When Shoe Shopping Equals Remortgage

Every season there is one shoe that I totally covet. Last season, it was the mid length cowboy boot which was perfect for my shorter legs. I just couldn't decide between the flat version and the block heeled version, so I got both to settle my mind. I can't say that I have worn either of them more than twice but they sure do look pretty sitting in my antique oak wardrobe.

This season it is the gladiator platform sandal, specifically the new Gucci snakeskin effect gladiator heels with the chunky gold zip up the front. Ahhh! My mouth literally dropped open when I caught sight of this shoe on stylefinder.com but I can't decide how I could justify spending £800 on a pair of shoes. I just can't stop thinking about how my long tanned legs would look topped off with those gorgeous strappy wonders!

Of course there are so many other trends I want to buy into this season, trends that are taunting me from the glossy pages of Grazia and Vouge. Chunky knits against bare skin, swinging suede tassels you just want to stroke and this seasons LPD (that's little purple dress for those of you not in the know).

After watching the fabulous film 'Almost Famous' the other day, I found that I had an irresistible urge to go out and buy all things luxe boho and skip around the house to Van Morrison and Cat Stevens (this is where the second outing of cowboy boots comes in - if you can count prancing round my penthouse as an 'outing'). The only problem with that was when I came to my senses the day afterwards I realised that luxe boho was just not my style. I had to schlep round in the summer rain to every store I had been to just to return my ill thought out booty.

That's the best thing about shopping on the internet. If you end up with something that you don't like then you need only pop it right back in the post. One stop at the post office is better than wasting your lunchtime hour or precious Saturday revisiting your fashion mistakes. You always end up having to join a queue the size of a Primark opening day or get stuck behind someone with a mountain of stuff who also wants it gift wrapped.

I know some people will moan about the cost of postage but I would rather spend a few pounds that a few hours of time. If you think of the expense of petrol and parking then postage really doesn't seem as expensive for the privilege of trying on clothes in the comfort of your own home, does it?

My next purchase will be a floaty chiffon pussy bow blouse to go with my black skinny jeans along with a big resin cuff with a glass jewel to match. I am determined to shop around and find exactly what I want on the internet instead of risking the thrill of instant purchasing in a glistening boutique or high street shop.

As for my first love, those £800 gladiators will have to wait until I can remortgage my house.

You can browse and buy shoes at http://uk.shopping.com/xDN-Shoes