Emu and Ewe

Two things I learned this evening: "ugg" boots are just a generic name, like "wellies" or "ballet flats", and that emus are physically unable to walk backwards. I'm not sure which surprised me more!




The first brand to create ugg-style boots were Emu - a genuine Australian brand, who have been making the "Rolls Royce" of ugg boots since 1994. The sheepskin is water resistant which surely equals immediate superiority over their woollen rivals and no more soggy socks! They're available in a variety of colours and styles - including very on-trend pastel shades - the boots are made out of superfine Merino sheepskin, which the brand have also made into apparel, gloves, earmuffs, and sandals.








This evening I was lucky enough to see the new collection at Emu's press event. Being a very tactile person, I spent my time stroking boots, putting my hands inside slippers and touching sheepskin jackets, and I can say first-hand (literally) that they feel absolutely lush! Their sheepskin coats and jackets are true investment pieces that you will be handing down to your little lambs in years to come.










I think I may have also found the pefect grey marl t-shirt. It's made of a heavier weight jersey than your average tee, and hangs beautifully. A luxurious piece well worth paying the extra few pennies for; wear tucked into a kaleidoscopic floral pencil skirt or with a pastel pink pair of jeans.




The final treat of the evening were these rather sheepish cupcakes!






I predict big things for the Emu brand: they've only been in the UK since 2010, when their website emuaustralia.com also launched. Look out for a big advertising campaign in Piccadilly Gardens, and get your feet into a pair of Emu boots, stat - you don't know what you're missing..!

Tuesday Shoesday: Dress Up or Down?

On New Year's Eve I was discussing with a friend her outfit choices. That night she was going on a second date with a man who - God forbid! - was the same height as her. Now, don't get me wrong, this girl is not height-ist in any way, nor has she any problem with dating a man smaller than her, let alone the same size. But I do understand the conundrum: on a second date you don't want to be towering over a man, perhaps intimidating him.. but it IS New Year's Eve..! It took a while to convince her that it was not just okay, but very chic indeed to wear flat shoes for the biggest party night of the year.

I firmly believe that it is fully acceptable to wear flats day or night. If Nicholas Kirkwood can create ornate, detailed flats like these, they should be utilised for smart nights out and meals in restaurants.




Here, I'm wearing a COS dress and H&M kimono with a pair of Office heels; extremely high for me, I am more likely to go for "low-but-interesting". This is a very dressed-up look that I would most likely wear to a cocktail bar or evening networking event.







However, take away the heels and add Office studded brogues (another mum & dad Christmas special.. very Comme, don't you think?) and this look becomes quirkier, without losing any of its impact. I'd wear this to go see my favourite DJs play or watch a friend's band.







It's interesting how shoes can change the tone of an outfit, but I do encourage you to try wearing flats on your next night out - your feet and back will thank you for it!

I Want Candy!

Although we are only nine days into spring/summer 2012 (if the glossy magazine's advertising is anything to go by) I am already crazy about candy-coloured outfits.

For me, it began with the delicious Louis Vuitton campaign; Kati Nescher and Daria Strokous in their Sundae best.




Then I found model heavyweights Frida Gustavsson and Lindsay Wixson hanging about on Brighton beach for Mulberry, with some pretty awesome oversized Brighton Rock.




Finally, as if that wasn't enough to send me into a sugar coma, this season's Vogue Collections features a double page spread of lovely, Loveheart-shaded goodness..




I was craving to create a moodboard that looked good enough to eat!






One valiant fashionista attempted to style the look using items of her own, which proved difficult as her summer wardrobe was bursting with last summer's brights. One part Parma Violet to another part Refresher, it's a good start.. but maybe for now stick to Rainbow Drop nails.

A Fashionable Mancunian 2012

Accessorize hat, ASOS tippet, French Connection Dress, Office boots, Zara bag, Versace for H&M scarf

A completely Christmas gifted outfit from Chris and my parents, bar the hat, which was my only foray into the ferocious sales

2012 is set to be an exciting year for Manchester fashion: confirmed so far are the Indulgent Trade Show, Spring Fashion Show, and Manchester Fashion Week - the latter I know as little as the next person, I'm afraid, but their mysterious marketing seems to have many champing at the bit for more information.

These events, plus many more (including something I may have up my sleeve for Oasis, but you didn't hear that from me) promise for substantial posts with all original content here at Fashion Dotty. Many thanks for your support in 2011 - it's been a whirlwind of a year for me - and I hope to continue informing and entertaining you throughout 2012!


Oh, and the aggressive 5ft alligator stolen from Stockport? Just another to add to my collection..

A Very Merry Boxing Day

Good times hanging out with my family and friends over the past few days, plus of course opening a handful of Christmas presents and drinking a pint or two. Or ten.

Today was a harsh snap back to reality working Boxing Day in House of Fraser, plus there have been some odd goings-on where I live in Manchester. After the comforts of my parents' house it's all rather jarring but normality will indubitably ensue presently. These three pictures - which were the start of an oufit diary whilst at home that clearly ran out of steam after day two - should suffice until I get a better grip on reality and can share some of the wonderful goodies that Santa Claus brought. Here I'm wearing a H&M men's shirt, Topshop palazzos, and Miista boots, and a French Connection jumpsuit with a H&M kimono and Acne shoes.

I hope you all had a happy Christmas, and enjoyed spending quality time with your loved ones!

Into the Lights

Grazia are so amazingly on-point with their editorials, I just want to live in them.

I loved this gorgeous page from their Christmas issue so much I decided to hold a mini-shoot in my bedroom using our Christmas tree lights. Sadly no Mulberry Tillie boots for me, so I substituted my KG for Kurt Geiger Mary Janes my boyfriend gifted me with last Christmas, plus a French Connection dress & Oasis tights.











No idea why these turned out like this (I really ought to learn how to use my camera), but I like them best of all: