AUTUMN CHECKLIST: PART TWO

I admit, I have been utterly useless these last few weeks when it comes to blogging. Combine a very busy work season with the process of trying to buy a flat and you get one very exhausted me, top it all off with rain and wind and you have one very exhausted, damp and pissed off me. I've spent the last few days sliding all over the place in my Topshop boots (distinct lack of grip on the soles) so I decided that today it was time to switch out to my old buddies Converse All Stars. Noone likes a stylist with a leg in plaster and I could see that coming a mile off if I carried on in the boots, think they'll have to wait for drier days.

Now, I'm usually a classic black All Stars girl, switching out to white or cream in the summer but I got sent this pair by Littlewoods back in the summer during the Olympics and today I felt like I needed a bit of colour to my look - wearing black skinnies and a black coat needs a bit of breaking up sometimes, plus the berry/wine red seemed very seasonally apt, especially when teamed with the masses of leaves at my bus stop.

In fact, I liked this colour so much that when I customised a pair at Schuh a few weeks ago, I went for high tops in the same colour but that's another story for another day.

Converse All Stars available at Littlewoods [here]

FLATS: THE FINALE

…or is it?

During the last 30 days, I’ve had lots of people ask me if I’d carry on past the one-month mark, whether I’d do another item or just chuck it in altogether. Well, I’m not ready to jack it in quite yet.

From next week, I’ll be back with another 30 days but with something other than shoes. Truth is, I’d quite like to wear a few of my favourite pairs again but all you shoe-fetishists out there, fear not, the flats challenge will be back sooner rather than later as there’s still a slew of shoes that need to be dusted down and aired out.

So, don’t forget to check back here during the week for more details of my next 30 day challenge - I’ll be revealing details before the next round goes live next Monday.

See you all next week for another month of challenges!

FLATS: DAY THIRTY

DAY THIRTY: Gold leather braided sandals, Hermes

Drumroll please! Today is the final day of the fun little experiment that has been 30 days of flats so I thought it only right to go out with somewhat of a bang with these gorgeous gold Hermes sandals. These are another find from the second-hand shop in Chelsea and were again pretty much brand spanking new when I purchased them a few weeks ago. I’ve been saving them for today and it seems that the weather gods decided to play along and give me some sunshine to wear them in. As you might be able to see, they too have the espadrille-style rope base that I’ve become fond of recently and the slingback means that they don’t go flying off as I trot down the street in them.

Worn with: Black skinny jeans, Topshop; Chain print top, New Look. Not pictured: Grey leather biker jacket, Topshop; Grey leather bag, Jaeger; Grid print scarf, Deena & Ozzy

Check back later for one final very special post and some exciting 30 days shaped news… Bet that’s made you curious, hasn’t it?

FLATS: DAY TWENTY NINE

DAY TWENTY NINE: Pink patent leather ballet pumps, Marc by Marc Jacobs

We’re almost at the end of this fun little experiment and admittedly, these are pretty new to the stable. I am a total Marc Jacobs junkie, so imagine my delight when I came across these pretty pumps in a second hand shop in Chelsea for £50. It would’ve been rude NOT to buy them, especially as they’re brand new - not a single scratch on the soles. They’re a nice little burst of colour in my otherwise monochromatic wardrobe and for that (and the fact that they’re MJ), I love them.

Don’t forget to have your say about whether I should continue beyond 30 days in the comments section! Believe me, there’s still a lot of shoes that could do with an airing.

Worn with: Black leggings, Topshop; Stripe sheer tee, H&M. Not pictured: Black silk cardigan, Zara; Grey leather biker jacket, Topshop; Grey leather bag, Jaeger.

FLATS: DAY TWENTY EIGHT

DAY TWENTY EIGHT: Blue chambray pumps, Lands’ End

My espadrille obsession continues, although in a slightly different form today. This pair from Lands’ End are what I can only describe as the ultimate hybrid - ballet pump meets rope-based espadrille. I got these not too long ago and in the purposes of research, just discovered that they’re currently on offer on the Lands’ End website (link above) for five quid off. I really wish that I didn’t know that as it now means that I’m debating the same pair in the bold stripe.

Worn with: Grey jeans, Uniqlo; Blue bat wing sweater, Topshop. Not pictured: Grey leather bag, Jaeger.

Before I go for this evening, I have some questions for you, dear reader. Think of it as customer satisfaction if you will. As you may’ve noticed, the deadline for 30 days is rapidly approaching which makes me kind of sad as I’ve had a lot of fun doing this project and getting comments from everyone who reads it. Now, the question is should I continue beyond the 30 days? The truth is, I’ve still got a lot of shoes to wear and if you guys are game, so am I. Another option that I toyed with was to do another item as a 30 day challenge. I’d really like it if over the next 48 hours or so, you could all leave your opinions in the comments section or hit me up via twitter.

FLATS: DAY TWENTY SEVEN

DAY TWENTY SEVEN: Black grosgrain and silver stud ballet pumps, Topshop(2009)

I bought these last winter and due to their non-leather body, I decided that they were too fragile to wear sloshing through puddles. Now that the weather has finall improved (albeit marginally) I can finally wear them and tonight was due to be their first outing to a gig but at the last minute exhaustion from this week’s exploits meant that I decided to stay at home. Therefore, these little stunners will have to wait a little longer to make their grand sartorial debut beyond my front door.

Worn with: Black skinny jeans, Topshop; Black and white stripe jumper with epaulette detail, Zara.

FLATS: DAY TWENTY SIX

DAY TWENTY SIX: Grey, white and green paint-splatter espadrilles, Topshop

Firstly, I once again apologise for posting late. I didn’t get home until about 2:30am last night after flying back from my work trip. By that time, all I could do was kick off my shoes and fall into bed after a 22 hour day. Ouch. Anyway, on with the shoes. Oh look, another pair of espadrilles, I told you I was having a moment, didn’t I?

I bought these in Topshop on the same day as the gold woven leather sandals from Day 25. I dithered about which colour to get them in before eventually settling on the grey pair. Espadrilles were a good choice for my long day - we were up early shooting our final story before a short break and then packing up to make our flight. These are still a little tight on top but the canvas will soon give and after that, I have a feeling they won’t be leaving my feet much!

Worn with : Denim shorts, Zara; ‘Peace’ vest, Zadig & Voltaire; Green cropped parka jacket, River Island; Studded belt, Gap. Not pictured: Floral printed bag, Gap.

FLATS: DAY TWENTY FIVE

DAY TWENTY FIVE: Gold leather woven sandals, Topshop (2010)

So, I know I’m meant to be wearing existing shoes from my collection but a few weeks ago I was surfing around during my lunch break and came across these little beauties. At only 25 quid, I could hardly say no, could I? I find that sometimes with Topshop shoes (particularly their sandals) it’s advisable to go down a size, as I have with these - I ended up buying them in both a 36/3 and 37/4 but the latter ended up going back as my short stumpy toes look decidedly better in the smaller size. So far, they’ve proven to be very comfortable and their leather soles are a flexible god-send in comparison to the pair I wore yesterday. They’re still in store, so grab them while you can by clicking on the link above.

Worn with: Black strapless blouson silk playsuit, Reiss. Not pictured: Striped bikini, New Look; Floral print canvas bag, Gap. 

FLATS: DAY TWENTY FOUR (AGAIN)

DAY TWENTY FOUR: Pink leather ruffled sandals, Topshop (2008)

My sincerest apologies for the delay in posting but I couldn’t get onto my computer until almost 11pm last night and by that time I was so exhausted that the idea of staring at a computer and doing complicated things like thinking were most definitely out of the question. We spent most of yesterday shooting on a boat which meant that these Topshop sandals didn’t get much wear as I spent a vast majority of the time running around barefoot which was probably only a good thing. As much as I love these sandals and their great summer colour, the wooden soles mean that as far as comfort factors go they’re pretty low but fashion is pain so I still wear them.

Worn with: Black and cream stripe strapless playsuit, Topshop; Studded belt, Gap. Not pictured: Floral canvas tote, Gap; Striped bikini, New Look.

FLATS: DAY TWENTY FOUR

It’s been a long working day, today will have to wait until tomorrow. Apologies for the slackness but you’ll get a double post tomorrow. Oooh!

FLATS: DAY TWENTY THREE

DAY TWENTY THREE: Pewter leather slides, Primark (2008)

Today’s been a busy day full of recee-ing and shooting, so comfort was a big issue - especially in heat. I bought these Birkenstock-esque slides from Primark two years ago and again, they were another multiple purchase as I found myself buying a second pair about a week later as they well and truly won me over. They started off very bright and shiny but then quickly broke down to more of a crackled pewter shade which I really like - and at only four pounds a pair, they were truly at the bargainous end of my shoe collection!

Worn with: Denim shorts, Zara; Red micro-stripe tee, New Look. Not pictured: Blue studded leather bag, Marks & Spencer; Blue wayfarer sunglasses, Ray-Ban (these are actually glued to my face)

FLATS: DAY TWENTY TWO

DAY TWENTY TWO: Blue and bronze leather espadrilles, Penelope Chilvers (2010)
 

Today’s a day of travelling as I’m off to Turkey for work until Friday so I need to wear shoes that are comfortable, have a little give and still look nice - these leather espadrilles from Penelope Chilvers are just the ticket. I got them as a press gift a few weeks ago and I love them so much that I’m considering buying another pair as I’m having a total espadrille moment.

These are a bit pricey at almost £80 but they’re worth pretty much every penny. They also have a really cool affect - the more you wear them, the top colour breaks down to reveal a metallic colour underneath. There’s lots of different colourways to choose from and my next ones will probably be the pearly white or jaunty saffron yellow. 
Or maybe both, bank manager allowing.

Worn with: Blue skinny jeans, Miss Selfridge; Striped jumper, Boden. Not pictured: Grey leather biker jacket, Topshop; Grey UFO scarf, Topshop Unique; Pewter cross body bag, Burberry.

FLATS: DAY TWENTY ONE

DAY TWENTY ONE: Nude pleather ballet pumps, Topshop

Before you say it, yes I am wearing trackpants today. It’s Sunday, I’m relatively hungover and I’ve got to pack for a five day work trip that I’m going on tomorrow so if you think there’s any chance that I might squeeze myself into something less comfortable, you’re grieviously mistaken. These little ballet pumps are great for running around the house and that’s all they’re really good for as they have very thin soles. When I bought them, they actually came with a little warning sticker to say that they shouldn’t be worn outside for extended periods so these remain definite indoor shoes, rather like a pair of expensive cats - if expensive cats cost 16 quid and came from Topshop.

Worn with: Cream cropped trackpants, Abercrombie & Fitch; Black cow print t-shirt, Marc by Marc Jacobs.

FLATS: DAY TWENTY (CONTINUED)

DAY TWENTY: Leopard print ballet pumps, Office

My sincerest apologies for not posting yesterday. Although I left myself plenty of time to get ready, I had several wardrobe crises which meant that in the end, I actually ran out of time to post as our cab also turned up early just to add to the mix. Anyway, on with the shoes. I love a little bit of leopard print, particularly when it comes to shoes - this pair from Office have pretty hard backs and I’m yet to break them in fully but when worn with tights and accessorised with the pain-numbing qualities of alcohol*, I made it through the evening despite the state of my feet after Day 19.

Worn with: Black sheer studded dress, French Connection; Belt, Gap; Black tights, Wolford. Not pictured: Black wool biker jacket, Topshop; Black quilted bag, Chanel.

*Thirty Days does not advocate or endorse alcohol abuse. Please drink responsibly. Preferably in flat shoes.

FLATS: DAY TWENTY

I’m having to spend most of today barefoot and house-bound owing to my shoe related injuries from yesterday but I’m off to a fancy pants event this evening, so check back later this afternoon for my red carpet take on flat shoes.

FLATS: DAY NINETEEN

DAY NINETEEN: Grey cotton plimsolls, New Look (2009)

Remember how the other day I was raving about New Look shoes and how incredibly comfortable they are? Well, that doesn’t apply to this pair. These are the devil in shoe form. When I put them on this morning, they were fine. By the time I’d finished my appointments they’d completely shredded my feet and I was half a pack of plasters down. I’ve spent the whole day looking like a Michael Jackson fan after I had to put on thick white towelling socks with them to stop them from actually demolishing my feet entirely. Today was really NOT the day for this to happen but ho hum, you wear and learn - I have most definitely learnt never to wear these again without tights/socks between me and the beasts.

Worn with: Black skinny jeans, Topshop; White cotton vest, H&M; Blue check shirt, Topman; Studded belt, Banana Republic. Not pictured: Grey leather jacket, Topshop; UFO scarf, Topshop Unique; Black eel-skin bag, Prada; Plasters; Grimace.

FLATS: DAY EIGHTEEN

DAY EIGHTEEN: Black leather ballet pumps, French Sole

Today is the first day in the history of 30 days of flats where I couldn’t remember if I’d worn a pair of shoes previously or not and I mentally had to do a quick check before I realized that actually, I’ve never worn these before, ever. This lovely virginal pair of pumps is from famed ballet shoe emporium French Sole, where flat shoe lovers can find pumps in every print, colour and style that you could possibly imagine. I was told in the shop that you need to go up one size due to the narrow nature of the shoes but these are already slipping and sliding on my tights-clad feet so maybe I should’ve gone for my regular size. I guess only time will tell.

Worn with: Black tube skirt, New Look; Cropped striped tee, New Look; Zipper trim cardigan, Topshop. Not pictured: Grey leather biker, Topshop; Black scarf, unknown; Black eel skin cross body bag, Prada.

FLATS: DAY SEVENTEEN

DAY SEVENTEEN: Black canvas Chuck Taylor All-Stars, Converse

It’s another chilly day in London and with the clouds looking distinctly like they might open and pour, I figured that practicality would have to take priority today so out comes yet another pair of trusty Converse. I bought these recently to replace my original pair that saw me through university and beyond as they were covered in paint and riddled with holes. This pair have fallen apart far more quickly, with the rubber trim hanging off and the backs have already worn through inside. Hmm.

Worn with: Black skinny jeans, Topshop; X-ray print studded tee, Zara; Black and sequin waistcoat, Toki & Nabi; UFO scarf (just seen), Topshop Unique. Not pictured: Grey leather biker, Topshop; Grey leather bag, Jaeger

FLATS: DAY SIXTEEN

DAY SIXTEEN: Cream and navy leather ballet pumps, Office (2009)

Yes, it’s the final pair of those Office pumps that I seem to own in every single colour-way going. Despite the blisteringly cold wind, I decided that I would channel spring with a muted take on the nautical look today and with their navy toe caps, these are the perfect compliment to another one of my wardrobe staples, a breton stripe jumper. 

Worn with: blue skinny jeans, Miss Selfridge; Grey and blue striped jumper, Boden. Not pictured: Grey leather biker, Topshop; Blue paint scarf, Urban Edge; Grey leather bag, Jaeger.

FLATS: DAY FIFTEEN

DAY FIFTEEN: Yellow leather ballet pumps, New Look

I’m feeling a little tired after yesterday’s celebrations so I decided to cheer myself up with my bright yellow pumps from New Look. I own these in about five different colours as they’re really comfortable, although the soles are a little on the thin side so they’re not ideal if there’s lots of walking to be done. Thankfully, today’s walking has been limited to house-car-restaurant-car-house so it’s all good.

Worn with: Blue skinny jeans, Miss Selfridge; Grey cashmere-mix tee, Asos Black; Leopard-print cardigan, Topshop. Not pictured: Grey leather biker, Topshop; Black quilted mini-bag, Chanel; Black scarf, unknown.