What Was I Thinking...

In my teens I lived for Saturday nights: out with the girls, dressed up to the nines. Well, what I believed to be the nines anyway. Ridiculously high heels, little denim mini skirts and *shame* vest tops - or, if I was feeling really flash, silky cammie tops. To say I wasn't the most style savvy is an understatement. At the time I thought I was.

I look back and cringe. It really is a 'what were you thinking' moment.

These days high heels are practically at the bottom of my 'must-have, must-wear' list. Not that I'm against them, don't get me wrong, I think they look fabulous and they add height and definition to your legs. The problem is, I can't last 15 minutes in them. For me high heels are to be worn and not walked on. My recent purchase from Kurt Geiger are for display purposes only - they are not for walking around in. The most walking I can afford to do in my heels is going from the car to the table in the restaurant/bar and back again. I'll quite happily stretch my leg out and circle my ankle, proudly showing off my fabulous heel - but ask me to WALK in them and there's trouble.

I'm much happier and much more comfortable in low heels or flats, depending on the style of the shoe. I'm not quite on par with Carrie Bradshaw but I must admit I do have a major weakness and lack of will-power when it comes to shoes. Today I couldn't resist a stunning pair of taupe fold-down ankle boots. I have to curb my shoe enthusiasm for the rest of the month, but I must share these little wonders with you.

The fold-down material can also be turned up, essentially giving you two completely different looks for the price of one. It's a bargain! I would have been silly not to buy the them...and I will keep telling myself that.

Now, back in my teen days my wardrobe revolved around the high heels I couldn't walk in, the denim skirts, the vest-tops and (for 'dressing down') the old faithful baggy combats. Quelle horror.

Nowadays the thought of wearing a denim skirt with high heels horrifies me. Baggy combats are banned from my wardrobe and vest tops are made to be worn underneath sweaters or on holiday as day-wear. I don't wear cheap jewellery, I like nice handbags. I love slouchy leather ankle boots and expensive practical coats. I believe in getting what you pay for. I appreciate we're all in a recession and these days money is tight but bag yourself a classic, quality piece of clothing and it'll be hanging in your wardrobe for years to come.

Another recent purchase which I am in love with is from Oasis. It's simple, stylish and I'll be able to dress it up for a night out or wear it to work. It works equally well with skinny jeans as it does with a black skirt or pair of black trousers. It was a snip at £40 and I can't wait to get out and test the goods.

Ahhh...j'adore.

One of the latest items to get added to my Lust List is this sensational swallow print scarf from Warehouse. I MUST have it. It's like the scene from 'Confessions of a Shopaholic' where Becky has to have the green scarf she spies on the way to her interview at Alette Magazine. I want it, I need it, having this scarf will make me a better person...ok that's probably a bit over-dramatic but you get the general idea. I adore it. It will be mine.

I think I can safely say my style has evolved from denim skirts and silly high heels, and baggy combat trousers and vest tops. Over the years I've learned a lot about fashion and style, how to wear it, what looks good on me and what I should avoid. Style certainly isn't the be all and end all in life - but as a woman these days it certainly helps to have a little. Or a lot.