Trotters

Is there something in the air? Are my thoughts being analysed and converted to the Dior couture show. You remember I spoke about the plastic mac to cover my pink silk dress last year from "flying stains"? Well, there it was in the show. And then at the beginning of December I went to Matthew at Dior Shoe Heaven in Harrods and discussed Way Over The Knee Boots not on a ridiculously high heel. No purchase was made - not quite what I was looking for.

Back to the show. Beautiful, see-through mac/duster coats over Embroidery Anglais and high, coloured boots. I liked almost everything in the show - fresh, modern, feminine, vibrant and most important, 8 out of 10 for wearability. You know this is the way we're gong to go for the winter. The thigh-high PVC boots in bright orange/yellow/red/green will be on my list as long as my legs don't resemble sausages, viennas or, as a friend of mine once called her legs, trotters. Which all brings me back very neatly to my original thought this week - where is Shoe Heaven?

I looked yesterday at my shoe wall and, OK I ran out of space months ago but even this doesn't seem to help me send my old shoes to Shoe Heaven. Going back to look at old shoes is of little value in my opinion because shoes seem to date an outfit quicker than any other item of clothing. That's why, when updating past seasons clothing, the most a la mode shoe will always work wonders.

So, getting back to the space issue, what do you do with your old shoes - do you have a Shoe Heaven? Maybe no one else suffers from this dilemma, but me.

(Of course, Francine)

Which brings me even more neatly to last night at a Gala Dinner. During the evening I visited the loo and on my return to the dining room, I had to take a seat at the back of the room as there was a speaker on the podium and I think it's rude to walk through whilst someone is speaking. Anyhow, one of my friends was sat in front of me at another table. And whilst I was watching, I noticed with something with interest. On a carpeted floor, she had slipped her shoes off her feet! The man at the podium spoke for ages and there were her feet out of her shoes the whole time. When the speaker had finished, I got up to go to my seat, but not until I had spoken to my friend about her act of bravery. Why so brave? she asked. Because, I said, the one and only time I did that, when I went to put them back on my feet had expanded to such a degree that the shows had to be carried out. But that was me, and swiftly she slipped her feet back in her perfectly-fitting shoes.

It must be me.

Note To Us All - the way forward is 100% colour in shoes or boots.

Happy Shopping

F  XX

Dior Couture Look No. 1

The Cover-Up Conspiracy

I am just wondering - is there not more to this "goodbye to Page 3" than meets the eye? I've just read three views in The Times and they're all very safe and soothing. Page 3 is a misogynistic relic of the past - titillation on the tube! The one truth is that the demise of Page 3 hardly creates a lack of female nudity or breasts in the world of photos. Now, I don't care one way or the other about Page 3 - but the timing. In Paris we have Charlie Hebdo fighting for freedom of speech and then Page 3 disappears. Are they reading the political and religious climate we live in more than the objectification of women? I can't help feeling that this might be the real truth. They say it's old fashioned but, dear friends, Men have always wanted to look at The Female Form. Go to the National Gallery, go to the Royal Academy where the Reubens exhibition is on. Breasts everywhere! "And?" I'm actually struggling with this, but I hope you see my point. To cover up women who have no problem undressing (no one, as far as I know, has put a gun to these women's heads to undress). This is not our culture, or our religion (see where I'm going?...)

I have never been a woman to show cleavage when dressed (my Mother doesn't and that is where I learnt how to dress). But I've seen them on display many times, from my peers. Personally, I have always felt there is a time and place. But - I will defend any woman's right to show them to the world if she so desires. Isn't it personal and not political? If you don't like it - don't buy The Sun. It's not as if is really a NEWSpaper now, is it? So there's been a development - will they, won't they? They're in, they're out. Who knows? But one thing it did was get me to talk about The Sun in my letter to you. No such thing as bad publicity...

Can we be too early? Well, yes. I bought the new spring colour nail varnish last week (Dior Vernis 660 - Glory) and of course immediately had to wear it. It worked with my Winter White, but now? OK, it's only nail varnish but...

Which brings me neatly on to red lipstick. Yes, years ago I wore it and I've tried it now but... Hmmmm...  Is it an age thing? Is it the wrong colour? Or is it an age thing? Oops I've said that twice. I don't know. It's just that there seem to be a proliferation of red lips around. I will persevere. Maybe I've got the wrong red (do you know how many reds there are? Hundreds! Maybe Thousands!! Good Luck to me). Like I said last week, red anything is not to be ignored. Along with red lips it seems a red handbag is the thing to have. I'm schlepping around a big red bag. One of three, along with a Dior and a Chanel. But if you don't have one (whatever brand) now seems to be the time to get one. As I walked through the ground floor of Harrods Handbag Emporium, I'm seeing so much red, it's a joy. Who wants a black bag when red is so very happy?

Happy Shopping!

F  XX

White times three

Well, E! Fashion Police is back. I watched with an open mind as Kathy Griffin, the outspoken, American comedienne, stepped into the cold shoes of the dear departed Joan Rivers. Both huge gay icons. Is that what makes one an expert on red carpet fashion?... Really?! We've just had the Golden Globes and guess who they voted best dressed. Yes - that's correct - J-Lo in Zuhair Murad. All I can say is that they must think the only people who watch this show are gay men, drag queens and strippers. Their take on fashion is without sophistication or femininity and for once I actually feel sorry for the actresses being critiqued.

Which, by way of my last post, brings me neatly on to the gloves worn by Mrs Amal Clooney. Now, I love a glove - opera-length is my favourite but coloured cashmere and wrist-length will do as well (depending on the outfit of course). So let's return to Amal. There she stood, beautiful and in "couture Dior" as she delighted in telling us. My question is, What were those white, very badly fitting gloves for? Had she just finished the washing up, as some very unkind commentators suggested? As if! She obviously doesn't eat anything, so washing up what? Had she forgotten to get a manicure? Would no-one lend her any diamonds? Or, did she believe that as Hollywood Royalty, like The Queen it was not suitable to actually touch the lesser mortals around her? All those sweaty palms and bacteria. Whatever - maybe she just thought they looked nice. Well, the right gloves could have, but I'm sure these were not them. The thing to look for in the upcoming awards season is when Amal and Angelina are on the red carpet at the same time... You know who the winner of that could be - Jennifer Aniston!

Now, all of you that know me know I'm not averse to anything helping me look like Me, but Better. Yes, I wore a brace for three years until recently to pull my teeth together (gaps are so aging). Fact - my teeth are still wired from behind to prevent any subsequent movement. Botox, fillers, hours in the gym and now I'm blonde (although this was not my idea I should point out, but great anyway). I also whiten my teeth from time to time, but not glow-in-the-dark white. But today I saw it - the Hollywood White Smile. I'm going to review this - are terrifyingly white teeth the Botox of 2015? I'm not sure yet - will let you know...

---

My Winter white Trousers had their first outing today. No red wine or food stains to report but the height of my heels caused my feet to hum for a further 15 hours.

Joy of joys - Alina is back from her holiday and my sequinned sleeves are in production. Awaited with huge anticipation!

---

It's becoming very cold now, so it must be time to buy swimwear. Now I remember why I was going to get a full-body tan. So I wouldn't look so tragic in the mirror when trying on swimwear. Too late for that, as I've cancelled it until next week. Oh well, we'll just have to pretend I don't look all white (not Hollywood white) and pasty.

Happy Shopping!

F  XX

For the Love of Life

After the events of this last week I feel it necessary to talk about this senseless loss of life in Paris. The contributors to our freedom of speech and thought were murdered by people who deserve no air to breathe or voice to hear. I have reported on loss of life before - L'Wren Scott and Robin Williams. Those I found very sad, for here were extremely talented people who's lives were ended by their own hands and their deaths I failed to understand. But what we witnessed last week were incredibly unjust and senseless murders. As an after-effect Charlie Hebdo's work has been seen and understood by the world. The perpetrators of this heinous crime against humanity have seen the thinking world wake up to the battle ahead (I hope).

I thought this part of my letter to you was finished, but as we all now know the perpetrators of this evil went even further - directly into the Jewish community. Now we have even more reason for the world to unite in the fight for freedom. Does this act of supreme cruelty, in the unforeseen deaths of the innocent people murdered in Paris last week produce a different action in our own lives now?

Yesterday I had to go to the West End. I had decided earlier in the week to take the tube as I had no need for my car. But now I was extremely fearful at the thought of doing so after what happened in France. After much thought and deliberation I did take the tube. My journey was incident-free and although I was frightened, I was happy that I hadn't chickened out of my own life. We can never predict what is going to happen or when, but I will not be cowed by fear of what might happen.

---

On a much lighter note, I tried on again the Winter White Trousers that I've been going on and on and on and on and on about, and finally I made a decision! I'm buying them - that's it! Irrespective of my tirade against the wearability of Winter White.

Now, for all you Intrepid Shoppers, I have news. Last week I paid a visit to my favourite glove shop - Sermoneta in Burlington Arcade. I have a thing for gloves (I know, along with everything else). Burlington Arcade of the past has always been a place for jewellery and cashmere shops. Not so now. Along with the above-mentioned, there is now a Chanel perfume and make-up shop and a rumour that Louis Vuitton is also opening. A cafe at the Piccadilly end and a beautiful handbag shop called Kwanpen selling only Crocodile and Alligator in the most beautiful colours. It also seems to me, some new Jewellery names.

Today I wore mismatched earrings - a look I like a lot. One diamond drop and one Dior big pearl/little pearl. And as I walked past this newish shop called Noubel-Cavelier, in the window (to my great surprise) there they were - mismatched earrings. Made of the most beautiful antique micro-mosaic. They will go straight on my wishlist (boy, that list is getting long). Anyhow, Burlington Arcade is a joy! And as a major plus - you never get wet!!

So take care, but remember - always live your life no matter what.

Happy Shopping!

F   XX

My Colourful Friends

So here I sit weighing up the pros and cons of wearing my new Dior crinoline skirt this evening to a big party. When I didn't have it, I would have worn it to this and that (basically everything). Now I have it, I've got the problem - can I wear it? I get like this sometimes with an untested piece. I've put it on today already and it's perfect. So it's hanging there in the "holding position" - that's what I call the place where my next outfit waits for it's event, whether it be visiting galleries, lunch, dinner. Anything bar the gym! So I'm prepared...

I suppose I'm giving it too much importance. I'll wear it with a smile. The one thing I don't have to worry about are Spanx. It's so big it can take the place of at least six people and I have to go through narrow doors sideways! Will report later...

I return a Victor! The skirt (the Princess Skirt) is not only huge but was a huge, huge success! Easy to wear and immediate loved by all. It's just that manoeuvring up and down stairs is a bit of a learning curve. Never mind. It's been out once and will be out again very soon. The one thing not needed is a handbag, as it has hidden side pockets and it's just such fun to put your hands in them!

---

You really are the luckiest, most up-to-date and best read people around. Firstly, the sequinned sleeve that I informed you of three weeks ago was only last week shown to the public in the Sunday Times Style Guide. That's three weeks too late!... Actually, that's really it. Unless! you count on me to go on and on about Winter White, Spring White and Summer White. White will be with us until we realise that the prohibitive cost might not be worth it (trust me - the best white will be dry-clean only. Not a machine wash in sight. Definitely not). As I've said before, dry cleaning is the business to be in now. Other than that I bought the brogues that I took back right at the beginning of the season on preview sale. At a slight discount, for old trousers, I don't might and haven't stopped wearing them except in the rain of course, when I obviously don't go out unless the rain is prevented from coming down over me. I'm just covered in bubble wrap.

My top tip for the week is a visit to the first floor in Harrods (the Superbrands department). Could this be the Ninth Wonder of the World? I'll let you know, but a must even if just to look at.

Just one more thing - colour. Blue. Navy, Royal (almost), Denim. Could blue be the coolest colour around? Brown is VERY next season - a little too early at the moment. I'll let you know when... Yellow is definitely a go-to colour as an accent and Pink... Well, pink is pink and I absolutely love it. So there you have it, you lucky colourful friends.

PS: Don't forget red...

Happy Shopping

F   XX

That's how Bad Habits start 2015

Yes, here we are again. One plump person leaving Leeds. One day at the Gym! Now Leeds has adopted the London way of booking classes at the gym and they're very, very popular and no one told me. So I've suffered. But back to the title. That's eight days and no exercise. And the body and mind gets used to not going to exercise. And then, then you stop going... And then it's too late and the rot sets in and it's goodbye to all those New Year resolutions because the Bad Habits have started. Now, this is not because I have a chair positioned in front of the fridge, it's just I can't eat and not exercise (you'll remember my hips have a life of their own). Like some men who, when left alone, stop bathing. Yes, we all know one of those don't we? "Afraid of the water?" What do they think? Will it wash away their magic powers? Bad Habits...

Which reminds me - never, never, never leave Spanxs in London again. My Mother has offered me her leg Spanx (elongated knickers, to the uninitiated) whereas mine is a slip from under the bust to the knee. She is somewhat smaller than I am. My Mothers' elongated knickers are like objects of torture (my Mother is on the floor crying with laughter at the sight before her). I cannot describe the pain! But they really make me look like a Size 10. OK, who am I kidding? But as long as I don't pass out from not breathing, I look fabulous!

Well, it serves me right. I have never, never, never in my life been submitted to so much pain for vanity's sake. I looked all evening like I had this enormous bust when all the time it was the fat pressed up from the waist from these elongated knickers with nowhere else to go. I have just taken them off and I feel like a balloon untied, that someone has let go of. My body is flying around all over the place. Air (gas) has got to go somewhere. I'm not blaming anyone but myself, but this is one bad habit I intend to break. No more last-minute packing for me! Well, that's my 2015 resolution sorted! I hope you have a little less pain and a lot more fun with yours.

Happy New Year.

Happy Shopping!

F  XX

When will I wear it?

I've heard many excuses not to buy something, but this one never ceases to amaze me - when will I wear it? I never go anywhere! ...is the familiar statement made by my mother who, I should point out goes out more often than I do. OK, it's mostly to play Bridge and Kalooki but unless she's taken to playing in the nude (how risqué, don't think so!!) she's still wearing clothes. Anyhow, I've decided to banish this saying for 2015, along with "Don't you think I will be overdressed in that?" Never bothered me! Where did I come from I wonder?

So - thank goodness Christmas Lunch has finally finished. Just in time for real life. Coronation Street followed by Downton Abbey (I didn't think it could get this good). As per last year when, you'll remember, I left all my trousers and skirts in London. Well this year, I've managed to come with just the bra I drove up in and no Spanx, which I can see may be a problem. I never used to do this. Well, I used to give more importance to packing and not leave it to the last hour before I leave and then throw copious amounts of clothes in the back of the car. But than was when I had an ex-husband screaming in my ear to get organised.

A visit has been paid to M&S in Pudsey (the best to my knowledge in England, but certainly haven't visited all of them). But it's free - yes free! - parking. London take note. And the fashion is all on one level - ground floor! With our supermarket trolley, Mummy and I whizz round! Any bargains? Yes yes yes! Mummy always does so well. I have seen a lovely Tomato Soup-red/orange outfit in Dior (I'm thinking...) We get Mummy a wonderful Cashmere jumper the same colour, reduced, just to add insult to injury. And a beautiful sequinned short jacket for all those Black Tie dinners she wants to attend. Or just dinner. Who am I kidding?..

I've just figured out why I like Corrie and Downton. They're both about extended families and what happens. After all, really most of Life happens around this nucleus.

Enjoy the Festivities. What happens in the Family stays in the Family (we're not Mafia - just Family) and always Family First.

Happy Eating, Resting and of course Shopping!!

F  XX