As soon as Victoria Beckham stepped out in those Antonio Beradi heel-less shoes it seemed she opened the fashion floodgates releasing upon us a vast array of weird and wacky statement heels as worn by celebs.

Madonna was literally hot on her heels making news by treading the red carpet in Chanel’s ‘Miami Vice’ shoes (the ones with ‘revolver’ heels). Since then we’ve seen upside down heels, barely there heels, bubble heels…the list goes on.

Personally I think this is one of fashions more unnecessary extravagances, and can end up looking somewhat try-hard. You can’t beat a killer 6” stiletto or sky high platform so why change a winning formula?

However some of these unusual creations might be worth a try if only in order to fathom how Victoria managed to stay remotely vertical in those Beradi’s.

Ever wondered how the countless loans of designer clothes featured within fashion editorials make it back to the designer in one piece? Well, sometimes it never does. With this in mind computer programmer Edwin Mullon and public relations guru James Grant have together created Fashion GPS - a revolutionary new program specifically with the fashion industry in mind.

Fashion GPS doesn’t miss a trick, it catalogues each sample dished out to various publications and stores sample info, industry contacts, virtual look-books and instant reports. Having already established relationships with over 15 titles, Teen Vogue, POP and V magazine to name a few, the system automatically sends out an email reminding stylists to return whatever thy borrowed ASAP.

So if you’ve ever got lucky in a fashion cupboard then I’m afraid your time is up with the introduction of Fashion GPS.

With journalist, author, commentator, presenter, professor and all-round fashion maverick, Colin McDowell, at the helm of this bi-monthly compilation of industry work, a party in favour of Distill magazine’s second issue was bound to draw in the most prestige of fashion insiders.

The bash took place on London’s Kings Road and was held in collaboration with Belle Robinson and Kings Road’s Bluebird Shop.  Guests were greeted with Belvedere cocktails followed by a feast of pesto pizza and mini Cumberland sausages to perfectly compliment the sponsor’s vodka.

The Christmas deco and promised mulled wine created an air of festivity and guests of the highest fashion credentials turned up in their droves in support of Colin and his team.

PPQ’s Amy Molyneux and Percy Parker were among the fashionable crowd; both dressed in this season’s gothic black and dark blue hues. Designer, Anya Hindmarch also turned up to the event wearing a short fur jacket paired with a patent black clutc while model Jade Parfitt looked gorgeous in a floral green tea dress.

With more promised from the publication in terms of fashion and style editorials from around the world, another equally as glamorous event is sure to take place in the near future in celebration of the magazines third issue!

Of the three girls IMG eyed for the entire Model.Live series, Cato emerged as the golden child, walking an amazing 37 shows across the entire show season. Campaign season is hardly a stumbling block for Cato as an opportunity to star in D&G’s cruise campaign comes knocking!

Cato success rouses ambivalence between the two camps of people she draws her support from. IMG are chuffed by her ascent, labelling her the “confirmed new star on the market—but, you know, I say ’star’ in small letters.” And the latter half of David Cunningham’s statement is where Cato’s parents lay in worry as they feel the small time world of modelling has already been unhinged—for the better—where Cato is concerned.

So how does Cato feel about all the fanfare? She receives her progression as an expected reality, showing no schoolgirl excitement whatsoever over being moved from the development board to the main women’s board. Cato’s response to the news: “I was thinking that at any moment it could happen.” She’s a supermodel already!

Amid all the talks of off-price retailing, the lovely folks at TJ Maxx took some time out to entertain us with a game by the name of “Splurge or Steal” in which we had to guess which outfits were the most expensive (splurge) or budget friendly (steal).

To put your prudent eye to work, we’re having our very own “Splurge or Steal” contest with the pictures above serving as the two outfits in question. Courtesy of the lovely folks at TJ Maxx we have a $50 TJ Maxx gift certificate to give to the lucky reader who correctly guesses which of the two outfits (LEFT or RIGHT) is a splurge.

To win leave a comment by Dec 10th 11.59 est with your guess. The winner will be chosen at random and announced on Dec 11th. Best of luck!

Thanks to TJ Maxx for sponsoring this giveaway!

Wondering what to get your best friend for Christmas? Or just simply in need of a good excuse to pamper yourself, celebrity spot and swot up on the latest style tips from the most trusted insiders?

Then look no further than to Birmingham’s Style in the City where all this and more is made an exciting possibility.

In partnership with the Sunday Times Style, the glamrous event spans accross three days and allows visitors to experience treats from shopping to entertainment at all fashion hot spots in Birmingham including the Bullring, Mailbox and The Pavilions. A platinum pass will also gain you access to front row seats, lunch at Selfridges and a private chauffeured vehicle to make the occasion that extra special.

Tickets are on sale now and are available online at www.styleinthecityevent.co.uk or by telephone on 0871 230 7150. Prices start at £25 per day and reach £65 per platinum pass.

US Vogue editor Anna Wintour looks set to take a fall from a very big height if The Devil Wears Prada’s book predictions are anything to go by: and by the looks of things, they are.

Rumours of Wintour’s retirement have been rife lately, further fuelled by her refusal to comment on the subject. Having spent 20 years at the top of her game with the publication, she has worked hard to maintain the magazines reputation as one of the most noted fashion bibles in the world.

Her shoes would be large ones to fill and the excitable buzz on the inside is that French Vogue editor Carine Roitfeld may be the one to step up to the challenge.

With Conde Nast’s main man Si taking early leave for his regular annual holiday, major decisions seem likely to take place, although he has publicly dismissed the appointment of Roitfeld as, “…the silliest rumor I ever heard.”

The question on everyone’s lips however, is could we really imagine anyone else but the notorious Anna Wintour, the very lady who can make or break a designers career, as editor of the most influential fashion publication in the world?

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