ON THE NINTH DAY OF CHRISTMAS... A TRIO OF PARTY SHOES

Stairway to party shoe heaven: three of my favourite pairs of festive footwear by Charlotte Olympia, Carven and Christian Louboutin,

On the eve of New Year’s Eve, as I’m trying to figure out what to wear tomorrow night, I’ve come to the conclusion that if ever you’re not sure what to wear for evening celebrations the easiest thing to do is start from the bottom and work your way up, in other words: choose your shoes first!

So I’ve narrowed it down to these three pairs (above), the first are by Charlotte Olympia, a pair of the classic ‘Dolly’ red suede shoes with a gold platform, which are super festive and fun, but not particularly stable after a few drinks!

The second are the newest addition to my shoe wardrobe, a pair of Carven’s signature sling-back bow heels, they're great of adding a playful twist to simple cocktail dresses. 

And finally, the third pair in the running for tomorrow evening... and my all-time favourite Christmas shoes, are these black velvet Christian Louboutin sandals complete with crystal baubles! 

I was hoping by the time I’d finished writing this I’d have made up my mind but... no I STILL CAN’T DECIDE! Mmm... costume change anyone?! 

ON THE EIGHTH DAY OF CHRISTMAS... A PAIR OF SANTA BOOTS

Me wearing: my new Christian Louboutin boots, with Paige Denim jeans and a Gap sweater.

Father Christmas is onto something with his shiny black, pull-on boots. Great for all this wet and cold weather, they look just as good with skinny jeans as they do skirts and dresses, plus if you go for a patent leather pair they’ll bring a little fashion punch to your outfit too.

I recently bought the above pair at the Christian Louboutin sample sale and have been wearing them practically non-stop since. I love their shape, a modern day take on a classic riding boot, with perfect proportions. 
Whilst my boots are no longer in the shops, this ‘Cate’ pair (below) also by Christian Louboutin have just gone into the sale!

To shop the Christian Louboutin ‘Cate’ boots click here.

ON THE SEVENTH DAY OF CHRISTMAS... A BELLS AND WHISTLES HANDBAG

My embellished tweed Chanel bag in all its Christmas glory.

I bought this Chanel bag at their sample sale about five years ago and not only is it one of the only good purchases I’ve ever made at a sample sale, it’s also one of my favourite bags, ever.
I love how festive the brightly coloured tweed, glass beads and broach embellishments look, not unlike a Christmas tree, so I get it out on the 1st of December every year and use it for the whole of the Christmas period. It’s great for adding some seasonal sparkle to even the most boring outfits, and I've seen named it my Christmas bag. 

P.S You may recognise this tweed Chanel beauty from the first Sex and the City film, and I love the thought that this very sample may have been the bag on the arm of Jennifer Hudson's character Louise before it was mine!

ON THE SIXTH DAY OF CHRISTMAS... BANJO & MATILDA'S XMAS SWEATER

Me wearing: my new Banjo & Matilda reindeer sweater, with camo jeans by Sass & Bide and Kat Maconie boots. 

Today, in honor of Save the Children’s Christmas Jumper Day, the entire Grazia office (and many other workplaces nationwide) donned their most festive, Christmassy jumpers and donated money in a bid to raise funds for the world’s poorest children. 

And I had just the ticket, my reindeer sweater by fab Australian cashmere label Banjo & Matilda- the perfect partner for the latest addition to my printed jeans collection: these camo beauties new from Sass & Bide. 

To see how you can raise money for Save the Children this Christmas click here.  And to snap up a Banjo & Matilda festive sweater of your own click here.

ON THE FIFTH DAY OF CHRISTMAS... THE ENGRAVED 'AVA' BRACELET

Me wearing: my personalised, engraved Monica Vinader 'Ava' bracelet, with my Astley Clarke charm and Miguel Ases bead bracelets.

There’s nothing quite like a personalised gift to make a loved one feel really special on Christmas day, and right now I can’t get enough of UK-based jewellery designer Monica Vinader’s latest additions to her ‘Eva’ range: an engravable ring, pendent, and the bracelet pictured here. 

On her signature cord, the ‘Eva’ bracelet is a welcome addition for any friendship bracelet lover and with prices starting at £89, they’re at the affordable end of what can be a pricy spectrum. Available in sterling silver, and yellow and rose gold plated, the hammered plaque can fit up to nine characters. 

A friend of mine recently had the date of her wedding engraved on hers, while I opted for mine and my boyfriend's first initial with a heart symbol in the middle... Aww.   

To see and shop Monica Vinader jewellery click here, and to buy the 'Ava' bracelet unengraved, click here.

ON THE FOURTH DAY OF CHRISTMAS... A PAIR OF SMOKIN' SLIPPERS

Me wearing: my Cobra Society woven slippers with pale red wax finish 'Skyline' jeans by Paige Denim.

The smoking-style slipper trend which gained major traction this year is staying put for 2013 too, and if you’re looking for a pair with a point of difference it doesn’t get much better than these wool tapestry beauties by The Cobra Society. 

They’re handwoven in North Africa by locals meaning no two pairs are the same, and then using traditional methods the leather soled shoes are made in Spain.  

Plus the pretty red, geometric pattern makes them not only the perfect nod to spring/summer 13’s global traveller trend but rather Christmassy too!!  

To shop the Cobra Society 'Najet' tapestry loafers click here.

ON THE THIRD DAY OF CHRISTMAS... (THE NOT SO BAH) HUMBUG JEANS

Me wearing: the Paige 'Hoxton' striped jeans, with a Sonia by Sonia Rykiel sweater and Miu Miu sling-backs.

Mark my words: the monochrome trend is about to go stellar. And ahead of spring/summer '13 clobber hitting the shops from January, you can get in on one of next year's strongest looks with a pair of black and white stripe jeans. My pick of the bunch? The Hoxton stripe jeans by Paige Denim. In a higher waist than your average pair of skinnies they're great worn with a tucked in tee or cropped knit, plus the chunky stripes are the perfect width for a flattering finish.  

And why not go full throttle with a graphic, monochrome look head-to-toe... I couldn't resist!

The Hoxton stripe jeans by Paige Denim are £215 available at Selfridges, click here to buy. 

ON THE SECOND DAY OF CHRISTMAS... A MINI WAX SEAL NECKLACE

Me wearing: my Jessica de Lotz JEWELLERY mini personalised wax seal necklace. 

I've been a fan of Jessica de Lotz's stamped wax seal pieces since I first clapped eyes on her namesake label a few years back, but I think this mini version of her signature pendent might be the best yet! 

Lovely, worn singularly or layered up with other jewellery, it's delicate enough for everyday wear but still stands out against wintery fabrics. And we all know you can't beat a little personalisation for an instantly treasured Christmas gift!

Jessica de Lotz JEWELLERY mini personalised gold wax seal necklace in all its glory! Available in A-Z.

To see more Jessica de Lotz JEWELLERY on NIETO NOTICED click here. And to shop Jessica de Lotz JEWELLERY, plus to view the entire collection click here.

ON THE FIRST DAY OF CHRISTMAS... A MODERN DAY FESTIVE JUMPER

Me wearing: Three Floor's 'Glisten Up' sweatshirt, with Citizens of Humanity 'Rocket' gloss black jeans. 

Scrooges look away now, as for the whole of December NIETO NOTICED is officially a festive zone! 

Yep, you guessed it Christmas is my favourite time of year so expect lots of suitably festive fashion and Christmas gift ideas.

And what better way to get into the festive mood from the first week of December through to the New Year than with a sparkly sweater! A fun alternative to a novelty knit, this jeweled number new in at Three Floor is ideal for bringing some Christmas cheer to your wardrobe, plus at just £89 (available at threefloorfashion.com) it won’t eat into your present fund either!

P.S I know the first day of Christmas isn't technically until the 25th of December but frankly I can't wait that long! Check back for more Christmas fun soon.

BRR... IT'S BLAUER U.S.A. TIME!

Me, with my friend Natasha on the beach in Cornwall in 2010, wearing: my weather defying Blauer U.S.A. coat.

It’s the first weekend in December so it’s hardly surprising but HOW COLD IS IT?! Bloody freezing! Which means one thing, and one thing only: it’s time for me to get my Blauer U.S.A. parka out of the hall cupboard and onto my back!
And I’m not talking for walking the dog either. When temperatures get this low, my Blauer U.S.A. becomes my coat for the working week too, and I’m not the only one: for most of the winter months our office coat-stand resembles the leaning tower of Pisa, on the brink of collapse from the weight of everyone’s duvet coats!

As luxe down-filled parkas and puffer coats have been given the fashion seal of approval in last few years, making them just as popular for urbanites keen to keep warm, as they are for après ski style. Just as well, if we’re to believe reports in the news last week that the UK is embarking on its coldest winter for 100 years!! 

So if you haven’t got something of a similar ilk already, I strongly suggest you get down to Harrods and treat yourself to a Blauer U.S.A. coat, official suppliers to the American police force and fire brigade, it really will be the warmest thing you’ll ever wear!

Me wearing: my Blauer U.S.A. parka coat, with James Jeans and boots by Toast, keeping warm in my mum's garden this afternoon! 

Blauer U.S.A. outerwear is available at Harrods (020 7730 1234).

CITIZENS OF HUMANITY: BEHIND THE SCENES IN L.A!

Blue jean baby: a stack of Citizens of Humanity jeans snapped at the L.A. factory.

As I've mentioned before I'm big into jeans, so you can imagine by excitement when cool Californian denim brand  Citizens of Humanity invited me, along with a group of other European journalists, to travel all the way to L.A. for a once in a lifetime, behind the scenes trip into their world of denim.

In case you don't already know: Citizens of Humanity was founded by Jerome Dahan (previously of Seven for All Mankind fame) just a decade ago, in which time he's created a world renowned denim label worn by everyone from Kate Moss to Rihanna, which now manufactures over 1 million pairs of jeans per year! 

Around fives ago, Jerome joined forces with denim godfather Adriano Goldschmied, who working specifically on product development has a hand in creating Citizens of Humanity as we know them today. 

Together, Adriano and Jerome took us through the entire jeans making process: from mood boards, swatches and initial ideas in the design studio, to the finished article, quality checked and ready for shipping to the suppliers.
We visited the factories and denim laundry, where Adriano gave us an insight into the Citizens of Humanity product development process, my highlight of which was watching a pair of jeans be distressed and printed on via a computer controlled laser machine (I am a self-confessed denim geek after all).
And when we weren't swatting up on jeans, the Citizens of Humanity team showed us their favourite L.A. hot spots from delicious restaurants, to an afternoon surfing with pro. surfers on Malibu beach! We even got to cheer in Obama's reelection at a trashy bar on Sunset Boulevard (my choice entirely!)

THE TRIP IN PICTURES... 

The trip in pictures, snapped on my iPhone. 

WHAT I WORE...

For a day at the factories I wore: MiH Jeans star print shirt and shorts with Jimmy Choo sandals, a clutch by Whistles,
and Elizabeth & James sunnies.

For dinner at Mozza I wore: a printed dress by Olivia Rubin with Christian Louboutin sandals and a clutch by
Lulu Guinness.

For breakfast at Jerome Dahan's house followed by a trip to Malibu beach I wore: a butterfly print top from Zara,
shorts and cardigans both Gap, sandals by Tibi, with Elizabeth & James sunglasses.

For supper at Mr. Chow, I wore: metallic top and cardie from Marks & Spencer, skirt by Tucker, sandals
by Topshop and Whistles snake print clutch. 

On the last day, me wearing: my new Citizens of Humanity 'Dylan' jeans(!) with a Rodarte t-shirt, Chanel bag,
Keds x Opening Ceremony leopard print trainers (and sunnies as before).

To see and shop Citizens of Humanity’s current collection click here.

HIGH STREET HIT: KAREN MILLEN'S BOLD CHECK MINI

Me wearing: Karen Millen's Bold Check skirt, with a Jaeger sweater and Whistles pumps.

Mini skirts and flat pumps are a match made in workwear heaven for me and I’m thrilled with this little beauty from Karen Millen. 

First and foremost I love its sixties vibe, but it’s also an excellent cut, which makes it both flattering and expensive looking too. Plus, its neutral colour palette means it's super easy to coordinate: I’m wearing it here with a beige cashmere polo-neck from Jaeger but I think it looks equally good with black, and all shades of grey. And at £99 it won’t break the bank either! In stores now...  

To shop Karen Millen’s 'Bold Check' skirt click here.

ANNINA VOGEL: VICTORIAN JEWELLERY EXTRAORDINAIRE

A gallery of gorgeousness: Annina Vogel and some of her wonderful designs.  

Ever since I started Nieto Noticed earlier this year, I have been planning to share my passion for Annina Vogel's namesake jewellery line with you and finally... here is Annina's journey to jewellery heavy weight through my eyes. 
We first met about five years ago when Annina had just begun creating her gold jewellery. I'd heard about her unique concept through a colleague (Annina creates her jewellery by sourcing the most amazing vintage charms and Victorian gold which she reworks into modern day treasures) who was raving about her designs and was convinced I'd love them too. 

Annina bought her collection of charms to our meeting, some of which had already been developed into rings, stud bangles and earrings, and charm necklaces, whilst others lay mingling with each other in her overflowing jewellery trays. Horseshoes, swallows, lockets, tiny teapots, little figurines, fox heads, there was hundreds of unique, one-of-a-kind charms and I was hypnotised: it was like being in Aladdin's cave and I could of spent forever admiring and inspecting Annina's stock.

But I wasn't the only one: Kate Moss had gotten wind of Annina’s designs a couple of months before and after a personal appointment had already been spotted wearing what is now Annina's signature charm necklace. 

Back then, Annina was selling mainly through personal orders by word of mouth, however it didn’t take long for what had started out as a hobby for Annina, fueled by her passion for charms and antique jewellery, to become a total jewellery sensation, which has since attracted many inferior imitations!
A little over a year later, Annina was stocked in Liberty, where she went from being a relatively small Christmas pop-up, to the biggest selling jewellery counter in the shop that festive season and it wasn’t long before Selfridges wanted in on the action too! 
Annina’s collections are now available worldwide, both online and in other luxury department stores and I'm not a tinsy bit surprised at her success, for there's no escaping it: Annina Vogel’s jewellery is incredibly seductive. It's precious and whimsical and nostalgic and sentimental, fashionable and timeless, in no uncertain terms:  it has everything going for it!

But a warning: do not under estimate its power to bewitch and dazzle you, in other words approach Annina's  jewellery counters at your credit card's major risk! 

A selection of some of Annina's personal favourite charms.

Me wearing: my treasured Annina Vogel, Victorian gold horseshoe necklaces.

And here is the rest of my adored Annina Vogel collection, which I was powerless to resist... 

This agate and diamond ring was a present from my mum for my 25th
birthday.

This Victoria gold and diamond charm stud bangle can also be worn high up
your arm. I love it. 

Victoria gold chain ring: I wear this both stacked up with other rings and
singularly. 

Pearl and gold charm cluster bracelet: I love the unique pear and wishbone
combo.

Top of my Christmas wish list: Annina Vogel's mismatch stud earrings.

To see more and to shop Annina Vogel’s jewellery click here.

CHRISTOPHER KANE CASHMERE

Me wearing: my Christopher Kane cashmere camo stole and matching fingerless mittens. 

A couple of years ago, I’d been admiring Christopher Kane’s cashmere accessories from afar when a friend of mine treated herself to the yellow and pink leopard print stole and I don’t think I’ve ever been more jealous. Ever. 

So last December I hit the Christopher Kane sample with the sole purpose of purchasing one of my own... no matter the price tag! Luckily for me it was a lot less steep than the normal retail price but to be honest, had I not found one: Matches or Net-a-porter.com would have been my next stop. 

For in the softest cashmere, which is double layered for extra warmth, it’s the chicest, coziest barrier against the winter chill going. 

Whilst their gorgeous patterns makes them not only memorable to the season they were created, but perfect for wearing indoors too. I layer mine with fine, coordinating knits creating a polo-neck effect. Or drape it across my shoulders like a shrug. And I am yet to come across a coat the CK stole doesn’t look great with, making it a truly versatile investment indeed.

Oh, and I couldn't resist the matching fingerless (iPhone friendly) mittens too... good luck with that!

  Current season: Christopher Kane, leopard print purple cashmere stole, 
£650 at Net-a-porter.com.

Current season: Christopher Kane, leopard print purple cashmere gloves, 
£220 at Net-a-porter.com.

To see and shop more current season Christopher Kane click here.

TORYBURCH.CO.UK & OTHER AMERICAN ARRIVALS

The perfect package: my Toryburch.co.uk online shopping.

I’m so pleased there’s been an influx of my favourite mid-market American labels, particularly those with a very New York, or should I say Upper East Side, aesthetic arriving this side of the pond. 

Introduced to the Brit masses by the likes of Sex and the City and Gossip Girl, these brands may have been available to buy online at Net-a-porter.com, and in store at Harvey Nichols and Selfridges, for a while now but it’s great to see both Kate Spade New York and Tory Burch open their own doors in London. 

For Kate Spade New York that’s three gorgeous shops, which sprang into action last year, my fave being the Covent Garden boutique, a space which brilliantly houses not only ready-to-wear but Kate Spade New York’s quirky and fun accessories (see my new playful book clutch below), stationary and gifts too. 

Meanwhile Tory Burch who in 2011 bought her all-American gloss to New Bond Street, with an incredible store (if they’d let me move into even the changing room I would!), wasn’t content with just a London presence, has made her entire collection available to the whole of the UK via the newly launched Toryburch.co.uk! 

...Naturally I had to try it out: and snapped-up the gorgeous leather detail 'Ross' cardie (also below).

And they’re not the last of the all-American arrivals, for elegant and cool New York institution: J. Crew (who's online store currently ships to the UK) have too announced expansion, also in the form of a hotly anticipated London store, I for one am rejoicing! My credit card not so much. 

Me wearing my new Tory Burch 'Ross' cardigan with James Jeans 'Twiggy' jeans and Toast riding boots.

Another American label purchase: The Kate Spade New York 'A Tale of 2 Cities' book clutch.

M&S' PERFECT PINK COAT

Me wearing: my new Marks & Spencer pink coat, with boots by Hobbs.

I’m a big believer in treating oneself to a new coat every autumn, as let’s face it England’s coat season lasts from October to March and sometimes, worst luck... all the way to April too, making your winter coat of choice without doubt: the most worn item in your wardrobe.

That said it doesn’t need to break the bank, especially if you’re working a particularly seasonal look: enter this pale pink number, just £85 from Marks & Spencer. Whilst I may not treasure it until my dying day, it’s certainly cheering me up as winter draws in. And you can’t deny it looks way beyond its high street station. 

Modeled on a Jil Sander catwalk number and in the perfect pink for now, its oversized cut and minimal detailing ensures you stand out in a crowd. Whilst its elegant silhouette is ideal for channeling a Hitchcock heroine, which certainly encourages you to put on some heels and reach for a grown-up handbag. The overall effect? Très chic!

P.S Happy halloween! 

TRACE PUBLICITY'S DOGS' DAY AFTERNOON

Me, Gary and Liger at TRACE Publicity's Dog's Day Afternoon.

My boyfriend Gary (a big dog lover) got our puppy Liger, seven weeks ago today, when I (a cat lover with a big fear of man’s best friend) was MIA at London Fashion Week. 

Now, nearly two months later the little rascal has taken over our lives and in the process has managed to free me of my fear of dogs for good. After several puppy classes and lots of cuddles, Liger is a fully fledged (very well behaved, I might add) member of the family. 

However, all this doggie stuff is still new territory for me so I was thrilled when fashion agency Trace Publicity invited us to an event they were hosting called Dogs’ Day Afternoon.

Gary, Liger and I arrived at Trace towers on Saturday to find the place transformed into doggie heaven! We started the afternoon with a private session with dog trainer and behaviourist Louise Glazebrook, founder of The Darling Dog Company. Louise was fantastic and her tips and methods were really insightful and realistic even for a novice like me to put into practice. 

Afterwards we headed upstairs where the fashion collections (which normally live there) had been replaced with a doggie bazar! 

Jessica from east end best friend was there showcasing her super stylish patchwork dog beds, quilts and other gorgeous dog toys and accessories- she gave Liger a very cute bandana (that cleverly slides over her collar so it stays put and won't get lost or bother her even when she's running a lot or playing) which looks so cute.
I’ll definitely be treating Liger to an east end best friend bed when she’s fully grown.

Elaine Jones of world famous dog accessories label Holly & Lil was also there with the latest collection of fash-tastic collars, from pony skin leopard print to union jack designs, they really have thought of everything! 

Liger couldn't believe her luck when she met Katy from holistic and organic pet food company Lily’s Kitchen and was presented with one of their gourmet meals! I love the idea of buying Liger a Lily's Kitchen hamper for Christmas to see what else she likes.

And as if that wasn’t enough fun for one afternoon, lucky Liger had her portrait done by brilliant illustrator Richard Short, the perfect memento of a great afternoon!

Liger with The Darling Dog Company founder Louise Glazebrook.

Doglious: personalised cupcakes by Molly Bakes bakery. 

Elaine Jones of Holly & Lil show casing the coolest collars in town.

Katy Taylor from Lily's Kitchen: proper pet food, spoilt Liger rotten.

Jessica, designer of east end best friend, with her v. stylish dog accessories.

Illustrator Richard Short totally captured
Gary and Liger. I ♥. 

A/W '12 UPDATE: DAGMAR'S WOOLEN WARMERS

Me wearing: Dagmar's super cosy autumn/winter '12 woollens, with a Gap shirt and Rupert Sanderson courts. 

As the autumn chill officially starts to bite (I heard a horror story about temperatures dropping to seven degrees this weekend!) I’m taking solace in Dagmar’s gorgeous new woolens. First up is the Scandinavian label’s organic wool-blend shag jacket, which is so cosy it’s feels (and looks) like your receiving a hug from a fabulous gorilla when you wear it. And then there’s Dagmar’s ‘Jane’ merino wool pattern leggings: these babies are that comfy, I feel guilty about leaving the house in them, but I’m ignoring my instincts and have been wearing these slinky pantaloons with oversized shirts and sweaters... See, even wintry clouds have a silver lining!

To shop Dagmar’s autumn/winter ’12 warmers, click here.

PULL ON A POLO-NECK

We wearing: a cable knit detail sweater by Gap with Oasis coated jeans.

The fashion spotlight is shining extra brightly on knitwear this autumn/winter, particularly the humble sweater: its elevated status made it a notable key piece worthy of many fashion week goers wardrobes at the shows last month. 

As a knitwear enthusiast (no matter the trend slant) and someone who’s permanently cold, this is all good news and it doesn’t get much cosier or chicer, in my eyes, than a chunky polo-neck jumper, preferably with a cable knit detail. 
Last year Zara won the prize for the most fabulous on the high street (I’m still wearing my burgundy one, see below) but this season Gap have stolen the crown, creating this super soft beauty in cream (as pictured above) and in navy and grey too. The Grazia girls are already obsessed, and they don’t hit stores for another two weeks... elbows at the ready! 

Still loving: last autumn/winter's burgundy Zara number, teamed here with Oasis jeans and Kurt Geiger shoes.

Don’t miss Gap’s hotly anticipated polo-neck sweater: in stores first week of November.