Tag Archives: shoes

Chit Chat Chunter # 8: Middleton-Aged?

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One of my gorgeous, oldest friends recently revealed a most unflattering photo of herself, aged around 10, sporting what she claimed to be her “Diana-phase” hair – the “Di ’do”, if you will. After first reeling at what hairdresser, even in the early 1990’s, would do such a thing to a child, I have realised that in her way, the eponymous Diana probably was something of a style-icon, even then.

And, who could forget that photo of her, nearing 40, in the simplest of black one-pieces, legs akimbo on the yacht?  A big “f&*k-you” to the world and, in that pose, iconic, I think.

Today, apparently Kate Middleton shifts clothes faster than anyone else. It seems she only has to don an Edwardian-inspired frock coat, for the masses to flock…really? Seriously, who wears a twinset and a box clutch when they’re picking up bin bags from Aldi? And the Daily Mail’s usual round of photos memorialising us glorious Brits on our New Year’s Eve “night out”, did not to my memory, show many ladies in weighted-hem, below-the-knee A-lines.

Do we also pursue our current favourite Royals’ preference for dressing their children like London refugees waiting to board a train for Wales? I mean, I love a bit of corduroy as much as the next girl, but braces and patent sandals for a boy toddler of the post-millennial age?  And surely, no male needs a receding side-parting at the img_0274age of 2? Why the imposed premature ageing?

My favourite K-Middy outfits definitely date from before her days   as a Royal: the one of her in a friend’s University fashion show is fun and cheeky; the one of her playing hockey with her sister is bold and utilitarian.

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I do make one exception here for the exquisite Catherine Walker double-breasted red dress coat and dress, that Kate Middleton wore for her arrival on the New Zealand tour of 2014. Elegant, yes, but for me there was also just enough hint of the working air hostess / Cheryl Cole’s Fight for this Love about it to elevate it to stylishly fun.

I suppose you could argue that her usual choices today are utilitarian – apparently the clutches serve to avoid unnecessary handshakes – but why no more fun? Why so ageing, again?

Of course, it is definitely positive for young women to have style icons who are resplendent in their modesty and sophistication; without a “belfie” in sight, understatement as a statement in kind.  

But, isn’t there are a more of-this-time, of-one’s-age option for Kate? If she is to be the icon for our age, I’d just love to see the styling lighten up more often. img_0275

What about some Moschino or Mui Mui or even Sonia Rykiel? Or for “off-duty/ casual” what about some Anya Hindmarch accessories for a nod to British design, or a Charlotte Olympia flat perhaps?

I’m certainly not suggesting that K-Middy should go all out Kim-K; keeping nude to a footwear choice is definitely preferable. I just suspect that for today’s most coveted, most stylish Royal, the court does not always have to be so beige.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Chit Chat Chunter #5: On the transformative power of the shoe

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When I was little, I passionately believed that Clarks’ Magic Steps held the key (literally) to my social emancipation. But, of course, such frivolity was frowned upon by my parents and I was denied that particular route out of isolation, along with many more throughout my education.

Even as a 6 year old, I understood the potential of a particular shoe. And the transformative powers of footwear have been proved repeatedly through literature to be a matter of simple truth: only once Puss had his boots could he make a serious attempt on fortune in London; where would Dorothy have been without the tap of the red heels and how fiercely did the Ugly Sisters try to force that slipper to fit? From mere perambulation to passage through the portals of fortune, it is, inevitably, the shoe that carries us through.

Today, nearly all my outfits start from the feet up: is it a significant-shoe-day? Do I want a heel or a flat? Preppy or street? Style or comfort? Only once I’ve decided on my shoe can I begin to contemplate what else I might wear, otherwise I’m lost.

Speaking of the significant shoe – look at this beauty that a good friend recently sported with a frock…I just love this so much – I think it’s the white base that makes it pop so!

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Anyway, imagine my astonishment when one of my oldest, dearest chums revealed on Friday during lunch that she had not bought a pair of shoes for A YEAR. Whilst I have genuine admiration for such restraint, I do feel like we all need to let the shoe work its magic from time to time.

And, my darling chum’s current choice of shoe really was a case in point….What a shame to have teamed a lovely stripy tunic, cool denim jacket and burgundy tights with this …

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So, of course, my other chum (something of a fashionista extraordinaire) and I marched Chum 1 off to the high-street to remedy the situation immediately. Chum 1 being less beholden to the vagaries of fashion than Chum 2 and I, we knew that we were working within a strict set of guidelines. To have any chance, the recommend article had to be quality, sturdy, with no heel and above all, comfortable. So of course with the criteria in mind, there was really only one brand to countenance: Clarks.

And I really cannot say enough good things about Clarks at the moment. They have successfully made the transition from shoes that always looked a bit “special”, to shoes that are especially fab. Yes, one does still have to keep an eye out for the odd wrong’un, but at least 75% of this year’s A/W collection is wearable, covetable even.

Within 10 minutes, we had identified the perfect solution (“shoelution”? Too much?) and to say it lifted the outfit is an understatement – see for yourselves!

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I think you’ll agree on this total transformation from student chic to, well, just chic, in one swift fastening of a buckle.

And, yes, you’re right: there really is an air of the Magic Steps to these beauties;  the circle really is unbroken and I was clearly right all along.  

Chit Chat Cherish #2: The leopard and the salmon

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Have I shared my love of leopard with you yet? Well, be prepared to hear lots about it, for my affair with feline fash is long standing and definitely not set to dwindle with so many great pieces out there.

On this note, I wanted to share with you my new pumps, which, needless to say, I adore!!Leopard

These beauties are from Boden, whose footwear has long been a favourite of mine. They come in a variety of patterns, but for me it was leopard or bust.

Well, I say that… the truth is there were times when I thought me and these beauts were not meant to be at all: we’ve been through some hard times already.

First, I ordered online and whilst the obligatory striped Breton tops arrived swiftly, no sign of the shoes – a little shy I thought? Weeks later, I had still received no shoes, no signs, no messages and it was only when I called up that I was told they had in fact sold out of these pumps after all, result: me not a happy bunny (or should I say kitty…?)

After endless mediation emails with the eponymous “Susan Salmon” (could they have thought of a more ridiculous customer service pseudonym?), I was eventually rewarded £10 for my troubles and, trying to be reasonable, settled on the Pony print pair instead (although of course, my heart was really with leo…).

Anyway, the lovely “Susan” then got in touch to let me know that the Leopard pair might be coming back into stock. Hooray: “Pony Schmony; size 40 please”.

When, finally the spotty package arrived, my instinct about the pumps’ supreme beauty was confirmed, but alas, so were my suspicions about our difficult relationship: why couldn’t they just fit?  Prepared to make a final move for reconciliation, I immediately checked online to see if they were showing in stock in a 41 (absurd, right?); they weren’t. But, as a last ditch attempt to save our relationship, I made a final call and then, there they were, in my arms at last!

And I love them; our relationship is very much back on track and I have learned some valuable lessons:

  • Never take an online “no” for an answer, always call too
  • Beware correspondence with fishy-sounding, alliterated ladies
  • And finally, LOVE LEOPARD, NEVER LET IT GO!