Lynne McCrossan: Sinful shopping has left me sole searching

After five-and-a-half months of walking the straight and narrow, I’ve fallen spectacularly from the wagon.

I have “shoe-sinned” not once, not twice, but three times – all in the space of a week.

I wish I was feeling more guilt for going back on a shoe pledge my partner set in place, but I don’t.

The arrival of 2009 had been a painful one when we realised the extent of my problem. After all, we counted 90 pairs of shoes and boots concealed around the flat.

A shoe cull commenced, which broke my heart, and I don’t think my tootsies really ever forgave me. Looking south at my smiling feet now makes the sinning feel sweet.

I’ve fallen foul of a fringe footwear fetish, convincing myself that because I have no shoes like these in my collection then I’m not cheating.

Plus, the credit in my PayPal account accommodated each purchase without money actually leaving my bank account, so it wasn’t like I was stealing Pampers off the baby’s bot to fund my filthy habit.

Like any good addict, I’ll tell myself anything to ease my conscience.

Fashion Insider

Harvey Nichols and the Scottish National Portrait Gallery are coming together for an exclusive fashion show to celebrate the imminent reopening of the newly-refurbished gallery. It will be a treat for your

eyes. Dust down your frocks

for Friday, November 25.

Tickets cost £25.