Is it age or a sign of the times?

That I have become obsessed with flat shoes?

Years ago I was a lover of heels.  Now don't get me wrong, I'm not throwing the baby out with the bath water and turning to a life of flats, but I have to say, whereas I used to regularly wear heels during the week - they've now pretty much become the domain of the out out. 

And even when it comes to out out heels, I *may* have been known to get a tape measure out to see how high they are.  Next step a zimmer?

So is it an age thing?  Dear lord, do I know about it if I've been dancing for all of ten minutes in a pair of heels, whereas I used to be able to strut my stuff on the dance floor (no it wasn't pretty) until the early breakfast check out at the hotel (it's 6am in most hotels in case anyone was wondering).  My knees.  I fear that zimmer may be nearer than we think.

Or is it a fashion thing?  It's only a few years ago (a few being more than two in this sense... in case the very literal child happens to be reading) that trainers weren't really a done thing.  Unless you were planning on something vaguely exercise related. 

Ballet flats yes and brogues have been more wearable in recent times.  Ditto loafers.  But really, there weren't a plethora of shoes around to choose from that weren't... hmmm... all a bit sensible?

However now?  Well the flat shoe is your oyster.  And I am loving them.  I would go so far as to say they go with everything.   Even dresses and skirts.  YES even dresses and skirts.  Which I will prove to you this week as I am away, armed with a pair of new flats.  

I first bought this style a couple of years ago (maybe more actually - ok literal child, it was definitely more than a couple).  Two pairs - one leopard and one black, from Next in the sale for a ridiculously bargain sum.  As I wasn't sure about them.  Turns out, they are the only shoes I can remember in living memory having actually worn out.  Literally they fell apart.  And not because they were bad quality but because I wore them so much.  Bald patches meant they were retired to shoe heaven aka the bin. 

The Skater.  Or the Slip on Sneaker.  Call it what you will, these have been around now long enough to be a wardrobe staple.  

Here are my favourites out there.  How will I be wearing them?  All is revealed at the end.  Plus I'm away all week so lots of ideas.  Colourwise, I've gone for black but it was a very close call.  

Certainly, these with my prediction for burgundy being big this year are a great buy.

Jackson 2 Red Flat Low Trainers from Carvela at Shoeaholics was £85 now £45


Burgundy again at Clarks although this time in suede.

Clarks Glove Puppet in aubergine (apparently not burgundy) £45

Or gold.  I have to say, gold would possibly get my vote.  Again £45 from Clarks.

But classic black is certainly the most popular choice.

Black patent at Boden £59.50


Another black option at M&S £29.50



Which they also have in grey. 

Slip on Elastic Trainer from M&S £29.50


Pointed now at Finery. 

Elwood Luxury Leather Trainers from Finery London £79


Trey Nude Flat Slip ons with a point from DKNY was £135 now £39.99



And then moving off piste. 

Claribel Round Toe Trainers from Finery London £79


Or grey felt ones from M&S.  New in. 

Bow Trainers from M&S £25


More of a platform.  Now there is 10% off at hush with the code AUGUST16 (but these are in fact Ash at hush and I'm not sure if you can the code of branded products.... however it can be used off everything else).

Jodie Skater Shoes from hush £145


However this season, for me, I'm giving the Seven Boot Lane ones a go.  Being a huge fan of their Winter boots, they asked if I'd like to try a pair of their slip ons for the Autumn and as much as I absolutely love the ponyhair leopard and jaguar ones, it's the black ones that I know I'll get most use out of.  I have, in my head, the idea of a monochrome Parisian look for the next month. 

Back trousers, grey jumper, grey oversized coat and black slip ons.  Or grey or black wide legged trousers, black jumper and chunky grey cardigan.  Good old jeans, black polo neck and trench coat.. the opportunities are endless. 

There's also a 15% discount off all the Flame slip ons using the code FLAME. 

Seven Boot Lane Black leather Flame slip ons £125



Flame slip ons in leopard £135

And in the jaguar leather 


I've worn mine for the past two days, have done loads of walking and they are honestly like wearing slippers.  Sticking with the monochrome theme for these two outfits... you can see how this is going to go?



Black cropped harems - hush
Black lyocell tee - & Other Stories
Black jacket - hush
Black Flame slip ons - Seven Boot Lane
Black Mario bag - Jerome Dreyfuss
Silk scarf bracelet - Silk Philosophy

And with denim.



White Etoile tee - hush
Black jacket - hush
Phoebe jeans - MiH
Black Mario bag - Jerome Dreyfuss
Black Fame slip ons - Seven Boot Lane
Silk scarf bracelet - Silk Philosophy

Best thing about all those outfits that I listed (and believe me, I have many more...) is that they work just as well with all flats.   Loafers, any form of sneakers, Chelsea boots or ballet flats.  Are heels a thing of the past?  


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CONVERSATION

32 comentarios:

  1. Nooooooo! It's not an age thing!
    In my case it comes from practicality at work (as a radiographer I'm on my feet all day), so I got out of the habit of wearing heels as early as my late teens. That's if I ever got into the habit! I actually threw out two pairs of heels that were at least 20 years old and not remotely worn out.
    I must admit the choice has multiplied from when my trusty Doc Martins were all the rage (together with my £10 bargain 501's) in my college days. These days I'd say I've four main styles, brogues and Chelsea boots for the winter, ballet flats for the summer, and sneakers all year round. Not forgetting sandals for the odd day when the sun graces us with its presence! Have loved my Stan Smiths (grey suede) this summer, so much that my off white brogues have taken a back seat.
    Danish Pastry

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    1. I'm with you. I LOVE LOVE LOVE my white sneakers but it's lovely to have a change. I can see me wearing these as much as I wear my white ones into the Autumn/Winter. And oh my lord they are soooooooooo comfortable. Also perfect dog walking clothes. Even with a dress!

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  2. I love heels but as most nice ones are 3 inches high (or more), and at 5 foot, I feel like I have vertigo!

    I'm a flattie fan until I can find some heels in proportion to my height. I think Boden, Hobbs and LK Bennett do shoes in both high and mid heel versions but I'd be a fan of any brand that got wise to doing the same.

    There is such a fab choice flats, especially the embellished ones, that giving heels a miss is no hardship :)

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  3. I love heels but as most nice ones are 3 inches high (or more), and at 5 foot, I feel like I have vertigo!

    I'm a flattie fan until I can find some heels in proportion to my height. I think Boden, Hobbs and LK Bennett do shoes in both high and mid heel versions but I'd be a fan of any brand that got wise to doing the same.

    There is such a fab choice flats, especially the embellished ones, that giving heels a miss is no hardship :)

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    1. Now that's true. And I struggle with a mid heel... although although although the new Tabitha Simmons boots that I've bought are the perfect heel height, about 7 cms. PERFECTION. I'd definitely agree that Boden come trumps in this arena x

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  4. I've been tempted by those flame ones for a while. I'm not sure about the brown edging, is it really obvious in real life or look totally fine? How's the sizing? Thanks Kat!!

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    1. Honestly, the tan edging makes it. If you look at my Insta story (slightly random.!) you can see it really well. And it does say to size down but I took my usual size even though I am between half sizes.. (so I sized up effectively!)

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    2. Thanks Kat, order done! :-)

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  5. Totally forgot about a pair of grey and burgundy skaters I bought in the Clark's sale at least a year ago. Wonder where they are...? Jo

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    1. So pleased I'm not the only one who does this....!

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  6. Kat ,I have arthritis and these shoes have brought back my sense of fashion and enjoyment of buying clothes as they go with so much. I now feel like me again after 20 odd years.
    Lorraine

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    1. Am so so pleased to hear that. They're more versatile than you'd think. aren't they?

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  7. Lovely post and great shoes. I bought a pair of low heels from top shop in leopard that are very comfortable but generally no heels at all (I love your out out category!) some fab ones here - will def check out . Random question, it seemed as though star print was going to be very big this autumn. I've only seen a couple of things and nothing to lust after - I do love a star print and would like to see it done well.....

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    1. Spookily I just saw a star knit that I thought was ages and can I think of where it was? There's definitely loads around... I also saw some boots... loads of amazing blouses, skirts.. have you not seen any? They're everywhere!

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  8. I'm tragic in heels - I feel like a child clopping about in her mother's shoes and have always favoured flats (even at a shade under 5'2" - I embrace the shortness, not fight it).
    I think you have chosen wisely - the black Flames would have been my choice too. Loving the sublime tan trim that just elevates then from the ordinary. Very nice indeed.

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    1. The tan trim definitely definitely elevates them. The husband has declared they're the best shoes I own bar my loafers.

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  9. Oh, and by the way, have you seen the M&S leopard trainers on The Frugality currently? Bloody lush, they are (sorry - I'm watching Gavin & Stacey and kind of slipped into Barry-speak there).

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    1. No I haven't but M&S are knocking it out of the ball park at the moment...

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  10. Just ordered the grey M&S ones, think the bow femmes them up a bit...

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  11. Big fan of flats as the cobbles in Rome make heel-wearing a form of extreme sport, and I walk far too much for them. I wish I had more occasions for heels but I increasingly prefer flats, especially as they have diversified a lot more lately (or so it seems at least). My work environment is smart/conservative but not really a heels place and I work 6 days a week, so that tends to dictate my choices too.
    Btw, have you seen the leopard ponyskin Stans? I passed from 'meh' to 'maybe' to all-out lust within about two minutes.

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    1. All over leopard print Stans? Ooh no I haven't - I will look out for them!

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  12. Think you've just persuaded me to give the skater a try, haven't been convinced til now as always thought they would look big and clumpy on me! Rather taken by the Boden patent ones, must have a discount code somewhere.....

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    1. Well I don't think they look big and clumpy on me and I"m a size 40!!

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  13. Love a flat, always have done. I will wear the odd heels out but I'm mostly walking lots and on my feet all day so flat shoes are better.

    Love those burgundy shoeaholic ones, plus those grey jaguar print ones too.

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    1. I have come round to your way of thinking for sure!

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  14. Exactly, persuaded! I've clearly got size / measurement issues! Boden ones in the bag, just hunting for a 20% off code.

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    1. May be worth sizing up for Boden, I ordered my usual size 4 (navy sneakers with bronze stripe), and they were on the tight side, I wasn't so in love with them to try sizing up. I've read before that their sizing is on the small size, so the boots I bourght last year were a size 5, and they're fine without having to wear extra thick socks!
      They do half sizes in some shoes, so I'll try that next time I order from them.
      Danish Pastry

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    2. I have to say I have always found BOden shoes to be on the small side too! And narrow.... even though I have super narrow feet!

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  15. Love flats too! Work from home and don't seem to get so many occasions to wear heels so that when I do I always feel overdressed! I'm quite tall too so end up feeling like a tower!
    I adored the first version of these shoes that Hush brought out and as you mentioned the only pair of shoes I've ever worn out. I now have the Jodie skater, also love, superb quality, I seriously can't see how these will ever wear out! Love all things burgundy for Autumn so might just have to treat myself 😘
    Couldn't wear the bows from M&S but at size 41 I think I'd look like a clown! 😂

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    1. Hmm I see what you're saying but they're SO cute!

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    2. Hmm I see what you're saying but they're SO cute!

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