Today I watched Sex and the City for the billionth time. Every time I watch it I recite the lines and analyse the outfits and every time I see something new – something that wasn’t there before or something I haven’t noticed previously. Today it was a realisation. Carrie has bought a vintage ‘label-less’ dress for her wedding. She is confident with her purchase until a ‘label’ is thrust at her, and just like that her label-less dress is thrust to the back of the closest in favour of Vivienne Westwood couture. I’m not saying given the choice I would forgo Vivienne Westwood either, but Carrie forgot the reason why she bought the label-less vintage dress in the first place – simple and classic.

I am a bit of a label lover. What fashionista isn’t? I would love to live in a world where I can afford Prada, Burberry and Dior, but my salary doesn’t stretch that far. Some days it barely stretches to Target, but this is where ‘simple and classic’ are your keywords when shopping. For the most part, who knows what label you are wearing? I recently wore a Target dress to work, and was thrilled when someone who does know labels thought I was wearing Wayne Cooper.

And so to the point of today’s blog and the subject of sparkles. Sparkles of all kinds are going to be big this summer. Sequins, diamantes and metallics will be on every second lady and today I started to embrace this trend. Yes, I found my sparkle and I went label-less to do it.

The South Melbourne Market has become a bit of a treasure trove for me – I look forward to warmer weather where I can venture further to the Prahran and Queen Victoria Markets, but for now, South Melbourne provides plenty of inspiration for label-less fashion.

In a little boutique whose name is unknown, I today uncovered sequined ballet flats in silver and gold for $20 a pair. Among these shoes, there were others with bows (bows will also be massive this season), brilliant black pumps and end of season boots. All label-less, all cheap and all ready for you to take home today. I took home the silver flats, but I won’t lie when I considered getting both for that price.

These shoes are simple and classic – I could have paid up to $900 for the branded versions, but in a fashion world where the trends change from week to week (or at least season to season), $20 for the cheap and cheerful ones is not a big ask. And who is to know? (Besides all of you reading this now while I let you in on this little secret.)

So next time you are faced with the choice of a luxe label or label-less luxe, consider the latter and remember – simple and classic. It’ll be our little secret.