Pimp my shoes

But not just any shoes.  

The, not so humble any more, trainers.

I should back up my truck a bit and point out that this is one of those "random from nowhere as something odd happened,/she saw something weird/she's obsessed with something new" blogs. 

Yes, it is about trainers and yes it is about trainers with a bit more oomph.  But not ones that are super scary - not trying to reinvent the wheel here, just had a bit of a revelation that I thought I'd share. 

Trainers that just speak for themselves.  I haven't done any research for this, so not entirely sure how it's going to end up but it's starting with back to the old school and green Converse hi tops. 

Why you might ask?  Well, why not I say.  As I am now the proud owner of a new pair.  That I ridiculously randomly bought from an antique shop in Suffolk.  Clearly they're not antique in the slightest - they're actually brand new and were sat there, nestling amongst the wooden tennis rackets, bed pans and other random stuff that you find in an "antique shop" these days.  

Spied by the husband, totally missed by me (much to the amusement of the 10yr old "how did you not see them?  They're BRIGHT green" - he has a point) but when I saw that they were my size, brand new and £15, well I couldn't leave them there, could I?

And I think I might be addicted.  You may remember I did a post on hi tops not too long ago, touting the prospect of them and saying I thought I may invest in the Autumn.  

The Autumn came early and £15 later, I am the proud owner of full on, see me coming a mile away, need no intro, trainers. 

And I blooming love them. 

Which got me to thinking.   This white trainer nonsense that I've been spouting for years (can I please just point out that I don't think it's actually nonsense, there is definitely a new pair of white trainers on my A/W wish list - I honestly think they'll bury me in a pair but let's call it poetic license for the sake of this blog?) - let's put that aside and focus on trainers that are all about the character. 

First up - let's see the evidence..

Green Converse hi tops.  

I'd love to say I've found others for £15, alas I haven't and I can't even find the same green ones for full price. 

The nearest I could find to the shade was these from adidas. 

adidas Originals Hamburg Trainers was £75 now £48.50 


These though would look amazing with all shades of khaki, greens, blues and greys.

All Star '70 Vintage Canvas £70





Speaking of khaki... 

Converse PL 76 Hi Trainers were £70 now £45.50 (I know these are on a man but there's virtually no difference between men's and women's trainers).


Or they have these left in a 40... 

Nike Blazer Retro Trainers were £75 now £60



But not forgetting the classic Converse hi top and I have to say, I rather like the red.

Red £49.99



If you are looking for a bargain though, there are some more unusual colours in the sale.

Pale Pink Snakeskin was £55 now £29.99




Pink (although I would say it's pinky purple) in the sale at Schuh was £50 now £34.99



Personally though, I would probably invest that little bit more and buy ones I know I would wear and wear and wear.  So the red ones... OR... oh hello burgundy.

Converse in Burgundy £55



If you haven't looked at the Flannels sale, then I would grab a glass of wine and your credit card and treat yourself to a couple of hours of BLISS.  Thanks to one of my lovely best friends who pointed this out to me... that's me sorted later with one eye on Planet of The Apes (the first ones which I've seen loads, the 8yr old wants to rewatch them before we head to the cinema to see the third one this week).

Converse X Missoni Hi Tops were £95 now £48




And now I'm upping the ante.   DO remember these are a great, great reduction.  And there is no where else you will find these still in sale, for these prices, of that I am (pretty..!) confident.

Saint Laurent Metallic Court Classic Trainers were £410 now £205



Saint Laurent Classic Court Trainers were £425 now £213 *bites fist*.....



Or... must resist must resist must resist.. I know these aren't even remotely out there but... well... they've got glitter on them??!  Silver laces... If you were thinking about buying a pair of expensive trainers this season, these are surely an absolute no brainer? 

Saint Laurent Surf Distressed Leather Trainers were £425 now £213



I honestly cannot tell you how many bargains there are on the Flannels site (even the husband is having a look).

Puma Careaux Basket Trainers were £70 now £35



Another great place for sneakers is & Other Stories.  They have a huge selection but if we're talking disco shoes...

Kaleidoscopic Glitter Sneakers were £89 now £62



Leather Glitter Sneaker from & Other Stories £69



Green satin at Topshop £24



I really REALLY shouldn't like these green adidas... but I sort of do.  Maybe I need a lie down.  I think it might be because I've had my head turned by the new style of Balenciagas (I will be exploring these another day - they are a MUCH bigger step out of my comfort zone than even a pair of green Converse).  Just leaving these hear for the minute - merely as they're green.

adidas NMD XR1 PK in green £110




A much more wearable green in suede at Topshop from Puma. 

Suede Platform Trainers by Puma £79



And here I am today in mine.  Always the sign of a good buy when you wear them, after just having bought them. 




Dress - Somerset by Alice Temperley at John Lewis
Onyx jacket in grey - hush
Green hi tops - Converse

Have I managed to persuade you to branch away from the white trainers?  Or maybe you weren't a fan of white ones in the first place and these are a much better idea anyway.  I know lots of people who fear white trainers make their feet look on the large side and prefer a colour anyway.  I'm definitely in and I fear it's the start of a slippery slope. 

Green today - I'm back with yellow tomorrow.  So sick and tired of waiting for the sunshine, I'm going on a search for my own.