Famous last words
Ok something slightly different today.
As we all know, I am Queen of Eat My Words. So what better way to set myself up for a gigantic fall than blogging about something I flatly refuse to wear. In the full knowledge that I will be buying a pair come April.
Certainly, I did feel similarly about practical looking trainers and were you to have held a gun at my head this time last year, I wouldn't have worn a pair. Yet, lo and behold. A year behind the start of the trend and here I am with my very own pair of sporty looking New Balance trainers.
However this new little piece of footwear that I am now talking about, sums up for me all that is "yoof" which in turn, is so something I feel that at the tender age of 41 I should probably be running for the hills to avoid. Surely the clue is in the title. Skater Shoes. I can't even stand on a skateboard let alone move around on one (not that I'm saying you have to just to wear a pair of these but you get my drift...)
But. But but but. When Celine bring out a pair.... hmmm yes, maybe I could be tempted... (fashion = being massively fickle - tis the beauty of the beast. Especially as these aren't from this season but from last... they have bought out new ones for the Spring mind you. About turn pronto).
And here they are.
But NO. Reality check. Apart from the fact that these cost a gazillion pounds, I wouldn't stretch to buying a normal pair of Celine shoes, let alone a pair of these. And there is comfort zone, there is stepping out of one's comfort zone (which I would define as my New Balance) and then there is leaving the comfort zone and going for a walk in outer space. Which to me, would be Skater Shoes.
However. Just to prove a point and I so needed a change from looking at washing machines and dishwashers, I had to get out of the house for the day as they were moving flooring upstairs, so I tried some on.
Starting with an amazing pointer from a lovely reader on my M&S blog last week. £squidillion from Celine. Orrrrr £25 from Marks. Spot the difference. (can I please point out that I haven't seen the Celine ones in real life and so they may be wildly different. I'm going to stick my neck out and say, probably not.)
The Ponyskin black ones look pretty darn identical to me.
And brace yourselves.
TA DAH!
Now. I don't think they look "that" bad. I can see how these would be popular. They also come up (from Marks) really small. This a 5 (so a 38 in Marks). I am not a 5. I am a 6.5 or a 7. And whilst I wouldn't walk around in these all day, I didn't feel like they were cutting off the circulation to my toes.
Here they are in the black ponyskin so identical to the Celine ones.
In the leopard print (which I have to say was probably my favourite)
And in the black and white floral which was possibly my least fave.
There are leather versions out there as well which are obviously more expensive. I tried on the Carvela one from Kurt Geiger.
These are on the bright side. I would say they do actually look better in real life than they do in the photographs (honest guv)
Err I guess if you're into zebra..... I wasn't loving these, I'll be frank.
Now these are a slightly more almond toed version. They are definitely more on the feminine side but were slightly more school dap to me (plimsoll? All that was missing was the little elastic bit on the top)
They do them in a leopard print which they didn't have in store.
Dune Lamarr Leather Trainers in Pony skin £59
Dune Lamarr Leather Flat trainers in Black £59 But they did have the black ones, hence the pic.
I sort of think if you're going to go for a style, then you've got to go for it, so I would be more tempted (?!) to go for the full on skate style as opposed to the girly Dune version (which I will say though were exceptionally comfortable)
Whilst we're talking about classic styles though, to me, this style of shoe would be Vans. But then I know absolutely nada about skate style or being down with the kids. I probably should avoid all blogs on this topic (and to be honest, I would if it weren't for Celine et al trying to persuade us that these are a design classic we should be traipsing about in)
Two other versions which have caught my eye and really are "in for a penny, in for a pound" are these from ASOS.
And these:- Peter Pilotto for Target £30 (I have more to report on this with, yes, a very cheeky dress purchase.... However don't get excited. All will be revealed.)
So there we have it. Something I started off researching with the complete intention of loathing.
But. But but but, whilst I haven't bought a pair, I do have to say that i was very very tempted by the Marks ones. Either in the black or the leopard ponyskin. I thought with black cropped skinny jeans, white shirt and black jumper, these would work. Shoot me now, but I have actually finished this tiny "it's raining and I can't muster interest in ANYTHING else" project with another item I am going to seriously contemplate. The final tick in the box has to be that a) they are offensively comfortable and b) the M&S ones are a bargainous £25.
I am going to refrain from the moment as I am still getting to grips with my New Balance (which as a total pansy I haven't wanted to wear as it's been so wet I didn't want to ruin them - that's pants, isn't it?) but I haven't ruled them out.
As I said, fickle is my middle name. Do you love them or hate them? At least maybe try them on and then decide..... (I was SO in the former camp before I gave them proper thought...!)
Here I am on Tuesday when I went shopping. Actually I don't think it rained that badly here on Tuesday. Could have got away with the NBs. Poo.
Navy turtle neck jumper with back zip - Zara
Distressed Biker jeans - By Malene Birger
Navy peacoat - Zara
Navy Chester loafers - Russell & Bromley
Whisky Marcie Medium Satchel - Chloe
And yesterday - it was windy. It was very windy. I was hardly out in it at all and when it did rain for the 5 mins I got caught in it, it was going sideways! I refuse to let it get me down though - I will not ditch those heels.... Gym in the morning, more house stuff and a lovely lunch with friends. School assembly in the afternoon followed by swimming lessons for all three offspring and a large glass of wine when the dust had settled.
Black polo neck - Zara
Distressed Real Straight Jeans - Zara
Black and camel flecked boyfriend coat - Zara
Leopard print ponyskin boots - Marks & Spencers
Whisky Marcie Medium Satchel - Chloe
Today, the sun is shining. Tis a miracle and I'm not cracking out the sandals any time soon, but there is a large yellow ball in the blue sky which makes such a lovely lovely change. Full on day as per usual but will be back tomorrow.
I really don't like those trainer shoe things .. there said it!
ReplyDelete*disclaimer - I have every right to change my mind and be a sheep in the summer
No I was with you totally. I'm still not 100% sold by any stretch of the imagination but if someone held a gun at my head, I would wear them... And yes, you can buy a pair with me in the Summer!
DeleteI normally love most things you post but I'm afraid I can't do these pump things. They leave me cold. I do, however, love New Balance trainers x
ReplyDeleteTee hee. You see I couldn't do the NB trainer thing last year but I'm totally converted now. I shan't be buying a pair of these soon but that's not to say i won't have a pair by the end of the summer!
DeleteWIll never do the trainer thing. Yick. But am already doing the skater thing! Snapped up a cheap pair of blue leopard print ones from gap in the sale for about £12. Yay me!
ReplyDeleteWhen Susie So So got a pair last year ( the next ones ) I told her I wasn't that keen, but like you they have grown on ...... I am always slow in coming around, not enough to buy for myself but I don't go 'what the hell anymore' the ones I tend to like are in leopard, being a leopard lover. Mark and Spencer has just copied lots of the high end designers footwear this year not that I am complaining. I tried that navy striped jacket on you featured in a post...... nice! x
ReplyDeleteI am always a bit late on the band wagon with new trends and by the time I've decided I want some they have usually sold out! Not this time though, I bought the black pony skin ones from Next for £18 (still in stock last week on the clearance section online) and they are sitting waiting for me to get off the fence. Tried NB but just couldn't get my head round the look, so I also have some black Nike free run I am pondering.
ReplyDeleteHi, the next black and leopard print ones are still available in the clearance section on their website, they are excellent £18 a pair both colours are leather ponyskin and the leopard print I think is nicer colour than the M&S fabric ones. Have a look! Mel x
ReplyDeleteI would SO buy these if my 15 year old didn't have a pair!
ReplyDeleteReally like the leopard skin M&S ones but I love plimmies & trainers, always have, so it wouldn't be too big a departure for me. Plus when you're already halfway through a pregnancy comfy shoes are a good investment :-)
ReplyDeleteLove them! Comfortable and stylish - it's a 40+ girl's dream. I'm in. Leopard print is perfect.
ReplyDeleteI have to confess that I kinda' like them. Absolutely still not on board with the trainer look, but these appeal. I don't know if it's the comfort factor, the fact that they completely conceal the foot (oooh, I might have to steal this as a blog post idea!!) or that I'm getting old (comfy shoes and all that!!) but those leopard print M&S ones are definitely calling my name!
ReplyDeletestill struggling with these, i have narrow feet and bunions so they would not be good on me. i always liked the look of converse (and still do), if you have to 'grow into' something you will fall out of love as quick.. I did buy the Ash trainers in the end, I know I am a million miles behind, but the are sooo comfortable, like walking on marshmallows, i may never buy any other shoes but ash..
ReplyDeleteShit man, I swore I'd never wear these and now you're making them look all cool and classy. Might have to eat my words too!
ReplyDeleteI'm a long-time Converse and sneaker wearer, but had never tried skate shoes. Then I saw the zebra print ones in Kurt Geiger, and I was sold! Plus I had a 30% off voucher from Elle... They go with everything, as they're not black and white but more dark brown and beige. Look great with my distressed Zara jeans, and with black skinnies.
ReplyDeleteI have a pair of these from last summer in leopard print ponyskin from carvella ....and with skinny denim and boyfriend jeans and a tshirt/white shirt I have worn these tons ....and I am 52!!! plus have some new balance in black and grey, and nike air too...the latter available on net a porter....so if its good enough for them?!.....
ReplyDeleteThe ones from Dune are what the dinner ladies wear round here. To work, not on a night out.
ReplyDeleteI have the M&S versions after they fell in my cart the other week - they are fab and really comfy, though I find them true to size and have the UK 6. Can't wait to wear them once the snow has cleared here!
ReplyDeleteHave the m&s leopard ones. LOVE!
ReplyDeleteHi Kat. I love your blogs, thank you for all the inspiration. I was in Zara today and thought, Kat would like these blouses! Can I ask, what do you wear with your loafers in terms of socks?! It may be bare feet - I need to know! Justine
ReplyDeletelike them but have a 7 year old and a 15 year old that live in Vans and Converse so would look too much like i'm trying to be "cool" as the 7 year old would say, will stick with my NB's
ReplyDeleteAs you know I love these shoes. I'm 48 and for me they are in my comfort zone more than a pair of NB. Maybe it's because I'm in smart shoes all week that I don't get the chance to wear caj that often.
ReplyDeleteMy lust skate shoe of choice is the mother of pearl ones but I think I'm going to go for a pair of Kurt Geiger leopard print as they look a bit deeper on the sole. Being a bit skate shoe nerdy now
Anyway for me they will be great with shorts at the beach hut as much as with boyfriends and skinnies at the WE. Rain will have to stop first. PS my super mother in law has been to target in the states and picked up a Peter Pilotto dress so for me so will compare notes later.
I said no to high tops, wedge trainers, leather skinnies.....yep, you guessed it.
ReplyDeleteI really like the leopard print ones, in fact I think Target over here have some very similar that I'm going to check out. :)
JUST
ReplyDeleteNO
I bought the Peter Pilotto ones and they are like boats. Not a good look. Have my eye on some Ash ones but a little (lot) too dear. With two teenage sons still not convinced. Fiona xxx
ReplyDeleteWhat's the difference really between trainers, skate shoes, high top wedges etc ? All just casual shoes in my opinion.
ReplyDeleteI've been wearing Vans forever. I occasionally consider whether I'm getting a bit old for them, but then I say "Oh, f**k it" and buy another pair! I will say that, in the last few years, I've graduated from black and white checkers to either black on black checkers or black leather. That's as "grown-up" as I'm willing to get right now! ;-)
ReplyDeleteI really like them but when I tried the M&S black ones on with skinnies my feet looked huge. Think I need to buy and play around with them at home. Really like the Carvella black ones but not sure the price can be justified when these are so cheap x
ReplyDeleteThey are fab on you Kat! I ordered these last night http://www.shoeaholics.com/london-crystal-khaki-fabric-41-kurt-geiger-london-ladies-shoe-ex-display.html
ReplyDelete