There are some pieces in my wardrobe that 100% don’t get enough love; this outfit represents that. I was actually looking for something else entirely when I re-found these boots and remembered how little I wear them, and this dress is one of my favourite ever purchases from one of my favourite ever brands. I’m still not over the loss of The WhitePepper from the virtual high-street, never have I coveted so many pieces from one shop, and it’s loss has scarred me to the same level as the loss of Tammy Girl from my adolescent life.

This outfit, and the rediscovery of these boots also made me realise how much I neglect my clothing choices a lot of the time these days, and how I especially neglect my footwear choices.
I used to have a vast (under-statement) collection of shoes and I wore and loved them all. Then I broke my foot and injured my back, and whilst I can now stand in heels (walking in them is another matter) without causing extreme discomfort I have fallen in to the habit of flat ankle boots for work, and the same boots or trainers out of work.

Clothing choice wise I used to not be afraid to stand out. My work wear and out of work wear represented my personality far more than my current rotation of outfits does. I put a lot of this down to being older now, now I’m in to my thirties I have an idea that perhaps I should blend in a bit more, dress less like I’m in my early twenties. That an a chronic loss of confidence mean my work wardrobe revolves around five key pieces, and despite owning many outfits for all manner of occasions, out of work I mostly end up in the same baggy dresses or, when feeling especially brave, a pair of jeans.

Am I too old to dress as I used to? I probably am for some of the crazy shit I used to put together, but I would like to get back to not caring so much, for allowing myself to stand out a little more and to actually feel confident in what I’m wearing, rather than drab and like I’ve given in.

Which high-street brands do you miss the most?

If there is one thing that has been consistent over my years of blogging then it’s my love of ankle boots. I wear them pretty much all year round and they are often the top of my wish list despite owning numerous pairs.

I was recently very kindly gifted a new pair from Rydale (this pair to be precise), a British brand founded on the love of the great outdoors.

These boots are everything my collection has been missing; Chelsea boot style, suede, the perfect autumnal colours and hands down the comfiest pair of shoes I have owned in a long time. I’ve been sporting them recently with little floaty dresses, but as we rapidly approach the cooler months of th year I can’t wait to team them with skinny denim and chunky knits.

At £60 I think these are an absolute steal- they are so high quality you just know they’re going to last. This particular style comes in two other colour ways too, and there are plenty more beautiful boots (and a whole lot more) on the Rydale website.

This is one pair of boots that certainly were made for walking, and I can’t wait to put them through their paces.