While supposedly running errands and keeping my eye out for Christmas gifts for others, I slipped into Topshop and made an impulse buy. Haven’t done that in ages, with it being my preference to ‘stalk’ an item first for a few days, weeks, or sometimes months, to ensure it definitely is the right choice. An impulse buy is just so much more satisfying though, so unexpectedly gratifying because you didn’t know you needed it in the first place! I felt suitably smug as I left with my delicious new purchase swinging casually in my hand.

The item in question? A pair of soft brown leather hobgoblin ‘witch’ shoes, lace ups, with an unusual faux belt round the heel which ends in a gold tipped buckle at the side. They are soft and comfortable, and will tick the fashionable-but-practical box for walking to and from the train station through the mountains of autumn leaves. And beyond. I can wear them with funky tights and a skirt, with jeans, with trousers, with my pyjamas…

But that’s not where it ends. Two days later, on a quick sweep of Princes Square for lunchtime inspiration, I noticed a sale on at Ollie & Nic. Not a shop I go in often, but lured by the temptation of mid-season bargains, I pounced on a perfectly proportioned brown leather item with a vintage-esque textured pattern. My mind was 99% made up when I decided to check inside and noticed the lining. A bright turquoise delight with fuchsia florals and lots of handy pockets, complete with a little matching flat purse, attached. Divine! A great shape, a detachable strap, pretty lining and £25 off. Perfect pick-me-up for a cold weekaday lunchtime.

And don’t they go nicely together? What are the chances of that happening, if I had actually been searching for the perfect new shoes and bag combo? Not that I try to co-ordinate ever, but still. It was fate.

No Comments | In: Shopping, Trends | tags: autumn, bag, belt, brown, buckle, hobgoblin, impulse buy, leather, ollie & nic, shoes, topshop, witch. | #

Fresh from the ‘creative room’ at Cotton Candy Corsage, is the new Summer Prom Collection 2009. Find these dreamy, eye-catching, sumptuous and dazzling designs at Fifi & Ally, Glasgow.

There are 3 key colours streams within the collection:

• the classic chic of black and white – overlaid laces and polka spot
• bold and bright in zesty orange, hot pink, deep-sea green, purple and lemon
• whimsical and vintage-inspired floral prints from Amy Butler and Liberty of London

Each design features wafts of tulle and is decorated with a combination of chunky ceramic beads, faceted gems and glass beads, Swarovski crystals, tiny seed beads and crushed glass beads. They can either be worn on the wrist or as a brooch – perfect for the true ‘Prom’ feel, or to make a stunning addition to your lapel or summer ensemble!

Also find pretty decorated hair bands in co-ordinating colours, and delicate lace designs in hot pink, mocha, mint, black, white and baby pink.

No Comments | In: Shopping, Trends | tags: accessory, brooch, ceramic beads, corsage, crystals, fashion, fifi and ally, floral, hairbands, lace, liberty, prom, prom corsage, seed beads, summer 2009, swarovski, tulle, wrist. | #