Some say River Dance...

.. and others say just gorgeous shoes. 

I think as we're on our second year of these, it's fair to say these have become mainstream.  Well, more mainstream.  There's nothing unusual about these anymore - we've moved from disgraceful/bonkers to much less controversial.  In fact, I think we can now look at these and not purely see Irish dancing shoes but a delicate and interesting variation on a flat pump or sandal (well, I can anyway so I'm dragging you lot with me).  The husband does still start humming The Fields of Athenry every time I try and show him a pic (I know I know, why would I do that but he claims he likes to be involved...*rolls eyes*), so maybe we're not out of the woods yet. 

But there are now so many options around, all of which offer something slightly different.  And not all of which look like they need poodle socks or a wig to accessorise them.  (you'll possibly only know what poodle socks are if you have an Irish mammy).

We're coming into intermediary territory.  Basically Spring.  So not full on boot weather but we're not quite cracking out the flipflops yet.  These are the ideal option - a flat pump for wearing with dresses, culottes, jeans - hell everything.

Starting with a full on shoe and these have to be my bargain of the day.  Suede for £22.  Amazing. 

Glamorous Dusty Suede Pink Ghillie Tie up flat shoes £22

And in the black suede again £22



Leather at Topshop. 

Kingdom Ghillie Shoes from Topshop £59



However it was these today in Selfridges that I so so so nearly caved on buying.  I didn't as I know I wouldn't wear them.  I love them, I really really do and I adore them on other people.  But if I had the choice between these and a pair of trainers or a plainer pump, I know I'd go for them.  I fear these may be too girly for me *checks head*.  Does that make sense?

Leo lace up ballet flats from Isabel Marant £290



More cut away detail at Topshop although not leather. 

FASE Laser Ghillie shoes from Topshop £29


A similar version again not leather from Miss Selfridge. 

Elia ghillie tie pointed black pump were £35 now £28


Red at Faith at Debenhams.  Absolutely adore these.  Love the back of them.  We're now moving into the more cut away shoe territory... limping towards a sandal.

Atomic Red Faith Shoes £25




Aldo Colyn Nude Ghillie Flats were £65 now £31 in leather.  These are a fantastic buy for now and into the spring months.




Florence Flat from Boden in leopard £79.50




So these were the ones that turned my head and whilst we were in London today it seemed rude not to *try* them just to see what they were like... and all I can say is thank goodness for my hideous white, non sandal feet.  Although they did in fact look acceptable but at this stage or £290 I don't want acceptable, I want goddess feet (to be fair, that would take a miracle and then some, as I have feet a Hobbit would be ashamed of, so the shoes really have done a pretty good job). 

Alisa open toe wraparound sandals from Isabel Marant £290





Not remotely the same but definitely a variation on the theme.

Black Peeptoe Ghillie Pumps from New Look £17.99




Then of course there are the classic Fig Sandals from Topshop which I did try last year and they didn't work at all.  I cannot for the life of me remember why as they looked so great on everyone else but alas, I do recall them being a no.  Maybe I should try again. 

Fig Lace up Sandals from Topshop £39



Another investment (code for expensive) option from LK Bennett.  I do have a 15% off code though which makes them vaguely more palatable.  TREAT15 for 15% off.  These are sincerely beautiful but again I fear, too pretty for my Hobbit feet.

Jackie Flat Black Sandals from LK Bennett £275 from the Bionda Castana collab.



Off piste slightly and we're moving into full on sandal territory but the lace up round the ankle means they're fair game? (clutches at straws).

Tiffany Sandals from MaxMara £160




And then I came across these.  Super minimalist but with just the right amount of detailing in the lace up round the ankle.  Basically the same - yes I'd say identical to the MaxMara ones for a smidge of the price.  And they have them in tan online too.  My work here is done.

Holly Ankle tie sandal from Topshop in leather £22



Obviously I can't stop thinking about the Alisas from Isabel Marant in the black and combining them with the latter Topshop bargains in tan.  But it just seems Too Early to buy sandals in February.  We may be heading to Ireland at Easter but I think that's a real stretch on the justification (although I have been known to almost freeze my tootsies off as I had bought holidays shoes especially for holiday - in Ireland... woeful justification and I nearly lost a toe to frostbite as a result.  Lesson learnt, alas).

But the shoes... are you a Ghillie fan?  Or are you more of a plain pump/sneaker lover?  
  So I had a lovely lovely day in London with my 11yr old and one of her best friends.  Weather was fantastic, it wasn't that busy at all, managed a trip to the Me+Em shop (which I will bring you shortly as I had a lovely time playing dress up), lots of goodies for the daughter from New Look Teen (they've got some lovely stuff in actually - a khaki jacket I would personally love, as well as some black dungarees and great nightwear) and lunch at Carluccios - a really good gluten free menu if anyone else is interested.  We were going to go to Hix in Selfridges which is our usual haunt but it's shut.  Walked all the way there only to find it had closed down. " Oh yes", says the 11yr old  "I had googled it and found out it was shut".  Information which she didn't bother to SHARE.  Gifted in common sense she is.  Carluccios came to the rescue.



Black silk knit polo neck - Jigsaw
Black wide leg cropped trousers - Me+Em
Black Onyx biker jacket - hush
Brown monogram scarf - Gucci
Red Superstar sneakers - Golden Goose
Black Hazlemere tote bag - Village England

I can't believe we've made it the last day of the hols.  Where did it go?  I can also count on one hand the number of meltdowns from middle child which is the biggest improvement ever and so wine was only needed from Wednesday night onwards.  This is a miracle of massive proportions and we are all surviving.  Going to enjoy our last lie in tomorrow morning (the joy of weekend activities that don't stop at half term, thanks a bunch) and then the obligatory hour of torture (aka a dog walk).  Followed by maybe the cinema as a treat if they manage to walk without me wanting to bash them round the head with a twig for their incessant whining...  Dinner party tomorrow night and I have to say I am super looking forward to heels!  I may even crack out a short dress and opaques (cue me wearing trousers).  

Hope everyone else is surviving?  Would love to hear what your plans are for Spring footwear.