Once more unto the sneaker breach, dear friends, once more

Taking a small break from 70's boho and am back to an old obsession.  Sneakers.  

Can I please start by saying that I have learnt my lesson and shall be sticking with what I know - at the very least, a style that I'm comfortable with.  Which means the New Balance and the likes are not going to happen.  I shall be keeping them for dog walking shoes (more of that soon.... we're on "pray a certain dog is pregnant" watch in our house....)  

But I am a total convert to the white leather sneaker style ones - yes the originals are probably the adidas Stan Smiths, however I came over all Aquarian and decided to get the non branded Zara leather ones.  Why?  I don't know.  Maybe it's because I was slightly scared after my foray into branded sneakers with the New Balance experience which were an unmitigated disaster.  Maybe it's because I was worried about them looking mutton on a 41 yr old (as I was then) auld lady. (like the non branded pair were then suddenly fine?  Obviously no rhyme and zero reason in that theory).  Maybe it's because I'm a bolshy old cow (fact. Even though I do think my star sign has some accounting for that) and wanted to be "different" (boak) so went down the non branded route.  Maybe it was just that perennial favourite - time of the month. 

Whatever it was, I have absolutely adored my white Zara leather sneakers/trainers/shoe thingies.  

And therefore I nearly salivated with excitement (I'd love to say this was an exaggeration but as I flick through the magazines of fringe upon fringe and dungaree misery - will explore these in more detail over the coming weeks, those trends that I just won't be doing.  I say.... and then can't get enough of come May) when I saw this pic in Red. 

Too.  Much.  Perfectness.  Clearly I have to channel (polite way of saying copy) this entire look and I will say I was quite taken by the slightly chunkier soled sneakers.  As I'm an absolute tool in this department, I had no idea whatsoever what they were.  Ok so I did recognise the Nike swoosh (I have small boys who have trainer obsessions - so long as you can buy it in Sports Direct, they can have them.  Full price, you have got to be kidding.  The Aspie 8yr old has decided that the old school Puma types are his favourite which I am ridiculously pleased with, seeing as all the other boys are dyed in the wool adidas and Nike fans - the 6yr old included)

For the record, I did think it was called a Nike tick and have just asked The Husband who has educated me with more than a hint of pity in his voice, that it's a swoosh....

So a little bit of research later and I've found them.  Love.  Ooh I really love them.  Soles are definitely heading in a heavier direction (I know this from my skater shoe love affair which is ongoing) and whilst I draw the line at brothel creepers, I'm quite liking these.  I'd need to try them on and I may well be losing the plot (feel free to yell nooooooooooooooooo) 

Nike Air Force 1 '07 Leather trainers £67






Other versions are in black - a variation on a theme I'm guessing, on the basis that they're called the same thing in principle.  (I am going to be that person - all the gear, no idea) 

Nike Air Force 1 Ultra Force Black and silver trainers £70




I did find other similar ones at Mango but I have to say I think I might prefer the actual Nike ones.  Ok - similar-ish....

Lace-up sneakers in white leather £44.99





Red did have an article on Must Have Sneakers - most of which in my, not remotely professional opinion, were fit for nothing but the gym, other than these, which I think are a thing of pure beauty.  Alas, I've only found them for sale at Net A Porter (figures) and they've sold out in my size.  If anyone can find them anywhere else, please do share. 

Blazer snake effect Nike leather sneakers £70


I did find them in the black though - these are rather like the Mango ones I tried to get which a) weren't leather and b) didn't fit at all.

Black and white Nike Premium Blazers £70



Personally I don't think these are worth the money but that's probably because I'm no expert in all things sneaker related.  But I will say that they are pretty darn fabulous (even though to me they don't look "that" different from the others... I appreciate that is probably blasphemous to all you pros out there but I am a mere beginner in the sneaker stakes) 

Bart Leather Trainers from Isabel Marant £260


Of course I can't not include the originals.  And having tried and tested the Zara ones which I LOVE, I might be prepared to trough the humble pie and potentially consider the originals.  However I fear I may be too late to join the original white crew (yeah right, I say that, give me a month or so till the Zara ones fall apart.  I will say though, for Zara, they have lasted amazingly well) 

However, call off the dogs on the navy numbers.  Main reason I've caved is the snakeskin detail at the back - well done you adidas - I'm sure the purists amongst us are gutted but the animal print magpies out there will adore these. 

adidas Stan Smith Shoes £65 



And whilst we're talking of animal print - would it be really wrong to get them in the black as well?  Leopard print.  What more can I say?

adidas Stan Smith in black £67



And actually (ok so the about turn took all of one pair of shoes) since you can get 15% off if you sign up to their website.  Just filled in mine and hopefully it will be in my inbox so that's me sorted for tomorrow.   Now all we need to do is get rid of this cold weather now.  There simply can't be any more snow, dear god, please no.

Except that I've just noticed these are exempt from all offers.  Puts that idea back on the shelf for the moment.   If I had to choose from the green, navy and red, I'd actually go for the red. 

adidas Stan Smith originals £67



I intend to splurge on the navy ones.  If anyone remembers, I did order the Navy Whistles ones which were too plimsoll looking, if that makes sense?  And they were just a bit bland (god what has happened to me).  I'm feeling the need for snake print...... 

So pic from yesterday - and I am beyond pleased with these jeans that I bought about five years ago and I don't think have ever worn.  I simply couldn't get any boots to work with them but the Newbury's from Rag & Bone are spot on.  The fact that I now don't have to buy any kick flare jeans (I may also have located about 4 other pairs of wide legged jeans from 7 yrs ago) which means I am definitely going to get the Lowland boots on Monday.  (definitely meaning definitely maybe...... oh you know me.  Little Miss Fickle)



Navy jumper - Zara
Indigo Jessie kick flare jeans - Topshop
Navy Newbury boots - Rag & Bone

So tomorrow morning I am up at the crack of dawn on a road trip to Southend for a rugby tournament.  All the glamour and then some.  At least I have warm clothes and can look forward to a roast dinner when we get back.