The one thing I cannot master

Shoes to wear in the Winter with a dress - for the evening. 

Ok so that's not entirely true - I do have a trusty (read old) pair of Zara suede ankle boots which, for the past FIVE years, I have been saying I must replace.  They are perfect, well they are nearly perfect.  They're too high.  And it's not so much the verging on tranny territory that bothers me.  Alas no, I drink way too much to let that bother me after the first five minutes of being out. 

No, it's a sad fact I've had to come to terms with but it's Old Age that is the problem here.  Not my height, or the shoes, no it's my knees.  And my feet.  And my back.  Oh god I want to sob writing this - it's all catching up with me. 

I know people said "ooh everything starts falling apart at 40".   They were telling the truth.  Not only can I have one Big Mac Meal and put on half a stone (actually I don't have Big Mac Meals, I am a Big Tasty convert.  The fact they have double the calories of a BM, oh and I always super size it, is perhaps more the issue), I can't drink on two nights in a row anymore and I can't stand up in a bar for longer than an hour without wanting to cry. 

If I wear vertiginous heels, my knees honestly feel like they're going to give way.  

So rant over - I'm not going to get maudlin about this.  When the going gets tough, the tough go shoe shopping. 

Except that I've been trying to do this for the last number of years and have failed miserably (hence I keep knackering my joints by wearing those ridiculous shoes)  

I thought I'd mastered it last year with some from John Lewis but they weren't quite right.  Ditto the ones from Mint Velvet which I *may* have bought and returned x 3.  (honestly - embarrassing or what?)  In fact, they were in the sale for about £40 and even then I didn't get them as they were Not Right. 

So...................................... What am I looking for?  Well.  The issue I have with dressy dresses is that there is a fine line between dressed for a wedding and just a casual dressy (you know what I mean) night out.  And if I dig deep and am truly honest - I don't want to feel too grown up. 

Saying that at the ripe old age of 41 is clearly ridiculous.  Not even faintly ridiculous - it's well and truly moronic. 

But I've put it out there now and with dainty heels and a dress, I feel like a frumpy mum.  In my head I'm not 41, I'm still 28.

And then of course, I have the mutton issue..... Oh look, talking myself round in circles here, let's see if there are any other there that will finally fit the bill. 

Shoes that aren't too ladylike.  Something with a bit of "edge" to them (typed with my poncey hat on yes).  Not an ankle boot, not even necessarily a shoot.  Normally I'd say suede as I think leather in something more substantial can look too heavy.  To go with a dress, even a skirt and top, for a Christmas night out, dinner party, Christmas Day.  Clear as mud eh?

I have been putting this off (procrastinator, moi?) but the other day I saw these on the Wallis website and thought - hell they could work.  They are the perfect balance to me of shoe and boot.

Black Leather Asymmetric Cut Shoe Boot was £95 now £85.50






I also spied these on the Wallis site which would do a great job of livening up a plain little black dress and would also be fab with jeans or trousers. 

Black Glitter Buckle Shoe Boots was £39.50 now £35.55



At Mint Velvet they do have some this season - I adore the styling here, as you can see they work so well for during the day as well as purely for evening wear. 

Black Lenni Blocked Boot from Mint Velvet £129




These are perhaps more bootie than I'm now veering towards but they are a bargain and not as vertiginous as some. 

Black Junette by Nine West was £125 now £39



However these are top of my list and I've ordered them after trying them on instore today and finding only THREE pairs left in black - in titchy tiny Cinderella sizes or at the other end of the spectrum.   Nothing like everything been sold out to ensure that I HAVE to have it. Duh. 

I have had these on before but did I heed my own advice and buy them?  Did I heck as like and now I have to shoehorn my foot into a 6 (I did try it on today...) as opposed to a 6.5. (this isn't going to end well, is it...?)

Suede Elasticated Autograph boot £59.00  BUT there is a 20% off Discount at M&S (yes again..) with the code OCT14EM (usable as often as you like) OFF EVERYTHING! 


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If you're not after a pointed toe then these are perhaps more wearable - again a good heel height, ideal for both trousers and dresses. 



Lower again with a bit of texture detail on the heel. 


If you like the mock croc heel there is a higher (much higher) pair from ASOS. 



Another stunning high pair from Dune - these are simply divine but alas, I fear too high for me. (oh dear lord I sound ancient)





At ASOS there are also these Ted Baker ones which are a work of art to be honest.  Not cheap but good art is never cheap.... And they're not too high.  




I am determined not to overthink this.  (famous last words.....)  But it's something I'm never happy with, so I'm just going to order the M&S ones and be done with it.  Now here's hoping they arrive for Saturday for my Christening... GAH!  Anyone else still looking for a pair of shoes for nights out or have you mastered it years ago?

Outfit from yesterday - this is pre my quick change into my "watching cross country gear". I may have news on the warm weather front.  I have done my research, I may have a winner......  I will be back....

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White jersey layering shirt - Me+Em
Black thin knit jumper - Cos
Black Tuxedo jacket - Hush
Patch skinnies - Mango
Leopard print loafers - Zara

And today - another inbetweeny outfit.  I am loving the navy.


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Navy merino jumper - Uniqlo
Navy dress coat - H&M
White leather tennis shoes - Zara
Print trousers - Zara
Camel bag - Prada

Today I had a lovely lunch with a gorgeous friend and a fantastic mooch around the shops.  And I may have managed to tick off another item on my list of obsessives.... From a shop that I don't normally shop in.  I have done definitely, but I can't think of one thing I own from there.  However I did a big trying on session of things that caught my eye and there are some goodies and some baddies.  Guess which shop?!  I'll give you a clue - it's a pretty cheap treat - what's not to love?

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CONVERSATION

38 comentarios:

  1. I bet you've been eyeing up Primarni ?

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    1. Alas no, there isn't one near us. Although I'm not sure actually if this shop is "that" much more expensive... I definitely am WAY overdue a Primarni visit, it has to be said.

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  2. Some great choices there but if I had to choose one pair, the first ones from Wallis would be my ideal eveningy pair. However, I've also found my heel heights getting lower as it's my back that can't cope with really high shoes anymore *sobs* :( x

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    1. oh thank the lord it's not just me! That's why the m&S ones look so great I reckon x

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  3. I hear you Kat, last time I wore heals (chunky) for a prolonged period of time my sciatica was a right mare! I don't even look at high stillettos these days. I hate being 40! Not fair. The mind and body are at loggerheads. I love the Mint Velvet ones, not tooooooo narrow a heal. Is the shop peacocks?

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    1. They do look better don't they but alas i've discovered for me it's the not the shape of the heel it is the height. I can't do the angle anymore. SOB. And noooo the shop isn't Peacocks!

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    2. Kat I think I'm kidding myself - I have t accept my days of heals are long gone - boooooo. Heals can ruin a night out - fact!

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  4. Didn't you buy some black encrusted stiletto boots from Zara just a few months ago- with just this look in mind? Not seen you in them yet - or did they go back?????????

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    1. sorry, it may have been Mango?..........

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    2. I DID!!!!!!! black with tiny silver studs all over them. They're gorgeous but WHY exactly did I buy them? No I didn't take them back - normally I'm excellent at doing that - totally forgot to. I am a frickign moron. THey are the perfect example of impulse buying not working. I WILL wear them though... They're probably better with trousers. EEJIT

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  5. http://cdn2.next.co.uk/COMMON/Items/Default/Default/Publications/X54/shotview-315x472/16/674-469-X54s.jpg

    I think these next mules are gorg going out shoes, sadly sold out on line

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    1. Found them! They're fab but I'd worry about walking out of them with tights on, after a couple of drinks....!

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  6. Sorry link wont work, ponyskin mules if you can be bothered to look them up

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  7. I've got these - more purply though, very comfortable and they come higher - they used to have a discount shop in brighton thats closed now.
    http://www.unitednude.com/fold-mid-rave-elastic-1473

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    1. Wow! They're statement shoes! Great heel height - love the shape x

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  8. When it comes to McD's you have to go supersize, or go home! It is, alas, true that one's arse also tends to go supersize at a much faster rate nowadays!

    I have the cheap knock-off version of those Dune heels - they were £19.99 in the sale from New Look - and yes they are way too high. I resorted to my Havs for the walk home after a recent night out in them! I do love that first Wallis pair, though. They are gorgeous. Almost worth the pain!

    Becky x

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    1. The Wallis ones look ace don't they and I'm so so pleased that someone else is on my Supersize wavelength...!

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  9. Another vote for peacocks being mystery store.

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  10. Haha! I've never been good at heels, but now, despite years of sensible shoes my feet rebel if the shoes are too pointy or too narrow. Grrr.

    I definitely look better in shoes/boots that make some statement. I feel less frumpy. Love suede too. Be interested to see what you buy.

    tanya

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    1. Definitely suede and a shoot -totally agree. I've ordered the M&S ones - hope they're not too pointy for you x

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  11. Ok, I feel your pain (quite literally) in my 50s and plagued with sciatica. The same evening shoe problem. Bought m&S leopard flats, look fairly funky. Constantly looking for inspiration!

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    1. OOH I found some fabulous evening flats at the shop I'm looking at today - will let you know when it goes live x

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  12. Hmm I'm not sure this one can be used in store as it was emailed to me but I do think there are paper ones flying around that you can use. And yes, that's EXACTLY what I do with regards to buying not buying buying not buying. All. The. Time.

    Knee high boots - yes they are in apparently - I can't say any more evidence of them being any more popular than your average year - I'd go so far as to say I don't think they've ever been out of fashion!

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  13. Oh you are such a tease!! Is it Matalan?
    Also - you mentioned you bought something in TkMaxx a couple of posts back but never confessed what it actually was. You didn't think nobody would remind you about it, did you? :)
    Love your blog, Irina x

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    1. NO, it was New Look - next blog post along! AHA you're right, Eagle Eye Cherry, I did indeed, I have actually worn it (did you spot it.....) but I will do a post on them as they're a fab idea. x

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  14. New Look? Hmmm I don't really know of any other cheap shops, ha ha! (OK - Sports Direct? Shudder!!! I only go for running leggings)

    I don't/can't do heels - combination of short-arsed husband and knackered running ankles, lol!

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  15. PS Also voting for the M&S ones! Fab look, great price. Fingers crossed they are comfy too. Thanks for the code btw, was waiting for one to order a couple of items (including culottes which I have extremely high hopes for!).
    Good luck with making the right choice on the shoe front and everything else! Irina x

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    1. Still waiting for them to arrive in store - next day delivery my eye x

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  16. Hi Kat, good choice on the M+S ones. I have them myself and they are great. They are actually comfortable (hurrah, I'm 42 so I identify with what you are saying about some heels just suddenly being waaaaay too high!). I have worn the M+S ones with both black skinny jeans and with dresses and they work really well with either. Think you'll be happy with them.

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    1. I might be more happier with them if I'd managed to get them in the right size...!!

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  17. I'm a bit late to the party but I brought these from Clarks recently and are perfect with dresses as skinny at the heel and yet really comfy, and not too high, but high enough to make me feel good - http://www.clarks.co.uk/p/26105205. Not a Clarks gal at all but they are my fave shoes at mo. And they come in plain black too xx

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    1. LOVE them - my fave choice would be the leopard print ones - they are gorgeous. Fab find. x

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  18. I love the M&S ruched ones. Gorgeous. I have a similar pair from Dorothy Perkins from last year... Is that the mystery shop? I struggle with footwear with dresses in the winter months bi always find I can get away with an ankle boot or a knee high boot but when I wear shoes I always feel frumpy and like I'm off to a wedding. I think it's the tights that do it... Lynne x

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    1. Nearly, it's New Look! I agree tights are a thorny issue but I think "bare tights" are ok. She says not having any that are any good.....

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