Pass me a zimmer

I fear that my days of high heels during the day may be numbered.  I've mentioned this before but for the first time, I am contemplating not actually buying any heels at all in a season.  Shock.  Horror.  Has old age finally kicked in and do I just find heels too much like hard and painful work or have I finally, merely come to my senses?

To be fair, I do have more than a couple of pairs that I can wear so it's not as if I'm going total cold turkey but I really don't need to purchase any (famous last words). 

The jury is still out on totally flat sandals - not that I don't want any, just that I haven't quite worked out which sandal tribe I'm joining.  Plus, I do still have my two pairs from last year that I am still very taken with (although the Clarks snakeskin birkie a likes are top of my list I think).

However inspiration comes from the strangest of scenarios and whilst the shopping trip to Covent Garden last week didn't pan out in shop number one (Cos), it took a bit of a rollercoaster turn in Zara. 

Walking round thinking same old, same old and suddenly I see a lady trying on a pair of sandals which I think are totally grim. 

Two seconds later however, my ridiculously fickle brain does a massive about turn and I suddenly think - hang on, these are amazing and I don't think I can live without them.  The 10yr old can bear witness to this, rolling her eyes at me as only 10yr old daughters can.  

She's charged with flying around the shop with me trying to find them, we manage to locate them and do they have them in my size?  Well obviously not.  I then manage to collar a Sales Assistant who looks at me in pity as I ask if they have more in stock?  "Sold out everywhere", was the response I got, accompanied by obligatory withering look only SAs seem to be able to master with such aplomb.

Oh that'll be right.  I need these shoes now.  They will work on every single level, with every single outfit.  With all dresses and skirts be them mini or midi, with cropped trousers, skinny trousers, jeans and dungarees.  Am on the online "notify me when back in stock" list (although they've totally disappeared from the website now even) and have one last hope of finding them here in Ireland tomorrow.  

These are the sandals that had a mixed response on Instagram.  They are the same at the front actually as my stiletto leopard ones from Zara last year which I absolutely adore.  They're also very similar to the Chloe wedge ones that everyone is going bonkers for.  The Chloe ones are higher in the leg I would say and over £800 more. (a mere snip)  I have to say I actually prefer the Zara ones.  I love the block heel - I really do.  

It also made me think and suddenly notice how many block heel style sandals there are around and how useful they are.  They can be worn for the school run, out to lunch and actually can be ideal for dressier occasions too.  Heels - be gone.  Me and my zimmer are all over the mid heel sandal. 

So whilst I pine over the Zara ones - a couple more that have caught my eye and may make the shortlist.  

Firstly, a very similar pair at Next, although I much much prefer the block heel to a wedge.  Don't ask me why.  Actually it may also be the tiny gold studs that I think make all the difference.  Along with the zip at the back. 

Gladiator Style Wedge £35 from Next 




Whilst we're talking about love or hate, these are definitely going to be a dividing sort of shoe.  Weirdly though I do really like them, but they're so so not me.  I can see how they would work and I certainly do not think they look remotely like Clarks at all.  Definitely designer to me.  One for the more daring and cutting edge amongst us. 

Geta Block in Black Leather from Clarks £90





Talking of Clarks, they also have a great fringe sandal - not dissimilar to the Whistles ones but at half the price. 

Berrick Ruby from Clarks in black £65



Also in the interesting shade of mustard they call honey.  I think these are an amazing addition to a neutral wardrobe. 

In the honey £65





Slightly higher (moth to a flame...) but still not high high and a wedge which does cancel out some of the height.... But another tassel option which is why I'm putting them here as I've had my eye on them.  

Tassel Wedges from Next £38


And whilst we're on the higher tassel heel, these are right up my street from Zara.

Fringe Block Heel Leather £49.99



Returning to proper mid heel height now and back in the room with some more classic, simple styles.  These are actually much more befitting to my newly found love of the minimalistic chic (but clearly my fashion victim magpie isn't dead but only sleeping hence my obsession with the Zara lace ups)

Berrick Rock at Clarks £70  



Buckles Leather sandal from Mango £59.99



As minimalist as you can get at River Island.

Black Block heel sandals £45



However I appreciate ankle straps aren't for everyone so more on the minimalist theme...

Sandcastle Art from Clarks in tan £45



and in white 



More tan in a similar style but without the buckles from Carvela. 

Kimberley Block Heel Sandals £79


Sneaking in a slightly higher pair... 

Kin by John Lewis Fifty Five Heeled Leather Sandals in Grey £69




Mid heel for you?  Or are you still on the "they're frumpy and neither here nor there" bench.  I am all out on the search for the Zara ones - have I yet again lost my mind?  That be said, I should probably be wary about peaking too early as I have a list of shoe lust as long as my arm. 

So the sun is still shining here, fantastic trip to the Circus with the children and my sister in law and then back home for a huge family roast. 


Black thin knit jumper - Cos
Black zip ankle skimmer jeans - Boden
Off white jumper - Kin by John Lewis 
Trench Coat - Banana Republic 
White cracked leather Stan Smiths - adidas
Leopard print scarf - Louis Vuitton
Black Faridah hobo bag - Marc by Marc Jacobs

Weather is supposed to be getting even better these week - dare I crack out the sandals tomorrow?