Olympic Attire

I am, in all honesty, rather short. Maybe it was because I didn't sleep much or eat enough vegetables as a child, maybe it was because my parents aren't particularly tall. Maybe it's because I stopped growing at the age of 12- who knows! I'm no scientist. Standing at just 5" 2' AND A BIT (the bit is very important) means I have to resort to wearing skyscraper, nosebleed-inducing high heels in order to see eye-to-chin with everyone else. One of the best designer brands to help we lowly people achieve this is Charlotte Olympia. All five and a half inches of heel combined with two inches of platform promises elevation like no other, not to mention the leg-lengthening benefits that kind of  height comes with.

Charlotte Olympia's creator and designer, Charlotte Dellal (sister to Agent Provocateur model Alice Dellal) launched the brand in 2007 after studying at London's Cordweiners and working at Ungaro and Giambatista Valli. She is known for her love of all things vintage, thus her shoes are formed of classic shapes, oozing elegance and sophistication. Let's not forget the humour element, though- her flats have kitty face embellishment, this season's caged heel and Pandora clutch are adorned with Russian Doll heads, along with her signature gold spiderweb placed on every one of Dellal's designs. What is life without whimsy?

Right now one of my favourite shopping sites, members-only Moda Operandi has a Charlotte Olympia pre-season 2011-2012 trunk show on right now, consisting of 13 fabulous shoes and one Pandora clutch. The trunk shows don't last long- this one ends 1st February so you need to act quick to snap up a bargain. The shoes are rather pricey at over £500 a pop but are totally worth it. You are bound to feel like the most statuesque girl in the bar/club/bedroom when balanced upon platform heels fit for Mount Olympus' goddesses. Like Charlotte says: "The higher the heel, the better you feel!" Until you fall and break an ankle of course, but that's the price you pay for such savage kicks.

Go to Moda Operandi to snap up a pair before it's too late.

Peace

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Bag A Binns

Exclusive members-only fashion sales website, Moda Operandi, is currently selling the S/S 2012 collection of jewellery designer, Tom Binns. Originally, Binns' collections weren't to my taste, but after meeting a very enthusiastic fan who raved about his neon Swarovski crystal necklaces a few months ago, I have reconsidered my position. After all, a lady is allowed to change her mind!

A tasty treat: Shark mouth cuff

Tom Binns started his company with business partner, Christina Viera Newton, in 2004 and has since developed a cult following. With support from celebrities such as Michelle Obama and Freida Pinto, it's no wonder you can find his designs on a multitude of shopping sites online, including Net-a-porter and Outnet. Part fluro-chic, part elegance with a smattering of trashion, Binns' collections are designed to catch the eye, automatically earning the wearer extra fashion brownie points. Not for the faint of heart, the pieces look best when worn with a simple background outfit (think Rick Owens black, for example), letting the accessories take centre stage. For those who like to make a louder statement, be like Rihanna and wear a custom-designed bikini set.

Shy and retiring: Rihanna on tour in Tom Binns bikini

Crystal necklaces and bracelets adorned with neon words like 'PUNK' (see below) and 'CHAOS', Tom Binns has the lady who doesn't take life too seriously in mind when he designs. Fit the description?  Then run to ModaOperandi.com for his latest season's trunk show, but hurry as it ends on the 27th October. For a wider selection of previous seasons' gems, go to net-a-porter.com  but they aren't exactly cheap- the most impressive necklaces go for £800 and up. One to write to Santa about, maybe?

"Elegance with anti-conformist sentiment"- Tom Binns on his designs

Splash Out phosphorescent earrings

Peace
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