The Kardashian Fedora

Further to my blog two weeks ago, I am sad to report that I was unable to pick up the Fedora. The last one sold from the San Francisco Gucci store. Sniff, sniff mope, mope. This was the apparently the last of the Gucci fedoras to sell in the USA. We don't yet have A/W stock in Gucci Sydney and won't for some time.

I don't think "devastated" is too large a word for use here. You know when you see something that you just have to have. It's not ok, or cool, or nice. It's just unbelievably you and so perfect a companion for your existing wardrobe. Uh anyway, such is the world of fashion. You win some you lose some. Still, in the meantime, if any of you see a worthy replacement, please do let me know. I'm keen to get me a hat this Autumn.

April Shoe Review -Part II

So where were we? Ah yes, my favorite topic... Shoes. They are the smile to my face, the peppermint to my tea and the evil to my credit card but like it or not, they are a big part of me. And I suspect you too! Last week I shared with you a few faves and today I shall give you a little more.

This time it's all about sexy. I mean I think a great pair of heels makes you feel sexy anyway, but check these out. There's no way you couldn't have a bit of extra pep in your step walking out the front door with these on your feet.

Gucci python peep-toe pumps

 McQueen Lizard platform pumps

Lanvin python and leather perspex wedges

Gucci emerald snakeskin and suede sandals

Happy Easter Show!!!

It's not Easter in Sydney in my opinion, without a visit to the Royal Easter Show. So today despite the driving rain, we packed up the boys and headed west for our annual dose of animals, wacky rides, devonshire tea and show bags.

Orsie feeding a chicken.
First up it was a ride on the tea-cups which I must say, made me far more nauseous than any of the scarier rides I've been on. Nausea not improved by Trent's calls from the side of vom-inducing "warm, fish milkshakes," seeing my growing queasiness... Orsie wasn't mad on it either.

Riley, Orsie and I on the Teacup ride. Blahhh.

Then it was a wander through the cattle displays, the baby animal farmyard (Orsie was much keener on this) and a good look at various goats, piggies and bulls. Just the smell of all the horse manure make me want to whack on the Drizabone and Akubra with genuine feelings of wanting to be a country gal, even if just for an hour or so.

Orsie patting a sheep.

and a goat...

Onto the CWA cafe for wonderful home-made scones with jam and cream. Delicious. So good. And just so ideal on a wet day at the show.

Orsie eating some sweet corn for lunch.

Then it was a quick look at the cake decoration and craft displays, a wild ride for Trudes and I on the Taipan roller coaster (so much fun, see below) and then my one and only sideshow alley game for the day. It was one where you stand behind the line and throw darts at balloons in order to reveal a prize behind once they pop. Never was great at darts...

Trudes and I on the mighty Taipan!

Finally, a blitz of the show bag pavilion yielded strong results with Orsie on debut with the Diego and Sesame St bags, Riley taking home the Man United, Lego and Cadbury bags and Trent and I opting for a bit of Cadbury and Freddo action - old school but still good.

Good fun, worth doing but kind of also glad it's done for another year.

Smooth Caramel

As we southern hemesphites head briskly towards the winter months, I've been spending a little time thinking about what colours I'm going to wrapping myself up in this winter. And thus far, it's all about caramel... and my old favourite orange will be present in the accessories I wear. A citrus shot in the midst of August always feels good.

So what are the key pieces one should consider buying in caramel? What about a caramel cape? Love a cape. Or a buttery smooth leather clutch or messenger bag. Big fan of the Alexa by Mulberry I am.
And I never could go past a great loafer or leather flat. Gucci do a beautiful chocolate pair with tassels (thank you Net A Porter, see below).

And then of course you've got your standard wardrobe staples in cashmere : the coat (pea length this season), the wrap (something tribal I think, maybe with a touch of gold) and what about some meltingly soft leather gloves. Always chic, forever classic and fabulously now when accessorised with something fun and quirky.

April Shoe Review

The Prada blue & white woven ankle strap pump. S/S collection.

A while back I spouted forth about the necessity for all of us stylish women, and men now that I think of it, to have a pair of statement shoes in closet. I invested in a most devine pair of Pierre Hardy power wedges in yellow and grey (see below) and I have caught myself perving on them in their box several times since. For it is true that a great pair of shoes can make a person very, very happy. And as for the truly life-altering Pradas above, well I haven't added them to my collection yet but they're on my e-bay 'to trawl' list at the end of the next northern summer. Surely there's a spoilt Manhattan princess who'll wear them a few times this Summer and then declare them totally obsolete come mid September... her trash will be my true ankle-buckled pleasure.

The Pierre Hardy colour block wedges in canvas and patent leather. 

But it's this time of year, when the seasons are turning when we find ourselves looking for a wardrobe update. So here is my April shoe review. Part II today and the rest tomorrow. Let me know if you want me to find the perfect shoe for any occasion. That I can do!

The First Date After Work Shoe

Isabel Marant raffia and leather pumps. 

The "Cruising the Markets" Shoe

Michael Kors buckled leather flats.

The Easy Yet Incredibly Chic Day Shoe

Pierre Hardy perspex and leather sandal.

The Thinking Man's Rock Chick Bootie

Alexander McQueen crystal studded suede ankle boots.

STAY TUNED FOR PART II TOMORROW...

All shoes above available now on Net A Porter.

The Perfect Winter Brogue

Stylish brogue-wearing gent, courtesy of the Sartorialist.

There's a trend that I'm absolutely in love with which I fear I'll never wear.  You see the stylish leather brogue has made a rather big come back, but am I the only one who thinks that only suave city men and tall, skinny women can wear them?

I just think a shoe so obviously flat needs a leg long of calf and slim of thigh.

Anyway, it wont stop me lusting after it. If any of you have an outfit suggestion which would enable a non-amazonian woman to wear them, please send pronto!

The Hunt for the Brown Fedora

Its not the most intellectual of stimuli, but I'm not ashamed to admit, I spend more than a little time watching the Kardashians on their various TV shows Lately its all about 'Kourtney and Kim Take New York' (or is it Kim and Kourtney?)

Anyway, I think Kim's sweet but of all the sisters, Kourtney (or Kourt as I prefer to call her) is by far my fave. She's not afraid to take the piss and has the best sense of style by far. She's another one of those celebrities I could easily have a drink with down the pub.

So on a recent episode I spied this hat (pictured above) and I can't stop thinking about it. And you know what that means.... MUST. GET. ME THAT. HAT.

It's a brown, felt fedora and it's from Gucci.

I briefed my husband on this most important of missions as he's in NYC at the moment. He ventured on in to the 5th Avenue flagship to try and find it, but alas, they were sold out. Apparently there's one in their San Francisco store. I've emailed them...

And so I wait in hope. I'll keep you posted.