As if finding the right pair of trousers didn’t cause me enough grief, finding a pair or shoes or boots to wear with them can be even more difficult. Once you have found that pair of trousers with the perfect cut and fit that hangs beautifully to just the right length, the look can so easily be spoilt by the wrong shoes or boots. That was why I was so happy to see that for autumn winter 09 the ankle boot will be returning once again.

No other type of shoe has the ability to set off a pair of trousers to well. Looking stylish and adding the extra height needed to create the illusion of elegant and long legs. There are some great classic styles of ankle boot around and some more adventurous and interesting choices. It doesn’t really matter if the heel is chunky or spindley, anything goes this season.

Miss Sixty Berry Boot

Diesel ankle boots

Irregular Choice Iced Gem boot

Irregular Choice Can Can Spots Ribbon Boots

My last post was about the importance of  a practical pair of boots in the winter, especially during a particularly cold spell like the one we are currently encountering with lots of snow and ice. When it comes to warm and practical winter foots wear, It is the Ug boot that springs to mind. It has never been a particular favourite of mine in terms of style but it cannot be denied that a sheepskin lining makes for toasty warm feet no matter how cold it is.

I have been quite interested this year by a few different options to the classic Ugg boot. I actually think they are really stylish and would definitely wear them in the winter months. The Ugg classic cardi boot looks as if it is wearing a lovely warm woolley cardigan and the Ugg snowpeak boot is great for deep snow and really bad weather. Another triumph in my battle to look stylish and keep warm.

 picture from http://www.bbc.co.uk/blogs/pm/2009/02/the_official_blog_of_blizzard.shtml

All winter I have been feeling bored with my predictable choice when it comes to shoes. It is not that I don’t love a gorgeous pair of high heels as much as the next girl. I just find it too difficult and stressful to get about in anything less than practical especially during the winter. There are two reasons for this, one that I am always in a rush. I find it very difficult to rush in high heels without looking completely ridiculous or worst still falling flat on my face. Secondly I have two children and attempting the school run whilst pushing a pushchair in high heels is another fairly laughable situation.

Over the last few days, I have been glad of my trusty biker boots, which are slightly too big to allow space for an extra pair of woolley socks. Yesterday, I was caught in a snow storm and when I got home my feet were toasty warm and dry, a complete contrast to the rest of me which resembled a snowman. This morning, I strided confidently across the ice covered pavements and managed to get home without the embarrassment of sliding over.

When it comes to practicality and warmth, these Winthrop boots are the ultimate, they are pretty stylish too.

picture from www.elleuk.com

Theses Yves St Laurent Black patent leather caged boots seem to be every where at the moment from fashion shoots to websites and blogs. I love the style and they are cetainly very innovative and a bit different. I have only one concern (apart from the price), comfort. I realise that sometimes we have to make certain sacrifices in the name of fashion but cold, blistered and uncomfortable feet is just too much for me to endure. There is also the danger of all sorts of debris including cigarette butts, chewing gum and the like getting caught up in the cage like heel. Of course if I had the money to buy these gorgeous looking boots none of these things would be a problem, as I would no doubt be chaffeur driven every where with no need for walking.

I have found myself the perfect alternative to the Yves St Laurent Cage boots. These laser cut Diesel boots are definitely more affordable and practical but still really stylish and will look great with all sorts of dresses and skirts in my spring wardrobe.

Ankle boots have been on trend for a while now but this autumn and winter the heels have gone stilletto. In keeping with this seasons bad girl look the stiletto ankle boot is sexy and seductive. They look great with a pair of trousers or  a skirt and evening with a dress for the evening. The stiletto boot has associations with the gothic look which is huge at the moment. For a really streamlined and full on gothic look try wearing black stilletto ankle boots with head to toe black. Details likes studs, spikes and buckles add to the bad girl feel of one of this seasons biggest shoes trends.

Red or Black Patent Stiletto heel boots

 Just one piece of advice if you have tile or wooden floors at home, don’t wear your boots in side. They will make holes in the floor!

If like me, you are a mother to young children, it can sometimes be a challenge to look stylish and feel great in your clothes. There are numerous obstacles when it comes to looking good including tiredness, children wiping messy hands and faces over your clothes and the practicalities of wearing high heel shoees or skirts whilst chasing a toddler around the park. When it comes to being a stylish mummy, it is all about find practical clothes that look and feel great (and are easy to wash).

I always think a key item for the stylish mummy is a really nice coat and pair of boots. No matter what you have been wearing around the house all day and how much tomato sauce has been smeared over your clothes, you can always throw them on and look smart when you need to pop to the shop of pick the children up from school.

A really well fitting pair of jeans is also a great buy for any Mum. It is worth investing in a nice pair of jeans as you will probably live in them. They are just about the most practical item of clothing you can get. You can combine jeans with different tops for just about any occassion.

A big hand bag is also a must for the stylish mummy. Great for carting a whole host of baby and children accessories around with you including wetwipes, dummies and bottles. The large shopper style is ideal and will fit in just about everything you will  need (except the kitchen sink).

Remember, as a Mum it is important to take time to look after yourself. The better you feel, the happier your children will be.

This long style military coat is great for a busy mum to ultra stylish on the school run.

I have arrived back home after two weeks in sunny Tenerife to rain, rain and more rain. No change really fromn when I left to go on holiday but feels even more miserable in contrast to the gorgeous hot weather I have enjoyed for the last two weeks.

Of course my thoughts are now firmly focused on the practicalities of the getting out and about in torrential rain and of course managing to look stylish with it. There are three essentials that come to mind when planning for such severe weather conditions. They are the rain coat, a good pair of boots and a neat umbrella to fit in my handbag and take with me everywhere. Here is my wet weather wish list.

If you want a neutral rain coat that will go with just about anything and is bound to be in fashion year after year, you should opt for a classic style trench coat.

This Design Go Travel Umbrella looks business like in blue and will go with most outfits. It is also really small and compact to fit into a handbag.

These Dr Marten Boots strike just the right balance between practicality and style. Great for keeping your feet and ankles dry and look great with trousers.