The Lady and The Vamp

So we've covered Urban, combat and over-the-knee this season here at Scarrott's (whilst having a little bit of fun in between, of course!) but for some of you, we're probably barking up the wrong tree. Style-wise, we have a breadth of different tastes and opinions come through our doors and onto our website. And what we've been trending, well, doesn't it seem a bit...heavy?

For those glamazons of you out there, your prayers have been answered. The fashion world has heard the call of the Lady once again and 50s and 60s structure and shapes are winging their way from the catwalks, to the shops, to your wardrobes. This was particularly apparent in Paris, where tea-length skirts, simple shifts and fitted jackets sprung forth from such fêted and legendary fashion houses as Chanel and Givenchy.

The ongoing trend for faux-fur has not stopped at the young leopard-print Topshop version this season, either. Faux-mink trim and elbow-length gloves almost complete the look; the finishing touch has to be the footwear; something that can make or break the outfit. However the difficulty with these longer skirts and tailored looks is that the taller the person, the more streamlined the look.

As most of us don't have the dimensions of 5'10" Cindy Crawford, the obvious solution is to go with sky-high, vampy stilettos. Always the choice court shoe of the style-mavens and much beloved staple of Jimmy Choo and Christian Louboutin; a skyscraper heel doesn't have to mean torture. Now, with platform soles and balanced design, they can be amongst the most comfortable (and fabulous!) footwear you'll ever own.

Classic designs with almond toes always work best with any outfit and date spectacularly well. Gucci have released their Platform Pumps as a 'runway classic' for £365 (above middle picture). Yves Saint Laurent, always the purveyors of classic style, have joined the club with their 'Gaby' platform pumps for £485 (above top picture) .

Here at Keith Scarrott, we scoured shoe fairs, manufacturers and samples all over Europe to find the perfect pair - so that you don't have to!

These gorgeous Rebeca Sanver platforms, above , for £149.95, are perfectly balanced and so comfortable you'll forget their astounding height. Coming in Black Suede, Patent (above 2nd picture), Leather (above fourth picture) and even a splash of glam Scarlet (above bottom picture).

A couple of us even wear them for work, as they are guaranteed to rescue even the most haphazard ensemble and make it look chic! Together with this season's 50's skirts and Mad Men inspired, 60's shifts, you're guaranteed to wow this Winter.

Shop Rebeca Sanver: Here

It's a Style War

October...what does this mean to you? Halloween? Conkers? Half-term? The Cheltenham Literature Festival even?

It can depend entirely on your point of view, but a universal thought when presented with this month will alway be 'Winter'. It's been days since we've seen the sun and judging from what our customers from far and wide have been telling us, they have the same problem. Scarves are out and about and it's going be quite some time before we set foot outside the house without an umbrella again.

But with the weather worsening and the days drawing shorter, to a point where the the High Streets of the UK won't ever feel properly dry until next July, we've found the need for tough, comfortable, yet stylish all-weather boots to tackle the elements.

Thankfully (and very unusually) the high priests of fashion are leading the way, with designers at Chloe, Marc Jacobs and Belstaff coming out this season with combat boots. Such as these ones from Marc Jacobs (£580 - 2nd picture) and Acne (£410 - bottom picture).

With the military look steaming ahead in the fashion world this season, combat boots are an integral part of the overall look. Something of an indie fashion statement, combat boots are surprsingly versatile to wear everyday. It doesn't require any great condescension to trends.

Flat utility boots are a great alternative to Uggs; with leggings and a jumper dresses for a comfy, casual look or with a mini skirts and floral dresses for an outfit with a chic, eclectic personality.

Keith Scarrott have taken inspiration from Italian designs and have found the best combats for a styled overall look, without looking too trend-led. The beautiful stud boots (£159.95 - top picture) add a glamorous, slightly dangerous, rocky edge to any outfit. Whilst our classic combat style is made with a slender leg, for a feminine style and fit (£169.95 - third picture).


Keith Scarrott shoes website: here