I think I'm just going to (try) and be pretty direct off the bat. I'm a bit confused because you read that your never supposed to make it totally obvious your interested in someone or comment on their physical appearance.

I'm wondering if straight from the word go if I just tell them I like their dress/hand bag/I think they look hot and just be straight up forward it might be easier. Its probably a lot more risky.......but it saves faffing about pretending to be friends etc.

Might even come across as more genuine as starting off being friendly & trying to shape things the other way. At least the girl is under no illusions right form the start what my intentions are. Might be a good thing; some women maybe like a guy who is straight up and doesn't hide his intentions.