Architecture meets fashion

On the first Monday of October, which conveniently happens to be today, is World Architecture Day. As architecture is often inspired by- and in itself inspires- fashion design, I have put together a selection of architecturally fashionable pieces in homage to this annual event.

Kicking off the architectural fashion feature, Skyscraper heels have always held a special place in my heart for those special parties where there is little walking to be done, and a seat never more than 100 yards away... Think skyscraper heels, think Charlotte Olympia.

Windowpane checks are big news once more thanks to J. Crew and Stella McCartney. Pick up a pair of smart office-to-bar-friendly trousers for the new season, like this pair from J.Crew. They tick two structural boxes: minimalist lines and windowpane checks.

In architectural terms, Fleur-de-Lys is a very feminine baroque-inspired style which always serves well to counteract the androgynous and minimalist styles prominent on the catwalks and street style stars of the last few years. Hunt No More, a young and playful Australian brand, has created a Fleur-de-Lys themed collection for AW13/14; with one particular dress named just so.

To add a sense of drama to this season's key cocoon coat, throw a decadent baroque scarf over your shoulder and fasten with an art deco brooch. This Kenzo scarf is available here.

Iconography is literally iconic this season, with Dolce & Gabbanna amongst others creating a collection inspired by religious icons, church architecture and the luxurious decor of the Byzantine mosaics. Some may consider this dress out of budget at over £10,000, but I still think it's beautiful. Surely it can't hurt to look..?

Photo credits: theoutnet.com, net-a-porter.com

Review: No7 Eye Make-Up Remover

It promises to condition while it cleanses... but I wish it would do more cleansing, and less conditioning. Today, as promised, I am reviewing the first item in my mini skincare haul: the No7 eye make-up remover.

I didn't think you could go wrong with a make-up remover, believing it to be pretty straightforward and run-of-the-mill. However, it seems that No7 have tried to be too innovative for their own good, focussing too much on the mature and drier skin types; and in so doing have produced a disappointing product in what should have been an easy market.

Price...
The price point for all No7 products is pretty good, considering I am used to Clarins skincare. What's more, I managed to get this product in a 3-for-2 offer, on top of a boots voucher for No7 skincare. Overall, therefore, I paid less than is humanly possible for a targeted make-up remover product, which I am more than happy with. Long live boots vouchers...

Does-What-It-Says-On-The-Tin-alike...
Cleanse? Yes. Condition? Yes. Leave a huge amount of excess oily product on the skin? Yes. It does what it is supposed to; it removes your make-up, including long lasting foundation and waterproof mascara. However, after application, it does feel like I have gone swimming in a grease-pool - so much so that I feel I have to wash my face after use. I think that this not only defeats the point of a skin cleansing product, but also goes against the grain of the No7 'Ta Dah!' claims which has connotations of quick, easy and magic products which reveal a new skin. I just felt like I would be better off with a good old-fashioned bar of soap and water.

Overall Satisfaction...
Will I be repurchasing this product? No. I think there are far better competitors, even taking into consideration the excellent deals on the Boots skincare ranges. I do not wish to put more grease on to my already oily complexion, but that's just me.

2/5 stars

Photo credit: Boots.com

Suited and booted

I am a very fussy person when it comes to boots. I inspect each angle thoroughly and expect nothing less than a beautifully crafted piece of footwear. It must hug and mold itself to every inch of my leg as, much like a shirt or man's suit jacket, you can spot an ill fit from a mile away.

Ankle, tall, heeled, OTK (over the knee), wedge, fur-lined, suede, leather or patchwork, it doesn't matter- eventually, I will reach the point of desperation where it is coming up to November, the weather is deteriorating rapidly, and I am still bootless. I will make my summer ballerina pumps stretch to their full weather-bearing capacity until, finally, moaning and groaning, they are relieved from duty and put away to hibernate until next Spring.

This year, my focus has been directed towards the hunt for the perfect ankle boot, and it has taken me two months of solid soul-searching to reach this point: contentment and relief.

To save you lovely ladies from the same gloomy fate, I have compiled my favourite three ankle boots which will serve you from the office to dancefloor to Sunday stroll in style. These styles have all been tried, tested, and given the Goody Two-Choos seal of approval, and you should all know by now that there truly is no higher mark of quality. Consider this the Michelin Star rating of Boots.

1. L.K. Bennett Dionne Leather Ankle Boot, available here
2. ASH Illico Suede Wedge Ankle Boots, available here
3. HOSS Intropia Metallic Leather Ankle Boot, available here