Eating humble pie

Of the mid block heel variety.  Now it's not that I've said that I don't like these - I have loved them on other people.  But I've never managed to find a pair that have worked for me. 

Until now.  The floodgates of love for these shoes have opened and I can't rave about them highly enough.  Ok - so the one pair I have.  But they are amazing. 

Why do I love them?

They're super comfortable.
They're unlike anything else I have so they give a completely different look to old outfits. 
They're versatile enough to wear during the day and out in the evening.
They're an all year round shoe (ok so I wouldn't wear in snow...) so are perfect for our non Summer as well as into the A/W and out the other side into Spring.
They're a classic with a twist.

And you can buy a Valentino pair for almost £600 or the much cheaper versions I've found and they look pretty much the same.  

I can't even remember when I first spied the Whistles ones.  But they were sold out online.  I then happened to go into their St Christopher's Place store last week and hey presto - one pair left in my size.   You know often when in your head a pair of shoes is gorgeous and you try them on and they're...meh.  (Laurence Dacade boots, I'm looking at you...). 

These were the opposite of that.  Tried them on with good old jeans and they transformed my outfit.  

Whistles Ness Patent Mid Heel Mary Jane were £160 now £95 



And they have them in the orange in the sale at House of Fraser... 

Whistles Ness Block Heel Shoe were £160 now £95




I then went to Selfridges and look what I saw.  Yes they're different but they're also almost exactly the same.  AND these are a) not in the sale and b) new season.  Which means these are set to be big news next season so sales shop to your heart's content as these are an early and super clever investment into your A/W wardrobe. 

Valentino Tan-Go patent £495



Then when in Selfridges I made the mistake of going just to *try* the Jimmy Choo Helenas.  I wasn't sure about the heel.  I have to say it's rather sublime. 

Jimmy Choo Helena Leopard Calf Hair Pumps £595




But are they worth the money?  Well.  I then searched and searched and found these.  Am I *that* bothered about the heel... for a LOT (like a Gucci bag a lot) money less.

I am ridiculously pleased with this find. 

Dalmine Mid Heel Shoes in Leopard £65.95 And AND AND if you sign up for their emails (which I then delete - well, eventually.  Catholic Guilt and all that), you get an extra 15% off. 




And in the black - again £65.95












Printed at LK Bennet and these yet again are new in.

Peggy Raffia Embroidered Block Heels £225



So then we have the sales bargains (well - apart from the Whistles ones I already bagged even though I spent £15 more on mine last week..). 

Mary Jane style ballet pumps from La Redoute was £49 now £24.50



Glitter anyone?

Office Little Lady Gold Glitter Shoes were £45 now £32





Double straps again at Kurt Geiger.  These I absolutely love.  I'm going to let you in on a secret - I still haven't mastered shoes for that Rixo maxi (although I think I'm going to midi it) dress.  Actually that's not entirely true.  My super high leopard print Aquazzura a likes from Zara are PERFECT with it (they make it into a midi not a maxi...).  Except that they are super high.  And I can't wear during the day.  And I really really want to wear the dress during the day.  They are taxi shoes personified (shoeified?) 

These are the sort of colour I need.  Or red.  So similar then.... And a much lighter shoe (in either a blush/nude or red).

Maggie from Kurt Geiger were £180 or £79



Or in the black.  Oh I love love LOVE these, again £79.



And some variations on the theme.  

Slightly higher in a suede at New Look £24.99




I'm totally on a roll now - and the budget is going up (along with the heel height.. although this is still very wearable for most).

Ginger suede block heel pumps from Tabitha Simmons £465





Or in the red (we are going to completely ignore the fact these bear a passing resemblance to the £30 Zara ones that I thought were hideous on me.  I'm going to console myself with the fact that they DID look hideous on me and move swiftly on).




So I am completely sold on mine.  Didn't wear them today as with my rather formal jacket they looked a tad too prim.  This is a Phase Eight - yes, Phase Eight - special that I bought about 8 years ago.  I saw it in the window on a "wedding outfit" and the ensemble was so un-me it was ridiculous.  Think 60yr old mother of the bride who usually shops at Viyella.  However the jacket I totally fell in love with and have worn every year since.  And every time, someone always stops me and says they love it.  I will have it for ever.  Although I won't be wearing it to any wedding.  Strictly a dress down with jeans affair. 



Black lyocell tee - & Other Stories
Jeans - Zara
Pearly King and Queen jacket - Phase Eight
Superstar sneakers - Golden Goose
Black Half Moon bag - APC 

Tomorrow I have a day off from end of term for school duties and shall be heading to London for meetings (and obviously a shop or two...) after dropping the 11yr old off at her taster day for her new senior school.  How?  How is that even possible??

I am now armed with a glass of wine, the footie on the tv and shall be googling red shoes in honour of the Welsh.  Would be rude not to... I STILL have to master shoes for that dress (you have been warned of an impending blog... I apologise in advance).

But more importantly, has anyone else been turned by the charms of the block heel Mary Jane?

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CONVERSATION

30 comentarios:

  1. Ooh, I spotted the Jimmy Choos on Lou from The Style Album and have been lusting after them ever since. Now I can't decide on the Dalmine leopard, the double straps from La Redoute or the black Kurt Geiger!!! I would order all of them to see which I like most Trouble is I'm really a 5 1/2 so always have to order a 5 and a 6 to check the best size, but I will be in huge trouble if my other half is home to take delivery of 6 pairs of shoes :-(

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    1. Have your shopping delivered to another address! I do.... I use my work address, I'm only there 3 and a half days a week but my parcels stay safe for me. I've been on holiday the last 2 weeks and any sales parcels have been sent to work in my absence ready for me next week. It's my default delivery address on all sites I use ... Helps enormously as like you I'm between shoe sizes and normally 2 ot each style to try!

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    2. Stupid typo! * normally order 2 of each style to try!"

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    3. Yes I normally have to do a MASSIVE order as I have no idea what size I actually am and I can never make up my mind. I'm always doing the "oh I"ll throw that in too as if I have to return one thing, I may as well return 230"....

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    4. Unfortunately I work for the Local Authority so don't think delivering to my workplace is an option, 😬but thanks for the tip. I used to have them delivered to my mum's address but recently she has a better social life than I do. X

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    5. How unfortunate! But good for your mum x

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  2. poor old viyella gone forever now, but you are right they were a bit frumpy, i worked there for 5 years so finding something for uniform was a nightmare.

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    1. You could easily find the odd amazing thing though - their navy blazers were epic for a start! The sort of place it was fabulous to find a classic like that to wear with distressed boyfriend jeans!

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  3. Kat! I am delighted to tell you that my daughter gets married this Saturday - very exciting! and also (much to my surprise, funny how it creeps up on you!) I find I am now aged 60! I have actually never been near a branch of Viyella in my life and don't intend to start now. Finding an outfit for the wedding has proved a challenge as "mother of the bride" seems to be code for "frump" but I think I have managed it, with lots of tips from your brilliant blog...thanks so much....please don't stereotype!!

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    1. oh my lord HOW exciting. Oh NO sorry, I didn't make myself clear. I meant there is a SORT of mother of the bride (like mine was god rest her soul) who loved Viyella and Jacques Vert and Betty Barclay and all those other sorts of places. But I definitely didn't mean a) ALL 60 yr old women or b) ALL mothers of the brides. Hell, I'm going to be pouring myself into Vivienne Westwood vintage for my daughter's wedding!!

      It is a tricky one as - like I said and you've found out - lots of older ladies do love to dress like that AND look absolutely gorgeous in those outfits! But that's not to say that everyone does at all! I'm so so sorry you thought I was stereotyping - I was just describing a particular type of older lady which was the "norm" in days gone by but is very very much not any more! Clear as mud?

      Now you HAVE to tell us what you're wearing, pretty please?!

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    2. My cousins future mother in law got so fed up of the pound signs she could see in the shop assistants eyes when she said that she was "mother of the bride", (they seemed to think that there wasn't a max budget), so she started saying she was just an ordinary wedding guest!
      Danish Pastry

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  4. YES perfect with an A Line skirt! And these Whistles shoes are THE most perfect shoes ever. Honestly, so so soft the leather and not one hint of a blister from wearing them for two whole days. xx

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  5. my mango animal print maxi skirt arrived today,but its too big and too way too long, i should have ordered both 10 and 12. i hope you have more luck with it. i don't think i will order it again as i will have to have to much off the bottom.

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    1. Oh so is mine - ridiculously bit and too see through for me to bother altering. Didn't look like that AT ALL online, did it? you live and learn....!

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  6. Kat, do you have any suggestions for handbag brands? Mulberry don't have anything that inspires at the moment and I need a treat.

    Thanks.

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    1. Oooh good question. Well Gucci are totally kicking butt at the moment. Am also loving all things Saint Laurent. Anya Hindmarch is always a good bet (although like Mulberry, the prices are creeping up...). If you're looking for slightly off piste, then I love a Jerome Dreyfuss bag. Good luck!

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    2. Thanks Kat. There are several brands there that I haven't looked at yet. I've got a trip to London next week so will start some serious research.

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    3. In the meantime, I'd have a look at Net a Porter, Matches and My Theresa for some inspiration. Happy shopping xxx

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  7. I know it's a bit of a cracked record, but have you seen something similar in navy? I love the style of the Whistles shoes, and no amount of googling brings up anything as stylish. Loads of frumpy stuff, but while black tends to make me feel washed out, navy is my best friend. ☺
    Danish Pastry

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    1. I was sure I had but can't think where... Leopard print doesn't appeal?!

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  8. Loving the Moda in Pelle shoe! I really struggle to find a shoe to wear with midi skirts and this one has (a) a heel, but one you can actually walk in (b) an ankle strap low on the ankle for the more diminutive of leg and (c) a suitably non-officy vibe (ie it's not a court shoe). I think I might have to buy both colours.

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  9. Oh bollocks, I ordered the black Whistles last night and just had an email telling me they were unable to fulfil the order as they've sold out. Don't you just hate it when that happens!

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    1. Just seen them on Zalando, they seem to have them in all sizes, they aren't on sale though. Still no navy ones in sight ��
      Danish Pastry

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    2. UGH! I'd definitely go for the Moda In Pelle ones x

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    3. I did end up going for the Moda in Pelle ones...they came today and they're perfect! Seriously I'm really thrilled with them, feel very Parisian for some reason. Thank you Kat, I would never have gone for shoes like that left to my own, rather uninspired devices xxx

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  10. Just spotted these Office Flirt and think they are the ones 😍http://m.office.co.uk/view/product/office_catalog/2,33/2549492889

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