I HAVE THIS THING WITH SHOES. WHITE SHOES.
Despite living in one of the wettest (and therefore potentially muddy) countries in Europe, I have this thing for white shoes. My First Holy Communion shoes were my first ever pair of really special shoes that I got to help choose myself and, looking back, wearing them that day was probably the first time I felt that now-common feeling with shoe purchases, ie, that they changed how I felt and looked at myself, in the way that a great pair of shoes can give confidence or a wee ‘I-can-do-anything’ boost to anyone, aged 8 or 80. So perhaps there is some deep link back to those wünder schuhe, or perhaps I just like white? I mean I wore white skinny jeans à la Elizabeth Hurley for pretty much all of the 90s... Either way, these are my latest obsessions.
I hope you like… (Click on the pics to buy)
1. Snakeskin Cowboy Boots, £229, Gestuz at ASOS.com - https://rstyle.me/cz-n/cy4ck5cevjp
If staying ahead of the fast pack is your end goal, let Western inspired cowboy boots be your weapon of choice this season. The subtle stud detailing of this Gestuz pair, show the world that you mean business while the ankle grazing nature of the shoe wins points for versatility - we’re talking worn with jeans, blouses, maxi dresses or leather. However, cowboy hats are reserved for fancy dress only.
2. Dxn Vintage Trainers, £75, Saucony at ASOS.com - https://rstyle.me/cz-n/cy4cqrcevjp
Stan Smiths set the standard high for the white trainer trend. So high that almost everybody has a pair and while they remain a classic, individuality is the driving force that keeps personal style alive, making saying no to these Saucony trainers increasingly difficult. I’m ready to reboot the ever-present white trainer trend with muted tones and retro runners.
3. Nike Air Max 95 Trainers, £120, Nike at ASOS.com - https://rstyle.me/cz-n/cy4cvicevjp
The Dad trainer, the ugly trainer, the ‘I really need to have those’ trainers - whatever you want to call them, there’s no doubt that the overblown silhouette trainer is taking the street style world by storm. Balenciaga and Gucci have given their two cents on the matter and as for the Louis Vuitton Turbo trainer - that’s a whole other matter. Nineties nostalgia is here to stay, especially when it comes to our footwear.
Styling tip: Wear with an oversized hoodie, straight leg jeans, trench and these trainers - done and done.
4. Multi Buckle Heeled Western Boots, Miss Selfridge at ASOS.com - https://rstyle.me/cz-n/cy4dcycevjp
Fendi, Ganni, Armani and Calvin Klein all looked to the wild west as inspiration for their recent collections so it was only a matter of time before the high street followed suit and thank goodness they did. These purse string friendly pair of western boots serve as the perfect gateway to a trend everyone wants in on. Not far from the classic Chloé Susanna boots, these will allow you to subtly tap into the trend and create timeless looks season after season.
5. Leather Cowboy Ankle Boots, £99.99 at Zara - https://www.zara.com/uk/en/leather-cowboy-ankle-boots-p11121301.html?v1=5928509&v2=719531
No one does designer dupes quite like Zara so it’s no surprise that these beauties look familiar. Reminiscent of Phoebe Philo’s SS16 collection for Céline and at a fraction of the price, the angular features and sleek finish of these Zara boots make it hard to resist that infamous ‘Add To Basket’button. Whether leather or denim is more your vibe. there’s no deny thing that these boots were made for walking.