Body Armour

Don some body armour and adorn your hands in these chained, metal beauties. The easiest way to toughen up an outfit and the perfect accessory to your LBD.


ASOS Hinged Metal Armour Ring - £10.00

Vivienne Westwood Armour Ring - £150.00

Fannie Schiavoni Scale Detail Chain Glove - £245.00

ASOS 3 Finger Chains Hand Harness - £12.00

Kitten heel crazy

The saying ‘what goes around comes around’ could not be more accurate in the case of fashion as we welcome back the kitten heel to the forefront of our shelves. But will we be welcoming them back to the fore of our wardrobes?

I have never been a fan of the kitten heel and have always considered them the ugly step-sister of the heel family. Despite being a tall 5’9”, nothing makes me feel instantly more confident than slipping in to my highest pair of Kurt Geiger’s. Unfortunately, the same cannot be said for the stunted kitten heel. On a recent shopping trip I found myself staring horror in the face when I staggered upon the most unsightly pair of pale pink ‘kittens’. However, when challenged by friends to face my fear and slip one shoe on, I accepted... and instantly regretted it; I felt more ‘middle-aged’ than ‘million dollars’.

Considering I have a long list of heel-related injuries (killer heels did not get their name for nothing) the kitten heel would seem a sensible option for me to adopt. Yet the very purpose of a heel is to lengthen legs and define calves and the kitten heel fails on both counts; far from purrfect. Despite my aversion, the 5cm heel has always had a following of fans ever since its first appearance in the 1950s. Audrey Hepburn can be noted as the heels greatest ambassador and Michelle Obama has made the kitten heel a staple feature of her look today.  Moreover, with designers such as Marni, Betty Jackson, and Missoni welcoming the heel back to the catwalk this season, it seems that like it or not, we will be seeing more of the smaller heel around.

So, the question is: will you be reviving the heel of the 50’s this winter, or staying loyal to your 5 inch favourites? I know what I’ll be doing.

SOCK IT TO ME

If you haven't already, there is no better time than the present to rummage amongst your sock drawer and pull out your favourite pair. Whether the idea thrills you or sends a shiver down your spine; it is time to pull your socks up and embrace the socks-and-shoes trend.

A key feature in the Spring/Summer 2010 catwalks, ankle-socks and knee-highs are keeping a grip of ankles for the cold winter months too. If you're doubtful, look no further than fashion favourites Alexa Chung, Fearne Cotton, and Florence Welch to learn how to effortlessy carry off the look.

If, unlike Alexa and co., you are not blessed with never-ending pins, you can ensure your legs don’t look shortened further by sticking to mid-calf socks and finer fabrics that don't bunch too much at the ankles. On the other hand (or foot; in this case), a low-sitting ankle sock will also ensure your legs look long and lean.

Six socks tips:

• Use a pair of socks to inject a pop of colour in your outfit.
• Team ankle or mid-calf socks with boy-ish brogues and lace-up oxfords for a feminine twist and geek-chic look. 
• Team cosy wool knit socks with lace-up winter boots for an ultimate autumn country look.
• Bring a pair of brown wedges or summer clogs up-to-date by teaming them with grey socks. As a general rule: pair marl grey with lighter browns/tans, and charcoal grey with dark/chocolate browns.
• Take inspiration from Dior and pair sparkly ankle socks with heels for instant night-time glamour.
• If you don't fancy braving the icy weather, wear your socks over the bottom of casual, tapered trousers.
  
  

Who rocks the socks?:

Topshop - basics, from £3; fancy, £6-£7; over-the-knee, £6 (0845 121 4519; www.topshop.co.uk )

Jonathan Aston - plain cotton, from £3.50 (0127 723 201; www.jonathanaston.co.uk )

Falke - wool/cotton, from £8 pair ( www.falke.com )