A love affair with shoes by Lydia
It seems only appropriate that my first blog is about shoes as, for me, the best part about getting dressed in the morning is deciding what goes on my feet! To those that know me well they’ll tell you that the first love of my life was a pair of shoes. As I reflect on my love of shoes I realise that I can chart the eras of my life, step by step, according to the shoes I was wearing at the time. I’m quite sure that spending my formative years at school in brown loafers only made me yearn for a time when I could buy a pair of elegant stilettos. So it was at the age of 22 in my first job at Louis Vuitton that I bought the most beautiful pair of stilettos which of course sent me summersaulting down the staircase and landed me in a hospital bed! Since that first pair there have been many, many more and as I near the 100 mark I realise this love will never diminish!
‘Give a girl the right shoes and she can conquer the world.’ Bette Midler.
So what exactly do we have to look forward to this Spring?
The SS15 catwalks were home to an array of shoes which screamed wearability and ease, and came in the form of gladiator sandals, flatforms, block heels and a great selection of flats many of which were embellished with fringing, fur, bows and graphics to add that extra little bit of feminine glamour!
Gladiators
Whether you choose flats, heels or even laced up to the knee, the gladiator sandal was hot on the runways and is a spring staple for your wardrobe. You can find a host of affordable styles on the high street so think Roman goddess and embrace your inner bohemian by choosing a pair that will make your wardrobe effortlessly chic.
These natural leather sandals are simple with accents of luxe gold and are a fantastic holiday essential if you want a Grecian-inspired look.
Russell and Bromley £175
These gladiator-style sandals are handcrafted from chemical-free leather and decorated with ceramic beads.
NET-A-PORTER £190
With a hexagonal block heel these tan suede gladiators are glamorous without compromising on comfort.
Miu Miu £610
Flats
The message from the designers was loud and clear and our feet will be happy because flats for every possible occasion are here to stay. Think trainers, patent ballet pumps, brogue-style shoes and penny loafers which are all comfortable but stylish.
These Italian leather longwing ‘Grand’ brogues are a classic, best-selling style but with a modern twist of natural linen quarters and contrasting pink and orange trims.
Paul Smith £285
These penny loafers with their patent and leather mix are right on trend and with contrasting colours and a slightly more square toe this shoe has a modern twist.
Boden £99
These patent ballerina pumps are classic in their design but on style with a high-shine patent finish and tassel details at the toe. Luxurious and comfortable in every sense of the word.
Tods £298
Flatforms
Flatforms continued to dominate the SS15 catwalks offering both comfort and those crucial extra inches minus all the aches and pains typically felt by us heel wearers! These retro elevated sandals have been spotted on many famous feet and offer an avant-garde, architectural aspect that add length to your silhouette.
These light blue flatform skate shoes are great for a laid back casual summer look.
Opening Ceremony at
Harvey Nichols £165
These flatforms have a fun and funky raised sole with a street-chic double ankle strap – another great holiday sandal.
Abercrombie&Fitch £74
These athletic flatforms are minimal and contemporary with a chunky white sole. In monochrome they are bang on trend and incredibly versatile.
Whistles £160
I hope you’ve enjoyed my round up of this season’s most coveted shoe trends – I’ve enjoyed writing my first blog and hope you’ll continue to follow my fashion and make-up updates!
Happy shopping!
Lydia x