0 Online shopping doesn't count.

At least, I hope it doesn't because I'm currently getting at least three packages a week. Today, my impulse purchases from ASOS arrived - they were offering me free next day delivery, how could I refuse? I've invested in these lovely hair combs, for when my hair is longer and less crazy scientisty.

The one on the left will make me look like I have little birds flying out of my hair (always a bonus), and the one on the right is so Art Deco I couldn't resist.

I also bought the Lomo Diana F camera, twice, at ridiculously cheap prices.

Diana F+ Quing Hua                                           Diana F+ Daybreak

Both cameras should have cost me at least £139, but thanks to eBay and the Urban Outfitters sale, I paid £68. The Quing Hua even had a roll of film in it, so that should be interesting.

I'm quite glad I bought these cameras now, as it is Birmingham's Clothes Show Live next week! I'm going on the 7th, the last day, platinum tickets, as I've done every year for, oooh, almost ten years, and its made me reminisce a bit about previous shows.

My favourite show is a difficult one to choose; the gumboot-dancing builders, the ethereal woman in a globe drifting across the stage, or the dress that was so long a platform in the catwalk had to raise the model high above us. I love the suspicious and random goody bags that have included everything from washing powder and elderflower juice to blue velvet thongs and 'personal topiary' kits.

I like that its a show, and it rarely disappoints, but alongside all the brilliance there have been some failures.

For some reason, Peaches Geldof was asked to host the catwalk sow - she stumbled through it, reading the names of the (admittedly dubious) celebrities off her hand, and then literally stumbled when the lights were turned out to start the show. I vividly remember Dave Berry just stepping over her and walking off. The theme last year was a bit shaky too, with the completely obvious choice of 'Christmas'.

When you hold a fashion show every year at the same time, just before Christmas, at no point should you consider Christmas to be a valid theme. It isn't even a style of dress, really.

The stalls themselves are usually wonderful, showcasing brands I never would have heard of, had I not seen them at the Clothes Show; Buddhist Punk, Lulu + Red, Religion, and a wide variety of vintage and student brands. There's bargains aplenty, especially on the last day when a lot of haggling goes on.

As the popularity of the Clothes Show, there have been stalls turning up who haven't really got the hang of it yet; they consider themselves to be brilliantly cool and popular for getting in and aren't we lucky they're letting us buy their clothes? The worst thing a seller has ever said to me?

"You know, I could take this back to my shop and sell it for twice the price!"

So I agreed, put down my purchases, and walked off. They weren't a brand, and I can't remember who they are, but I remember the product, the person, and the bad experience. One sentence I was enough to make me never want to shop with them again. Its a shame, because the whole point of this show is to introduce your brand to the public, to make deals and build relationships. This stall was overpriced, unwilling to haggle, and considered the Clothes Show to be a boutique rather than a marketing opportunity. Lame.

I'm looking forward to it this year, and am hoping its a return to the old days of the fashion show. If the theme is Christmas, I'll be so disappointed.