Higher the Heels, Closer to God.

As temperatures soar, nights get longer (ahem funner), hem lines get shorter and suddenly our statement summer shoe of yester year, so articulately labelled 'The Flip Flop', just won’t cut it for those Summer Nights on the town!  

Introducing The Flip Flops wiser, richer, twice doctorate, PHD owning, older cousin- The Heeled Sandal.

Whether you’re meeting the boy for a round of G&T’s or dancing until the sun comes up- these babies will keep your pins looking toned and long- two things that I know every woman prays for (along with a private jet and Leonardo DiCaprio for the weekends- I’m sure that’s not just me.)

Available in virtually every colour under the sun (two toned and jewel encrusted for the footwear enthusiasts), they’re a staple shoe for those Summer Soiree’s.

Mine are a delectable neon number that I picked up from the concessions department at The Oxford Circus Flagship Topshop, but on return to SSDH- Same shoe Different Hue- I found that they’ve discontinued selling them. But fear not ladies, here are a few more options:

Top: Carvela Kurt Geiger £130, River Island £55, Topshop [flagship only] £115

Bottom: Jimmy Choo £495, Nine West £55, Zara £29.99

New shoes, lengthy pins and toned calves-Score!

My New York Affair

It’s finally here ladies and gentlemen!

After years of grimacing about having to fly across the Atlantic Ocean to NYC for the experience of, in my opinion, one of the finest eateries that the island of Manhattan has to offer- I can now enjoy refined French cuisine slapped with some of that New Yorker brashness that makes you want to charge around Wall St batting people out of the way with your copy of The Journal.

I present to you, my fine friends, Balthazar London.

Presumptuously sat on the corner of Russell Street, Balthazar boasts an extensive list of the finest meats, wines and flavours from its North American counterpart. Having run out of excuses as to how the London adaptation wouldn’t quite measure up to my past experiences, I chucked on my Choo’s channelled my inner Carrie Bradshaw, sprinted down New Bond St and attempted my best “Taxi!!”

Greeted by the same signature Red and Yellow mast head, your first step into the restaurant sends you reeling back to the hustling New York equivalent. 

Tables within Alexa Chung’s waist from each other, waiters doubling as circus performers as they try to outdo one another in the ­choosy challenge of “who can stack it higher?", the tight lipped hostess who smiles so patronizingly at you as you announce your reservation- It was love at first sight.

Our charming maitre d’ was attentive and helpful with my date’s culinary impairment [he was vegetarian- heartbreaking, I know!], so I decided to leave the fate of my three course dinner in her hands. She recommended the Cured Salmon Ballotine with lemon crème fraiche and watercress for starters.

Not the gutsiest dish on the menu, but it’s definitely a good launching pad for this beast of a main course...

What seemed to be the summit of Mount Spaghetti with the most succulent Lobster in a rich roasted tomato and basil sauce adorning its peak sent my senses into over drive, as you can see...

 Definitely a must order!

After a joint chorus of “I can’t possibly consume another morsel”, the maitre d’ uttered my 8 favourite words:

“Would you like to see the dessert menu?”  

Devil.

In came the warm Apple Tart Tatin laced in butterscotch sauce and vanilla ice-cream.

 Although a tad more butterscotch would have guaranteed my skipping out of the solid oak restaurant framed doors, we were left fed and watered to a level of high satisfaction.

An affair to remember indeed...