim Shorts – Etsy.com – The denim cut-offs are the failsafe go-to for any summer wardrobe, an absolute staple for anyone going to any festival this year. We suggest teaming yours with a relaxed chunky knit.

3.       High-rise A-line denim skirt – Blackfive.com – This dark denim A-line skirt is a great option for almost any occasion, wear yours with a Comme Des Garcons Breton tee and sandals to finish off.

4.       Current / Elliot – The Stiletto pencil tattered skirt – Jades24.com – This amazing pencil skirt from Current/Elliot is currently topping our denim wish list. Team with a colourful cami and strappy heels for a look that will take you effortlessly from day to night.

5.       Mossimo Women’s Destructed Skinny boyfriend jeans – Target.com – Boyfriend jeans have been around for a couple of seasons now and look like they’re here to stay for a while longer so get involved. Team yours with anything from a pair of heels to a pair of Nike Roches.

6.       Mango light denim shirt – Mango.com – Whether you wear this under a leather jacket or under a luxe knit or even on its own you simply can’t go wrong with a faded denim shirt. Why not add a eye-catching statement necklace to add a touch of glamour.

7.       Hollister denim overalls – Hollister.ca – overalls can be cool alright? Just look at the Man Repeller! We suggest steering clear of making your look too juvenile by rolling up the ankles and teaming with a pair of killer heels and a super sexy jacket.

Festival Beauty: 7 Essentials

Flicking through the thousands of Coachella photos that hit the internet last month, everyone seems to look polished at all times. Models and actresses looked as photo-ready as the actual performers while they milled through the crowds and endless backstage parties. But what about the rest of us, who don’t have access to VIP areas or showers while we’re at Glastonbury or Secret Garden Party? We have to make do with compact mirrors, dry shampoo and make-up that’s been hastily applied as we were clambering out of the tent. But there are a few little things you can take with you, that make a big difference when you’re out there. And it’s definitely worth planning ahead, because you just know your friends will be snapping photos all weekend long.

Burt’s Bees Facial Cleansing Wipes

It’s an obvious one, but an absolute essential. The chances of you washing your face properly at a festival are pretty much zero, so you’re going to need cleansing wipes. These ones from Burt’s Bees are infused with white tea extract, cucumber and aloe leaf juice. That’s a lot of skin-loving ingredients, that’ll pamper your complexion at the same time as removing any pore-clogging make up.

Sunscreen

Don’t even think about going to a festival without a travel-sized sunscreen. You’re going to be exposed to the sun for hours on end, and the last thing you want is aviator-shaped burn. Garnier Ambre Solaire is one of our favourite brands thanks to its non-greasy feel and long-lasting protection, and this mini version is only £3 in the Boots sale.

Stila One Step Bronze

You want your skin to look great, obviously, but that’s not going to be helped by too much drinking and hardly any sleep. This clever bronzer from Stila primes, bronzes and illuminates in one, meaning you don’t have to carry around three separate products.

Gel Effect Polish in Soho Place, Nails Inc

This is one to do before you go: thanks to Nails Inc's gel formula, you shouldn’t need to take it with you for top-ups. And if you can’t get away with bright aqua nails at a festival, when can you?

Aztec Print Headscarf, ASOS

You’ll definitely need dry shampoo to counteract the no-shower situation (James Brown is our favourite), but bring a headscarf too. It’ll cover up greasy roots without being as obvious, or as hot, as a hat. This Aztec print version is from ASOS and will be far less annoying to pack than a floppy hat which could get crushed.

Glitter Pot in Hero, Topshop

Loose glitter looks surprisingly sophisticated in this gold tone from Topshop. Apply it around your eyes or décolletage for a boho take on festival beauty.

Top 5 Summer Wedding Shoes

If you have a few weddings to attend this summer then you’ve probably already started to think about what you’ll wear to them. Finding something appropriate but also stylish can be tricky, especially if you’ve been invited to more than one this year and don’t want to repeat outfits. Luckily when it comes to shoes you can go for something versatile, that you’ll be able to wear all summer with a variety of different looks.

We’ve chosen five of the best to help point you in the right direction, whether you feel like splashing out on a pretty pair of pastel heels, going for nude pumps that will never date, or need a pair of statement sandals for a beach wedding. They’re all seriously stylish too, so justifying their cost-per-wear won’t be a problem.

Patent Pumps, Sophia Webster

Sophia Webster is best known for her bright colours and clashing prints, but this season her collection shows a softer, more feminine side that’s perfect for weddings. If you’re recycling a classic dress from last year, what better way to refresh it than with a pair of butterflies at the heel? The soft lemon colour will work with all neutral and pastel shades, while the patent leather texture is glossy enough for any formal event. The exposed studs and laser-cut details keep them feeling grown up rather than overly girly, so you can wear these playful pumps to other occasions too.

Embellished Sandals, J Crew

These J Crew sandals are ideal for a glamorous beach wedding, and you’ll be able to wear them all summer long, too. The nude leather will look great against a tan, while the oversized embellishment is on-trend for less formal occasions. Pair them with a colourful dress for the wedding – anything from pink to mint will work – and then mix them up with ripped denim and shades of white for the rest of the season. And because they’ve been made and hand-embellished in Italy, you can be sure that they’ll last.

Metallic Courts, Carvela

If you want wedding-ready shoes that are still on-trend, try this gunmetal pair from Carvela, available atSelfridges. With an asymmetric ankle strap that wraps around the foot, it has a futuristic feel but is still feminine and classic enough for any wedding. A closed, pointed toe and high stiletto heel (4.9 inches) keep it looking sharp. And metallics are a huge fashion trend this season, so they’ll look just as good on a big night out.

Mock-Croc Leather Sandals, Kurt Geiger

These nude leather sandals from Kurt Geiger have got to be one of the most covetable shoes of the season, whether you’re heading to a wedding or not. The mock-croc texture on the heel is effortlessly modern and right on trend at the moment, while the pale blush colour makes them perfect for summer. A minimalist toe strap and diminutive buckle at the ankle keep them looking demure from the front, but these are definitely a winner when it comes to the tricky art of day-to-night dressing.

Blue Courts, Reiss

If you want something more colourful, then blue is a great way to go while still being versatile enough to work for multiple weddings. A sharp asymmetric cut and rich cobalt shade keep these classic suede pumps interesting. Available from Reiss, you can jazz them up with a cocktail dress, pair them with an understated outfit for a day wedding, or even wear them to work. A sharp pair of cropped trousers will show them off perfectly as they lend some colour to monochrome separates.