Milk & Manolos

I fear I’ve made a rod for my own back. This morning I’ve been faced with a Munchkin who’ll only drink sparkling water and has demanded both a babychino and chocolate panatone, supping the former with her pinky in the air as though enjoying high tea with the Queen.

As any self-respecting and stylish young lady is aware, a love of shoes is vital. That is most definitely present in this young whippersnapper. I’m so proud, albeit frustrated. On a recent shopping trip she pressed her face hard against the glass requesting, in a small but pleading voice “sparkly shoes plllleeeeeaaassee Mummy”.

These were the Mother of sparkly shoes, I tell you. Sequinned material embroidered with yet more sequins and beads galore, sewn between a silver leather and toe. Welcome to the world of Lelli Kelly. A girl after my own heart, I handed over the £ 29.95 willingly.

Of course, from that moment on she’s refused to wear them. While I respect the assertion of her independent fashion flair, I paid thirty quid for these size sevens dammit ! Following a battle of wills earlier this week she’s seen the light and is now swanning around like the girl about town she is.

Always one for a bargain, I’m finding it difficult to resist Olivia Morris T-Bar Shoes at Faith. Reduced from £ 70 to £ 40 these honeys are going to be selling like hot cakes.

Back in the day, I had something shockingly similar. To find a shoe that you wore at 6 years of age in adult form has got to be an achievement. I’m just praising the lord for the 2 inch heel and my grown up wardrobe otherwise I’m not sure either I, or the look, would be right. The 2007 version shall be teamed with a smart black skirt and my new Urban Outfitters necklace for a thoroughly grown-up look.

Basing my festive wardrobe on Pat Butcher circa 1989 I couldn’t resist this spangly little number from Top Shop, the one stop shop for ladies on a budget. C’est moi.

There’s a touch of the Marc Jacobs about it which I simply couldn’t resist. Having recently had my signature style describe as ‘jeans with a sequin’ (so very true), I thought it plain wrong not to splash out. It’ll cover the office party, New Years Eve AND Christmas day. Of course there IS the possibility that I could be mistaken for a drag version of Poe, the red Teletubbie, but it’s a risk I think I’m willing to take.

There’s something about a sweater dress which is thoroughly appealing. Particularly so because there’s no waistband to help my muffin top rise, and because it’s a throw on, dress up or down item which makes life that little bit easier. They’re the chicken soup of clothing and praise the lord they’re back in vogue.

For pure luxury Juicy Couture have a classic sweater dress in black cashmere, perfect for the social chameleon in you. It of course took all my might to steer clear of the tracksuits, now horribly out of fashion (but still the comfiest thing since my 1988 Naff Naff all in one) but I’ve cut and pasted the link and sent it straight to Santa, like the good girl I am.

A tip for other Juicy fans, check out the American sites, where items are sold at a slither of their UK counterparts.

The season to be jolly is almost upon us, so too is the time to invest in some classic day to night wardrobe items. Topshop have yet again excelled themselves in this field.

There’s no doubting that there is the propensity for me to turn into Pat Butcher later in life, and my love of their gold strip top currently up for grabs only serves to worry the husband further. Fabulous.

Now all I need are some gaudy earrings and off we go.

“Never underestimate the importance of a good bra” a very ample chested friend advised me a couple of years ago. There I was in my grey Marks & Spencer bra admiring the small glimpse of prettiness I could see at the edge of her boat necked top. Deciding then and there my 34C’s needed attention I booked myself in for a proper fitting, Royal style. Rigby and Peller here I come.

I’ve never been particularly conscious of my body so being topless in front of my fitter didn’t phase me in the slightest. These puppies needed sorting and I was on a mission. After a touch of light measuring and the trying on of a couple of bras for size, it emerged that I’d been wearing the wrong size for years. Suddenly it all fell into place. Literally. Putting on a properly fitted bra is like wearing your favourite pair of old jeans, or going home, it just works. Mind you, discovering you’re a 30 F has it’s problems. Far from a common size M & S were no longer suitable suppliers. Trawling lingerie specialists far and wide Bravissimo, Fig Leaves and John Lewis have all been able to help me. Not including Messrs Rigby and Peller where it all began.

I love a bargain, who doesn’t ? It’s the thrill of the chase. Of course there’s always the danger that you’re buying something because of its bargain status, rather than because you want or need it. I speak with experience on this matter - taking one look at my wardrobe will show you I’ve never quite learnt my lesson.

I admit It took me years to venture into TK Maxx. That red logo slightly scarred me, as did the racks and racks of what seemed to be rubbish. Oh, how I’ve learnt the error of my ways ! Never judge a book by it’s cover and all that. Feeling the fear, and doing it anyway I ventured inside, and the truth be told, I’ve never looked back.

The first thing I need to point out is that there is a knack to this type of shopping. The most important thing is that you hit your local store as early as you can in the day. After about mid-day chaos reins. Getting in there first thing ensures that the shelves are newly stocked and everything is looking neat and tidy. Both vital in a good bargain find.

The second tip is to keep the faith, and your standards high. Don’t be distracted by the bargains. Yes, there are plenty to be had but just because it’s cheap doesn’t mean you want it. What you’re looking for is a needle in a haystack. So far I’ve found Prada jackets, Seven Jeans, Amplified T-shirts to name but a few. Believe me, you have to kiss a LOT of frogs.

TK Maxx is truly great for toys. Their stock is that of bankrupt and folded businesses, which they everso kindly take of their hands, for far less than the market value - the savings being passed onto their customers. You can get big name toys at a fraction of their normal price. I was beside myself with joy when I found the Munchkin a Cabbage Patch doll on a recent trip. You can take a girl out of the eighties but can you take the eighties out of girl ? Very definitely not given the reaction of the Sales Assistants in the Space NK we popped into on a recent shopping expedition.

Next time you pass try venturing in. You might just find yourself a bargain.

I have a big pash on for good jerserywear. Always have. For years I’ve kept a full stock of plain T’s in my closet be it long sleeved, short sleeved, capped sleeved, skinny rib or extra long for fat days, my ethos is the more the merrier. In a variety of colours to suit any possible occasion, these are the bread and butter of my wardrobe.

For jersey basics the place to shop is American Apparel. From underwear, to vests, and leggings to baby grows, if you’re looking for something in a plain jersey look no further.

A plethora of designs and fabrics in a rainbow of colours this most definitely is your one stop shop.

I’m not sure I’d ever describe Mary Poppins as a fashion icon however Mr Blahnik has brought us a modern take on Madam Poppins footwear.

Deliciously outside of budget there’s something of the sexy school Marm about these Carloti Pumps. The sensible heel, and neatly buttoned straps are a wonderful juxtaposition to the winkle-picker type toe.

If your budget stretches this far, then lucky you. If like me it doesn’t, keep an eye out for a Top Shop version shortly.

The falling of leaves and the darkness that befalls when the clock strikes 4.30 pm calls for a touch of sparkle and zhoosh about the person. A fan of patent leather at any time of the year, I particularly love it’s presence in an Autumn / Winter wardrobe. This season it seems I’m not on my own.

Anya Hindmarch is bringing back the Bowling Bag with this classic piece of arm candy. Perfect with jeans and big enough to fit all manner of paraphernalia within, it’s sure to make many a Christmas list. If only the ones of dreams, in my case … I’m currently wondering if pleading ‘I want it, I want it, I want it’ while lying on limp on the floor will have the same effect on the Husband as the Munchkin is able to muster. Come to think of it, he could think I mean something all different altogether and that simply wouldn’t do. I think I’ll try my luck with Santa instead …