Red shoes have the power to turn a drab day into a fab day: they ooze confidence and femininity.
I can’t promise that clicking your heels together will take you home, saving you that tiresome commute, but feasting your eyes on these five should make your journey fly by.
Sergio Rossi £515
Miu Miu £370
Clarks £44.99
Karen Millen £155
Russell & Bromley £165
Do you long to try some “nude”-coloured footwear à la the Duchess of Cambridge? Try “nude” in combination with black, for a modern update on this look.
Brian Atwood has an elegant, modern, and chic version of this look:
Brian Atwood £670
In soft, supple leather, with a stunning back zip, this would be an investment purchase for all but the filthy rich.
Still, these sexy but subtle sandals are classic enough to carry your summer looks for years to come.
I recently visited the Boden website, and found they have a lovely, wearable footwear selection this season.
Here are a few of my favourites, all with breathable, comfortable leather linings:
At £69, these sweet flat colour-blocked points are available in three equally cute colour-ways. They are tricky to pick between.
The wearing possibilities are varied: work to evening; summer wedding guest; weekend with chinos or jeans….
…and what about these bright red suede wedges? My friend told me recently ”Today I put on red heels cos red heels make everything better!”. Wear these, and try not to smile.
At £120, these are more of an investment than the pointed flats. The elegant cross-strap sandals are classically styled, so you can wear them year after year. Don’t forget to spray the suede uppers with a Scotchguard-type protector spray to repel rain and stains.
I can’t get over the price of these ballet pumps. At £49, with a leather upper and lining, Boden are putting other brands to shame. The sophisticated navy colour is contrasted beautifully with a brick-coloured rubber sole.
Oh and they come in loads of other great colours (click on the image to be taken to the product page).
For high-summer, and warmer climates, any one of these three sandal styles could suit your personal style.
Try the closed-back wedge T-bars for work, the yellow cross straps for the beach, and the mid-height block-heels for day to evening. All of these styles come in other great colours.
Although there are plenty of other options in Boden’s treasure trove, these neat £99 penny loafers are my last (and arguably best) top tip. Ideal for English summer (random downpours), or to prepare yourself for Autumn elsewhere.
The retail experience is blissful at Browns in South Molton Street, London.
Browns always have an irresistible selection of the latest footwear designs, and here are some of my favourites available now:
Avec Modération £215
The now classic slipper-style loafer is updated by flats-only brand Avec Modération, in sumptuous feather-print satin. The lining is quilted and cushioned for extra luxury.
Christian Louboutin £465
These pointed sling-backs with their asymmetric strap, have an elegant silhouette. The fun bright blue uppers contrast with the classic Chinese Red Louboutin sole. Perfect with white and navy for a summer party.
Alexandre Birman £520
Alexandre Birman brings us these fine python-skin platforms: great for adding some colour to your spring/summer look. With their distinctive shaped wedge and pretty python colouring, these are sure to become collectable, so invest now.
Lanvin £355
Lanvin have offered this trainer style in various different colours, materials and prints over the past few years. This is the first time I have seen a coloured sole on the now much-imitated style. The bubble-gum blue is toned-down by the muted colours of the upper and lace.
Pierre Hardy £560
It is a true innovator who thinks of painting a luxury animal skin. These watersnake sandals with black and white paint strokes and sleek back zips, add a dose of edgy monochrome to the warmer months. Glamourise your evening looks throughout the year with this finely-crafted style.
Azzedine Alaïa £505
When I found out the colour of these beautiful court shoes was named “Amaranth pink”, I confess to having googled this word. The pretty pendulous flowers of the Amaranth plant, are indeed this gloriously vivid colour. Stand out from the wall-flowers in these ultra-feminine stilettos.
I found these unique and attractive closed-toe sandals whilst browsing the Aldo website.
The mix of leather with contrasting aztec weave patterns will combine really well with summer neutrals for a natural, earthy look. Alternatively, try block colours for a bold on-trend feel.
Aldo £45
I can’t decide which colourway to buy though…
Aldo £45
This brand’s Spring/Summer styles excite me much more than their Autumn/Winter offer. I wonder whether this will be the Autumn when that changes.
Watch this space, and I’ll certainly let you know when the shoe gods (O.K. designers) bring us more irresistible shoes like these.
The sweetest, chicest wear-all-day loafer comes from Oasis.
With a new take on the K-Middy “nude” court shoe look from last year, this slipper-inspired style will look deliciously elegant with straight-legged white trousers, or rolled-up jeans.
Oasis £45
Your feet won’t be horribly sweaty when the weather warms up, because these pretties have leather insoles and lining sections.
Now, is the Duchess of Cambridge keeping up with You?
Have you seen Georgia Hardinge’s Spring/Summer 2013 collection for River Island?
Many of the clothing pieces have sold out, but these pretty white and silver sandals, with their neatly pleated upper, are still available in sizes 3-8.
Georgia Hardinge x River Island £50
These flatforms are perfect for day-to-evening summer glamour, and would complement anything from indigo denim to a glitzy metallic evening dress.
Black is considered to be a default colour in many women’s wardrobes, both in clothing and footwear. It can be conservative, rock n’ roll, sexy, or dull.
When I last analysed the percentage of black in my shoe wardrobe , this colour constituted 31% of my footwear collection.
There are so many other versatile neutrals available: white, tan and soft grey are three of my favourites for summer footwear.
Readers, I am setting myself the challenge of not buying any black shoes for 12 months.
Will you join me, and turn your back on black?
In the event that I fall off the wagon, I promise to confess which pair of black footwear proved just too tempting.
Nine West £110
Is there a better shoe to cheer up our Mondays than this canvas court shoe/pump, with brightly-striped raffia heel?
Imagine wearing these beauties to a charming restaurant, in a chilled-out seaside town. Has that washed away the Monday blues?
