So this is what I saw this morning on The Pool. A great article (who knew about Cos socks although I am a total tight wad and stock up on plain black ones from Primark which I'll have you know, aren't too shabby either).
But this I am totally taking to heart. This was number 6 on the article entitled, "The 6 Best Things I've learnt from fashion people".
6. SPEND MORE ON FLAT SHOES
It sounds counterintuitive, but it makes sense when you think of cost per wear. How many times have you splurged on a wedding outfit you’ve worn one or twice? Bionda Castana’s shoe designer Natalia Barbieri says, if you can only buy one expensive pair, make it your everyday flats, not your stiletto showstoppers. And Nick Wakeman of cult label Studio Nicholson advises: “Make the building blocks of your wardrobe as amazing as you can.”
Yes it's another blog on shoes, yes it's currently my favourite topic bar none. So when I read the above I may have done a tiny victory dance.
But I promise you will all thank me for this as it solves so many shoe issues. Today I'm all about the loafer. The flat loafer.
I've been planning this for a couple of days and according to The Pool, we all agree, the flat shoe is having its day.
Let me try and explain the method behind the madness in my championing of all things Loafer. I've got it into my head that these are going to be the next sneaker. Ok so they're not going to take the place of the sneaker but I don't think there's any reason why these can't be a great alternative.
I adore my trainers (the ones I have..) I absolutely do and I won't be giving them up for sure. But if given the chance I would wear them every day. And well.. that becomes a bit dull.
Maybe it's the Aquarian in me (or bolshy cow as the husband likes to refer to it) that means I'm looking for something different. I'm putting it out there - I reckon loafers are the perfect shoe to work alongside sneakers in your wardrobe.
Almost like trainers in reverse. So a couple of years ago, it would have been unthinkable to wear trainers with a smart suit. Whereas now it's a complete no brainer of an outfit. So I'm thinking... loafers with a casual outfit and not just for smart days. I'm not talking just jeans - I'm talking more dress down. Why can't you put an outfit together of joggers, jumper, coat/blazer/biker jacket and loafers?
I'm going in. And in at the deep end. The very deep end.
Gucci. Oh the irony though. Making the decision to buy a pair. Made infinitely easier by remembering that the husband hasn't bought me a birthday present yet. I know it's in January but he is the WORST birthday present purchaser. Ever. Surpasses himself at Christmas but you can almost see him fading with Gift Fatigue come three weeks later.... *can't compute having to do present giving two months in a row...* Given the chance, I swear he'd go and lie down in a darkened room till the following December. Not a hope, mate. As I pointed out to a friend the other day, whilst justifying prospective purchase, if my birthday was in June, we wouldn't be having this problem....
So decision made. Pair of Gucci loafers coming up.
Except you can't buy the damn things. Seriously? Freaking sold out everywhere. And of course as soon as you tell me something is out of stock.. well that's one way to fuel an obsession.
Originally I wanted the soft red leather ones which are aren't available anywhere bar in big sizes.
Gucci horsebit loafers in red £405
So I then found these (scary scary price difference...)
And the eel loafers £535
I managed to track them down to Selfridges in my size (I had been to the Gucci shop as I mentioned yesterday, earlier in the week and had been trying on lots of shoes but in the softer leather..) These are a harder leather than and as a result do feel slightly tighter so I think I'd need a half size bigger. All these Gucci shoes do come up on the big size. I'm usually a 39.5 or a 40 and in the softer leather, I'm definitely only a 39 or a 39.5. The 40 is way too big. So am umming and ahhing whether to wait for the soft red leather to come back into stock (Harrods have assured me they're getting more in... and yes I have been spending hours on the phone playing hunt the loafer).
You can always rely on Topshop to come up with great options as well. The fact they have so many leads me to believe we could be onto a winner here...
Karter Loafer from Topshop £62
Black suede also at Topshop
Kube Metal Trim Loafer £59
More very wearable at Seven Boot Lane.
Francesca Charcoal Suede from Seven Boot Lane £120 Love the mix of suede and leather... and the detailed above the fringing which gives them a great twist on "classic loafer"..
More grey and another twist on a classic from Seven Boot Lane with the leopard print tassels. Just too too cute.
Dixie Charcoal Suede pumps £100
Now these are perhaps slightly wintery for the Summer but they will be your best friend come the Autumn. And let's face it, we're going to have (alas) plenty of wet and windy days in the meantime when you'll be grateful for these.
Embrook Italian Loafer in navy from Finery London £109
Or the Kimi from Topshop in the Bordeaux leather £39 Love this with grey. Perfect for an all year round loafer.
Now I am personally sticking with something (to begin with..) that's more on the conservative side colourwise as I think breaking the loafer out of its worky comfort zone is progression enough for me at this point.
I won't lie though.. I am tempted by the coloured ones.
Surely gold is practically a neutral? Topshop Kimi Pointed Loafer £39 (amazing price for leather)
Kimi Pointed Loafer in silver £39
And surely for Summer, there is no more perfect colour than white?
Karter Loafer from Topshop £62
Taupe Suede at Topshop - Kube loafer again £59
Pink is more handy an option that you'd think. Gorgeous with black and white. The perfect foil for grey and looks fantastic with khaki too. Embrook Italian Loafer in Pink at Finery London £109
And of course I had decided that all I wanted was a red pair. Well. They're like the proverbial rocking horse poo but did find these with a little block heel which may suit lots if you're not a fan of the very flat.
Kave Block Heel loafer in red £56
And I couldn't not include a leopard one, could I? Too. Cute.
ASOS Minkie loafter was £28 now £14
And tasseled leopard loafers at The Outnet from Dieppa Restrepo were £220 now £110
So what did I end up with? Well I am still umming and ahhing about the proper loafers but at the moment, I am waiting on these to arrive. They've been OOS everywhere but I had a£100 off from Matches (DAMN YOU - sort of) and so when yesterday the "item from your wishlist back in stock" pinged up on my phone - it was sort of meant to (actually I said to myself - if you can check out before they get sold to someone else, it's fate. At which point I thought I really needed to get a life. Ach well, at least I'll have lovely shoes to get a new life with. And then I did remember how difficult the holiday had been and thought - nope. Deserved).
Princetown leather backless loafers from Gucci £380
Kola Mule Loafer from Topshop £59
For me - they are the perfect Spring/Summer shoe. I really don't think I am going to be venturing into the choppy waters of Boho dressing this year. I'm on the lookout for a style alternative and these are going to be the wardrobe epicentre around which I shall build the rest. Who would ever have thought a pair of shoes could be the epicentre of anything?
Speaking of useful shoes - these boots that I bought in the sale in January were one of my best A/W buys. And although they will hopefully be packed away shortly, they're going to definitely get lots of wear next Autumn as well. Not to mention the bag...
Ditto the jumpsuit and the faithful military jacket from last year. Although had I had my new shoes, I would have soooo worn them... perfect for day and night.
Black l/s jumpsuit - hush
Black military jacket - Zara
Nuria boots - Iro Paris
Red Soho Disco bag - Gucci
And for a lazy Sunday. No rugby for us anymore as the little one has decided it's not for him (I may be ever so slightly overjoyed at this news) so I took two of them swimming and then headed to the rugby club for drinks afterwards (this is the way to do it... even though I have only ever drunk water there. Go figure).
Red and navy breton - H&M
Navy dress coat - H&M
Navy and white cashmere Lucie Loungers - Wyse London
Hazlemere tote - Village England
Crackled leather Stan Smiths - adidas
First BBQ at home this afternoon which keeps the middle son entertained for hours which is great. Pixels and a glass of red wine this evening and then back to the school run this week. I cannot wait for my loafers to arrive and think they will seamlessly be worn when I would (every day) have worn my sneakers. Have I persuaded that these are the next must have flat shoe?
I've got more Spring ideas coming up this week and shall be starting to think about options for those of us who aren't going boho this season. Anyone else or just me?
Glad to hear you're giving us more non-boho options. The Pampleone dress was so not me when I tried it on and now, apart from a few tasselled/lightly frilled tops, I've decided there's no point in trying to uncover my hidden boho - it just doesn't exist. I think the fact that my Insta timeline is currently bursting with pouting, posing types at Coachella has made me rail against it with passion - it's not Woodstock 1967 after all. LOVING the loafers, however. I was coveting the soft black horsebit ones, but having seen Toppers' offerings I may be seeking this budget option (especially as I've been playing a bit fast and loose with the credit card of late - damn all those tempting summery goodies).
ReplyDeleteThe Toppers ones are amazing aren't they? I am now coveting the white ones... seeing as I'm not sure the red ones will materialise I think white are the perfect Summer alternative... Although the backless ones are definitely a winner.
DeleteYes, I've decided that boho just isn't me. I so so SO want it to be, but I'm just too boring. I'm so with you on Insta being flooded with fabulously eclectic styles and ideas but realistically, I'm 43, live in the Home Counties and am frankly too mundane. DAMN IT. I have the odd top that scratches the itch but they're really only for high days and holidays (ie super hot days...)
Other than that, fear not - I shall find us an alternative style avenue. x
I love those Topshop loafers, thanks for seeking them out, that means I can kind of justify buying a pair of loafers in one colour and a pair of ballet flats in another ( I was contemplating 2 pairs of ballet flats in diff colours but like to have a mix of styles or else I get bored!). With school run and the walk to work I need closed in toes for those Spring / summer days when it's chucking it down and you don't want wet feet :( can you hear my argument for new shoes building?!
ReplyDeletePERFECT solution! They're just ever so slightly different to ballet flats? (although don't get me wrong.. love them too..) It's the Aquarian in me - I need something that everyone isn't wearing!
DeleteLove the Gucci shoes, they're be so useful. Also think the Kube from Topshop would be great and can be relegated to work shoes when I'm bored with them. I too only do a nod to Boho in the form of a top worn with dungarees.
ReplyDeleteKat, I'm off to New York soon so any shopping tips you have would be gratefully received.
Ps I've just spent an unexpected £200 on Self Portrait and Cecilie Copenhagen because it would be rude not to use a £100 off voucher!!
DeleteMy NY shopping tip is to buy American brands - Kate Spade, J Crew etc, also not very exciting but warm weather clothes like Patagonia much cheaper and of course jeans - Levis at Macys......
DeleteWell funny you should mention that, as I"m off to New York next month too! EEK!!!! TOOOOOOOOOOOOO excited and so you are in luck as I shall be trawling some of the best US sites with my before I go picks! And yes - it was rude not to use the voucher wasn't it?!
DeleteLOVE the Finery ones - want!
ReplyDeleteAny Finery discount codes?
DeletePAYPAL20.....
DeleteHurrah! Ordered!
DeleteLove love love your blog - you make me smile! I think I recall you saying you are going to Dublin/Ireland at some stage? You could try Brown Thomas in Dublin city for your Gucci loafers? Just a thought .....
ReplyDeleteI wont' be going for ages but it's a genius idea to see if they have them, thank you!
DeleteI have the topshop mules in the Bordeaux. Lovely, but they do run small. Eyeing off the red Kave's as a sub for the Guccis - anyone have feedback as to fit?
ReplyDeleteThese are a pricier but very well made option: http://www.chaussures-clif.com/moccasins-womensShoes.htm
No feedback yet sorry - I do know though that people do say the sizing is very inconsistent between styles. Helpful as a chocolate teapot I appreciate. x
DeleteOmg! The red Guccis,,, In Love, but I also love the 7 Boot Lane pair with leopard tassels, and the ASOS leopard pair for £14! Great alternatives to sneakers and the ubiquitous ballet flat (which I do love and find super useful when it's not warm enough for sandals but I want something smarter/prettier than sneakers/plimsolls
ReplyDeleteFor me - they're this year's ballet flats - slightly more masculine.. (well - a lot more masculine !!)
DeleteI CAN'T get the red guccis. WEEP
Oh I am holding out for your red ones - they will look fab - have you seen the guccis in pink - of course you have - but red far more neutral so cost per wear even less!! x
ReplyDeleteCan't get hold of them anywhere - just need to pray they come back into stock at Harrods!
DeleteSTOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOP have just looked at NAP and the red ones were back in a 40 so I've ordered and am PRAYING they're not too big. They're the old price and the new season ones are £85 more!!
Deleteyipeeeeee - still waiting for my red suede Marmonts from Cocosa - taking F o r e v e r
Deletehmmm that is, I believe, the danger unfortunately of ordering from them. Fingers crossed they'll arrive soon! ETA at all??
DeleteI bought a pair in Russell & Bromley recently and I love them. J Crew have great ones too.
ReplyDeleteOOH I'll check out the JCrew ones thank you x
DeleteLoafers don't really work on me, so my alternative flat of choice is the moccasin! Minnetonka ones bought in the US, cheap as chips and mega comfortable. Currently have two pairs - grey suede with a beaded thunderbird on the toe (!), and black suede with a leopard panel on the toe. They get so much use in summer, perfect for wearing with no socks.
ReplyDeleteOh LOVE them... fear I am a tad too conservative for them but LOVE them on others. In another life I would live in them and head to toe in Isabel marant Etoile!
DeleteI started reading this thinking that loafers aren't really for me and then saw them in silver, leopard, colour and with tassels! I'm not a classic dresser, it really doesn't suit me but classic with a twist - yes! I do like boho, but very diluted e.g. a peasant blouse with jeans, gladiator sandals, a velvet coat. Minimal boho, maybe?
ReplyDeleteYes I do tend to do minimal boho but I'm thinking more structure.... minimalist structure - that's what I'm going for. (famous last words... !!)
DeleteSo. As soon as the Gucci slimline loafers came out I was in love. But there was no way I was going to buy them - way out of my price range. But then ... a pair of box fresh Russell and Bromley loafers came up on ebay: black, slimline with silver (yay) horsebit: £100. Took a deep breath and bought. Fabulous - a little big but that means they'll be perfect in the summer. Good luck with yours - not mad on the eel skin but love the backless.
ReplyDeleteoh WOW!!!!!! Sound amazing. Haven't gone with the eel skin ones - am waiting on some other red ones that I found on NAP in my size!
DeleteI love loafers, I have navy patent, red patent, burnished gold, silver, black with tassels, black with a chunky sole, dark brown... I think they're rather flattering on the foot and normally comfortable. Love the first red Gucci pair and the first Topshop pair.
ReplyDeleteI can't do Summer boho so I'm looking forward to seeing what you cover on this. I'll confess I do like a shoulder grazing earring but kaftans do nothing for me. I've settled on a summer uniform of black, white or grey tee, worn with harems, khaki trousers, grey or blue boyfriend jeans and pumps, plain sandals, or loafers. My summer wardrobe looks like Mark Zuckerbergs, with identikit outfits!
OMG you are totally trumping me on the loafer front. I bow down in awe!
DeleteI am intrigued by a shoulder grazing earring... that sounds WAY more adventurous than I'd ever be. I'm thinking of doing Parisian Summer... Ibiza summer is NOT happening chez moi. So pretty much sounds exactly like yours. I am completely ignoring your Mark Z reference bar to acknowledge that he has great taste!!!
Love the Pricetown loafer - I found them REALLY small though unlike their regular loafers - but my foot is quite wide and without the back there was nothing to push my foot into the shoe - make sense? Anyway made up for it with a pair of red chloe susannas in stead:)
ReplyDeleteI see what you mean.... Oh wow more boots! I can't justify any more boots till next Season - I am firmly in shoe mode for the Spring/Summer. Red susannas though - gorge!
DeleteAfter reading your blog I happened to be in Topshop and tried on the gold Kimi loafers. They are amazing so so soft. My head tells me the brown ones are more useful and practical, but my heart tells me to wear gold ones. I might be pushing the comfort zone of the school run Mums. And slightly confused look by husband is a given!
ReplyDeleteBut with black crop jeans, boyfriend jeans, pencil denium skirt, pleated skirt - wouldn't they just be fab? Or should I fall to the more practical option?
Noooo they sound AMAzING with that outfit! GO FOR IT!!!
DeleteI'm not sure what Jemima Vine are doing as she's gone home to Oz for a while - hopefully she'll be back with some epic shoes soon. R&B didn't have any that were this style.. and didn't see any anywhere else. I bet there will be LOADS come September though!
ReplyDelete