....the ankles are out. Yes, I'm officially over winter boots. Back in August, I was dying to get them on and looked forward to cooler days but now I'm listening to the weather forecast in the morning willing it to be a bit warm and dry so I can wear shoes. The good news is that our local weather woman announced this week that the long range forecast shows no more freezing weather for March (though I would say don't send the boots to the attic yet as we had snow in April 2013)
This spring I'm all about the slip on trainer. A look I thought I'd never be able to carry off but it turned out it was a look that I just needed to get used to. I bought my first pair in New York in June and all through the summer when my back was at its worst, I couldn't have managed without my black ones from River Island. I felt this spring, I could justify spending a bit more on a leather pair. Meet my new Zara camouflage slip on trainers:
Camouflage Leather Sneakers - Zara (I'm wearing a size 6 so they're pretty much true to size)
I know these are a marmite item but so if you hate them on everyone, they're probably not for you but if you like them but can't see them working on you, I urge you to get an inexpensive pair and try them for a while. If all else fails, you can always wear them as slippers. Overall, I find them more wearable than proper trainers and they're just a bit funky - and incredibly practical on the school run.
So here I am wearing them a few times this week...
There are tons of slip on trainers in the shops at the moment. Here are some of my favourites, starting with these Dune ones which are in the sale at the moment (limited sizes). The reviews suggest they come up big so to size down.
or how about some metallic ones with a chunkier sole? I've seen these in the flesh and they're lovely
Gold Snake from River Island
you can't go wrong with black leather from Next
and while you're on the Next site, check out the into Clearance Shoes here and scroll down till you see these 'Borg Skaters' available in lots of sizes for £12. I can't share a direct link but I bought these back when the sale started and I've been wearing them also this week. They're made from a kind of felt material - hopefully you can see it in my photos.
or how about gorgeous grey with studs, also from Dune?
Steve Madden Studded Slip-Ons
New Look have these great quilted ones - very Chanel-esque!
New Look Black Quilted
Finally, some designer gorgeousness...
Gucci Slip On Trainer - a relatively affordable way to inject some Gucci into your wardrobe perhaps?!
Hoping to get back into the blogging routine again this week after months of absence because of the house. The good news is that we're nearing the end of the major work and I now have an office space - no excuses anymore! I'm looking forward to getting some gorgeous new stock for the shop and getting all the half written blogs out of my head and on here. Have a great Sunday...
Ax
Fab new slip ons Avril, I've worn my Boden ones so much.
ReplyDeleteJane xx
I'm going to have to get some skater shoes, I particularly want a leopard pair!! I love the outfit with the poncho, I would totally copy this ;) x
ReplyDeleteI Really want to try these & forgive me for asking the most naff question ever--- does one wear those little socks under them (obvs you don't want them to be seen which is the idea) - or is that an option with them? If you do wear them, what ones would be the most invisible? My desire to know outweighs my embarrassment at asking
ReplyDeleteThat's a great question - please don't be embarrassed to ask! I must add in the info to the post - thanks for the reminder. My secret weapon are the Converse Chuck socks that you can get in TK Maxx. They are deeper cut than a trainer sock but thicker and more secure on the foot than those little sockette thing. Perfect for these skater shoes and for any low cut ankle boots. I have about 20 pairs of them! X
ReplyDeleteI love your poncho! I need to get some new footwear for spring - I am very much still in my boots! x
ReplyDeleteGreat to see you again, I love skater shoes, I was a little reluctant to start with but love them now.
ReplyDeleteSue x
Bestfriendstyle
I really like them! I'm hoping winter will "do one" soon too, I need to start wearing sandals! xx
ReplyDeleteI seriously struggle with these, as I love them on others, but any that I've tried have been too wide on me. It's not just that they make my feet look huge, they are genuinely too wide when wearing them . Any suggestions on where to find narrower fitting ones?
ReplyDeleteI love them! Been hankering after some myself so you've persuaded me! Love your poncho and mac too - where is the latter from?
ReplyDeleteHi Jen - definitely go for it...let me know what you get. My mac is an oldie from Karen Millen...forgot to tag it! Thanks for reminding me. This blog took way too long to write...so out of practice! X
ReplyDeleteHey Helen - the ones I got in New York are a really neat fit but then my River Island ones are quite big looking...so I think it's worth just trying them on wherever you see them...and try a half size down. I always get mine in a 6 even though I'm a 6.5...provided they're not too tight. I promise, they don't look as big on you as you think...especially when you look down at them. Keep the rest of you quite tailored and I think you will find them easier to wear. I can't do them with overly casual clothes as I feel a bit too scruffy....neither of us are fans of that :) x
ReplyDeleteYay - nice to see you back in blog land and I did notice your new skate pumps when you were in London! I really like them and find them super easy to wear - I have the grey version of your navy felt version - I love the fleecy insole!
ReplyDeleteThanks a million Avril x
ReplyDeleteIsn't it great to be able to get the ankles out Avril?! Loving the the camo skaters....you've inspired me to get out my leopard print ones again! xx
ReplyDeleteOh how I've missed the fashion blogging Avril, pleas tell us where the lovely trench coat is from? I'm on the lookout for a new one, particularly one like this with contrast trim a la Karen Millen.
ReplyDeleteCompletely love those! I have a pair from FCUK I bought last summer, and I was so upset when it got too cold to wear them. On the look out for some more so you've given me some great ideas, as always! x
ReplyDeleteAaaargh, skaters are definitely a Marmite item for me - I love them, they hate me! I just look so stupid in them! Love your camo pair, and how fabulous are those New Look ones with the gold toes?? It's not fair! xx
ReplyDeleteAw...thank you Lynne and I promise I'll be over for a read of yours tomorrow. SO many blogs to catch up with! Thanks re the trench - it *is* Karen Millen! Great spot :) My sister in law bought it for me about 7 years ago and every year, it comes out, looks as good as new and gets endless compliments. Perfect investment buy. Ax
ReplyDeleteOh I love those on you Avril! I tried on loads in the Dune sale in New Year and they were massive on me, raging as I'd hoped they'd be good to wear around now. Thinking these would be a great style for the kids too, so quick to pull on and off. x
ReplyDeleteOh no....I think you could pull them off as you're tall but I do know that some are very wide looking when you look down at them on! That's what put me off them for so long. And funny you should say about the kids - C has just swiped my black River Island ones and they look amazing on him. He loves not having to tie laces - converse & trainers are so annoying for that x
ReplyDeleteI need to get some this summer - I've seen so many different styles and everyone looks fab in them. I really your camo ones.
ReplyDeleteWelcome back to blogging!
Oh I love a skater shoe! For anyone looking for leopard ones, I heartily recommend the Kurt Geiger Laurel ones. So comfy, true to size and go with everything. There's a 20% off code at the moment - KGTWENTY. I also have these lovelies from Next: http://www.next.co.uk/x552320s7#948720x55
ReplyDeleteI love them in camo. I can't get my ankles out yet, I'm afraid, I am just too nesh. H xx
ReplyDeleteI resisted thus style for a while too but when I finally bought a pair from H&m last summer, there was no going back! I love them. Your new Zara ones are gorgeous, Avril. Lynne xx
ReplyDeletePlease re-open the shop soon. I've got scarf withdrawal!
ReplyDeleteYour Zara ones are just fab Avril....I bought a couple of cheap pairs last summer but need to get a better pair this season, I have the same problem as Helen at (The Flaky Fashionista) they are all so wide on me, and they look as if I am wearing boys shoes! How are the Zara one's fit wise? Helen xx
ReplyDeleteHi Helen - I sized down with mine. I'm usually a 6.5 but I got the 6. They were snug to start with but have stretched a bit. I find the bigger size makes my feet feel huge! Hope that helps x
ReplyDelete