That cannot have been our Summer...

... as I've not even STARTED with my Summer stuff properly yet. 

But in the two days we had, I have at least had the chance to bring out the first of the proper Summer shoes.  All hail the espadrilles. 

For the last couple of Summers, I've been wearing a champagne leather pair from Penelope Chilvers but this year, I was sent a black leather pair from Seven Boot Lane. 

The best bit about them?  Apart from the fact the leather is like butter and they are super comfortable, they are flatform.  Espadrilles have been around forever but with the addition of a flatform, it just makes them that little bit more "this season". 

I chose the black pair as I think they're more practical for me - I have two holidays in this country and one in Ireland this year and suffice to say, the weather can be somewhat unpredictable "stares outside at sideways rain", a black leather with a proper sole is much more weatherproof than most.  Result.  Plus they are proving to be so so so comfortable, I reckon these are a shoe in for Disney (see what I did there...I know, I know - woeful but I am a woman on the edge - see below.  All v yawn but woman on the edge I am).

And I've been given a 15% discount code to share with you, if there's anything from the new season at Seven Boot Lane you fancy - for me, you can't beat the espadrilles, especially with the 15% off - DMBSS16.  Valid till the end of May.

Falcon Black Leather Espadrilles £75 pre 15% discount.  This picture does not do the super soft, chamoix like leather, justice.

However I was tempted by the pink...



They also have them in a rather delicious navy suede if black isn't your thing, again £75 pre discount. 



Or for those who are more confident about their children not tramping all over their feet (is it only mine who still do that, even at 7, 9 and 11??!) - a minky grey suede.

Falcon Grey Suede £75  



But I am over the moon with my black ones which I have managed to wear for the past couple of days and had planned on wearing today - until we were predicted monsoon rain....  As much as these are more practical than I remember from way back when (leather uppers and a proper sole) I would wear them in a shower but not in a "go forth and build an ark" downpour which is what we had today.  Did I mention that they are supremely comfortable?  

And after a trip to Selfridges today, I can happily say, other than a sandal, these are THE Summer shoes to be seen in. 

Lots of choice and something for every budget (yes, even in Selfridges.  Oh how I love LOVE that shop).

Something slightly different at River Island with their eyelet version.  These are gorgeous in the flesh.  




Black Suede Eyelet Espadrille £48



Or the pink



Or the leopard which is a Limited Edition in a Ponyskin - simply stunning.  Again £48 from River Island.



More leopard at Topshop with a leather toe cap - Kangaroo espadrille £48




And yes - metallic.  So personally, you can keep your leopard shoes this season, as a shoe with a difference, it's metallic all the way for me. 

Although they do look amazing together... (not to be worn together but if you love an espadrille and get a lot of wear out of them - they're different enough to justify both). 





Kangaroo Espadrille in Silver £46




Another metallic version at ASOS.  Now for me - having looked at a fair few of these, I think you do get what you pay for generally with regards to quality - both practically and lookswise.  BUT if you're looking for a pair just to wear on holiday or don't plan on wearing them too often, then these could be a great Summer option. 

ASOS Jazzlyn Espadrille £12




And in the sale at Kurt Geiger - a gorgeous bronze was £99 now £49



Peep toe at Kurt Geiger which I saw at Selfridges today.  These are sublime and remind me of the minimalist look of the Seven Boot Lane ones which is what I was after in my espadrilles this season.