Eating humble pie

Of the mid block heel variety.  Now it's not that I've said that I don't like these - I have loved them on other people.  But I've never managed to find a pair that have worked for me. 

Until now.  The floodgates of love for these shoes have opened and I can't rave about them highly enough.  Ok - so the one pair I have.  But they are amazing. 

Why do I love them?

They're super comfortable.
They're unlike anything else I have so they give a completely different look to old outfits. 
They're versatile enough to wear during the day and out in the evening.
They're an all year round shoe (ok so I wouldn't wear in snow...) so are perfect for our non Summer as well as into the A/W and out the other side into Spring.
They're a classic with a twist.

And you can buy a Valentino pair for almost £600 or the much cheaper versions I've found and they look pretty much the same.  

I can't even remember when I first spied the Whistles ones.  But they were sold out online.  I then happened to go into their St Christopher's Place store last week and hey presto - one pair left in my size.   You know often when in your head a pair of shoes is gorgeous and you try them on and they're...meh.  (Laurence Dacade boots, I'm looking at you...). 

These were the opposite of that.  Tried them on with good old jeans and they transformed my outfit.  

Whistles Ness Patent Mid Heel Mary Jane were £160 now £95 

And they have them in the orange in the sale at House of Fraser... 

Whistles Ness Block Heel Shoe were £160 now £95




I then went to Selfridges and look what I saw.  Yes they're different but they're also almost exactly the same.  AND these are a) not in the sale and b) new season.  Which means these are set to be big news next season so sales shop to your heart's content as these are an early and super clever investment into your A/W wardrobe. 

Valentino Tan-Go patent £495



Then when in Selfridges I made the mistake of going just to *try* the Jimmy Choo Helenas.  I wasn't sure about the heel.  I have to say it's rather sublime. 

Jimmy Choo Helena Leopard Calf Hair Pumps £595




But are they worth the money?  Well.  I then searched and searched and found these.  Am I *that* bothered about the heel... for a LOT (like a Gucci bag a lot) money less.

I am ridiculously pleased with this find. 

Dalmine Mid Heel Shoes in Leopard £65.95 And AND AND if you sign up for their emails (which I then delete - well, eventually.  Catholic Guilt and all that), you get an extra 15% off. 




And in the black - again £65.95











Printed at LK Bennet and these yet again are new in.

Peggy Raffia Embroidered Block Heels £225



So then we have the sales bargains (well - apart from the Whistles ones I already bagged even though I spent £15 more on mine last week..). 

Mary Jane style ballet pumps from La Redoute was £49 now £24.50



Glitter anyone?

Office Little Lady Gold Glitter Shoes were £45 now £32





Double straps again at Kurt Geiger.  These I absolutely love.  I'm going to let you in on a secret - I still haven't mastered shoes for that Rixo maxi (although I think I'm going to midi it) dress.  Actually that's not entirely true.  My super high leopard print Aquazzura a likes from Zara are PERFECT with it (they make it into a midi not a maxi...).  Except that they are super high.  And I can't wear during the day.  And I really really want to wear the dress during the day.  They are taxi shoes personified (shoeified?) 

These are the sort of colour I need.  Or red.  So similar then.... And a much lighter shoe (in either a blush/nude or red).

Maggie from Kurt Geiger were £180 or £79



Or in the black.  Oh I love love LOVE these, again £79.



And some variations on the theme.  

Slightly higher in a suede at New Look £24.99




I'm totally on a roll now - and the budget is going up (along with the heel height.. although this is still very wearable for most).

Ginger suede block heel pumps from Tabitha Simmons £465





Or in the red (we are going to completely ignore the fact these bear a passing resemblance to the £30 Zara ones that I thought were hideous on me.  I'm going to console myself with the fact that they DID look hideous on me and move swiftly on).




So I am completely sold on mine.  Didn't wear them today as with my rather formal jacket they looked a tad too prim.  This is a Phase Eight - yes, Phase Eight - special that I bought about 8 years ago.  I saw it in the window on a "wedding outfit" and the ensemble was so un-me it was ridiculous.  Think 60yr old mother of the bride who usually shops at Viyella.  However the jacket I totally fell in love with and have worn every year since.  And every time, someone always stops me and says they love it.  I will have it for ever.  Although I won't be wearing it to any wedding.  Strictly a dress down with jeans affair. 



Black lyocell tee - & Other Stories
Jeans - Zara
Pearly King and Queen jacket - Phase Eight
Superstar sneakers - Golden Goose
Black Half Moon bag - APC 

Tomorrow I have a day off from end of term for school duties and shall be heading to London for meetings (and obviously a shop or two...) after dropping the 11yr old off at her taster day for her new senior school.  How?  How is that even possible??

I am now armed with a glass of wine, the footie on the tv and shall be googling red shoes in honour of the Welsh.  Would be rude not to... I STILL have to master shoes for that dress (you have been warned of an impending blog... I apologise in advance).

But more importantly, has anyone else been turned by the charms of the block heel Mary Jane?