It's going to be too late.

You may have noticed that my head is well and truly entrenched in all things Autumnal.  Which is obviously no surprise given the complete lack of Summer that we've had. 

But could the weather get any better in the next month or two?  Was walking to school this morning and it was actually rather nice out there.  Looking at my (albeit offensively unreliable) iphone app, it appears to be warming up this weekend into next week (we'll gloss over the plummet in temperatures from Wed onwards... what do they know anyway?)

And then we'll all be clambering for Summer things.  Clotheswise, I am sorted - seeing as I haven't worn any of my ones from last year or this year (thank goodness I only have a couple of new things anyway). 

But sandals.  Ugh.  My nemesis of the season. 

Can't get this one cracked.  And it's going to be too late, if it's not already.  

Therefore I am tackling this head on.  

So I mentioned the other day that I am need of sandals of the lighter variety.  I had bought a pair from Carvela which I thought I loved.. but wasn't sure.  I had kept them for three weeks and hadn't worn them.  Which - yes, I know I know - it means return.  If you haven't worn them already and don't want to wear them immediately, they're not right. 

Phew.  Decision made, packed up and ready to go back. 

And now... 

I just can't find any that I like.  I've even thrown budget out of the (within reason) window and STILL can't find any that float my boat.   I have absolutely no idea what I'm looking for.  Which isn't a good thing.  I do know though that any that I vaguely like are vertiginous of heel.

How hard can it be?  To find a pair of sandals that don't a) give me a nosebleed when I wear them or b) require me to travel by taxi everywhere as walking more than 10 metres may result in either a hip replacement or a pavement face plant.

Dear entire shoe making world.  WHY do you make sandals so high?

One option which we do have are mules. 

Now mules... I've tried them and tried them and try them because I love them and they look epic on other people.  But on me?  Meh.  Something just doesn't click.  

So I'm not buying any (for now...).  Even though everyone is wearing them and they look amazing, it's having the confidence to say nope - these aren't right for me.  Even though I really really want them to be....  It's the defining of your own style, even though it may be not be the height of fashion.  If you love something and feel good in it and it works with your proportions, then I promise you, it will work.  And by the same note - even if something is ridiculous ontrend, if you look down at your feet and think wtf, then it has to be a no.

That's not to say I haven't been tempted.  Especially by the new burgundy ones in at Topshop... except they're so high.  I will say though they are ridiculously comfortable.  Think slippers with a slightly (ok very) higher heel.

Ruler Flared Heel Peep-toe Mules £60

And I'm also rather partial to the yellow pair...


Slightly lower options at Jigsaw.

Bea Open Toe Block Heel Mule from Jigsaw was £129 now £64


And in the slate blue... now... hmmmm




Another option are the Marant alikes.  The originals were from last year and are now sold out everywhere but that's not to say the trend hasn't filtered down for us mere mortals on the high street.  I have ordered a pair from H&M but their website is down at the mo.
Betilla Sandals from Vine Camuto at Shoeaholics were £115 now £59


Although I have to say I do prefer them in the black... again now £59.  And this is why I don't have any light coloured sandals but have a wall of black shoes. 



Orrr slightly higher... and cheaper at Nine West. 

Gailon Sandals from Nine West at Shoeaholics were £95 now £39



And in the taupe.... for a tenner cheaper at £29


And now for some slightly off piste numbers.

Don't judge me.  I've reached desperation status and am sucking and seeing.

I think these could work... in a minimalist/Scandi way.... *clutches at straws*...
Lina Wedge Clog from Jigsaw was £129 now £64





And moves swiftly on.  These are the most impractical shoes ever for a daily bomb about.  But they're rather handsome.  I'd go so far as to day they look a lot more expensive than £55.  Not what I'm looking for though but they did catch my eye...

Faith Two Part Sandals £55





And then the total ringer... which I thought looked amazing online (I may have had a glass of wine - I can't remember).  In my head, with my off the shoulder Rixo dress (which is currently being hemmed to a midi length.. I KNOW everyone said don't but well, I didn't like it on me as a maxi.  I felt like a poor man's Margot) at a midi length, these would be ideal...

Plus I could wear them with jeans and.. jeans.... and ... ooh maybe my khaki trousers... 

Real Suede Frill Sandals £69 from Topshop


But on.. well suffice to say I wasn't convinced. 



However I have thought about it and looked again and no I wouldn't wear them with a jumpsuit (a notoriously difficult outfit to team footwear with actually... especially heels...) but I've come round to thinking they may well work with the aforementioned items.  I'm going back in.  

So I'm well and truly confused as to what I'm going to end up with.  If anything.  At this rate, I have procrastinated so much, I'll be looking for shoes to go with my Christmas outfits. 

It has made me think - maybe I've left it so late - just wear the ones I've got.  Maybe I can't get buy without buying any new ones.  The ones are I have are very high.  They're high so they're high.  All the new ones I like are just as high.  But I've been keeping them *for best*... Well.  Forget that.  They're coming out on a daily basis now.  Balenciaga for the school run?  And why not?  (except that there is a teensy hill I need to navigate... remember that pavement face plant thing I mentioned??)

Speaking of new things though, I have a new dress.  Which I LOVE.  I have honestly ordered loads (all shopping rules out of the window - sales desperation has taken hold and is not letting go.  I am so blaming the weather) and it has all been horrific.  All going back (as I mentioned yesterday).

Bar the red M&S dress from the other day which is just amazing and I can't wait to wear it (tomorrow..) and this one from today.  Love.  Alas sold out online. 



Embroidered bib front midi dress - Warehouse
Suede stud boots - Quattro Rish
Red Soho Disco bag - Gucci

I am off out tonight and best thing about this sort of dress - quick change of shoe (ie a Balenciaga heeled sandal) and throw on a biker jacket and I'm set to go.  The absolutely best sort of dress there is.  Shame there aren't that many of them around (at a palatable price.. this was £50 in the sale but it was only reduced from £69!)

I have also just had a HUGE H&M order (including shoes...) delivered for which I have (pathetically) high hopes.  I would share but their site is down for maintenance... (and has been all day which is mildly irritating as I have a skirt I want to order in another size!).

Hope everyone has enjoyed the sunshine today and please could you all let me know your sandal choices this season.... I need help... (actually I might just can the lot and buy some boots!).  You may notice that I haven't tackled the espadrille yet... there's a story about that. I need to tackle it head on, don't I?  Am I missing a trick?