I mentioned that I had been running around the West End last week, not only to do research for you my lovely readers, but to attend 3 meetings in various locations that saw me catch the 11.30 pm train back home. I needed to dress up, so no jeans and comfy boots, but the dress I chose (my favourite Vivienne W – a dress I love that truly loves me back) could not be worn with a flat shoe. I’ve already regaled you with the blue plaster story and lessons had been learned on that score, so I fell back on some standby’s – a high heeled pair of grey courts, at least 3 years old, purchased from Matalan at the bank busting price of £9.99. Do you know that I got stopped 3 times that day, once by a very chic lady in Harrods, to compliment me on my shoes! Forget the designer dress, the shoes got the prize. So never discount the discount stores. It may well have been the combination of expensive designer mixed with the cheaper purchase, who knows, but it worked. Matalan are also ahead of the Autumn/Winter trends with their introduction of  houndstooth checks. Check out (sorry) their new winter coats – fabulous.