Flat Pack

Kristen Stewart's trainer clad foot at the premiere of The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn Part One. PHOTO: REX

I've never disguised the fact that I am a flat shoes girl.  I like the fact that I can skip and potentially run away from ninja attackers should they pounce. I also think that heels are not a prerequisite for a smart evening do.  That's not to say I'm anti giving myself a bit of a lift and yes, they do make my legs more Bambi like but I'm always happier in something that I'm comfortable in. The problem is that the majority of my shoes are French Soles. "Spolit cow!" you cry, "why are you whinging about having piles of expensive shoes in pretty colours?!"  I am NOT moaning, I love them dearly and have collected them and cared for them for many years but, although smart and great for that day to evening switch..newsflash...they aren't great in the Winter and London has suddenly got chilly.

I'm not a huge fan of knee high boots (a bit Sloaney pony for my taste), my Westwood pirate boots are perfection but tan leather (not practical) and my mannish brogues are all in suede!  Now I do like a wedge shoe boot and my Clarks Yarra deserts in black are great to take you from day to evening but again they're suede too and what to do when it's freezing, wet and/ or snowing and you still have to go to work or head out for the night?

You could do a K-Stew, as I'm calling it.  By the time the credits rolled on the London premiere of The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn Part 1 , the latest offering from her fanged-up franchise, Stewart had made herself an Everywoman. How? By swapping her staggeringly high Jimmy Choo heels for a pair of well-worn Nikes halfway through proceedings, an act of comfort-comes-first rebellion which many women, including me, would applaud. But, why not wear flats in the first place Kristen? Save yourself the drama and your bunions buy opting for the smart flat like these ladies..

I have to admit that if the weather gets really bad, my navy Hunters are my absolute standby but for smart and practical I love my Melissa by Vivienne Westwood Chelsea boots. Made of plastic which gives them a patent sheen, they go with pretty much everything.  When I wear my Hunters, I'll put a pair of pretty flats in my bag for when I get to work but with these, I don't have to!  Another good investment are a decent pair of woolly tights..I have pairs in black, grey, plum and cable knit...all from Marks and Spencer's!  If you're under 5' 5" like me (although I claim to be absolutely on the nose of 5'5" WHICH I AM) you can still shop in the school uniform section and save yourself a few pounds!

Finally, the lovely Ms Stewart also did a quick change at the Los Angeles premiere of her movie, swapping what look to be the same pair of black Choos for..yup..trainers again.  Give the girl a pair of French Soles for goodness sake! Who says you have to wear heels to be smart? Join the Flat Pack.

Wedding Belles

"When I look at my jewels, I realise what a lucky girl I am " Elizabth Taylor, 1932-2011"

 At the weekend I was lucky enough to attend a wedding of some very dear family friends. Weddings always make me feel a bit gooey as well as stressed out beforehand as there are so many factors to contend with; weather, heel height and length of time on one's feet, waistband-dictated by how much you think you might pig out at the buffet/ sit down lunch etc, to hat or not to hat...The list is endless.  Also at most weddings, after seeing the bride glide in I tend to lapse into an elaborate day-dream of my own about my wedding.  If the Boy starts reading this he may go a little green about the gills but he needn't because what my dreams primarily revolve around is THE DRESS.  Here are a few of my favourites and congratulations to the lovely couple! Ladies, if you occasionally drift off into fantasy wedding land, please let me know..Please see Elizabeth Taylor update at the bottom.

Rockstar husband? Check? St Tropez wedding? Check. Iconic outfit by legendary designer? Check.

I loved the originality and fun of Galliano's gown for Gwen Stefani..recently given to the V&A.

Audrey in Funny Face...

..then the epitome of 60s chic at her second marriage.

Lastly, I know everyone makes a fuss over the beautiful Vivienne Westwood dress that Carrie wore in the SATC movie, but for me, it was all about the stunning Dior dress she wore in the fake Vogue shoot.

UPDATE - Have just read the truly sad news about Elizabeth Taylor. As someone who truly knew how to rock a wedding dress, here are a few images of her looking utterly radiant in every one.

WHY IS BRIAN LICHTENBERG SO F-N COOL?

If you don’t know by now, then you just don’t know and you should really be schooled. This cool cat is proven to have some hot staying power.
I’ve known Brian since we were both fake ID-ing it in the clubs. Now Brian’s all business and I love it!
LA Weekly writes-
“There was something that made me feel sexy about the unveiling of Brian Lichtenberg’s Spring and Summer Collection”
Hipster Musings writes-
“Brian Lichtenberg is the new Vivienne Westwood.”
Hustler Of Culture writes-
“Expect nothing short of amazing-ness.”
This is just to name few of his raving reviews. Now Brianenciaga has a pop up store in the ever so growing hip/chic LA’s Downtown.

ALSO CHECK BRIAN OUT AT-www.brianlichtenberg.com www.myspace.com/brianciaga