Sophisticated Summer Sandals

Seeming as the sun came out (It's gone again, apologies UK, I may have jinxed it) I rushed to old faithful, Kurt Geiger, to buy summer sandals. I spied these beauties in Selfridges months ago but couldn't justify splashing out, the recent weather provided the perfect excuse, plus I searched the web for a voucher code and got 25% off, so I don't feel too bad... These are probably my most grown up sandals ever, I'm the type to slum it in Havaianas, but as my 30th is fast approaching I should embrace womanhood and grow up, I'm hoping the 'bling' element will keep my tootsies looking youthful. 'Misty' Leather and Metal Sandals, £110.00 from www.kurtgeiger.com.

Hard Candy

If had to describe Kurt Geiger's AW12/13 collection in one word it would be 'Fierce', swiftly followed by the word 'Sexy'. The collection, dubbed 'Pretty in Punk' hit the nail on the head in terms of summing it up, very rock 'n' roll with a sweet, girly twist with plenty of studs and chains on sugary shades. I found myself drawn toward the grown up and sophisticated end of the showroom (platforms do have their place but I'm a classicist) to find slim, elegant heels, flat soles with pointed and almond toes. The highlights for me were a pair of gorgeous, buttery soft , suede ruby, heeled ankle boots with lazer cut detailing and laces, and a pair of nude suede ankle boots with the most flattering cut just below the ankle, pointed toe and an edgy zipper. Sheer sex in a shoe.

Treasure Island Treats

I foolishly thought I could quickly 'pop-in' to the River Island AW Press Day this morning before work, there was so much to see I resigned myself to the fact that I'd be running late. River Island's design team powerhouse has the luxury (of both time and budget) to afford dipping more than just a toe into at least 10 hot trends for AW 12/13, the unifying factor being all the heavy embellishment. The showroom was literally dripping with bling from Tom Binns-esque neon and diamanté jewels and brooches to McQueen inspired greedily decorated baroque clutches and shoes. The highlights for me were a pair of bitchy black fierce ankle boots, a dangerous looking origami fronted metallic clutch and the sweetest sweater with a naughty looking kitten on it.

Retro Magic

You'd think that Radley were mad to present their AW collection against the dramatic 360 backdrop of the London skyline on the 33rd floor of Centre Point's Paramount Club, but, it was a shrewd move, the collection completely won over my attention, I won't be forgetting it for a long time. There was a retro undercurrent present that has been popping up across many AW accessories collections, a welcome nod to the late 60's and early 70's with boxy shapes, bold choices of colour accents and pretty patterned embossed leathers. I learned today this great British brand originates from Camden, starting off in the Stables Market back in the 80's and with its HQ in Mornington Crescent. I'm a massive fan of 'loving local' and will definitely be making a move on one of the classic Grosvenor bags, updated for next season with classy round studs.