Christian Louboutin's Pigalle 120 Pumps: Pleasure with Pain

I have wanted to write a review on Christian Louboutin's Pigalle 120 Pumps ever since my first time wearing them. I wish I would have read some reviews on these seriously amazing but painful heels before purchasing. Maybe it was better this way as perhaps I would have opted out of buying them due to the pain factor and thus miss out on the best heels in my collection by far! After all, no pain no gain. This phrase I'm sure many women like myself repeatedly say to themselves when wearing something not that comfortable, much to the dismay of our men. If you are like me then you covet items for months and months and put them on your present list for your husband to 'surprise' you with when he wants to buy you a gift. When the day finally arrives and you receive your beautiful sold out Pigalles you are on top of the world until you put them on and you realise that they require a manual in walking in them.No jokes. And then we wear them and love wearing them, and continually admire how beautiful they are, like pieces of art, and then you can't stop complaining how badly your toes hurt! Isn't the woman a marvellous and confusing creature?! Men do not and will never understand the female species and the lengths we will go to for the sake of beauty and fashion.

 The price has just gone up from £375 to £395 available only at www.net-a-porter.com and they never go on sale

With all that said I must emphasise and make it crystal clear that these pumps are simply beautiful. They are the ultimate heel. Their design and shape are impeccable and they instantly make you stand taller, appear slimmer and polish your look. They go with absolutely everything. But you should wear them with caution. My advice is to wear them when you don't have too much walking or dancing to do, from car to restaurant to chair to car and back home. As the designer himself says, ''I wouldn't take it as a compliment if someone looked at one of my shoes and said, 'Oh, that looks like a comfortable shoe.' There is a heel that is too high to walk in, certainly. But who cares? You don't have to walk in high heels.'' However, I must clarify that I have and do wear them to weddings where I have to dance and functions where I spend hours on my feet and I manage to look like I am not thinking about  how much my feet hurt. Never ever take them off in the middle of a night out - you will not be able to out them back on!! The sales assistant correctly advised me to buy a whole size down than my usual size. Due to the nearly 5 inch heel, with no platform, your foot slips down to the very front of the point which causes you to slip out. Sizing down ensures your foot is securely in the pump; slipping out of these pumps is something you definitely want to avoid when investing in these beauties.

I have newly found respect for Kim Kardashian. I have always thought she is beautiful but I must now pay homage to her for her undeniable ability to wear and walk in Louboutin's Pigalle creations. Not to mention she even does it with ease when 6 months pregnant as in the photo below.

They are currently in stock on net-a-porter after having been out of stock for a very long time. But hurry because as I am writing this post and checking on the stock I can see more and more Out of Stock written on various sizes. I had to run around town, from Harvey Nichols to Harrods (where I discovered the Louboutin section was being renovated), to the Christian Louboutin boutique on Motcomb Street and then taking a taxi to my final stop, Christian Louboutin Mount Street, where I miraculously found and secured the last pair of the Pigalle's in my size. Honestly, I am not exaggerating. That's how hard they were to find that when  completing and winning my treasure hunt around town I couldn't just leave them there?! On a final note, they are well worth the pain. Your legs will appear endless and it will style any ensemble to perfection. But, you have been forewarned; these heels are not for those with a low pain thresh-hold. After all, 'high heels are pleasure with pain.'

The Savvy Sale Shopper

I have to apologise for being incognito for a few months. It's always busy in my household but for some reason last month was busier than usual! But I'm back and here to offer advice on sale shopping. It's that time of year when the summer sales have arrived even though we in the UK haven't really had the opportunity to wear our summer wardrobe yet. But, we must always be prepared and hopeful and thus have a wardrobe full of summer dresses and sandals!

I wasn't looking to buy anything in the summer sales however shocking that may sound! I had a bit of time free this morning and decided to pop into my local high-end shoe shop Larizia in Temple Fortune and see what sale bargains they had to offer. I walked in with no intention to purchase, just merely to browse, and did not leave empty handed. I couldn't leave without buying the Miu Miu high tops I wrote about in a previous post, The Trainer Trend Revival. It's not often you can find Miu Miu on sale for half price; these trainers are currently full price on both net-a-porter and mytheresa. They were £355 reduced to £177 - I'm  delighted by the latest addition to my shoe collection!! They are exceptionally comfortable, my little toes don't hurt in them like it does in so many of my ballet flats! I've had my eye on these trainers all season but couldn't justify buying them full price. These Miu Miu trainers prove that you don't have to forego style and the 'glam' factor for comfort - you can literally have both! 

Miu Miu High Tops, Was: £355 Now: £177, at www.larizia.com  

Sale shopping can be quite tricky and overwhelming at times, with the high-pressured atmosphere and often crowded shops so here are my top tips:

1. Even if you aren't looking to buy it's always good to browse the sale racks. You might find your dream shoe you've had your eye on for months (like me)!

2. Mytheresa offer an extra 10% off the last piece of an item, including sale items, and you can get them to alert you when your item is the last in stock. You just have to patient and hopeful that the size remaining will be yours.

3. It's important to do your research on what you'd like to invest in come sale time. Go in store and try on different clothes and shoes, checking what your size is so you are prepared when the sale begins.

4. Sign up to the websites you shop at the most for sale alerts. I receive emails from theoutnet, my-wardrobe, net-a-porter and mytheresa so I can  quickly check if the items in my wishlist are in the sale and add them to my shopping bag pronto. Sale shopping has never been so easy!

5. It's always good to do your homework on next seasons trend before the sales. Often you can purchase an item in the sale that is perfect for the coming season as well. It's all about researching! 

6. Come sale time I immediately check if a designer's classics are discounted, like the iconic YSL Tribute sandals. Investing in classics that a designer brings out season after season is savvy shopping and is a purchase you won't come to regret; it transcends every season.  

I hope these sale tips help you with your bargain shopping and always remember to stay true to your own unique style! Happy sale shopping!

The Valentino Rockstud

On my most recent post, Perspexly Clear, this seasons’ updated version of the Valentino Rockstud pumps were top on my wishlist. I must admit, they have been for a very long time. If I could only have one heel (G-D forbid) they would be the one I would choose. I would stick to the classic version rather than the latest addition to the Rockstud collection so I wouldn’t be tied down to the perspex trend.

I have titled this post ‘The Valentino Rockstud’ and it says it all in my opinion. This heel is the epitome of all things beautiful. It is modern yet timeless at the same time – with its studded design and ankle straps; it lifts the classic pointed heel. Valentino have managed with ease to make studs classy and timeless which could otherwise be seen as too grunge. Valentino first brought out this heel some seasons ago yet it is still as popular as ever. You have the choice of either the 4inch heel or the 2.6inch kitten heel and for those of you who prefer to wear flats, there’s also the flat ballerina pump – all equally stylish.

This heel makes me feel like Valentino understands what the woman of the 21^st century wants. We want to be fashion forward and out there but also want to invest in something that will see us through season after season. The fact that it appeals to a wide range of age groups (both myself and my mother-in-law are in love with them) doesn’t bother me in the slightest. I think that the most timeless and classy pieces are coveted by both mothers and daughters. In fact, when we are adding such an expensive piece to our wardrobe I’m sure most of us tell ourselves that it will stand the test of time and will be something we can pass down to our daughters – “it’s an heirloom!”

Having a pair of Valentino Rockstud on your feet is failsafe fashion and is a look you’ll fall back on time and time again. Whether you decide to go for the plastic pair or the classic pair, one thing’s for sure, is that you’ll be on-trend. Go on and get yours before someone else does. And why not add a Valentino Rockstud clutch to match while you’re at it?!

Valentino Rockstud leather kitten heel pumps, £600

The Valentino Rockstud leather clutch, £890

Perspexly Clear

In my opinion, the plastic trend for Spring/Summer 2013 has to be the most interesting one. Before Charlotte Olympia's clear perspex clutches I would never have thought that people seeing the contents of my bag was fashionable. However, today it's crystal clear that the plastic trend is here to stay. Net-a-porter have named this trend 'Plastic Fantastic' and I couldn't put it better myself. Whilst you may not have thought plastic could ever be considered a luxe product, the top designers are telling us and proving otherwise. From Valentino to Givenchy to Burberry to Chanel the runways were full of plastic accessories adding a touch of modernity and interest to the looks. So whether you decide to go for a full-on plastic shoe or perhaps a clutch with a transparent accent to it, one thing is for sure you'll definitely be on-trend. I have chosen my top 5 transparent accessories for you. 

1. These Valentino Pumps are top on my wishlist. I'm not so keen on baring all of my toes so they are ideal for ticking this trend. They will instantly update any outfit and bring an understated youthful elegance to your look.

Valentino Naked Rockstud, £770, Available at Net-a-porter and My-theresa

2. I had to include this in my top 5 because a girl can dream - who wouldn't want a Chanel lego perspex bag?! This is definitely a collector's item.   

3. If you want to fully embrace this trend then I think we have to add the fun-factor to it as well. There is no better way of achieving this than with Charlotte Olympia's Scent Bottle Perspex Clutch.  

Charlotte Olympia Scent Bottle Perspex Clutch, £795, Matches

4. A perspex belt is the perfect way to incorporate this trend into your everyday wear. This belt can be added to almost any ensemble and adds both futuristic and sporty elements.  

Maison Martin Margiela Leather and Perspex Belt, £290, Net-a-porter

5. This bangle has been on my radar for a while now, but never before has there been a definite reason to invest in one! It is the perfect addition to any look and subtly adds the perspex trend to your look.

Louis Vuitton Inclusion Bracelet, £275, Louis Vuitton

How are you going to wear this trend? Is it your style to go full-out and wear completely transparent shoes, Gianvito Rossi style, or add some perspex jewellery to your ensemble? One things for sure - you'll be bang on trend.  

The 'It' Pump

There is one heel that is constantly seen on different celebrities on every day of the week and has to be the 'it' heel of the moment. This heel is of course Casadei's iconic 'Blade' pump, with the heel resembling a steel blade. It is a beautifully designed pump; it is sleek, elegant and classy yet at the same time adds a modern touch to any outfit due to the steel heel. It is the perfect addition to any ensemble, especially the midi skirt and instantly adds the wow factor due to the heel. Walking in the 'Blade' must be an achievement in itself as these stilettos have the thinnest heel out there! But no pain no gain as these pumps are as beautiful as they come and the craftsmanship is impeccable. You can purchase them in an array of colours, fabrics and they now come in two-tone with the steel 'blade' in a contrasting colour. Theses pumps definitely have the wow factor and will get everyone gasping and gazing admiringly at them.

Valentina 'Blade' heel, £550, as seen on Zoe Saldana, are on the top of my wishlist 

Miroslava Duma, New York Fashion Week  Spring/Summer 2013

Jessica Alba, 13 January 2013 

Zoe Saldana, 23 Febuary 2013

Kate Hudson, 22 April 2013

I'm sure you can see the reason why this heel remains a firm favourite of our A-list celebrities including Victoria Beckham who has worn them on numerous occasions and just yesterday at the Vogue Festival. Casadei states on their website that they are 'masterpieces of design.' I couldn't put it better myself. 'Beautiful creations to wear, yet also exciting to look at and touch, with their own carefully moulded personality and superb finishings and details.' I'm a fan. I'm sure you are too. Get yours at Casadei's website www.casadei.com.

Looks of the Week

This week we have seen so many beautiful modest looks from our beloved celebrities. They show us that the  fitted midi sheath dress is back and here to stay and should be worn with the 'it' shoe of the moment - the pointed pump to lengthen your legs! Wearing this length is always tricky, especially for those on the short-side, because it shortens the leg. With the classic pointed pump the leg appears longer, especially when worn in nude and keeps all the focus on the dress.   Kourtney Kardashian has to be my 'it' girl of the week - two amazing modest dresses worn days apart styled to perfection! My favourite has to be her blue leather crocodile dress worn with nude Manola's - leather has never looked this good!  

Tuesday 23 April 2013

Wednesday 24 April 2013

Thursday 25 April 2013

What is your favourite look of the week? Follow me on facebook - Kneelengthskirt -  for daily updates on the latest trends, looks and bargains of the week.

A Fringe Frenzy

Is it just coincidence that two items with fringe details were added to My-theresa's website today? I have always been a fan of this trend and have a suede jacket similar to the Saint Laurent one from Maje's winter collection. Fringes are usually classified as casual wear until now. There's something so refreshing about fringes - they're bohemian and trendy - and when you find the right fringe detail item - are still classy. In fact, I've never seen such a beautiful handbag with fringe details as the Miu Miu one in the gorgeous two-tone taupe shades; it is the epitome of elegance. The same concept of fringes done elegantly can be seen with H&M's Fringe Skirt from this season. It is the kneelengthskirt we all want to have in our wardrobe! You can dress it up with a plain black T-shirt Dior style or down with a denim shirt. I think I will have to stakeout at my H&M store until it comes in! Now if there is one shoe designer to put a spin on fringes it has to be Jimmy Choo. They have the Daxen ankle boots with suede fringing in either black or tobacco (looks like khaki green) or you can go all divaesque and go for the Damita version in silver python with pink and brown fringing; they definitely have the wow factor!  

Saint Laurent Suede jacket with fringe detail, £2565, my-theresa

Kate Moss

Miu Miu Fringe Leather Handbag, £1190, My-theresa

H&M Fringe Pencil Skirt, £70 

Lace Mix Fringe Tassle Tee, £28, Topshop

DAXEN Tobacco Suede Platform Booties with Suede Fringing, £695, Jimmy Choo

DAMITA Printed Python Platfrom Booties with Pink Rayon and Brown Suede Fringing,  £1295, Jimmy Choo

Have you seen anything recently with fringe details that you have your heart set on? If you think this trend isn't for you my advice is to give it a try - it's a great feeling when you're wearing a fabulous fringe piece!

The Sunglasses Forecast

The weather has been beautiful over the last few days here in London and it has me thinking (hoping!) that perhaps summer is at last finally here to stay?! Not only does the sunshine dictate bare legs, summer florals and lighter knits but it also makes sunglasses a necessity! Yes ladies, we can finally bring out our treasured sunglasses that we haven't managed to wear for a fairly long time due to the dull rainy weather. I recently went to Miami and felt compelled to buy a new pair of sunglasses to add to my collection consisting of Tom Ford, Ray-ban and Chloe, and researched which pair would fill the gap. I chose a pair from Prada's baroque range but not the round one's with the detail on the legs you are thinking of! I decided they were too big for my face and I wanted something less conspicuous. Also, I have a preference for cat-eye shapes. I'm still in love with the pair I chose, pictured below, especially with the matte detail against the high-gloss.  

However, a girl can always look towards her next sunglasses purchase - the more the better! The following are my top 3 must-have sunglasses for this summer:

1. Linda Farrow for The Row, Round dual-tone sunglasses, £259, www.matchesfashion.com, spotted on Beyonce

2. Miu Miu Glitter acetate cat-eye sunglasses, £196, discounted at www.otticanet.com, loved by Miranda Kerr

3. Celine Audrey military green/brown shaded sunglasses, £176, discounted at www.otticanet.com, worn by Rihanna

The Row sunglassses are on the top of my wishlist and I'm hoping that if the sun really is here to stay then they may be needed... Here's to wishful thinking!

Harper's Bazaar Loves The Midi Skirt

Over the weekend I was reading through the May edition of Harper's Bazaar UK and with every turn of the page I was left thoroughly inspired. With every page there were adverts by the very crème de la crème of designers - Dior, Chanel and Louis Vuitton - all showcasing completely modest ensembles. Modest dressing is back in style and is as refined as ever. For those of you that cover your elbows, knees and collarbones, now is the time to take note and be inspired from the top fashion houses. There are so many looks that you can incorporate into your everyday look that it is hard not to be inspired. In the 6 'Bazaar Loves' this month The Midi Skirt featured number 4 as 'the new trend.' We are being told to dress modestly! What is even more striking is the fact that all the top people in the fashion world, from Leigh Lezark to Giovanna Battaglia, who are featured on this page have chosen to pair their midi skirt with tops that completely cover their upper half. It seems that the midi dictates modest dressing - covering your knees appears synonymous with covering your elbows and collarbone. Needless to say I have been left in awe and with key tips on how to wear this trend to perfection by stylist, Leith Clark.  

• ''Define the waist with a belt, tuck or peplum, as the stylist Giovanna Battaglia has done: don't let a full skirt overwhelm your body shape.''
• The secret to a long pencil skirt, like the model and DJ Leigh Lezark's, is keeping shoes simple and pointed to flatter the leg.''
• ''Wear a short cropped jacket, or a coat the same length as your skirt, like the photographer Hanneli Mustaparta.''

These tips are key to following this trend yet still making sure that it is flattering to your figure.

The kneelengthskirt is back in fashion and looks like it's here to stay! How are you wearing this trend? 

Marc Jacob's Monochrome Mania

Marc Jacobs, a big fan of modest dressing, sent his models walking down the catwalk in beautiful black and white striped creations. When wearing stripes it has to be approached with caution as depending on the direction and thickness of the stripes it can be unflattering for certain body shapes. I know many women who steer clear of clothes with any form of stripes on them when shopping.  However, Marc Jacobs knows how to use stripes to flatter a woman's body - not an easy task. I know most people will say that this is due to the striped clothes being worn on models that don't reflect the general public, but I must disagree, there are dresses to suit most body types from the striped suit (top middle) to the loose flowing dress (top right).

I have always been a huge fan of leopard and animal print clothes and shoes, however, due to the monochrome trend I am going to give it a back-seat for the moment and let zebra, dalmatian and striped prints take centre stage. Marc Jacobs has inspired me to re-think black and white - a look I rarely wear due to the fear of looking too waitress-like. My favourite print has to be the dalmatian-print and to nail this trend Zara is the place to go. I bought the shirt shown below from Zara which is a lovely material and is versatile as the sleeves can be worn either three-quarter or long. I'll be pairing it with my pleated leather skirt and if I'm feeling like adding a pop of colour I'll add a coloured blazer. Another way I'll wear this shirt is with my Zara leather-effect maroon midi skirt and my black leather jacket from The New Icons by H&M collection.  

 

Now if only Zara would bring out their dalmatian mini skirt worn by Olivia Palermo on numerous occasions in knee length... A girl can wish! How are you wearing this trend?  

Dior's Makeup Must-Haves

In my opinion, fashion and makeup go hand-in-hand . It is all about creating a unique look that suits your sense of style. We all have our makeup that we love and wear on a daily basis and some that we keep for when we want to change it up a bit, perhaps a special occasion or a beautiful day? Last week I had a party and didn't have enough time to get my makeup done professionally, so instead I decided to treat myself to an eye shadow palette by Dior. I have been using it everyday for a week now and I'm so happy with it that I decided to share it with you. 

I have become even more obsessed with makeup thanks to the tutorials made by the  lovely Tanya Burr and 'The Beauty Guru' Lisa Eldridge that I watch on a weekly basis. Both of their tutorials are amazing and they give excellent advice on products for different skin types and tips on how to re-create either celebrity looks or great looks for everyday or evenings out. I decided to buy the 5 Couleurs Couture Colour Eyeshadow Palette by Dior due to Lisa's love for them and one of the palettes being in her all time favourites video. All of the palettes have light, medium and dark colours making them excellent for everyday use and for those occasions when you want to create a smoky eye. I chose a relatively neutral palette 609 Earth Reflection and I'm so impressed with its amazing consistency and the price, at  £40 for 5 colours I think its a bargain. It goes on very easily and  is extremely pigmented so creating everyday looks or the smoky eye, my favourite look, has never been so quick! 

The sales assistant at Dior in John lewis was really lovely and helpful and managed to talk me into purchasing another item - Diorskin Nude BB Cream. (I'm very easily persuaded when it comes to makeup!) I have the concealer from this range which is great coverage and moisturising so I was happy to try it. I'm relieved to say that this product was worth it as although at £30 it's on the expensive side it is really lovely to wear. It literally melts onto your skin and you don't feel like you're wearing any makeup at all. It is light coverage, equal to a tinted moisturiser, so if you prefer the Estee Lauder Double Wear Foundation then this isn't for you. And it also gives a natural finish - not too dewy and not too matte - exactly as you want your skin to look.

Some of my all time favourite products are from Dior, including their Amber Diamond Shimmer Powder that is unfortunately discontinued, Creme de Rose Smoothing Plumping Lip Balm that I use every night, and the amazing Dior Addict Lip Glow which is a lip balm that enhances the natural colour of your lips bringing them literally back to life! 

If you know what products you want then you should try the beauty websites www.feelunique.com which offers free worldwide delivery and www.escentual.com which often has current products discounted - both offers are always a bonus!   

Which Dior products could you not live without and which would you recommend?  

Rag & Bone vs Acne

I have been looking at purchasing either Rag & Bone's Classic Newbury ankle boot or Acne's Pistol Boot. Both have very similar features and look extremely comfortable. I would get them in a neutral colour to wear in the summer - ideal for the often cold and rainy summer months in London. A neutral colour is a necessity because it makes the boot very versatile and can be worn with a whole range of looks and it of course gives the appearance of longer legs. Which girl wouldn't want longer looking legs?! Both designs are revered and loved by celebrities (Rachel Weisz owns both pairs) for their impeccable design, comfort and craftsmanship and are considered classics - a timeless piece that you'll love season after season.  

Rag & Bone Classic Newbury nubuck ankle boot in muted grey, 3.5 inches wooden block heel, £395 

Acne Pistol leather ankle boot in pale-mocha hue, 3 inches wooden block heel, £350 

Which pair would you go for? I'm sure that I'll love both of them and that they'll fill a gap in my wardrobe but for the moment I am going to purchase only one! If you are lucky enough to have a pair or maybe even both please let me know which you prefer and help me make my decision!