Category Archives: shoes

A fool-proof guide to winter footwear*

30th October 2018

(Photo by Raphael Nast on Unsplash)

Do you ever find yourself a little overwhelmed by all the shoes in your wardrobe? And is it still a struggle to find the right pair for every occasion? To make your footwear decisions as easy as possible this winter take a look at this handy guide. It showcases a handpicked selection of the latest trends – so you can step out stress-free all season. 
Renew your runners

Picking up a new pair of trainers doesn’t sound like the most exciting addition to your wardrobe, but with this season’s vibrant, retro-inspired designs they are sure to add a well needed injection of colour into your look. When it comes to these chunky trainers it’s the brighter the better. Check out the Gucci men’s clothing sale for the latest must-have sneakers. 

Hiking with a twist

The trekking trend is taking over after appearing on catwalks at Gucci and Chloe, making it a day wear must for autumn/winter 2018. It means bulky hiking boots with even bigger soles. Designs are popping up everywhere in both suede and leather, and either look great with colourful laces for an additional splash of colour. 

The crepe effect 

Chelsea boots have long been a staple in every man’s wardrobe. This season, however, they are back with a twist. The usually sleek sole has been replaced with a crepe-effect rough edge adding a new and improved cool vibe to a classic. Pair with dark jeans and slim-fitting knitwear for an effortlessly stylish look.

Moccasins are in 

This season moccasins are the perfect go to shoe for any occasion. Opt for sleek modern leather or a traditional suede design teamed with fitted trousers and a simple white shirt to take you through to the spring months. An added plus is your moccasins will also come in handy if you’re planning on heading off for a bit of winter sun. 

Let the sole speak for itself

One of this season’s most eye-catching trends has to be the colourful and textured soles that made their way into lines at Prada and Adidas. While the look – which was seen on everything from trainers to loafers – may be vibrant, it’s actually pretty easy to master. Let the shoe shine and pair back the rest of your outfit by sticking to neutral hues above the ankle.

Keep it clean

There’s nothing like a pair of crisp white trainers to freshen up your look and this season clean sneakers were all over the catwalk. Think big and bulky teamed with a pair of ankle-length or cropped trousers to ensure they don’t go unnoticed. It’s all about being box-fresh so try to stay clear of off-road activities once you’ve invested in a pair.

Swap sliders for high tops

The summer is officially over so it’s time to keep those feet warm and out of sight. Swap your summer sliders or mules for a pair of toasty high tops. You can even add an on trend tube sock for extra comfort.

Posted in fashion, shoes, trends

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My 9-5 Style

13th April 2018

Ok, so I don’t know where the last week has gone but I want my time back! Every time I thought I’d get a minute to sit down and blog something got in the way and at one point I’d convinced myself I had already written and published this post!

Now I’m working 9-5 it’s been harder and harder to get motivated to do any outfit photos, all of my favourite, casual outfits barely see the light of day, and with one exception there’s not much in my work wardrobe that I want to be showing off- and by the time I get home from work I’m usually do dishevelled that it’s not worth photographing. I did finally get my bum in gear though and took this outfit with me to a weekend at Bob’s purely for photo purposes- it ties in nicely with how I’ve been wearing my Zadig & Voltaire watch I featured the other week and whilst my working wardrobe is still a work in progress, this is the kind of style I’d ideally be sporting every day.

Shirt: Monki | Trousers: Monki : Boots: Banana Republic | Ring and Watch c/o watchshop.com

Monki wasn’t the first shop that sprang to mind when I thought about work wear, but on a shopping trip for some weekend clothes (jeans, mission aborted) I ended up grabbing two of these shirts and these trousers instead. I’m not really a shirt or blouse person but these hang so nicely, and are a great length- I got two in the end, this one and a black and white pinstripe one and I highly recommend them. The trousers were very reasonable at £30 and fit like a dream. I love culottes, prefer them over full length trousers to be honest as I can never quite find the right length in not cropped styles. I’m definitely going back for a black pair as well, they are hugely flattering, and whilst I’m not a trouser person these days due to ever expanding waist line these don’t make me feel anything other than a little bit smart and refined.

Sadly since taking these photos my beloved Banana Republic boots have died a tragic death and are no longer in circulation. I’m yet to find the perfect pair to replace them- this is not the time of year to find yourself in the market for a new pair of boots- if anyone has seen any that may bridge the gap do let me know…

I’m constantly seeking inspiration for my work wardrobe these days as I spend the majority of my life there so I would love to know where everyone shops and what styles they are loving at the moment.

That said, I have a week off next week and I am hugely looking forward to breaking in to denim dresses and trainers and kicking back for a while.

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Posted in brands I love, fashion, lifestyle, outfits, personal style, shoes, shopping

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Puma X Hello Kitty – a match made in trainer heaven

01st March 2018
I’m not the kind of person who usually goes for celebrity or designer collaborations- generally I find them over-hyped and over-priced, and I can count on one hand the number of times I have genuinely wanted to own an item. However, the second the Puma X Hello Kitty collaboration found it’s way on to my radar I knew that this time I’d have to cave in- I’ve gone from the kind of girl who only ever wore trainers for exercise (a rare event in itself) to the kind of girl who wishes they were also acceptable as work shoes, therefore creating an absolute need for new sneaks complete with cult cartoon character, naturally. As the launch date for this collection loomed I found myself juggling finances and counting down to when I could make a pair mine- and launch day itself? There was much tension, I had to wait until I got home from work to place my order, by which time most places had already sold out of the sneakers. Thankfully ASOS had my back, with a pair left in my size. A little bit pathetic to get so excited over a cartoon cat and a pair of trainers? Maybe. But every once in a while you just have to go with your childish urges and need for casual comfort.
I’m really not an impulse purchase kind of girl- especially when it comes to things I don’t really “need”. I did worry that buyers remorse would kick in when the trainers arrived, but thankfully, when the cheerful red and white box arrived with it’s contents exceeding all expectations such fears vanished.

Trainers: Puma X Hello Kitty | Denim Shirt Dress: Zara

The attention to detail on these shoes is amazing, from the printed soles to the gold tipped laces. I did wonder how versatile I’d find a pair of red suede trainers, but having tried them on with this recently acquired Zara shirt dress and a pair of black opaques I’m fairly reassured that they’ll work with many a combination. This might not be the most fashion forward or considered outfit I’ve shown on the blog but a) this post is all about them shoes and b) it’s an accurate representation of how bothered I can be most weekends…

The collection came out a couple of weeks ago now and has pretty much sold out everywhere, I did notice Office Shoes (aff link) still have a couple of sizes in stock, and places like ASOS have the sweat pants and backpack still.

Did anyone else fall hard for this collaboration? It’ll probably be another decade at least until I get caught up in such hysteria again, until then you’ll find me happily stomping around in my red suede sneakers (although there is a part of me that wants to keep them box fresh and never worn, any one else get this?)

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Posted in fashion, outfits, personal style, shoes, shopping

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The Pink Pumas

31st July 2017
I’ve gone from wanting to collect all the pretty high heeled shoes in the world to being completely obsessed with trainers. I’ve built up quite the little collection and seem to live in them outside of work, but that doesn’t particularly justify why I felt the need to buy another pair a couple of weeks ago…my defence is simple, they were calling out to me (and on sale). It just had to be.

Dress: Pull&Bear (here) | Trainers (here)

Literally the day after I ordered these trainers they went back to full price, but hands down I’d pay it. They attracted a lot of attention on Instagram when I posted them and a few people wanted to know what the platform is like. In a word, subtle. The sole is a bit thicker than your average trainer but not obscenely so- the perfect hybrid trainer/platform in my eyes and they are so damn comfortable too.

This whole outfit/hair style combo feels a little bit 1990s to me. I never thought I liked the choker neck trend but since picking up this dress a month or so ago I might be converted. It was a bargain in pull&bear at £12.99 and it’s made in a really stretchy jersey so the neck doesn’t feel restrictive. I was a bit concerned I might feel too exposed- as I’ve explained before I’m not at my most body confident right now, but it drapes in the right places and actually manages to be vaguely flattering.

And body confidence does remain a big issue and a lot of the time it’s a real effort to wear anything but my baggiest clothes. Not that they are so baggy any more. Things are starting to fit me again, a blessing and a curse. Great I can suddenly wear half my wardrobe once more, a curse because it makes anorexia turn my brain in to even more of a battleground therefore taking a whole lot more energy and determination to power through. But there’s always a nap for that. I find naps are a great healer.

Despite this I’ve felt hugely positive lately, in a way I really haven’t before. Life suddenly feels exciting- I don’t want to be governed by my insecurities and control issues any more. There’s so much that I want to do an experience and there’s nothing going to get in the way of me doing that anymore. I’ve been my own worst enemy for half of my life, it’s about time I let this go. For good.

(Accidental tangent there, oops!)

Back on track- what do you think of this outfit? Anybody else a complete trainer fiend?

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Posted in fashion, lifestyle, outfits, personal style, recovery, shoes, shopping

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Dressing up flats: a guide*

16th July 2017
Whilst heeled shoes are well known for being glamourous, formal and stylish, comfort however isn’t something we would associate with our favourite party shoes. We have probably all sworn never to wear them again, but along comes the next big night out and your favourite stilettos come out to play again. Can flat shoes ever be stylish enough for a big night out?
With brands such as Melissa shoes hitting the footwear market by storm it appears comfort might finally be at the forefront of designer’s minds. Daniel Footwear investigates:

(shoes from a selection at Daniel Footwear)

Formal flats: backless loafers
Whilst they look good, your office heels aren’t the most comfortable shoes you own. If you’re looking for a stylish alternative then take a break and opt for a pair of backless loafers. A great choice that rids you of blisters and discomfort whilst still oozing formality. Originally made popular by Gucci, other brands have since replicated the trend making the loafer one of this season’s must-haves. Choose a black pair and wear with plain-coloured culottes and a chic sleeveless blouse.
You can call them an investment as you can also wear them as part of your off-duty style — a light-coloured loafer works great with loose-fitting, light wash ripped jeans and slouchy t-shirt. Bring the look together with a chic tailored blazer for a look that successfully bridges the gap between smart and casual.

Glamourous flats: embellished sandals
Say hello to embellished sandals! A summer must-have that adds glitz and glamour to any outfit. Many A-listers have walked the red carpet in their sparkly flats. The worst thing about them is that they can only be worn in the summer — step out in them in the winter and prepare for some strange looks and exceptionally cold toes!
Whether you are on vacation or just at your local beer garden they’re perfect for channelling that beach-to-bar look. Keep the rest of your outfit formal or smart-casual at the very least — wearing them with jeans is too casual for a night out with friends. Instead, choose feminine dresses and skirts in cool colours and delicate prints.

Stylish flats: the pointed flat
Ballet flats are our forever friends – a pair of shoes that have been life savers for years now. From work to play, is there anything this super-versatile shoe can’t do?
It’s time to step it up a notch. The pointed pump is the ideal choice for a night out as it is not just comfortable — it’s this season’s must-have shape. For extra evening glamour choose an embellished or lace-up pair to add detail to your look.

I’m a big advocate of flat shoes for any occasion- I can’t even remember the last time I wore heels to work and I always get instant regret if I venture out for the night in a pair. Whilst personally I’m not a fan of the backless loafer on me (how other people pull it off I don’t know) a pair of pointed ballet flats are high on my wish list!

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