Shoes, shoes everywhere and not a pair to wear

My best friend Jennifer could shop for Ireland…frankly I think the current worldwide economic downturn is due to the fact that she has cut back. She has not been to Ireland in 3 years and it might be possible for the ESRI to link the slowing of the economy to her lack of visitation.

Waterford crystal, Belleek china, Avoca throws, M&S underwear, Laura Ashley home furnishings including a rug! Yes we walked into Dublin Airport with a rug like it was a carry on bag. She brings huge suitcases that hardly fit in my small Irish home to fill with purchases. She is always over the limit on her baggage, but manages to get away with it with her special sort of charm.

Three years ago we went to Prague for a few days of R&R. This included shopping, eating, spa treatments, and more shopping. I heard there was a 3 story shoe store in the centre of the city and was very excited because I really needed new shoes. See I have US size 11 euro 43 foot and it was near on impossible to find stylish shoes in Ireland. I threw caution to the wind and took one pair of shoes with me. I thought surely with 3 stories they would have a few pairs for me.

Guess again. 3 stories of the most magnificent shoes, boots, heels, tights but not 1 pair of 43. The shoes had brought with me were Nike trainers. Oh yes I wore trainers to nice restaurants, a classical music concert, the Intercontinental Spa….everywhere. I can still hear Jen cackling at the state of me in my nice trousers and trainers.

There won’t be laughing anymore as I do not have to travel the world looking for stylish shoes for my plus size feet. An Irish company run by the gorgeous Rachel Graham has the most amazing shoes for the larger foot. Based in Dundalk, Co Louth
www.large-size-designer-shoes.com has been the answer to my prayers.

I went up to Rachel and bought some lovely shoes from a brand called Nebuloni. These wedge heel shoes and comfortable and stylish. I have worn the soles off the plain black ones I bought, but thankfully this season Rachel has them in wine (pictured above), black, black patent (sigh) and black printed snakeskin. I bought some lace up brogues and tan pumps too. As for the boots…I have the calf that time forgot, it is huge---these Italian boots stretched over my calf and then stretched into place. Fantastic!

I thought my foot had gotten wide, but when I wore Evans shoes the fit was off. Rachel would have some styles that are wider fitting then others, but this is all detailed on her very user friendly website. Alternatively, travel to Dundalk to her Shoe Rooms. They are in the centre of Dundalk next to the courthouse. You can have lunch and a cappuccino in her café and then go upstairs and indulge in some shoe shopping.

How much does my friend Jennifer like shopping? When we came back from Prague we carried our clothes on in plastic bags because our suitcases were filled with Jen’s purchases. Come back soon Jen, we miss you.

Stay stylish!

Aimee

T&S do Dublin…and Pat Kenny

Didn’t go to the Style in the City event myself although it sounded like a fab day out. In the few days leading up to it Trinny and Susannah were all over the place. I heard them on Today FM with Ray D’arcy and then like the rest of the nation I was not watching them on the Late Late. I usually would have a flick over until it turns cringeworthy. Normally it is Pat making me uncomfortable. On this particular occasion it was T&S that made me flip over.

They were doing a great job to start sharing the philosophy that I try to talk to my customers about. Figure out what you like and what isn’t so great and work around that. Then Pat got them to share with them what were their not so great points. Trinny showed off her rubbery bottom and explained that her crotch was at her knees etc. hence the need for long dresses high heels. Susannah how she hated her large chest that merged with her tummy.

I don’t mind them showing off their bits on telly, perhaps it is a way to liberate other women. They have nothing to be ashamed of, and that is part of their bit. However, when focusing on Susannah’s tummy they just happened to have behind the couch a pair of their shapewear knickers…pure shameless prostitution.

Not a huge fan of any sort of shapewear as “it” does have to go somewhere. I am a great advocate of the big knicker or tights with no underwear for smoothness. But their original magic knicker, despite the shameless promotion, looks like it could give smoothness without too much discomfort.

The key to good smoothness is getting the knicker/pants/trousers whatever over the biggest part of your tummy. I see lots of women wearing the low rise with a muffin top, not good. Sometimes the best trousers are---dare I say---the elastic waist because they can come up to your boobs if need be. Also trousers that FIT would eliminate overflow. For heaven’s sake buy the bigger size if they are going to fit you properly!

I plan to do a trial of T&S shapewear in the coming weeks. Don’t worry I won’t show my bits on the blog!

Stay stylish!

Aimee

Fashion G-spot for A/W 08

I think we all know that sex and fashion are intertwined, but imagine my shock two Sundays ago when I was lazily reading my Style magazine from The Sunday Times---you know from the country that gave us the play No Sex Please We’re British---- when in the What’s In section at the front they informed me that the clavicle was the G-spot this A/W. I blushed instantly and then got a naughty smile…but more on that later.

Then just a week ago I was watching my idols Trinny& Susannah makeover factory workers in their rage against sloppy dressing. For the first time maybe ever I saw a women who was a size 24 being made over. One of the things that the lovely Trinny was pointing out was with detailing up and around your face (beading, embellishment, etc) was very good for drawing the eye up and focusing attention on your face.

And just like that you have a fashion trend that works for plus sized beauties. I got a naughty smile because one of the new pieces in my own wardrobe is Anna Scholz’s Satin Flower Detail Viscose Top (pictured above). It has such lovely detail and nice and long to cover over soft tummy and big bum. I have been wearing it with a black and white floral satin skirt, a floral skirt from last summer that has a flower detail, on it as well, but with a patent belt. I have even worn it with jeans and my fav suede wedges. Between the cinch and flowers nobody is going below my waist...hence the clavicle is the G-spot.

Stay stylish!

Aimee