Can A Woman Really Fake It?

As you are reading a post from Carrie Bradshaw's Closet and not the lastest issue of Cosmo, you won't be surprised (although you may be disappointed) to learn that the title does not refer to orgasms. We think Meg Ryan made the case for womankind in When Harry Met Sally when it comes to that rather sensitive question. What we're more concerned with is whether or not you can easily and cheaply fake a designer look without being found out.

A few blogs ago (Something Old, Something New, Something Borrowed, Something Blue) we were lamenting the fact that the deal breaking Manolo Blahniks in the Sex and the City Movie cost many a pretty penny. And in these hard times, it's unlikely you're going to break the bank for a pair of shoes, even a pair as beautiful as those. This got us thinking, why not just create a replica pair? There are currently some very cheap blue satin shoes, complete with pointed toe, selling on ebay. Handily you can also buy some suitably shimmering diamante buttons to stick or sew (depending on how much attention you paid during textiles lessons) onto your new pair of shoes. The result? A pair of shoes that look the real deal but actually cost you under £25!

We suspect that in these hard times the ability to customise clothes and shoes is going to be the way forward. The pros of this little venture are that whilst you're customising the clothes you already have you're not out buying new ones and racking up major credit card debt, when you're finished you'll have a one-of-a-kind item and you can get replica designer wear at a fraction of the original price. The cons - it's going to take you a little bit of time and effort.

For those of you who really can't face picking up a needle or a bottle of superglue, you can still fake it but you will be doomed to spend your Saturday afternoons trawling the jumble-sale likes of TK Maxx and Matalan Discount Stores. There's nothing wrong with their products but it will probably take you an age to find what you're looking for!

Because we're nice, we've found the perfect item to start off your faking-it collection. This gorgeous quilted white bag from Dorothy Perkins screams Chanel and even comes with a designer look gold chain strap. It will only set you back 12.00 and will look a million dollars. Besides a man who means what he says and a free shopping spree at Prada what more could a girl want?

Something Old, Something New, Something Borrowed, Something Blue

Royal blue is a massive colour on the high street and on the catwalks at the moment. Needless to say this did not go unnoticed by Miss Bradshaw. Those deal clinching Manolo Blahniks from the Sex and the City Movie have inspired an army of followers to go in search of their own something blue. Of course not all of us can afford the $945 for the actual pair from the movie (yes that's right Carrie lied about them being $525, but haven't we all downplayed the cost of shoes at some point in our lives?). For all those recessionistas out there we've hunted out some stunning high street alternatives to help you work that timeless Sex and the City chic without having to take out a bank loan.

First on the list has to be this gorgeous pair of heels from fashion savvy retailers New Look. Granted they are patent leather rather than satin and they don't have the diamante detail but at £20.00 they're the most pocket friendly way of paying homage to that gorgeous pair of Manolos Big uses to seal the deal with Carrie.

Set off the outfit by teaming it with this fantastic patent royal blue clutch. Available from ebay seller Renubags for a measley £9.99 it will put the finishing touch to any jeans based or black trouser outfit. In a world of marriage fearing men you'll probably be glad to hear that you don't have to be tying the knot with anyone special to sport something new and blue so why not be bold with your accessorising and show the world that feeling blue is no longer something to be sad about?

It's a Jungle Out There

When Carrie strutted her stuff in that gorgeous pair of Manolo Blahnik zebra print shoes we all sat and sighed on our sofas, lustfully wishing we could pull off a look like that. Well animal prints are massive on the high street this winter, particularly leopard print so it's time to give it a go. Yes the the torch has passed from the TV screen to the street scene but if you want to get this look working for you you need to forget the tacky splendour of Bette Lynch. In 2008 this look is all about subtlety.

I've seen quite a few girls on the tube getting it totally wrong and teaming a leopard print top with a leopard print coat and leopord print trousers...and maybe even a leopard print bag too. Ladies...it's all just a bit too much. Generally speaking you should not be wearing more than one item of leopard print clothing and you should definitely not be mixing animal prints by wearing giraffe, zebra and leopard all it once. Subtlety...remember?

If you just want a hint of leopard print simply use it when you accessorize. This beautiful hair band from asos (above) merges animal prints and cutesy bows. It now costs just £2.00 making it a definitive item for winter 2008. If you're feeling a little bit bolder opt for this sleek and chic leopard print tunic (right) also available from asos at the bargain price of £25.00. It will look great over black trousers or leggings, or teamed with your favourite jeans down the pub on a Friday night.

If you want to step up the amount of leopard print you're wearing without over doing it, opt for a pair of leopard print shoes. Because they are on your feet they are less noticeable which stops the look from being too overbearing. These adorable leopard print ballet pumps, complete with a little black bow, are built for both comfort and style and are available from New Look for just £20.00. The bottom line is to have fun taking a walk on the wild side but to also keep in mind that simple is always stylish.