Is it age or a sign of the times?

That I have become obsessed with flat shoes?

Years ago I was a lover of heels.  Now don't get me wrong, I'm not throwing the baby out with the bath water and turning to a life of flats, but I have to say, whereas I used to regularly wear heels during the week - they've now pretty much become the domain of the out out. 

And even when it comes to out out heels, I *may* have been known to get a tape measure out to see how high they are.  Next step a zimmer?

So is it an age thing?  Dear lord, do I know about it if I've been dancing for all of ten minutes in a pair of heels, whereas I used to be able to strut my stuff on the dance floor (no it wasn't pretty) until the early breakfast check out at the hotel (it's 6am in most hotels in case anyone was wondering).  My knees.  I fear that zimmer may be nearer than we think.

Or is it a fashion thing?  It's only a few years ago (a few being more than two in this sense... in case the very literal child happens to be reading) that trainers weren't really a done thing.  Unless you were planning on something vaguely exercise related. 

Ballet flats yes and brogues have been more wearable in recent times.  Ditto loafers.  But really, there weren't a plethora of shoes around to choose from that weren't... hmmm... all a bit sensible?

However now?  Well the flat shoe is your oyster.  And I am loving them.  I would go so far as to say they go with everything.   Even dresses and skirts.  YES even dresses and skirts.  Which I will prove to you this week as I am away, armed with a pair of new flats.  

I first bought this style a couple of years ago (maybe more actually - ok literal child, it was definitely more than a couple).  Two pairs - one leopard and one black, from Next in the sale for a ridiculously bargain sum.  As I wasn't sure about them.  Turns out, they are the only shoes I can remember in living memory having actually worn out.  Literally they fell apart.  And not because they were bad quality but because I wore them so much.  Bald patches meant they were retired to shoe heaven aka the bin. 

The Skater.  Or the Slip on Sneaker.  Call it what you will, these have been around now long enough to be a wardrobe staple.  

Here are my favourites out there.  How will I be wearing them?  All is revealed at the end.  Plus I'm away all week so lots of ideas.  Colourwise, I've gone for black but it was a very close call.  

Certainly, these with my prediction for burgundy being big this year are a great buy.

Jackson 2 Red Flat Low Trainers from Carvela at Shoeaholics was £85 now £45

Burgundy again at Clarks although this time in suede.

Clarks Glove Puppet in aubergine (apparently not burgundy) £45

Or gold.  I have to say, gold would possibly get my vote.  Again £45 from Clarks.

But classic black is certainly the most popular choice.

Black patent at Boden £59.50


Another black option at M&S £29.50



Which they also have in grey. 

Slip on Elastic Trainer from M&S £29.50


Pointed now at Finery. 

Elwood Luxury Leather Trainers from Finery London £79


Trey Nude Flat Slip ons with a point from DKNY was £135 now £39.99



And then moving off piste. 

Claribel Round Toe Trainers from Finery London £79


Or grey felt ones from M&S.  New in. 

Bow Trainers from M&S £25


More of a platform.  Now there is 10% off at hush with the code AUGUST16 (but these are in fact Ash at hush and I'm not sure if you can the code of branded products.... however it can be used off everything else).

Jodie Skater Shoes from hush £145


However this season, for me, I'm giving the Seven Boot Lane ones a go.  Being a huge fan of their Winter boots, they asked if I'd like to try a pair of their slip ons for the Autumn and as much as I absolutely love the ponyhair leopard and jaguar ones, it's the black ones that I know I'll get most use out of.  I have, in my head, the idea of a monochrome Parisian look for the next month. 

Back trousers, grey jumper, grey oversized coat and black slip ons.  Or grey or black wide legged trousers, black jumper and chunky grey cardigan.  Good old jeans, black polo neck and trench coat.. the opportunities are endless. 

There's also a 15% discount off all the Flame slip ons using the code FLAME. 

Seven Boot Lane Black leather Flame slip ons £125



Flame slip ons in leopard £135

And in the jaguar leather 


I've worn mine for the past two days, have done loads of walking and they are honestly like wearing slippers.  Sticking with the monochrome theme for these two outfits... you can see how this is going to go?



Black cropped harems - hush
Black lyocell tee - & Other Stories
Black jacket - hush
Black Flame slip ons - Seven Boot Lane
Black Mario bag - Jerome Dreyfuss
Silk scarf bracelet - Silk Philosophy

And with denim.



White Etoile tee - hush
Black jacket - hush
Phoebe jeans - MiH
Black Mario bag - Jerome Dreyfuss
Black Fame slip ons - Seven Boot Lane
Silk scarf bracelet - Silk Philosophy

Best thing about all those outfits that I listed (and believe me, I have many more...) is that they work just as well with all flats.   Loafers, any form of sneakers, Chelsea boots or ballet flats.  Are heels a thing of the past?