These boots are made for talking

Yes you read that correctly, talking and not walking. 

Except that I do actually want to be able to walk in them which makes the search all the more difficult. 

I also want them to do the talking.  Statement boots.   I know I should be looking at sandals and espadrilles and all things summery but from a hugely selfish perspective, I'm off to Ireland next week where sandals are about as much use as flipflops on Everest.

And I know it's ridiculous, but when I go away on holiday I do always like to have something new to take with me.  Especially as, in the scheme of holidays, to me, going to stay with family for a week in the middle of Ireland doesn't *really* come under the heading of holiday holiday  (the kids LOVE it...)  Unless you insert the word "Busman's" before it.  So I sort of feel a treat is deserved.  And dare I say, it's usually a useful purchase as it's something I can wear all year round, as the temperatures are never tropical (I stand to be corrected one year.  Still waiting).  

Seeing as it's Ireland (although I know, I know, the weather is looking up...I'm not going to point out that it looks like being significantly warmer at home...) a pair of boots therefore, is an excellent idea.

And at the moment, I can't get enough of the off piste numbers.  Maybe two weeks of 24/7 with my three children has sent me slightly batty but I am in it for the bonkers.  Yes, I want my boots to do the talking. 

Starting with ones that yesterday I LOVED (thank the Lord I do have a pause/procrastination button) as today, I think the novelty may have worn off. 

That's not to say I am not hankering after a higher and closer fitting up the leg pair.  I'm just not sure how these would fair come December... (I have visions of plucked chicken style goosebumps peaking through the laces which isn't quite the look I was going for).  Although I can only find one pic of these on a pair of legs with an outfit.  Maybe I should just order them to scratch the itch and prove to myself they are insane.

Studs.  And laces.  I do love them.  I really actually do.

Toga Lace Up Leather boots £350

Some more with a mid heel.  And we are staying with a theme of either buckles or studs.

Call off the dogs at Topshop.  Even though I'm stretching the buckle scenario with a very small buckley thing (not really a buckle at all...) over the toe.  Love the colour.  Love! (bear in mind how much I've said I love...). 

I was asking at Gucci why they didn't do a leather version of their Marmont suede fringed ankle boots.  They didn't listen but Topshop did (clearly this is a conversation I've had by osmosis...). 

Maximum Fringe Loafer Boot in burgundy from Topshop £82 I only hope they're snug on the legs as this is the problem I've had with so many.  




And in the black 




However I've made up for it with the next "buckle" boots.

You want buckle? Here's a buckle.  Of the hugest size I've ever seen.  Take that. 

Buckle Ankle Boots £89.99 from Mango



Now clearly the amount of time spent in constant contact with my children is getting to me as I am rather partial to these.  I'm going to throw it out there that they're not remotely versatile and are probably a complete one trick pony but I have to say, I do rather like them... You'd either wear them with everything or wear them once.  (I have to say I fear the latter... oh darn you sensible head you).

Jeffrey Campbell Buckle Strap Leather Heeled Boots £134


However if we're talking a slight heel and buckles, my favourites have to be the Toga Pullas. 

In black leather £326

Or for this season they have a black on black for £300 at Matches.



If you'd prefer not to pay that, you don't have to and Office have come up with some great tributes. 

Office Jagger Multi buckle boots £85


We're onto flat now.  Marant rules the return of the punk.  Viva Las 80s.

Rolling Leather and Suede Ankle Boots from Isabel Marant £520



But then I carried on looking and the boots just got better.  Oh. My. Lord.  WHY aren't these in stock now - these would so be coming to Ireland with me. 

Rowi calf hair leather ankle boots from Isabel Marant £520



Or the plainer version which are marginally less at £465



Moving onto studs... 

Givenchy Stud Embellished Ankle Boots £895 I have been eyeing these up since seeing Claudia Winkleman rocking them every week on The Great Sewing Bee.



But fear not if you can't quite stretch to a Givenchy pair.  Thank you Toppers. 

Amy Studded Ankle Boots £82



And similar again at ASOS. 

ASOS Ashleigh Leather Studded Ankle Boots £60



Similar buckle style but in a different sort of leather.  I'm going to throw it in that these are slightly out there for me (she says having said she liked the ones above which are a million times more bonkers but with hindsight, I may have had child overload at that point of research). 

Office Lock Down Buckle Boots £95

More Lock Down boots in Olive at Office again £95.  Now these I do love and I think look a lot more expensive than their price belies.



And in the black... 



More flat studs at Baleciaga.  Budget out of the window at this point.

Studded Leather Chelsea boots at Browns £595



Slightly different now and I think these definitely have a Marant feel about them but without the price tag.  It's quite nice actually to find a pair of boots which have a hint of a designer tribute about them without being a direct copy.  I have a pair of flat suede studded boots in tan which I have worn loads and will be definitely taking to Ireland with me.  

Office Jamesons Stud Chelsea boots were £75 now £44



And in the taupe (just spray with suede protector for them to last) were £75 now £41


But then I come to the jewel in the stud boot crown.  So I've already covered the buckle boots with my Toga Pullas which I'm wearing into their third year now.  Can you see where I'm going with this level of justification... yes people, the Chloe Susannas.  At the time, it was toss up between the Togas and the Chloes and I plumped for the (significantly cheaper) former pair. 

This season, they've bought them out in a dark red.  A burgundy shade.  Could these be more perfect?

Susanna leather ankle boots from Chloe £825



Alternatively there is the classic red which has been around for a while now - red again £825 (OUCH)  


The best versions on the high street are definitely from Office and I'm very taken with their white versions...

Office Lucky Charm Studded Boots in white £82

So I am well and truly confused.  The head says I should probably wait for a plainer boot, the heart (which is an eejit) says buy the dark red Chloe ones immediately and wear them to Ireland... thoughts?  I'm just thinking - take four dresses, a pair of jeans, three tees and the boots and be done with it.  It's an expensive packing short cut mind you!  But boy would it make my trip so much more enjoyable..

So outfit from today - who knew what the weather was doing.  It was cool earlier and very windy.  Went for a walk with just the 9yr old (yes obviously there was Pokemon involved - I have given up even trying to persuade the other two lazy bums to join us) and by the time we got back it was 23 degrees.  Warm to say the least.  But I couldn't be bothered to tan my legs so jeans it was. 


Silk blouse - Isabel Marant for H&M
Boyfriend jeans - Current/Elliott
Falcon Black Espadrilles - Seven Boot Lane 
Black Mario bag - Jerome Dreyfuss
Hat - Zara Men

The weather does look like it's improving so maybe I should be buying new espadrilles and not new boots.   I may have to rethink.