Gratuitous porn

of the shoe variety.  Is there any better?

So.

I am confused.  I'm not going to lie, this happens every season with such regularity it's verging on boring.  But I am the proverbial goldfish when it comes to this.  Each season I say I won't be in this position next season and every time, oh whoops here we are again.  

In a state of flux.  Too.  Much.  To.  Choose.  From.  Too many styles, too many different sorts of fashions, not enough time, money, wardrobe space or youth.  Which fashion tribe (cocky fashion phrase klaxon) am I going to join this S/S?

I had my head turned by the Charlie's Angels look and had my flares at the ready - Farah was going to be my middle name.  Then I was going a hog further and had thrown boho into the mix as well........ 

But then I tried the cheesecloth dresses on and, well it all went slightly belly up and I was ready to admit defeat.  However then (and I haven't blogged this yet....) I moved onto tops and that wasn't quite so bad....

This was before however, I lusted after the pics of Victoria Beckham and Gabrielle Alt in their khakis and all hell broke loose in my neatly ordered plan of things to buy for the S/S. 

So for the next couple of days I'm shelving it.  I'm not even looking at things I can actually buy. 

I am going full on gratuitous shoe porn.  A complete lust list which may seem bonkers but the idea is that we can find ones that we love and then hawk cheaper styles on the High Street.  Only mission is to not completely fall in love with a pair and then not be able to find them.  Let's just call this Fashion Russian Roulette. 

I have thrown myself at the mercy of the designers and have gone with a completely open mind and have just picked ones that I love.  With a wing and a prayer that I will be able to find similar, more affordable versions and not be haunted by something I can't have all Summer (oh we all know where this is going, don't we?)

I'm going to start with a style I do love and have worn for years.  Full on gladiator sandals. They are back with a vengeance this season (clearly I have been hovering on the edge of fashion for the last couple of seasons.  Oops) and there are some slightly different styles to choose from. 

Top of my list these.   Which (compared to some later on - brace yourself) aren't beyond the realms of affordability.  These would go with everything - they are Roman style but somehow manage to have a sleek, clean look to them.  One glass of wine too many on a Thursday night for me? (by the end of this blog, some of you will be yelling, oh dear lord yes, for sure)

Antigone Lace up sandals from Ancient Greek £150





If we're talking gladiator but don't want to go full on knee high (how you don't get leaky leg fat with the up to the knee versions, I do not know), then these from Chloe are my inspiration.   Admittedly if you do have shorter legs, these may come rather far up your leg and who wants muffin calf? 

Lace up Suede gladiator sandals £615 from Chloe





Again, could these by a minimalist gladiator?  

Etoile Amy wraparound leather sandals by Isabel Marant £270


Blow the budget with a Rockstud double gladiator sandal at Valentino £550




Also love this colourway which are *only* £435 




There's also the option of a slightly sturdier gladiator sandal, again at Isabel Marant.  I think for me though, I prefer the lighter, strappier (but not too strappy.... I am very wary of a butcher's tied leg of pork look as I have mentioned) glad look and like to reserve the chunk look for a slider. 

Justy leather sandals £500 (hell would have to freeze over before I paid this much for them as well...) from Isabel Marant 







More Marant, with studs this time - Johanna sandals £510




On the polar opposite though, I'm thinking I may go down the less is more route.....

McQ Alexander McQueen Erin leather sandals £320



These are simplicity at its best.  I can feel a zen like state of calm come over me just from looking at these.  I love these - not sure I £250 love them but will I be able to find ones that are as perfect?  I am going to give it a really good go.

Gato Leather Mules £250


And in black 




A bit of ruching, oh I love these.  I'm ignoring the price... they're on the "must find similar for a tenth of the price" list. 

Marsell Black Arsella leather flat sandals from Libertys £415





Staying with the less is more ethos, here we have a combo of both - on the minimalist side but with a hint of glad in the straps. 

Alvaro Ambra Leather Sandals £255



Slightly strappy at Sergio Rossi - we're still talking a cleaner cut look.

Bi-Colour PVC and leather sandals by Sergio Rossi £165







And at Rupert Sanderson I've got some buckles as well, but still very much paired back from anything too in your face.  

Rupert Sanderson Thira leather sandals £550






Moving from buckles to tassels at Isabel Marant.  I've seen these in Selfridges and I rather like them.  I don't at all like the price tag - am on a mission to find a cheaper option.  Tods had a great pair last year but tassels didn't really filter down to mere mortal affordability levels, so fingers crossed there will be some more around this season.  

Isabel Marant Etoile clay tasseled leather sandals £490



More fringing at Chloe - Cherry Blossom leather sandals £555  These do not look like golf shoes.  Rid that thought from your mind at once, you at the back.




Saving the ultimate buckle job till last though.  Finishing with my dinosaur feet sandals (the name that people christened them last time and to be fair, I can see their point.  Randomly it hasn't stopped me still loving them.... who knew I had an inner Godzilla?)

Toga Buckle Leather £225







Am I more confused than when I started?  Hell yes.  Have I narrowed down any choice?  That'll be a no.  And do I need about £1000 to spend on sandals?  Well, that would be handy.  It ain't ever gonna happen, so plan for next time is to find some affordable sandals that we can be just as happy with.  Who's in?

In the meantime, as up in the air as my fashion choices for Spring/Summer are, I have a confession to make. 

I bought dungarees.

And I really really really like them.

This was my outfit from last night, went to see The Full Monty at the theatre with a group of girlfriends.  Oh my lord alive, it was hilarious.  It's touring the UK at the minute and if you get the chance to go and see it, do do do.  Take girls (your husband will not thank you for sharing the pleasure with him, I'm going to hazard a guess at that)