When fashion gets it wrong: Fetish fashion brings us stud shoe mania

I'm a girl who seriously loves shoes. It's bordering on addiction, I mean... there's nothing that makes shopping more gratifying than the purchase of some gorgeous Mary Janes or a pair of classic trainers. It's hardly surprising then that shoe crimes make me sad inside.

The fashion lot have gone a bit crazy over a few trends this Autumn/Winter, but none worries me more than fetish fashion (except perhaps for the bizarre '80s revival, don't you just want to cry?). Some of the most wonderful shoe designers in the world have fallen foul of this nonsense, including the one whose shoes I most often lust after, Christian Louboutin.

Studs never looked good, not even when people where punching them onto the backs of leather jackets to write 'cool' slogans, so why are they ruining perfectly reasonable shoe designs in the here and now? I can't begin to understand. If you think I've lost it, and you love these pairs then let me know. And you can buy them from Net-a-Porter too. But when you're looking back and wondering what the hell you were thinking, don't say I didn't warn you...

Fashion appraised: Paris Fashion Week - The Ridiculous

I've already told you all about what I really loved at this month's Paris Fashion Week, but what about the juicy part? I do enjoy pointing out the things that are fashion overhype, and even better the items that are just plain awful. Thankfully, there was plenty of that on offer.

The sorts of 'out there' fashions that probably get the most applause from pretentious fashionistas are always the ones that are entirely unwearable and serve absolutely no purpose but for our gawking pleasure. Louis Vuitton's show was so eye-poppingly unwearable couture that I've featured two of his creations (far left and far right). Alongside are John Galliano's odd bow-headed monstrosity and Alexander McQueen's... well, what is that all about?

While I get the feeling there might just be some humour in some designer fashion, the po-faced "I'll clap because I'm supposed to think he's simply a genius, darling" attitude is exactly what makes fashion so self important. Not one of these outfits would inspire any stylish female, nevermind actually being purchased by one. Yes, I'm aware catwalk fashion isn't meant for production, but inspiration? It should, and this doesn't.

[Images: Getty]

When fashion gets it wrong: Over hyped and over priced - Kate Moss for Topshop

Kate Moss' collection for high street big name Topshop was one of the most talked about fashion events of 2007. There were well documented scrambles for some of the pieces from her first range, and many restocks were required. But this is a perfect example of what I can't stand about fashion.

Her ranges have been, at best, very ordinary. Yet we have seen stars like Cameron Diaz wearing Kate's clothes on red carpets, and it can only be because of the celebrity name tag. Kate's second range for the store (selected pieces shown above) is no more designer than the shop's duller end of their range. Without discernible sparkle in most of the pieces, the rest is just plain unwearable and overpriced. This wet look maxi dress is something I would never be seen dead in, but more annoying is the chiffon blouse, which inexplicably costs £30 for something that will not stretch to regular wear in your wardrobe. Even the tie costs £20.

The mark ups fail to entice me into believing these are must have items for this season. While most of the range is cute and would make wonderful wardrobe staples, it seems as though Kate's 'people' got greedy. At prices like £120 for this frankly ugly green dress, this is one range that's hype won't sway girls with sense.

If you think I'm crazy, check out Kate's range for yourself at Topshop online.