Milk & Manolos

I love a bit of fancy dress. Back in the day, the Husband and I were famed for our themed dinner parties. Dressing up is even more special, not to mention just that little bit more embarrassing when there are only 8 of you.

As I scour the internet for a suitable Elf’s costume to dec out the Munchkin in for the family Christmas cards (the Husband favoured a nativity scene, however I feared that too close to the knuckle for my catholic family) I discovered Verbaudet’s kids costumes.

What could be more special than your little person dressed as a bee ? Or a frog come to think of it ? As for the ladybird, don’t even go there. Sadly, none of the above are quite right for the Christmas theme I was going for, but should I opt to send Easter cards, this is exactly where I’d come.

I guess one shouldn’t underestimate the bribing opportunities that a photo of your small person dressed as a bee can bring, certainly during their adolescent years. Could you imagine ? Darling, pass me my purse.

Along with my monochrome wardrobe, I’m attempting a Moneypenny meets Doris Day look on the footwear front this Autumn. This of course will ensure the efficient running of the household not to mention superior administrational skills, both of which will be welcome additions to my skill set. The Husband will most certainly be pleased at that prospect - on more then one count I suspect.

This season Chloé has some true go anywhere, do anything, day to night loafer style pumps which would utterly suit my brief. They do slightly blow my rather meagre budget but what the hell, they go down in the Inherited Vintage category if you ask me. As the selfless mother I am I’m thinking of my daughter, honest.

Now all I need is Sean Connery to finish off the look.

I am a self-confessed Ebay addict. The ping in my inbox of a ‘Watched item ending soon’ email to is like the flashing lights of a fruit machine to a gambling addict.

I love the thrill of the chase and as any seasoned Ebayer will tell you, the last 3 minutes of an auction is the most exciting. There is no two ways about it, it’s acceptable gambling for the consumer generation.

I’ve won and lost a number of times. A particularly good purchase was a genuine Marc Jacobs handbag, which unfortunately for the Seller ended early on Christmas morning. With my Christmas bonus burning a hole in my pocket I set my alarm for 6.37 in order to place what I hoped would be the winning bid for Salmon coloured leather tote of gorgeousness. £ 147 clinched the deal. It arrived, in an original box, with labels and receipt from Harrods. This was the real deal.

My Ebay life hasn’t always been so sweet. There are the fake Seven jeans I bought at great expense, and the guy that charged me £3.50 for a postage on something that eventually arrived in a letterbox envelope with a second class stamp on it. My father gave me a great bit of advice once, that is wonderfully appropriate for Ebay - if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.

In this month’s Vogue Emma Elwick goes to prove quite what a marvellous website Ebay is. She bags a Givenchy blouse for £ 50, a $ 6 Salvatore Ferragamo sweater dress and a Chanel jacket for £ 55, to name just a few of her many purchases. Of course since devouring the article it’s been difficult to tear myself away from the site. I’m yet to find such quite amazing bargains but as an Ebay disciple there’s no doubt I’ll keep the faith. It’s all about timing and luck after all.

Read about Emma’s top tips for bagging a winter wardrobe to kill for on page 213 of the current issue.

I’ve just been given the best tip for dealing with those new shoes who, love them as you do, are blisterlicious. We’ve all been there. You love them but man are they agonising to wear.

Balance the heel on the arm of a chair and protect if from what’s about to come by covering it lovingly with some cardboard. Now’s the time to vent your grief. A few bangs with a hammer and Bob’s your uncle.

Your heels will thank you …

This morning I’m over excited. I’ve packed the Munchkin and the Husband off for a Saturday morning swimming session and have just enjoyed my first peaceful cappuccino in over a week. Flying high on my caffeine buzz I now plan to shower and dress at the speed of lighting as I’ll shortly be hauling my ass to V and A to check out their ‘Golden Age of Couture’ exhibition, which opens today.

I am beside myself with anticipation. Christian Dior’s pink satin and sequin shoes are first on my hit list, followed closely by Givenchy’s ‘Les Muguets’ evening dress. As I sit and type I’m practically tachycardic. With pieces from Balenciaga, Pierre Balmain, Norman Hartnell and of course the wonderful Dior, I think I’m in for a treat.

On practically being pushed out of the front door, the Husband begged me to heed his final words - “remember the time your Grace Kelly phase ? That red lipstick made you look like one of those old ladies who smell of lavender, and who’ve completely lost ability to apply any sort of make up over the years. You still sometimes over do that stuff on your cheeks”.

So I’m going to enjoy myself this morning but avoid any retail outlets on the way home.

When I was four a model friend of my mothers used to come and visit. It was plain to see she was undeniably chic. French and beautiful, a perfect combination. She had two sons about my age and we all used to hang out together. She loved her boys dearly but had always hope for a daughter to dress. In the absence of that daughter’s arrival, I took great pleasure in being showered with gifts and affection from this beautiful creature. It was she who introduced me to diamonds. I can remember the 2 carat studs she wore in each of her ears like it was yesterday. On one occasion she tucked them elegantly into my hair and allowed me to play for a whole half hour with them firmly in place (such trust, I’m not sure I’d let the Munchkin mess with my bling, and she’s blood). That was the moment my love affair with all things sparkly was born.

This brings me neatly to Gina’s new collection of evening shoes. In recent years I think they’ve been a little hit and miss - a couple of great classics but also some not so good. In the last year they’ve really turned it around and have a collection that’s true to their style, but also a lot more wearable. This season I have fallen head over heels for the gemstone covered ‘Gilda’ shoe. I long for an occasion entitling me splash out on a pair. My sparkly shoe buying is prolific and I’m sure a reason or three can be found. I’m also loving their black ankle boot, Porshe which is without doubt a season staple.

As the Munchkin is currently refusing to wear anything without Hello Kitty on it, a level of anxiety about her sense of style has slightly arisen. My mother cackles with great delight at life coming full circle, and regales me with stories of my own fashion flair in the mid 70’s. I admit it, I was pretty faddy. Bottom line is, while the Munchkin is finding her fashion groove, surely it’s important for me to guide her on the right path, and being surrounded by lovely things has got to be the first step. After all, I want her to inherit a cracking vintage wardrobe.

There you go, reasons one and two.

I like to think of Mr. Keats as a cashmere man. Albeit a chestnut brown kinda guy. The time has come to welcome the sexiest of seasons. To be honest, I’m welcoming the prospect of closure on Summer 2007 with open arms.

As you’re probably beginning to gleam, I’m a pretty big fan of all Autumnal. The first on my check list, on an annual basis, is a nice pair of cashmere socks. Extravagant I know, but I’m not such a slipper person. At £ 22 a pair they ain’t the cheapest socks you’re ever going to buy, but they’ll sure as hell be the comfiest.

Not to EVER be worn outside the house Brora’s cashmere socks are the ones to plump for. Preferably in Pink. If you’re feeling super extravagant splash out on another pair to ensure washing day doesn’t interfere with your enjoyment.

They can make fantastic Christmas presents too - but purchase directly from the shop for all the gorgeous packaging.

Today has been a Munchkin free day. Taking advantage of my newly found freedom I took it upon myself to check out the new Autumn / Winter collections with the hope of manhandling some patent leather shoes.

Liberty’s is one of my favourite shops. I long to be able to afford to spend more there (in the sense of both money and time) but for anyone who’s wondered down Regent Street, the style and grace of the place is clear to see. The reason why I’m featuring it here is because I’ve just discovered it’s what fantastic food it does.

Meeting a friend for lunch we settled on Cafe Liberty on the second floor. Before the arrival of Munchkin, and with an abundance of time on my own on my hands, I was a swift sandwich kinda gal. No guessing that that’s all changed. Sometimes it’s truly a treat to spend a day in town on your own (albeit window shopping), meeting a friend for lunch and trying on clothes that you just can’t afford. Uh ! What a treat to shop without the Munchkin pulling at my coat.

Lunch was delicious - truly designed for Ladies that Lunch - of which there were many already seated. There’s a light and airy atmosphere and the menu somehow reflected that, with soups, salads and pasta being predominant features. In all honesty service was a little slow but we didn’t really mind as all we had on our agenda was to catch up and let the day slip away.

After lunch we crept down to the Champagne Bar for a quick Sex in the City moment before my lunch date went back to work and I to the 137 bus.

Bliss.

I first stumbled across this Betty Jackson cardigan while reading the Sunday Papers this weekend. As I drooled, and I searched for the corresponding details at the bottom of the page I preyed that not only was it affordable but that it was somewhere I could get to easily while dragging the Munchkin to tow. My heart sunk to discover that at £ 350 as it was credited and as Betty Jackson original is was out of my grasp for the time being. I hence found comfort in a cappuccino and iced bun - a very poor second.

On my bi-seasonal trip to Ikea yesterday I saw it again. Like a white light shining through the scatter cushions. It look my breath away. It wasn’t until a brief encounter in the kitchen department that my fashion Id took charge and before I knew it I asked the gorgeous creature wearing it (with flats, and boot-cut jeans - effortlessly chic) that I liked her cardigan. What had happened to me ? It was then that she bestowed upon me the news that I could have only dreamt of. That it was Betty Jackson, under the Designers at Debenhams range. Joy ! The Sunday’s must have got it wrong.

After rushing the Munchkin through her meatballs I hot footed it home at found what’s sure to be one of my Autumn / Winter 07/08 staples on Debenhams website at a very reasonable £ 55.

Now I’m only 4 sleeps away from it arriving !