Pass me a zimmer

I fear that my days of high heels during the day may be numbered.  I've mentioned this before but for the first time, I am contemplating not actually buying any heels at all in a season.  Shock.  Horror.  Has old age finally kicked in and do I just find heels too much like hard and painful work or have I finally, merely come to my senses?

To be fair, I do have more than a couple of pairs that I can wear so it's not as if I'm going total cold turkey but I really don't need to purchase any (famous last words). 

The jury is still out on totally flat sandals - not that I don't want any, just that I haven't quite worked out which sandal tribe I'm joining.  Plus, I do still have my two pairs from last year that I am still very taken with (although the Clarks snakeskin birkie a likes are top of my list I think).

However inspiration comes from the strangest of scenarios and whilst the shopping trip to Covent Garden last week didn't pan out in shop number one (Cos), it took a bit of a rollercoaster turn in Zara. 

Walking round thinking same old, same old and suddenly I see a lady trying on a pair of sandals which I think are totally grim. 

Two seconds later however, my ridiculously fickle brain does a massive about turn and I suddenly think - hang on, these are amazing and I don't think I can live without them.  The 10yr old can bear witness to this, rolling her eyes at me as only 10yr old daughters can.  

She's charged with flying around the shop with me trying to find them, we manage to locate them and do they have them in my size?  Well obviously not.  I then manage to collar a Sales Assistant who looks at me in pity as I ask if they have more in stock?  "Sold out everywhere", was the response I got, accompanied by obligatory withering look only SAs seem to be able to master with such aplomb.

Oh that'll be right.  I need these shoes now.  They will work on every single level, with every single outfit.  With all dresses and skirts be them mini or midi, with cropped trousers, skinny trousers, jeans and dungarees.  Am on the online "notify me when back in stock" list (although they've totally disappeared from the website now even) and have one last hope of finding them here in Ireland tomorrow.  

These are the sandals that had a mixed response on Instagram.  They are the same at the front actually as my stiletto leopard ones from Zara last year which I absolutely adore.  They're also very similar to the Chloe wedge ones that everyone is going bonkers for.  The Chloe ones are higher in the leg I would say and over £800 more. (a mere snip)  I have to say I actually prefer the Zara ones.  I love the block heel - I really do.  



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It also made me think and suddenly notice how many block heel style sandals there are around and how useful they are.  They can be worn for the school run, out to lunch and actually can be ideal for dressier occasions too.  Heels - be gone.  Me and my zimmer are all over the mid heel sandal. 

So whilst I pine over the Zara ones - a couple more that have caught my eye and may make the shortlist.  

Firstly, a very similar pair at Next, although I much much prefer the block heel to a wedge.  Don't ask me why.  Actually it may also be the tiny gold studs that I think make all the difference.  Along with the zip at the back. 

Gladiator Style Wedge £35 from Next 




Whilst we're talking about love or hate, these are definitely going to be a dividing sort of shoe.  Weirdly though I do really like them, but they're so so not me.  I can see how they would work and I certainly do not think they look remotely like Clarks at all.  Definitely designer to me.  One for the more daring and cutting edge amongst us. 

Geta Block in Black Leather from Clarks £90





Talking of Clarks, they also have a great fringe sandal - not dissimilar to the Whistles ones but at half the price. 

Berrick Ruby from Clarks in black £65



Also in the interesting shade of mustard they call honey.  I think these are an amazing addition to a neutral wardrobe. 

In the honey £65





Slightly higher (moth to a flame...) but still not high high and a wedge which does cancel out some of the height.... But another tassel option which is why I'm putting them here as I've had my eye on them.  

Tassel Wedges from Next £38


And whilst we're on the higher tassel heel, these are right up my street from Zara.

Fringe Block Heel Leather £49.99



Returning to proper mid heel height now and back in the room with some more classic, simple styles.  These are actually much more befitting to my newly found love of the minimalistic chic (but clearly my fashion victim magpie isn't dead but only sleeping hence my obsession with the Zara lace ups)

Berrick Rock at Clarks £70  



Buckles Leather sandal from Mango £59.99



As minimalist as you can get at River Island.

Black Block heel sandals £45



However I appreciate ankle straps aren't for everyone so more on the minimalist theme...

Sandcastle Art from Clarks in tan £45



and in white 



More tan in a similar style but without the buckles from Carvela. 

Kimberley Block Heel Sandals £79


Sneaking in a slightly higher pair... 

Kin by John Lewis Fifty Five Heeled Leather Sandals in Grey £69




Mid heel for you?  Or are you still on the "they're frumpy and neither here nor there" bench.  I am all out on the search for the Zara ones - have I yet again lost my mind?  That be said, I should probably be wary about peaking too early as I have a list of shoe lust as long as my arm. 

So the sun is still shining here, fantastic trip to the Circus with the children and my sister in law and then back home for a huge family roast. 

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Black thin knit jumper - Cos

Black zip ankle skimmer jeans - Boden
Off white jumper - Kin by John Lewis 
Trench Coat - Banana Republic 
White cracked leather Stan Smiths - adidas
Leopard print scarf - Louis Vuitton
Black Faridah hobo bag - Marc by Marc Jacobs

Weather is supposed to be getting even better these week - dare I crack out the sandals tomorrow? 

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CONVERSATION

40 comentarios:

  1. http://m.marksandspencer.com/mt/www.marksandspencer.com/suede-cuff-lace-up-sandals/p/p22378450

    Ordered these online today - have high hopes for these flat sandals but havent yet seen them in 'real life'

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    1. Aha, I had these on the blog a while ago and a number of people said they were so comfy. They are gorgeous in real too, have seen them x

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  2. The Clarkes snakeskin dupes were cracked out today and, dare I mention the C word? yes they were comfy! Shoot me now, I can't wear heels!

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    1. Oh are they super marvellous? I may have to cave when I go back xx

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  3. M&S doing a fabulous flesh colour & also camel suede flat this season - zip back & tie front (I don't know how to attach the link as an ancient) - so gorgeous I bought two & promptly had one stolen by my teenage daughter!! Who loves Zoella more than life itself.

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    1. Had them on the blog a couple of weeks ago - both are GORGEOUS! (and super comfy!)

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  4. I'm still not sure about the block heel. I quite like the look on others but don't think I would be comfortable in it myself. Need to give it a go and see how if feels. Lx

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    1. I have had a block heel revelation only this season. Up till now I have thought them ming a ring ding.

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  5. http://resources.shopstyle.com/xim/bd/73/bd734163b7671bd5b55c66a975ae1af7.jpg
    The ones from Next with the block heel look very similar to the Zara pair, but if anything a nicer tan colour.

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    1. they're lovely but quite a bit higher I think? Randomly I quite like the extra detail of the Zara ones (I know I know I'm weird.....)

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  6. Oohhhh I feel your pain! Being married to a 6ft 3 man, and being only 5ft 3 myself, heels have always been my friend. However, I seemed to turn 40 and my heels suddenly felt like devices of torture after an hour. Wedges and block heels are definitely my friend. I LOVE the brown fringed tassel ones from Zara you have featured, right up my street.

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    1. THey're gorgeous aren't they? Although I think there might be a bit too much foot on show for my liking... (I have skeletor feet and the less you see of them, the better) x

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  7. I kind of made peace with the mid heel a couple of years ago realising I can't do a full on 4 inches in the day anymore. It still gives you the posture (god now I sound old) without the pain. I can't be 100% certain (as I've seen the Zara shoe everywhere) but think I saw it on a couple of mannequins on Oxford Street last week x

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    1. They're all over the shop windows but are sold out instore although I think they're back in now.. AND I managed to get some in Ireland. Now of course, not entirely sure about them... DOH

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  8. Zara in Newbridge s.c. Supposed to be the best stocked in country and not far from Kildare village!

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  9. Hi Kat, mid heel is fine! (I'm waiting for the Boden Alice midheel to arrive) I checked for you at the Dutch Zara website, would you believe it, all sizes 40 and 41 are sold out. You'll find another pair, I'm sure, you always find nice things!

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    1. The Alice heels are amazing, hope you love them. And I found them in Ireland! (now that they've back in stock everywhere... doh)

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  10. I like the Clarks 'sandcastle art' ones. They look smart and a bit trendy. Sadly my extra long, double jounted toes are like fingers (would look like a hand trying to escape from there!)
    I think I need the toes hidden this year or small children may be scared.....!!

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    1. I have exactly the same problem. Boney too??!!!

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  11. High heels wouldn't t allow me to get through doors without ducking so I tend to wear flats or mid height heels. I have found it pretty difficult to find suitable sandals most years but this year things are looking up. What I find hard is what to wear with skirts without it looking too frumpy. Some outfits scream out for a heel

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    1. Totally totally agree with you - some dresses just need a heel. I have found though a semi high heel of about 3 inches does work though....

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  12. I love the Zara pair - I bought them as soon as I saw them hit the online site here! Must wear them this week now the pedi is done! xx

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  13. Sorry but I find the block heels so ugly looking. I haven't actually seen anyone wearing them yet so I could be eating my words...but for me they do nothing. Give me a high wedge or a high heel any day :-)

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    1. This was me until last year. I have had a block heel epiphany....!

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  14. I am also struggling with heels now. I wore a pair of normally very comfortable ankle boots with 3 inch heels today. Walked to the shops in my lunch hour and my feet and calves were killing me! Any tips on how to style flat shoes with skirts without looking frumpy? Maybe a future blog post? Glad you are having a great time in Ireland. I hope it's warmer there than it is in NW England. Marie x

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    1. I think the key with skirts is the length. A mini or a midi skirt can work with heels but anything hovering on the knee can easily look on the mumsy side I think..... We've had fab fab weather here! Changed today (when it's sweltering at home. SOB!) but we've been so so lucky for Ireland x

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  15. Hi just to let you know,
    The shoes you like are in the norwich store today 14 april so get them quick.
    Linda.

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  16. I found out about your bloggy from another fellow bloger "Not Dressed as Lamb", and have to say you're such a treat! I love your posts, the way you express yourself and your thorough fashion analysis! ^_^ Really happy I found you, you have a new fan :D
    As for the heels, I never liked high heels, I walk funny and they hurt me. I love the mid heel as well as platforms. The Zara sandals are awesome, crossing fingers you find them...You can always buy a size smaller and die from horrible pain, like I usually do, but at least I'm pretty :D

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    1. Oh thank you so so much, what a lovely comment. Have bought the too small shoes (or too big!) before and it always always ends in tears, doesn't it?!

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  17. Want the zara ones in tan with a skinny wedge-anyone seen anything like this? X

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    1. THey do have similar with a higher skinnier heel in NExt but it's not a wedge...... Otherwise, Chloe? (ooh try Topshop too...)

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  18. Thanks for Clarks netrix rose recommendation vs Ash takoon sandals. Ordered both to compare. Ash has edge in looks, no question. But and big but Clarks are way more comfortable. Immediately comfortable. Which kind of seems essential in a flat sandal. Ash have an odd moulded footbed that has a raised rim around the edge which unless your foot fits it exactly will mean there'll be rigid raised bits rubbing edges of your foot as you walk. Might have been tempted to try to wear them in if not for an alternative as do like the look. Overall though the Clarks just seem a better choice, cheaper, immediately comfier and still look good even if ever so slightly less chic. For info the Ash sizing is different to their boots. Take 6 in jalouse but needed 7 in takoons. Hope that helps deliberations!

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    1. You are more than welcome. Great idea, trying both. I think Ash sizing in generally bonkers. Jalouse, thelmas, virgos and virgins definitely size down whereas the Beas you need true to size (so sounds like the takoons are the same!) I still think the Clarks ones will make my list. xxx

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  19. Have you seen the Chloe lookylikeys in Topshop? I have two pairs and they are super comfortable and (I think) cool! Gave up on heels years ago (am 49) can literally not go above 3.5 inches before I need help! I think my poor feet have held up my elderly frame for such a long time they deserve a break!

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    1. No I haven't, I'll have a look thank you! Yes, 4 inches does make me weep now....

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  20. You're absolutely right - in real life no one wears them but if you follow any social media they are everywhere! Which just means we should definitely wear them in real life and get over ourselves!! I'm v guilty of thinking a trend is too overdone in social media space whereas I never come across anyone ever in it in real life. FOolish or what?!

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  21. Hey!!! You can have the first Zara black lace up sandals on ebay, here for example they're cheap! http://www.ebay.es/itm/ZARA-SANDALS-LACE-UP-BLACK-BLOCK-HEEL-Size-37-UK-4-/181918413710
    Hope it is your size :)

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