You know you have one disaster every season?

Well, I am currently having a complete footwear mare.

I am though, still having a love in with navy.  Or should I say, trying to.....  Yes, it's been nearly two months since I had my navy breakthrough moment and I am still trying to adore the neutral.  This, along with khaki, are going to be the main building blocks for my Spring wardrobe. 

Except that I'm not having the most enormous amount of luck.  I have bought one navy polo neck. 

And that's it.  Ok to be fair, I wasn't looking to amass an army of navy ensembles but I had hoped to bolster the effort with a couple more gems. 

Can I please point out though, that it isn't for want of trying.   Which brings me neatly on to today's blog topic.  The shoe related disaster I am having so far this year.   

First the khaki boots.  Let's not go there.  I am over them.  They are yesterday's hero.. that wasn't meant to be...(although I will be first in the queue for them in the new season colours come August....) 

Next, the navy Stan Smiths.  I succumbed. 

And you know what?  I'm not sure.  

What do I always say?  If you're not sure then it's got to be a no.  I'm scared of them - I'll admit that.  I'm very new to this sneaker game - I am a boot veteran.  There is no boot of which I am afraid, I will take any new trend on.  

But sneakers?  Lordy, this is my mutton wobble moment.  I still have the bitter taste of defeat from my New Balance disaster last year (great dog walking shoes though, they will come into their own soon enough).  And I got that same wash of insecurity when I tried the navy Stan Smiths on.  Pictorial evidence, against the beloved white leather Zara ones which I have felt unbelievably comfortable in. 

They've even totally sold out online and they are like the proverbial rocking horse poo... but I've sent them back.  (which of course I'm now ever ever so slightly regretting... but NO.  They're not right, I didn't wear them as soon as I got them which means No No No..... still wobbling though... NO.  Please tell me someone else has these arguments with themselves?)

I did order originally these from Next, after the disaster (there's a theme here...) of my black Mango ones in the sale.  I can't for the life of me remember why, but these looked awful on me.  

Navy Snake Effect lace up trainers £28




At the same time I had also ordered the leather ones which were a gazillion times more comfortable and great value for leather at below £40.  But again, there was something I wasn't quite convinced by.   I should have realised navy sneakers are perhaps just not going to work for me. 

Soft Leather lace up pump from Next £38



I've also seen they now have a navy suede version as well - much cheaper than the originals and ideal if you're maybe not quite sure, like me...

Navy Suede Pumps £34


I'm thinking I should probably just abandon the search for a navy sneaker and retreat back into my comfort zone and think about skater shoes.   I had a revelation - that's what I needed, a pair of navy skater shoes.  

Do you think I can find a pair?  Nowhere.  Absolutely nowhere.  I could have sworn I saw some (I did, at River Island where they're now sold out) and I'm sure Whistles had some - can't find them at all.  

So.  Not one to admit defeat at such a pathetically early time of the year, I am scuttling back to something I am (she says modestly) a pro on. 

Boots.  I love boots.  God I love them.  

And I've found a pair of navy ones which I think I would wear to death.  I'm ignoring the fact I already have two pairs of navy boots.  I've mentioned it.  And I'm ignoring it. 

These from Boden are calling me... THE perfect pair of boots to wear with Summer dresses, with skinnies, with culottes, with any type of jeans, hell I'm wearing them with my jamas too. 

Cut out Boots from Boden in navy £129




Right now I'm throwing something in here which you probably won't expect from me.   I'm all about the pointed boot but.... M&S have had these in for a couple of years now and they are amazing.  One of my best friends has them and she looks superb in them.  She wears them with a navy leather pencil skirt and a navy fitted little jumper and it honestly is the most perfect outfit.  They also look fantastic with skinnies, a breton and a trench.  They look just as good with boyfriend jeans and a sweatshirt.  I tried them on the other day in store and I can't describe how comfortable they are.  I know the pointy boot is the new thing but it's not for everyone and these are the best alternative out there.  A complete tribute to the rather wonderful Camilla Skovgaard boots which are still almost 10 times this cost in the sale.

Mock Suede Platform Ankle Wedge Boots £39.50  Plus 20% off till tomorrow with the code FEB15EM









Fab 70s style knee high block heel boots from M&S - these will be great for the next couple of months and will stand you in good stead come next September as well.  The ideal boots for under those kick flares until we can get into our wedge and block heel sandals. 

Faux Suede Stretch Block Heel knee high boots £99



Haven't mentioned them yet but boy do we need to have a run down of the new stock in at Hush.... Sneak peak here and order these NOW if you want them, otherwise they will sell out. And there's 10% off and free delivery with the code SPRING15.   I know, I know, I've jumped forward a couple of months, from boots to espadrilles in one sentence but I can't do a navy shoe thingymajig and not mention these. 

Navy Chica leather Espadrilles from Hush £69




Something else I'm currently loving is my navy polo neck.  As this is the only other remote piece of navy success I've had, I feel I must share it. 

Mine is super tight fitting (in the sale from Zara - a total one off wonder) but a great alternative is also at M&S.  I have the black one of these which I totally forgot about buying back at Christmas and found in with the boys football kits in the laundry room the other day (as you do..).  I'm going to layer it with dresses and tees now and it's the perfect thin top to go under blazers and jackets when it's still too cold to wear a tee. 

And they still have it in stock in navy (I sized up on this as I didn't want the vacuum packed look...)

Polo Neck Top with Modal from Autograph £22.50.  This would also double up as a great base layer for all those who are still lucky enough to be heading off to the slopes.



Finishing with outfit from today - cinema with the family.  Shaun the Sheep.  The Husband will hopefully be talking to me by the time we get to our friends' this evening..... (to say he thought it was pants is a slight understatement)  Quality McDonald's for Supper and the kids are ensconced in front of the tv waiting for the sitter.