Fashion Frolics

Ruby Warrington writes on all things fashion

A girl loves a good pair of Glads (that's fashion-speak for 'Gladiator sandals' by the way). Unfortunately however, in my experience her guy most likely will not. "They're hideous," or so my husband Simon informs me.

I wonder what he'd make of Balenciaga's £650 'It' Glads. Named in Heat magazine as the shoe of summer '07, even I can see what he means. All that lumpy studding is off-puttingly reptilian - and this from the girl who recently fought the corner for Prada's silk turbans in the name of fashion.

Of course, Simon would prefer me to spend the summer teetering about in a pair of closed-toe stilettos, with little more than a half-inch of toe cleavage to get the air to my feet. But maybe that's just him, and there are men out there who prefer the flat, strappy, tree-hugger look. Somehow I doubt it, but that hasn't deterred me from investing in a gaggle of Glads this season.

My favourite pair are by Topshop, and come with a sprinkling of chunky rhinestones across the toes. I'm sure I'll still find an occasion for the stillies this summer too - but let's just say I won't be wearing them out of the house.

The first time I went out with my now husband Simon, I wore a maxi skirt. The date was great: he took me to a John Richmond fashion show (clever boy), and we were still downing Mojitos into the early hours.

By this point my inhibitions were fully missing-in-action, and I was gearing up for a snog. But it all ended with a chaste kiss on the cheek. Naturally, I blamed the maxi.

The next time I went for the sexy secretary look, in a stretch satin pencil skirt. Things were looking up - he couldn’t keep his eyes off my behind. But then he took me to Freedom, which is a gay bar.

I’d thought the pencil might at least have got me to first base, but once again we parted company fully clothed. Maybe Simon just liked me for my fashion tips. Gutted.

The third time he asked me out, I dressed for business in a pair of tailored black slacks. But wouldn’t you know, the trousers did the trick and he invited himself back to mine for a nightcap. It turns out he was just shy.

So men do like a girl who wears the trousers – especially if they’re of the bottom-hugging, hip-skimming variety. This season, check Topshop. Or Hermes, if he’s going to be footing the bill for dinner.