West Lancs - Shoe Box

CHRISTIAN LOUBOUTIN'S CRYSTAL STILETTO

2009-10-28T17:22:28Z

I'VE seen it all now - a champagne shoe!!
Designer and stiletto king Christian Louboutin has teamed up with champagne brand Piper Heidsieck to create a luxurious gift package.

In true Cinderella style, the unique and somewhat extravagant creation offers the purchaser a bottle of champagne along with a crystal heel flute from which to drink it.

There is no doubt it is fabulous to look at but at £350 a throw (maybe not at this price!) it is not for the average woman in the street.

I certainly wouldn't be impressed if my other half splashed out so much cash on what is clearly an ornament. But am I judging it too quickly?

For those with money to burn, even in the current credit crunch, items like the crystal stiletto could be worth a lot of money in a few years time. But don't take my word for it, I'm no expert.

If you want to see the creation for yourself it is reported to be available in Selfridge's from December 1.

And in case you're wondering what the fuss is about the crystal shoe celebrates the historic French tradition of 'Le Rituel' which involved a man drinking from a woman's shoe; the ultimate in aristocratic partying and declaration of love.

JIMMY CHOO AT H&M

2009-10-21T13:15:30Z

The countdown has begun.

November 14 is a very special day for Jimmy Choo fans as this is the date high street favourite H&M will start stocking the designer range.

And not only that the range is advertised as being available at 'affordable' prices.

For full details visit the Mail OnLine Femail section or visit www.hm.com for store details.

HALLE BERRY ADORNS MY FRIDGE

2009-10-16T19:14:40Z

I COULDN'T resist clicking on Halle Berry's picture when I was looking at the Daily Mail website today.

She's up there as one of the most beautiful women in the world and I couldn't agree more.

A picture of her in that Ursula Andress look-alike bikini taken from the Bond film Die Another Day in 2002 adorns my fridge as a constant reminder that I too can have a body like that if I don't grab another cocktail sausage from within.

In the Daily Mail article she is pictured in a very tight and revealing sequin black dress which she wore for the Keep A Child Alive Black Ball in New York.

I thought the reporter was a little harsh with the headline 'Halle Berry's cup threatens to runneth over, as she goes for cut-out chic in a revealing LBD'.

If you've got it flaunt it's my motto and she has certainly got it.

She had teamed the eye-catching outfit with a equally stunning pair of black Christian Louboutin heels which I will be trawling the internet for as soon as I've finished this blog.

OK I know I said I'm not a designer girl but I can make exceptions can't I?

Sorry if this all sounds a bit hero worship. But I do have my favourites and Halle is definitely one of them.

Mind you as I looked further down the article I stopped a picture of her with her boyfriend Gabriel Aubry.

Now that woman certainly has it all. I may just print off the picture of the two of them and find room on the fridge for his picture too!

AMANDA HOLDEN - SHE'S GOT TALENT

2009-09-24T10:05:04Z

JUST spotted an interesting article on Daily Mail website about Britain's Got Talent host Amanda Holden.

Apparently, she is one of a host of stars who are supporting an ebay auction of celebrity shoes in the hope of raising £500,000 to help young women dealing with chronic gynaecological issues such as PMS (Pre-menstrual syndrome), endometriosis and PCOS (polycystic ovary syndrome).

The rather racy photo of Amanda covering up her breast with a pair of stilettos seems to have provoked some very cutting remarks on the article comments - all from women.

Well, I'm a woman and I think she looks great. What's wrong with these people? Ok a bit of airbrushing may have gone on but I bet any woman knocking on the door of 40 would be proud to be photographed like Miss Holden. I know I would.

The shoe-themed shots will be published this week in News of the World's Fabulous magazine which is collaborating with women's health charity Wellbeing of Women to run the campaign.

To read more go to : http://www.dailymail.co.uk/tvshowbiz/article-1215670/Cheeky-Amanda-Holden-uses-stilettos-cover-assets-strips-charity

POSTMAN PAT IS MY HERO

2009-09-18T14:15:23Z

I JUST love the Postman Pat advert on the telly at the mo.

Every time it comes on the conversation in our house comes to an abrupt end while I collapse into fits of laughter.

If you haven't seen it yet you're missing a real treat.

Specsavers has dispensed with all the wizardry of new technology and has instead gone for a classic children's TV character to front its new advertising campaign for its well-known "buy one and get one free" deal.

The ad sees Postman Pat accidentally sit on his glasses and break them but unfortunately for him, he hasn't taken advantage of Specsavers' deal to get a spare pair.

He decides to carry on with his postal round without his glasses, much to Jess his faithful cat's dismay and discomfort, causing havoc around Greendale as he goes.

Postman Pat brings back so many memories for me as I used to watch it non-stop when my son was a toddler. (He's now 17!!).

Now I know you're wondering what all this has to do with my usual topic - shoe. Well hand on heart absolutely nothing. But hey it's my blog!!

HOLLYWOOD STAR LOST IT'S SHINE

2009-08-21T07:57:33Z

EARLIER this week I was telling you about my quick week in Crete. A last minute thing brought on by the sad death of Michael Jackson. We stayed in the old part of Rethymnon and it was delightful. Very quaint and relaxing, just what I needed.

We ate out every night and found two particular restaurants which we liked so much we went back to on the last two nights of our holiday.

Both were quite expensive but the food was lovely, the service exceptional and the atmosphere magical.

One place was called Veneto and was set in 13th century vaults once occupied by monks. It was all open air but with very high walls so you got the feeling of being inside and outside at the same time.

We chose to sit by a beautiful floodlit fountain. As we were looking at the menu a couple walked in who looked like they were film stars who had just walked off a Hollywood set.

Both were very good looking but to be honest it was the girl's shoes that caught my eye. They were black platforms with a killer heel and made her legs look ultra thin. She had teamed them with an elegant and quite revealing dress and I remember commenting on how glamorous she looked.

As the evening progress the lady in question tottered out to take a picture of the fountain and I once again admired the footwear.

Image then my disappointed when an hour or two later the said couple emerged from their table and the killer heels were gone.

In their place was a rather tatty and undignified pair of flip-flops!!

I could not believe my eyes. It wouldn't have mattered to me how much the shoes hurt. If I had been wearing them I would have made sure I walked out the place the same way I had entered. I'd have waited till I got round the corner before donning the offensive if not more comfortable foot attire.

What made it even more astounding was that she must have planned it. Otherwise why would she have the flip-flops with her in the first place?

Some women just let the side down don't they?

MICHAEL JACKSON - I WENT TO CRETE INSTEAD!

2009-08-17T10:22:39Z

I'M, just back from a week's holiday in Crete and very nice it was too. It was one of those last minute booking, not something I usually do I can tell you. I'm one of those people who likes to plan ahead and I usually book my fortnight summer holiday in January!

But this time I hadn't planned to go at all until the unfortunate and untimely death of Michael Jackson changed my mind.

Let me explain. I had bought tickets to go and see the King of Pop perform at the 02 arena in London at the end of July.

The hotel was booked, the itinerary for two days was agreed and everything was hunky-dory as they say. But then, wham. I'd had my doubts that Jacko would manage to complete the full 50-date schedule but I never for one minute thought events would turn out like they did.

I was as shocked and saddened as everyone when the news came through of Michael Jackson's death.

Somehow, a two-day trip to London without his concert just didn't seem right. So instead I got onto the computer and within half an hour I had booked a week in Rethymnon in Crete.

And I wasn't disappointed. We stayed in a studio apartment in the old town and we were surrounded by little, classy shops most of which sold shoes. Oh joy!

As you know I'm not a big shopper on holiday. I tend to buy more trinkets, bits of costume jewellery, candles and the like but I couldn't resist. Prices weren't that good with the pound being so weak in comparison to the euro, but I did find a shop which was offering 20% off everything.

I ended up choosing two pairs of shoes - a red strappy pair and a black and perspex heeled pair. Image my horror when I got to the counter and the assistant pointed at the card machine and motioned that it wasn't working.

Quick as a flash I explained I would be back with the cash. How easy it is these days to get cash out abroad. Mission accomplished.

NB: It's not typical tennis gear but actress Jennifer Love Hewitt obviously knows how to cause a stir (and get some much needed publicity) by playing the game in wedge-heeled shoes and a bikini!.
Somehow, I don't think we will be seeing this attire at Wimbledon

FAITH SHOE SALE - I'LL HAVE SOME OF THAT

2009-07-09T07:43:13Z

I took my son, Matt, to Liverpool University Open Day the other day.

He's 16 and at a career's convention at his school last year he had been invited to the Open Day after showing an interest in studying for a degree in Electrical Engineering.

It was a fascinating experience for both of us. We attended three seminars in the following subjects. Mathematical Sciences, Physics and Astrophysics and Electrical Engineering with Electronics.

Phew! It was heavy stuff but it really has given him something to think about.

It was a beautiful sunny day and instead of driving into Liverpool and having to park miles from the University, I decided to catch the train to Central Station and jump a cab.

As we were walking to the taxi, I spotted out the corner of my eye that Faith shoe shop was having a sale. As if I'd miss something like that. Anyway, I made a mental note to pop in on the way back and off we went.

As I sat down in the cab I asked the driver to take me to Liverpool University. He looked a little perplexed and asked me "Which part?"

Well that had me stumped. "The main entrance," I replied. That didn't appear to help so after fumbling with information leaflet, I suggested an area and off we went. Turned out we were at the right place.

After out tour, Matt and I both agreed that we had had enough information input for one day, so we set off on the downhill trek back to the station.

As we were approaching Central Station I suggested to Matt that he go get a McDonalds so I could take a look in the Faith sale. My son a shoe shops do not mix.

And boy am I glad I did. I got myself a rather snazzy pair of white sandals, reduced from £55 to £20. They have a rather chunky dark wooden platform and wide heel with a perplex strip running between the base and the white toe strap. Very nice for summer.
I haven't worn them yet but I will be very soon.

RED SHOES? IF CHERYL COLE CAN WEAR THEM SO CAN I

2009-07-03T11:05:35Z

These stunning peep toe slingback red shoes are by Christian Louboutin

RED SHOES - You either love them or hate them.
Personally, they are not something I wear very often. In fact to be honest I haven't worn them for years.

I think Dorothy from Wizard of Oz is to blame. She did for red shoes what Bet Lynch did for animal print. It doesn't matter how many famous, attractive super stars try the give the trend an up-to-date kick you still think Dorothy or Bet every time you don one of them.

Saying all that I did actually have occasion to wear a pair of red shoes on Saturday night.
I was going out to a tapas restaurant in Ormskirk called O'Este, and decided to wear a floral dress which was red and black flowers on a white background.

White or black shoes would have matched perfectly but I though why on go for red for a change.

After a quick glance at my shoe list (I'm so glad I took the time to number everything) and picked out two pairs. A jewelled pair of red satin sandals and a red court stilettos with scalloped edge along the toe line.

At first I went for the sandals, it is summer after all, but after struggling to get down the stairs without slipping out of them and breaking my neck, I decided to go for the courts instead.

They certainly looked the business, even if I do say it myself. But I was still glad I wasn't walking too far!

NB: Spotted a picture in the Daily Mirror this week of Girls Aloud's Cheryl Cole wearing a pair of incredibly high red shoes.

She was wearing a blue and white striped dress so I wasn't too sure the red shoes matched but, as with everything Cheryl wears, she looked stunning.

JIMMY CHOO AT H&M - I GUESS I'LL TAKE A LOOK

2009-06-22T11:22:25Z

Carrie Bradshaw wears Jimmy Choo shoes

DID you hear the news just announced that the world famous shoe designer Jimmy Choo has teamed up with the high street chain H&M?

If you are an avid reader of my blog you will have gathered by now that I'm not really a designer fashion girl. More a bargain hunter but nevertheless the story interested me.

Apparently, the new range of shoes and bags will appear in 200 H&M shops from mid November this year.

It is not the first time a fashion icon has teamed up with a high street retailer. Think Kate Moss and TopShop or the Sugababes and German shoe shop Deichmann.

A spokeswoman for H&M comfirmed that the shoes would be limited to selected stores. Not sure if Liverpool is on the list yet but I'm sure it will be.

I have to admit, the news did excite me somewhat, when I first heard it until I read that the designer range are expected to cost from £30 for a pair of ballet pumps to £170 for a pair of boots. Now I know this is a lot cheaper than the average Jimmy Choo shoe price of anything between £450 to £2,000, but still its a lot of money for your average working girl.

Sadly, we are not all Carrie Bradshaw!

Still, I'll probably go and have a look but as for parting with my hard-earned cash, well I'd have to see something pretty special to do that wouldn't I?

SHOES THAT TONE YOUR BUM? I'LL HAVE SOME OF THAT

2009-06-05T12:45:14Z

Vivo Barefoot Candy

WHEN I was seeing my personal trainer, he would often comment on how bad high heels are for me as he watched me change into my trainers. I listened, of course, but I have no intention of me giving them up. I'd rather cut off my right hand!

But to be fair what he did say made sense. Now I see the latest fad is shoes which can heal.

An article on the Daily Mail website this week, displays a selection of shoes and trainers which claim to ease back pain, burn calories and even tone your bottom! Sounds good. But taking a look at the pictured I was not so impressed.

First off was a rather ugly flat pump with orange trim and an ankle strap.
Named Vivo Barefoot Candy and retailing at £55, the claim is that the shoe will improve your posture by flexing and strengthening the muscles in your feet.

Obviously, as the name suggests, they are meant to feel like your are walking in bare feet. Well I don't know about you but the only place I walk in bare feet is indoors and my Tigger slippers are just fine thank you.

Next comes the Earth Exerfit at £36. This bland looking flip-flop claims to help you burn off four times more calories with every step than with a normal shoe. They are designed in such a way as to make you feel like you are walking on a treadmill.

The problem, as the author points out, is that if you are switching between these and high heels you are likely to cause yourself more harm than good. I won't bother with them then.

Of a similar vain is the Tonewalker (£49.99). Again it wouldn't win any awards for prettiness - even if it is available in a nice shade of pink - and the rather weird and wacky V-shaped sole is likely to require more concentration than a 5in pair of stilettos.

More appealing are the Reebok Easytone (£65). These stylish pink and white trainers claim to tone up your bottom muscles. Due to launch in this country at the beginning of July, the makers claim that a balance pod in the sole creates instability with each step making the wearer work their abdominal, leg and bottom muscles harder to stay balanced.

The author certainly likes them, giving them a 9 out of 10 rating. I too like the idea but after my recent fall loosing my balance it the last thing I want to do.

To read the full article go to the Daily Mail website and click on the Health section.

THERE'S AN ART TO WALKING IN COURTS

2009-05-29T13:00:47Z

I'VE notice something rather strange is happening to my feet! Every since I have been wearing Mary Jane shoes or the new gladiator-style, I'm finding it really odd when I put on a pair of courts.

The other evening I was getting ready, and as I slipped on my white court shoes (well it is nearly summer), I thought to myself 'these feel really strange'.

There's an art to walking in high heels which requires a certain amount of concentration. I think most women would agree with me.

But these shoes with straps across the bridge of your foot make you become lazy. Concentration is not required as the straps and buckles hold the foot in place.
Hence, when you next go to put on a pair of nice stilettos you have to adjust your thinking before taking that first step.

I'VE just had my last session with my fitness instructor. It's has been a great experience and has really helped me. In six weeks I have learned what exercise routines are best for toning up and how to incorporate two 10-minute routines into my morning.

I've discovered the art of yomping, which I am now going to try a do twice a week. And I have turned my rather bad diet around.

I used to suffer from terrible stomach ache most days but that has disappear after I gave up coffee, stopped eating bread at lunch time and have abandoned my biggest downfall - biscuits. I haven't had a biscuit now for nearly five weeks!

I've also stopped having a cup of tea just before I go to bed and I sleep so much better..
Dave, who runs Smartshape out of a centre in Halsall, near Ormskirk, was very supportive and encouraging and has helped me a lot. But now it is time for me to do it on my own.

I'm not planning to turn into some sort of fitness freak, but it is amazing how a bit of exercise and a better eating plan make you feel so much better.

CARLA Bruni, glamorous wife of French President Nicolas Sarkozy, has been hitting back a critics who mock her flat shoes.

The former supermodel, 41, is five inches taller than her hubby and has therefore ditched the high heels so as not to tower over him.

In an article in the Daily Mail she says that she feels the pain when people criticise her 54-year-old husband.

WATCH OUT FOR THE STICKY STUFF

2009-05-08T13:30:29Z

I READ an interesting article the other day about television presenter Kirsty Gallacher.
The reporter was quite critical about the fact that Kirsty, who was attending the Sport Industry Awards in London, had failed to remove the price tag from the underside of her shoes.

The fact that the tag revealed that she had paid £25 for her very fashionable gladiator-style sandals at popular high street store New Look, also seemed to be a cause for amusement.

Well I would like to come to Kirsty's defence. I have suffered similarly on many occasions were labels on shoes have been harder to remove than my husband's backside from the settee when Gossip Girl is on the TV!

I've no idea what sort of glue they use but there is definitely no easy way to get the damn thing off.

Often, I have managed to unstick one corner, only to find that the tiniest slither can be removed while the rest is infuriatingly still stuck down fast.

Once more, in some stores the labels are not only on the sole of the shoes but also inside doubling the annoyance.

Now I know all the reasons for this, but please isn't there a way to make their removal a bit easier?

I once bought some special sticky stuff remover from one of those brochures which come through your letterbox. It promised the world and I fell for it hook, line and sinker, but even that couldn't do the trick.

So leave Kirsty alone. She's a beautiful, talented woman and she's allowed the occasional faux pas.

And if anyone out there has a solution please let me know and I'll pass it on to Kirsty.

NB: I bought a new mascara at the weekend. It's by Maybelline and is billed as 'the hottest thing lashes will ever wear'. Superdrug were selling it at £2 discount but this wasn't the reason I bought it. I just couldn't resist when I saw the name - Stiletto!!

NOT A SOFT LANDING

2009-05-01T08:59:22Z

Nice in the South of France

WELL I can't believe were the time has gone. Sorry if you thought I'd deserted you.

Nice was lovely, although a little expensive. A large glass of red wine on the last night there cost me 13 euros. And I managed to knock the glass over just before I finished it!!

What did surprise me was how friendly and helpful the French people were. Sorry if that offends any French readers.

In particular, the young girl who picked us up from the airport and transported us to our hotel. She chatted all the way giving us useful information about Nice. My husband was smitten.

Another surprise was that I didn't buy any shoes despite the fact that I looked. I just didn't see many that took my fancy and the few which I did like were more expensive than in England.

All in all it was a nice break. We saw all the sites including Monte Carlo and the weather was so nice I came back with a tan.

Since I've been home, I have continued with my personal trainer sessions - well until I fell over and sprained my ankle that is!

It was a couple of weeks ago now and I was in work but not feeling too well. I went outside for a bit of fresh air and then it happened. I've no idea whether I tripped on a paving stone or caught my heel but I went through that terrifying process were you know you are going to fall but you can't do anything about it.

Eventually, after what felt like minutes but was obviously only seconds, I hit the deck landing in the middle of the road. Both my shoes flew off so I really must have crash landed.

I hobbled back to the office to face my colleagues obvious concerns for my plight - "You haven't been drinking have you?" asked one.

"Well I'm not surprised you fell over in those heels," said another. What a sympathtic lot.
Anyway, my foot blew up to twice its size and I had to stay off work for a week.
I'm back in heels now of course. Once a high heel girl, always a high heel girl's what I say!

AMAZING SIGHT

2009-03-30T12:20:23Z

Posh in flat shoes? Surely not!

WELL I never thought I'd see the day. Posh Spice wearing flat shoes!. For a woman who can don the highest killer heels and still look like she's walking on air, the switch to a flat pair of flip flops is something I never thought I'd see.

The remarkable sights was captured by the Daily Mail when Victoria was spotted on her way to Wembley at the weekend to watch hubby, David play for England.

According to the Mail website, the sight of Victoria in flip-flops comes as a big surprise particularly as last year she admitted she hates wearing flat shoes.

She is reported to have said: "I just can't concentrate in flats.
"I could go to the gym if I wore flats, I'd love to go to the gym, but I just can't get my head around the footwear."

I know what she means. I have just got myself a personal trainer and he was a little shocked on my first visit when I turned up in 4in heels.

"Don't worry," I said as I witnessed his confused expression, "The trainers are in the bag. I just can't walk or drive in them."

I'm really enjoying my one-to-one with Dave. He's a really nice guy and gives me the encouragement I need to get off my butt and exercise more. Not that I'm lazy, I always seem to be on the go and I religiously do 10 minutes exercise every morning. But I have never been sure whether or not I have been doing it right.

Also the thought of going to a gym horrifies me. I tried it once under the disillusion that I would get personal treatment, only to find when I got there that I was abandoned and left to my own devises.

Dave on the other hand is very attentive and doesn't just tell me what are the best exercises to do, but how to do them. He then watches me to ensure I am doing it right.
I've only been to see Dave twice so far so it's early days but I'll let you know how I get on.

NB. Went on a quick four-day trip to Nice recently. It was beautiful and sunny and surprise, surprise I did take some time out from sightseeing, to look for shoes. I'll tell you all about it in my next blog.