THE FRINGE EDIT

It's official, I'm totally craaaazy over fringing in any shape, form or capacity (even a pair of fringed sunnies would have me swooning. Weird right?)

So maybe I'm not proud of those fringed/tasseled baggy pants I wore back in 2003 (even less so when I recall having at least a page blue and a khaki pair) but now there's no shame in other much-more-exciting-and-totally-not-cringeworthy garments! Like really incredible sandals, jackets or bags.

Fringing has always thrilled me, I still totally dig that faux leather Primark jacket with the fringed back, even if it did end up on eBay after a year, Maybe I love the festival reminiscence it brings, my longing to party on down at Coachella, or maybe because it actually isn't just 'perfect for festivals'.

In fact last year I couldn't resist the fringed Topshop x Kate Moss LBD and totally rocked it for my 21st birthday. It's exciting and fun, everything I hope to achieve with fashion.

Please excuse me whilst I scour the end of the sales for some bargain fringe buys. Here's to funky fashion,

If you're looking for some inspiration on stylings, check out my Fringe Pinterest board here and how I would style it myself here.

SB xo

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TRENDSETTER TUESDAY: CHER HOROWITZ

You see how picky I am about my shoes, and they only go on my feet.

I think it's safe to say that the majority of us can relate to the above quote, from shoes to clothes to accessories to beauty and beyond.

It's insane to think that this iconic teen flick full of fashion, sass and ageless quotes celebrates it twentieth birthday tomorrow, twentieth. I remember being super late to the Clueless party and not watching it until I was around the age of 18, obviously wasting my youth on Hannibal films and High School Musical. But before Zac Efron and Vanessa Hudgens came Alicia Silverstone and Paul Rudd. The ultimate 90's babes.

This cult classic brought a whole new style icon to the world, making two-pieces and knee high socks the ultimate go to, Cher Horowitz became one of the most influential fictional characters of the fashion world.

He does dress better than I do, what would I bring to the relationship?

Her style has been copied multiple times, draws inspiration to everyone and everything and still remains the perfect character to become for a fancy dress party, She's desirable and hilarious, and makes you almost want to revisit the nineties.

Follow Sam Ball's board Cher Horowitz on Pinterest.

And of course, what Cher filled post would not be complete without this essential gif?

SB xo
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THE (SELF) IMPORTANCE OF SHOES

A few months back, after showcasing my latest Topshop-sale footwear all over Facebook, a friend of mine asked me what the obsession was with shoes, why people spend so much hard earned money on a pair of shoes (however practical or impractical they may be).

The shoes that started the topic

I could have easily told her that it was to protect our feet, they're important and need care, so a good pair of shoes would do the trick. But I knew she wanted a genuine and honest answer. Not rubbish BS.

The question made me pause and I began to wonder why I didn't flinch at paying £75 for pair of boots and then less than one month later, I paid £75 for a pair of shoes. Once I had money and my heart set on what I wanted, I didn't think twice.

My first big spend footwear!

Well, that's not strictly true, I cried and swooned and dreamt nightly about the shoes. But still.

After five minutes or so, it clicked. It wasn't so much about having what was on trend that season, it was about finding a shoe that gave me a new identity. If a shoe made me feel more confident, and made me walk with my head held high, then it was an extreme turnaround for my self esteem and was most certainly a new identity. A new me.

To me, a shoe has an ability to not only change the dynamic of your outfit, but to change your attitude towards yourself, and others.

If I'm sporting a pair of Vans or Converse, then I'm very relaxed and chilled out, perfect for my Friday's at work. I'm calm.

My Topshop Katz, (one of the £75 pairs) have been worn a million times so far and remain to make me feel smart and quirky, I feel a little more sophisticated as I wear them. Whether I look it is a different story.

It doesn't matter whether they're Valentino or Primark as long as they're right for you. Guess what? Both of these mules are from Primark!

A fantastic pair of heeled boots has me feeling confident, with my head held high and my back straight, like I'm ready to take on the world. And maybe dance a little too.

The long and short of my tale is that shoes, at least to me, are more important than just protection for your feet, they're the key to a new, and different, you.

How do shoes change who you are?

SB xo

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CHAMP DE MAR(VELLOU)S

Visiting Paris without venturing to see the Eiffel Tower is pretty much a sin in my book, actually it's a sin in anyone's book. Why not see the incredible landmark before your very eyes if given the opportunity?

There's nothing like seeing the iron latticework illuminated through the trees as you round the corner down Champ de Mars, it's incredible. I will never deny the fact I cried upon my first sighting of the tower. It shouldn't be as beautiful and mesmerising as it is, but there's just this emotion it evokes.

Seriously, how breathtaking is the tower at night?! With the lights twinkling and the light beam over the whole of Paris, it's cool to weep into the River Seine, right? The mother and I made the decision to return on Monday to journey to the top. Bear in mind, we're both totally terrified of heights but we all have a secret mental bucket list and it was definitely at the top of mine. There are things in life that you just have to experience, and seeing those views of Paris is something not to be missed.

There's something so incredible about wandering around the area when the weather is so beautiful and the sun is high.

Unfortunately (or maybe it was a blessing in disguise) the very of top of the tower has been closed off that day so we bought our tickets to the second level and off we went up those many tiring stairs. When I say tiring, I mean tiring. Major. Dead. Legs. Note: it's not for the faint hearted.
       

If you're ever debating taking that trip up there, I would one million percent recommend it. It's only €8 for an adult to the second floor by stairs which is brilliant when it's such a world famous landmark. However, if your legs aren't too strong and steady or are petrified of heights, you'll probably benefit much more from the cable car/elevator to lead you up.

The views are out of this world, I can't even describe it. A picture is worth a thousand words so you're best to have a nosey at at few (of the many) I took.

       

       

Have you taken to the tower steps and revelled in the beauty of the city, felt the wind in your hair? 

What are your thoughts on my pictures of inside the tower? It's an interesting perspective because it's not something you can see from the outside, you don't know whats up there without pictures or your own visit.

SB xo

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