The Hottest Fashion Statement

Shoes have outstripped bags as the biggest fashion item, as chic footwear has created a big trend for 'it-shoes' that goes with anything from jeans to prom dresses UK.

Prom dresses uk

Shoes have always been something of a fetish item for fashion aficionados. And now designers and fashion editors have announced that shoes have replaced bags when it comes to fashion trends. Shoes can make a massive difference to an outfit – poorly chosen, worn out or chunky shoes can bring an outfit down and says volumes about the wearer. But stylish shoes can transform your look, your posture and your confidence.

It-Shoes Replace It-Bags

According to Alice Fisher, the Style Correspondent for The Observer, “it-shoes are about to replace it-bags.” It's something anyone who knows how to dress well and dress for the right occasion already knows – shoes can make or break your look. Now, however, it's being predicted that rather than opting for lots of pairs of fashionable shoes, women will increasingly opt for more expensive designer labels and brands that cost a little bit more. The move to investment buys is partly a response to the credit crunch – buying high quality, long lasting shoes is more cost effective in the long run and having a few choice wardrobe staples goes a long way. Mintel predicts that although women will buy up to 7% fewer pairs of shoes, they will in fact spend more and invest in more expensive shoes.

Shoe Designers Love Celebrities

Shoes have always been huge when it comes to celebrities and glossy magazines – it's almost impossible not to see a photo of Posh wearing the latest must-have heels. But now designers are even naming their designs and shoes after celebrities. Giambattista Valli has named a pair of his shoes Victoria to honour Beckham who has certainly led the way when it comes to shoes and fashion. Even the children of celebrities are impacting on shoe designers, with Calvin Klein naming a shoe design 'Suri' – which just happens to be the name of Tom Cruise's child.

Shoetube – The Online Trend

Fisher says shoes are such a massive fashion accessory that traditional designers of handbags are jumping on the bandwagon with both feet – brands such as Mulberry have diversified into the shoes market. 2008 saw huge demand for catwalk heels as the 140mm heel took over the 100mm heel, setting new heights in the world of stilettos. The obsession with shoes has reached online – with fantastic savings on big brands at dedicated shoe and trainer sites. And there's even been a website set up by a fashion expert called 'Shoetube' where shoe fans post videos and blogs.

Women’s Clothes – The Latest Trends

Isabel Marant

What can you expect to be wearing for the rest of the year? Women’s clothes have key trends every season so it helps to stay abreast of the industry fashions. Whether you are keen to see the latest designs by Isabel Marant or are searching for up and coming brands like Poetic Licence shoes, you can often track down the latest trends online. If you’re a real follower of fashion, you’ll want to make sure that you’re up with the latest trends before you go shopping. Whilst some designer windows make it easy for you to see what’s best to buy, it’s also worth doing a little bit of background research on what’s current in the world of women’s clothes. With Fashion Week showcasing the designers’ thoughts for the coming Autumn/Winter season, and magazines giving you the latest on what you should be wearing in Spring and Summer, there’s no shortage of advice. · Colour – it seems that the colour for the summer is blue. Various shades, from the softest pastel to a masculine navy, but blue, blue, blue. From your shoes to your sunhat, this is the colour to be looking out for. Designers had models in blue from top to toe, but you might want to select a couple of key pieces like Aspecto's ladies barbour jackets and then mix and match with other colours for a less fashion-conscious look. Pair your outfit with colourful accessories like Roxy bags that come in a range of colours and styles.

• Shorts-as-trunks – kids have been getting away with it for years, but designers have introduced the shorts-as-trunks concept to women’s clothes as well. Not your normal baggy shorts, these look smart and confident as shorts, but buy you some extra time in the water by allowing you to jump right in. If you’ve dressed your shorts up with some designer shirts or tops, don’t forget to take them off before you get wet.

• The Sixties – there are some definite Sixties influences in women’s clothes this Summer. Cardigans, drainpipe-type trousers and owl glasses are just some of the offerings, along with eye-catching flowery shirts and tie-die effects. Don’t try this at home, though – the designers do it better.

• Back to dark – Autumn and Winter this year go back to dark colours. Paul Smith concentrates on black suits made different with the addition of a zebra belt here and a spotted tie there. Burberry goes back to working class roots with simple shirts and overcoats teamed with fingerless gloves.

• Shine on – patent leathers, shiny trousers and glitzy details are part of women’s clothes trends for the end of 2008. Make sure you can wear these well before you buy them – it’s all very well to wear the latest thing, but you’ve got to make sure it suits you first.

Women’s clothes: look good, feel good

Buying the right women’s clothes could give your self-confidence a boost.



Black Cat Design Embroidered Clothing

 If you feel that you need a little more self confidence, your wardrobe is a good place to start. Feeling comfortable with what you wear makes an immediate difference to the way you’re perceived by others and you don’t have to spend a fortune on the latest women’s clothes to boost your own confidence levels. In fact, just selecting one or two key new pieces from places like Triple S Clothing could be a step in the right direction.



Women’s clothes – your current wardrobe



When was the last time you bought a new item of clothing? Do you spend your time in jeans you’ve had for years and a football shirt? Do you see style-conscious girls in the street and wonder how they get away with it? You really don’t need to re-invent yourself in order to have a bit more self-confidence when you’re out and about. Two or three new buys could be all that it takes.



A good shirt – going out, whether with the boys on a Saturday night, or with your partner for a romantic meal requires you to dress up a bit. You don’t have to go over the top, though. Most places are happy for you to turn up in jeans, which will help to make you feel more comfortable, but you should invest in a good shirt to smarten things up a bit. Designer women’s clothes have been around for a while, and the smart-casual shirt is one of their staples. Take a look at the shirts from designers such as Ted Baker, and see what makes them different from the rest. It could be the fabric, the colour, or the attention to detail, but you’re sure to find something that makes you feel great when you wear it. Make sure you have body stockings at the ready for your romantic rendezvous.


Shoes – as any woman will tell you, wearing a great pair of shoes can turn you into a different person. Again, you can team good shoes with jeans if you still want to keep a casual look, but if you invest in a pair of well-made, classic brown or black (or preferably both) dress shoes, you can leave home feeling like a new man. Make sure you buy shoes that really fit, however, and don’t just buy them for the style statement. You won’t help your confidence levels by limping home at the end of the night.


Coat – whatever you’re wearing, if you put a good coat on top of it, you’re immediately transformed. In women’s clothes, just as with men’s, good tailoring and quality fabric is really noticeable and if you invest in either a mid-weight coat to see you through the winter, or a close-fitting trench coat for any occasion, you won’t be wasting your money. For added style, seek an embroidery specialist like Black Cat Design Embroidered Clothing to add a personal touch to your coat.

Of course, there are lots of other women’s clothes you could add to your wardrobe to give you that little bit of extra confidence, but it’s best to start with just one or two pieces to see how you feel. Get some advice on the right fit for your body shape and you and those around you could see you in a completely different light.