How to stay Fringe fabulous

Every year, packing for Edinburgh begins in mid-July. Lined up are a veritable rainbow of at least 15 pairs of peep-toe pin-up heels, 1950s petticoats and a pile of pencil skirts. After some inevitable soul searching, the shoes are narrowed to 12 pairs; after all, does a girl really need 15 pairs of four-inch heels for Edinburgh, a city built onto the side of a rather steep slope with enough hills, valleys, cobbles, steps and slopes to keep the most enthusiastic mountaineer happy?

Edinburgh 2008 was famously wet. It poured almost incessantly for three weeks, and after the Festival it took about three weeks to dry everything out completely. There were many casualties, and some very dear friends bought it. One particular casualty was a pair of very pretty red suede peep-toe heels, with pom-poms on the front. That was the year when my street show costume was a red and black corset with matching tutu skirt. Perfect for summer festivals when the balmy breezes caress the naked skin, not so wonderful when it is 15 degrees and pouring with rain. On the bright side, there followed an acquaintance with just the most adorable ‘Edwardian meets the Addams Family’ red umbrella. So at least I looked cute in the torrential downpours, and managed to avoid the unenviable drowned rat look.

Edinburgh 2009: the year that I forgot my coat. Boy was it chilly. I wonder whether I subconsciously forgot the coats on purpose, as a quick dash to vintage heaven, Armstrong's, introduced me to a divine camel coat. Very 1940s French Resistance. I only spent 12 days at the Fringe and by the time I left I had sore feet but was one coat and one pair of delicious shoes (fabulous Iron Fist Zombie Stompers from Electric Cabaret) better off.

So here we are again. How does one stay Fringe Glamorous in 2010? For a start, I am fully equipped with some Red Vivienne Westwood and Melissa galoshes. They introduce a real Singing in the Rain glamour to any outfit. Coming to just above your ankle, this quirky little boot is made of 100% PVC, featuring an almond-shaped toe and a mini heel. The exquisite PVC bow on front adds a pretty, feminine twist to your common garden welly. So when splashing around Edinburgh puddles this year, there is no excuse not to be doing it with perfectly dry feet. I’m going to be sporting mine with my red umbrella and my Armstrong’s camel coat.

So I’m here and another shoe edit was in order. I made it to ten this year.