Tuesday Shoesday: Black Shoe Boots

So this is a bit of a boring post but it is practical so I won't apologise! Many of our regular readers will know that I have been searching the the perfect pair of black high heeled shoe boots ever since I had to send my beloved ASOS Tweedy pair off to shoe heaven! I am still kicking myself that I didn't purchase another pair when they were still available as they were only about £40, good height, good style and soooooo comfy! However, I must move on so have narrowed the choice down to the following options:

Miss Selfridge Benji Black Shoe Boot £40

Pros:

• Price - down from £50 in the sale
• Heel height - just perfect
• Platform - small platform means more comfortable (usually)

Cons:

• Zip at back - I have another pair like this and the zip digs in or causes holes in tights
• Design - pretty plain

Miss Selfridge Bling Bling Black Embellished Boot £55

Pros:

• Design - love the sparkles on the back
• Good heel height
• Side zip

Cons:

• Design - bit blingy for day wear
• They just don't LOOK comfortable!

Aldo Frosacc Studded Shoe Boots £85

Pros:

• Design - love the studs on the back - very Sam Edelman
• Heel height - not too high
• Boot height - I like how it will sit low on the ankle like proper shoe boots

Cons:

• Price - more expensive than the others
• Design - too dressy?

 

ASOS Toronto Shoe Boot £28

 

Pros:

• Price - you really can'to go wrong at £28
• Style - hidden platform for comfort and cool heel

Cons:

 

• Not sure the thin heel lends itself well to all night comfort
• Look a bit chunky due to the hidden platform

 

 

 

 

Oasis Nina Shoe Boot £70

 

Pros:

 

• Oasis is my shop of the moment as I can vouch for their high quality boots
• They look comfortable (although I cannot verify this!)

Cons:

 

• Slightly more expensive than the others
• Not sure on the pointier toe

 

 

 

So these are the ones that make my short list after weeding out too chunky, too skinny, too cheap, too expensive, too much detail, too plain, too much of a boot boot etc. etc.

 

As you can see, I'm not really any nearer to finding my perfect pair and I may have to accept that I need two pairs! I am drawn to the Aldo ones (always drawn to the most expensive :-() but then maybe I can get a more basic pair too?! What a predicament!

 

Lots of suggestion seeking love,

 

Chelsea x

Friday Focus: Alexa Chung

This week Friday Focus is focusing on one of Britain's hottest fashion icons - Alexa Chung. With the success of her collaboration with Madewell and news that she will soon be designing her own line (and she really does input into the designing) we thought she was more than qualified to feature on Friday Focus.

We first loved Alexa's style back in the days where she was taunting celebrities with her quick wit on Popworld. Her skinny jeans, checked shirts and pretty flats made her the epitomy of laidback chic.

With Alex Zane on the Popworld set

As she's grown up, so has her style; she now channels a timeless look - girly yet tailored, hot yet cute and the perfect mix of high street and designer. Now when we think of Alexa, you can't help but think Mulberry, Chanel, ballet pumps and killer accessories. Alexa says she dresses for herself, and sometimes other girls, but never for guys. We think whoever she's dressing for - she's doing something right!

Here we take a look at some of our favourite Alexa looks and attempt to re-create them in a budget friendly way (apart from the Mulberry but you can hardly create an Alexa look without THE Alexa!)

Comfy and casual

One look Alexa carries off to a tee is the casual style. Short shorts or a short skirt can easily look dressy but Alexa manages to make the most of one her best features, her legs, without looking tarty by keeping the look simple with cute flats and a casual top.

You too can imitate Alexa's casual look by teaming a short skirt with ballet flats and a loose fitting t-shirt or shirt:

1. Loud Clothing Sonic Youth (Goo) T-shirt (£13)
For an authentic Alexa look, buy a boy's t-shirt and keep it loose with rolled up sleeves.

2. Oasis pleated faux leather mini skirt (£45)
I think this Oasis faux leather skirt is very Alexa - short and flaired!

3. Levi's Western Shirt (£80)
 Worn buttoned up and tucked in or undone over a printed t-shirt, this classic denim shirt is so Alexa!

4. River Island Black Cage Toe Ballerina Pumps (£25)
Get the Chanel look for a fraction of the price with these pumps with a toe detail.

Red Carpet Glam

Whilst Alexa may be better known for her every day style, it doesn't mean that she doesn't know how to do all out glam on the red carpet - whilst staying true to her quirky style. Here are some of our favourite Alexa evening looks:

If you love the look of Alexa's red carpet dress, why not try to recreate it with one of these high street versions?

1. New Look Gold Lace Brocade Skater Dress (£27.99)
This gold dress combines Alexa's short fit and flare style with the golden glamour of her 2009 Bafta dress. Team with opaque tights, shoe boots and even a long sleeve t-shirt underneath for true Alexa style.

2. ASOS Nude Quilted Lock Across Body Bag (£16)
At just £16 this ASOS quilted bag is a bargain version of Alexa's Chanel favourite. Plus, nude goes with everything!

3. Topshop Textured Pleat Tunic (£26)
This coral skater dress is a more casual version of Alexa's red-carpet puff ball number. If you're creative, you could add your own neckline embellishments or just dress up with heels and some red lips!

4. Dune @ John Lewis Leather Accrington Monkstrap Shoe Boots (£85)
Style like Alexa and add a quirky touch to the red carpet glam by toughening up a pretty dress with these black shoe boots.

Out and About

My faviourite of Alexa's looks is when she is wrapped up for the British winter (or sometimes even Summer) in a stand out coat.

You can steal Alexa's street style here:

1. Johnstons @ ASOS Merino Wool Check Scarf (£39)
This colourful scarf is bound to brighten up a winter's day and we bet the merino wool is super soft too. Wear outside your coat to show it off.

2. Zara Trench Coat with Sleeve Detail (£69.99)
Alexa is known for her trenches and whilst her's may be Burberry, we think this Zara one is just as stylish and great value too.

3. Topshop MOTO grey supersoft skinny leigh jeans (£38.00)
It's not often you see Alexa in jeans but when you do, you can guarantee they'll be skinnies. We love Topshop's supersoft (and stetchy) range.

4. ASOS fur trim duffle coat (£75)
Channel your inner Paddington with this navy duffle coat from ASOS - if navy is not your thing it comes in three other colours too!

5. Mulberry Alexa in Oak Soft Buffalo (£795)
We couldn't very well cover Alexa's style without including the bag that was named in her honour! We are lusting after the Alexa in every colour - we better get saving!

So there you have it - style queen Alexa Chung's style well and truly stolen!

Lots of imitable love

Chelsea xx