Sorry that’s a terrible title but I just couldn’t help myself…

I also couldn’t help myself when I saw these shoes. A couple of weekends ago, I had one of the most luxurious and indulgent shopping experiences I’ve ever had. I spent over an hour on the first floor of J.Crew’s incredible shoe department (patience is definitely one of JT’s most admirable qualities!). I strutted and paced; and pondered and contemplated on eight pairs of gorgeous shoes. It goes without saying that their range is incredible but I can’t remember the last time I went to a shop and quite literally could have walked out with the whole lot. Anyway, I digress. After whittling it down to just four pairs the final decision was based, as always, on versatility and getting the most from my purchase. I knew these would go the distance.

I am utterly obsessed with them.

I’ve worn them here (to my girls’ nativity play) with fushia cords and my tweed coat. They look great with jeans, black (or any colour for that matter) cigarette trousers, dresses. I’m slightly hesitant to wear them with black tights but I’m willing to give it a go.

These aren’t available online but I did find these other great metallic court shoes. It may seem slightly bias towards LK Bennett but they just have some fab gold courts.

1.Florina by L.K. Bennett £240 £175

2.Aster beige glitter high shoe by Lucy Choi at my-wardrobe.com, £195

3.Boyd Court shoes by John Lewis, £90

4.Crystal Mini Kitten by L.K. Bennett, £225

5.Dillon Shimmer suede by L.K. Bennett, £180

6.Florete Glitter point toe by L.K. Bennett, £180

 What’s your favourite?

ps. I don’t think another pair of shoes has EVER drawn as much attention…

This picture (outfit details below) was taken very early this morning as today I’m off to London to take someone personal shopping. We are on a mission – the task is to put together a capsule wardrobe from smart casual through to everyday office wear. This can seem a little daunting but I am convinced that planning ahead is one of the essentials key to the success of the trip. Here’s my list of shopping trip essentials….

1. Jumper dress…the perfect Winter shopping trip piece – easy to slip on and off. Unlike skinny jeans that can make you hot and bothered and put you off trying things on.

2. Leather or light weight jacket…for a long-haul shopping trip something fairly light weight that is enough to keep you warm outside but not too hot inside the stores is perfect. For me, I hate lugging around heavy, bulky coats when I’m trying to trawl through rails and shelves so I stick to a trusty leather jacket.

3. Chunky scarf…If it’s really cold, add a scarf that can be folded into your bag if needed.

4. Nude underwear…You want the clothes you’re trying on to look the best without having to imagine what they’ll look like when you get home. Nude underwear covers all eventualities.

5. Slip on shoes or boots…will make trying on shoes all that easier.

6. Water…heating and air conditioning is really dehydrating so keep hydrated and keep going for longer!

7. Messenger bag…big enough to comfortably carry your things and smaller purchases but not heavy and cumbersome.

8. Lip balm…always.

TIP: If they have it, it’s a good idea to use the customer collection or lockers where you can store your purchases and pick them up later to save carrying everything. Just remember what you’ve bought, I always fall into the trap of the feeling that I haven’t bought anything and buy more, more, more!

My outfit today: Dress, Whistles / Boots, Ash / Leather jacket, All Saints / Scarf, Louis Vuitton / Bag, Mulberry

What are your shopping trip essentials?