Vivienne Westwood Anglomania + Melissa Lady Dragon X

I've had my eye on the Vivienne Westwood Anglomania + Melissa Lady Dragon collection ever since their launch in 2009. However I've always just assumed that because of the plastic material they'd be really uncomfortable to wear and hard to walk in. Oh was I wrong.

After trying them on in Selfridges - just because I wanted to see if they were as uncomfortable as I thought they were - I fell in love. Spurred on by their signature sweet scent and the lovely Sales Assistant, before I could even think, I had already handed over my card and claimed them as my own.

On the surface it may seem like I've just added another pair of black shoes to my collection, but I've actually made a few firsts with this purchase: first designer shoes, first slingbacks and first peep-toe. See, I did need them after all!

Despite appearances, the heel isn't actually made of rubber, it’s a regular stiletto heel but with a plastic coating, so it there's no chance of it buckling. The peep-toe is also so small (and partially hidden by the heart anyway) that you don't really notice it, so they can be worn throughout winter with tights.

I found my usual size (UK 5) too large, however the size down is a perfect fit. That said, I would always try a pair of shoes on before purchasing - especially if they're expensive - rather than using guesswork or the advice of somebody else and their differently sized foot.

Comfort is such a subjective thing and depends on lots of different factors. For instance, I hardly ever wear heels but when I do, I wear huge platforms that are easier to walk in, with ankle straps or else I'll slip out of them. Despite that, I found this shoes really comfortable to balance and walk in and the only place where I’ve found rubbing to be an issue is on the side of my toes.

The four inch heel is sturdy and the sole cushioning squishes beneath your foot. The adjustable ankle strap is perfect for making sure you don't kick your shoe off mid stride and I wear mine on the smallest hole for good measure.

And hey, they’re waterproof, too, which is a good thing considering how rainy it’s been lately!

10 of the best things I did in New York City

The people, the food, the sites - everything in New York City is simply breathtaking. 

New Yorkers are the most easy going, straight talking people you will ever meet. The food is great, and the portions are huge - which makes it even better! The soaring skyscrapers are simply captivating and the views from them are even better. But it's the indescribable atmosphere that makes New York City my favourite place in the world. 

Just before Christmas, I spent five days in the Big Apple with my best friend and we embraced tourism with open arms. With my DSLR in one hand and a map in the other, we saw and did pretty much everything recommended in the guide book - Statue of Liberty, Macy's, Central Park - you name it, we probably did it! 

But like the experienced travellers we are, we tried to experience as many things as we could like locals. We skipped the cabs and opted for the (rather confusing) subway, drank in dingy Irish pubs in the Lower Eastside and refused to pay the 'suggested/donation price' at landmarks and tourism spots.

Here's my list of the top ten things we got to do:

My Healthy Lifestyle Resolutions for 2014

As part of my 14 things for 2014, I've decided to focus on living a healthier lifestyle. 

For me, this involves losing weight and improving my fitness, so I have set myself targets to hit along the way which will hopefully keep me on track.

I've decided to share my targets on my blog to keep me motivated and act as a permanent reminder if I ever start to slack. So here they are...

14 Things For 2014

Well, first of all, happy new year everyone!

Whether you're welcoming 2014 with open arms or reluctantly saying goodbye to an awesome year like I am, I'm sure you're probably using today as a kick of motivation and some fresh start.

While I'm not a huge fan of new year's resolutions, because I think they set you up for failure and are really restricting, I am a fan of challenging myself. Last year I gave myself one word for 2013 - Change. And boy did I change... I quit my job, went around the world, returned home with a messed up accent and found a new job and love for life.

This year I'm going to give myself a list of 14 little challenges for 2014.

How to deal with and disguise a hangover

Nothing quite says happy new year like a thumping head, loss of memory and a moment of confusion when you wake up. If you're still drunk, then you've probably not yet noticed all those spots that have appeared from nowhere, or those panda eyes that are making you wonder if you got punched last night.

If you're like me and also currently wallowing in self-pity, then take note of my hangover-busting routine. First of all, grab a pint of water and a painkiller and whilst you're up, check your bag for the holy trinity - phone, card and keys - check. Now let's move on...

How to touch up your makeup in the office

Photo c/o www,behindthehustle.com

I love working in an office and there's plenty I can get away with at my desk (e.g. reading the daily mail). Now while there are a fair few things you can get away with at the desk, when it comes to touching up your makeup, it's probably best if you don't share those weird faces you pull - specifically the mascara face - that should probably be saved for the privacy of the Ladies'.

The Wishlist: Winter Coat Edition

[1] Blonde & Blonde Longline Check Jacket (Bank, £60.00) [2] Red or Dead Checked Coat (Bank, £60.00) [3] Check Wool Coat (ASOS, £90.00) [4] Duffle Coat (Zara, £159.00) [5] Long Faux Fur Coat (Bank, £65.00) [6] Suedette Tan Vintage Coat (ASOS, £70.00)

The Beauty Box: Birchbox November 2013

Free Nails Inc Kate Spade with Glamour

As most of you will have seen, this month Glamour have teamed up with Nails Inc to offer one of four 10ml nail varnishes, free with the purchase of the magazine.

Illamasqua Nail Varnish in Blizzard

Whilst everyone else seems to be filling up their shopping baskets with lovely Christmas gifts for others, I just can't stop buying myself little presents!

My latest pre-Christmas purchase comes in the form of Illamasqua's nail varnish in Blizzard (Illamasqua, £14.50) and can we all just take a minute to admire it's beauty, please?

Illamasqua Nail Varnish in Perseid

Drawn to anything galactical, sparkly, and nail artsy, it goes without saying that when I received Illamasqua's email launching their #Creators collection, I had to have Perseid (Illamasqua, £14.50).

NARS Guy Bourdin Crime of Passion Palette

Now please forgive me for the iPhoneography above, but since I bought this gorgeous palette last night, I've been so excited to start using it that I couldn't wait for my camera battery to charge!

The NARS Crime of Passion palette (Selfridges, £35) is the perfect travel companion, featuring incredibly wearable eyeshadows, blusher, bronzer and even a mini lipgloss. It is a true day-to-night face kit and might just become my new best friend.

Toni & Guy, The Rock

Photo c/o www.toniandguy.com 

Since I started the transition from brunette to blonde three years ago, I've been every shade of yellow under the sun and my long, unkempt hair was in dire need of a professional seeing to.

I'd been thinking about doing something drastic for a long time now, so when I walked past my local Toni & Guy, I popped in and was over the moon when they said they could fit me in there and then.

The Beauty Box: Birchbox October 2013

I've done it. I have finally given into temptation, jumped on the beauty box bandwagon - the Birchbox bandwagon to be precise - and received my first ever package of incredibly top quality samples.

Free REN Skincare samples with InStyle Magazine UK

Is there anything more relaxing than spending a night in, relaxing with a magazine and experimenting with free skincare samples? Err yes, when InStyle magazine is just £2, and the skincare is REN!

Amsterdam Mini Cruise with P&O Ferries

Ever since I returned from my little trip around the world, I have made it no secret that I am just dying to grab my passport and head off to somewhere new. So can you imagine my happiness when my friend told me she had a few days off work coming up?

Hello

When I was a little girl, I'd spend hours sat on my mother's bed, watching her get ready for a night out. With her beautiful tanned skin, bright blue eyes and shiny black hair; she was, and still is, the most beautiful woman I've ever known.