The boots I couldn't make work

We're talking about the classic Chelsea boot.  I love the idea of these - the bringing up to date of a timeless piece of footwear.  These work really well with our skinny jeans that I'm sure most of us have oodles of in our wardrobe, teamed with a slim fitting longline coat or peacoat.  I think they look great with boyfriend jeans, continuing the masculine theme with a mannish blazer on top.  You could even wear with a skirt... I'm thinking perhaps A line above the knee, little jumper and drapey loose coat.

The classic ones are great but awww lord, they didn't love me.  I tried on so so many as I think they are such a great addition to a wardrobe in being able to wear some more on trend pieces.  Classic boot plus quirky coat = great outfit. 

Except that I looked like Max Wall in them.  However thanks to the wonderful people at Penelope Chilvers, I have found a twist on the trend that works perfectly for me.  I mentioned Penelope Chilvers on the blog in the Summer when they asked if I'd try a pair of their leather espadrilles and since then, the brand has gone from strength to strength.  They've opened their second stand alone store opposite Selfridges on Duke Street, their shoes and boots have been seen on the Duchess of Cambridge, Alexa Chung and a host of Fashion Editors and other celebs.  And now little old me!  I have discovered my perfect version of the Chelsea boot which they sent me and I am loving.

The Cubana boot in Conker £299

No they're not cheap but the leather is like butter, the detailing is exquisite and you won't find the same thing lining the shelves of the High Street.  It's rare to find a pair of boots that are a classic but are still unique. 





It was a toss up between the Conker and the Black but I don't have a pair of brown leather boots in my wardrobe so choosing these was a no brainer.  

The Cubana Boot in black £299




There do also do a classic Chelsea boot too online in a range of more traditional colours but I love the navy suede at £269.



Whilst the Cubana work for me - I think because of the little heel and because they're not super flat - there are still some flatter ones out there that I think are great. 

And handily, if you are in the market for boots or shoes then Clarks currently has 20% off all women's shoes and boots if you spend over £70, using the code BOCT14.

These are from the Orla Kiely range and are that little bit different. 

Orla Daphne £160




A pointy version may work better for some, these almost have a 60's vibe... hmmm or maybe they're slightly more 80's?  Whichever they're definitely more ladylike than the more traditional boot that I think has a rather masculine vibe (I'm not going to say Max Wall again but....) 

Lolly Dawson in Taupe Suede £57




Speaking of classic - fear not, I present you with the Mariella Busby from Clarks in black leather £80






If you can't decide between a brogue and a Chelsea Boot then Clarks have solved your problem with the Hamble Maze in black at £79.99



I love the cuban heel of the Cubana boots I have (the clue is in the title....) but there are lots of options which also have a heel, however they're a block heel. 

H by Hudson Bronte Chelsea Ankle Boots £160




M&S are on form this season with their leather boots and the Chelsea Boot is no exception with a great block heel version in patent. 

Leather Chelsea Boots with Insolia £69



Also in a black patent, again £69




More Oxblood available at Whistles - Bryton Oxblood flat Chelsea Boot £160



And finishing with my left field pair of not so classic Leopard print non leather ones from Monki.  How cute are these?

Monki Selina Leopard Print Chelsea Boots £40



So have you succumbed to Chelsea Boots yet in the ankle boot department?  Do you have the same problem as me with the Max Wall/golf club effect (and I don't even have feet that big).  If you do, I can highly recommend a pair with a slightly higher heel. 

Here I am in them from yesterday - love this outfit.  

Camel and navy jumper - M&S
Navy dress coat - H&M
Distressed skinnies - Zara
Cubana boots in conker - Penelope Chilvers 
Whiskey Medium Marcie Satchel - Chloe 




Great day today at my Annie Sloan painting course with three fab friends.  I simply cannot wait to get cracking on more housey projects.  Put it this way, if it's not nailed down, I shall be painting it.  Actually even if it is, I'll give it a good old go.  Anyone else mastered the Annie Sloan chalk paint gig?  Top of my list of things that must be done are 14 dining chairs, a small kitchen table, two lamp tables, a whole host of mirrors, two steamer chairs and a wardrobe that's so stupidly large we can't even get it out of a bedroom so I'm going to have to just paint it and make it 6yr old boy appropriate.  Not much then..... (I shan't be doing any of this in my new boots..!)