Dressed up or dressed down?

Something I've come across a lot these days, whether in magazines, facebook posts or blog articles, is the art of dressing a garment up or down. A very interesting topic for those of us on a limited budget looking to make the most of existing wardrobes. 

The part I'm not too keen on though is the notion of dressing an outfit "up with heels" or "down with flats".
Now don't get me wrong, I can appreciate a fine pair of strappy heels along with the rest of them, but for me, that's where it ends. Destined to a life in flats means my admiration extends as far as the shop displays or fellow bloggers' purchases.

This comment that frequents the fashion advice pieces often has me wondering, as a perpetual flats wearer, am I ever really "dressed up" in the eyes of the fashion elite?

Such is my reliance on flats, I've become accustomed to planning an outfit from the feet up. Does it go with the shoes I already own? Will I be able to find suitable flats in store right now? Does the outfit work without extra height added? 

Say I come across a fab pleated midi skirt - plenty of styling options, lot of choice and price points, plenty in my wardrobe to go with it. But will it work with my flats (and lack of natural height)? Invariably the answer is not what I want to hear, so back on the rail it goes. 

What about the latest jumpsuit or culotte trends? Don't even think about it...

Some would say the fashion 'rules' are made to be broken, but that can take some courage, and I can't always find enough of it!

My outfit planning saga is currently underway as I look for a special event outfit. A visit to a personal shopper out of curiosity led me back to square one really, as she presented me with just two outfits to wear with my existing shoes! Nice 'n' all as they were, I'm not one to give up quite that quickly so the search continues.
So many perfect outfits, so few shoes...

With all the pressure from the fashion industry and media these days, just how brave do we need to be to challenge the widely accepted "norm"? 

Take a fashion lookbook for example, showing the same garment with heels and flats.. which would catch your eye on first glance? 

I have to admit that even my own eyes would be reluctantly drawn to the glam heeled look, before logic and reality set in.

No, I don't understand me either. 

So where does this height obsession come from? In spite of my shoe situation, I've seldom lost all reason over a pair of flat brogues, but grant me three wishes and I'd be down to Penneys faster than you'd say patent-nude-mary-janes. 

Maybe it's one of those things I'll never fully understand, but if there are any to-die-for flat brogues/pumps/boots out there, I'd love to hear about them! 

What are your thoughts on the heels v flats issue? Is wearing heels really all it's cracked up to be? Go on, tell me what I want to hear.... :-)

New shoes?

Hey everyone, check out these pretty little additions to my growing wishlist.

I came across these today in Debenhams, priced at €48.50.

I find it so hard to get comfy stylish shoes I can actually walk in, and as far as my checklist goes, these seem to tick all the boxes - 

• Comfort
• Easy to fasten strap (Velcro)
• Flat heel but not too flat
• Wide fit
• Round toe
• Non-slip sole
• Soft comfortable sole
• Pretty colours!

The price is pretty reasonable too, although they don't seem to be included in the sale. Typical of me, always drawn to the new-in stock, like a magnet.

Anyway, the pink caught my attention initially, as usual, but the other colours would be great for Autumn. As it happens, they didn't have my size in stock, which is probably a blessing in disguise, might have come home with all three. 

Think I feel a bit of online shopping coming on, if I can just decide on a colour... probably pink. Or maybe navy... ugh, can't cope.

 

  What do you guys think?

Summer Trends – Ballerina Girl

                                                                                                                       

Those who know me best wouldn’t be at all surprised to hear my favourite of all the summer trends this year has got to be the Ballerina trend.

My dream career, had I the necessary control of my muscles, would have been a toss-up between gymnastics or ballet, or a combination of both even.

Mostly for their poise and grace, but the pretty outfits and shoes were an extra attraction.

Not surprisingly though, my ability for pirouettes and cartwheels extended only as far as my Barbie doll’s flexibility allowed. Barbie had it all, the strength, control, poise, dance studio, and all the outfits her heart desired. Ok, all the outfits my heart desired.
   
                  

Image credit: www.hamleys.com   

Anyway, now that Barbie has been relegated to the attic, and my capacity for exercise extends as far as a treadmill or cross trainer, the ballerina in me has to depend on the fashion industry for inspiration.

Now, I’m not talking leotards and legwarmers here. Although I do have a vague recollection of pink legwarmers at some point during my 80s childhood.
Not ideal for every day wear though really, or adult life in 2015..

So, I’m thinking more adaptable pieces as those we’ve seen on the catwalks, such as sheer pretty fabrics, delicate colours and flowing silhouettes.

From the catwalks to the highstreet, this trend comprises so many elements to appeal to the inner ballerina in the likes of me who can only but dream.
The fluid floating gowns of the Valentino and Giorgio Armani SS15 catwalks set the scene for this graceful trend.

Valentino SS15 image credit: Pinterest

                         
From chiffon maxi dresses, to full tulle midi skirts, with wrap-over crop tops or sweaters for occasion wear.  Or for the off-duty look, how about slouchy sweatshirts with leggings or loose print joggers? Wide legged trousers in delicate fabrics and colours could also pass for this trend, if you keep the shape and silhouette simple.

For those who prefer the less girly and more edgy styles, these delicate pieces can be mixed with leather or denim jackets, metallics, chunky leather boots, or trainers.

My favourite piece of this trend at the moment, is a pale pink pleated skirt from Penneys – now available in coral or blue.

If pink seems a little too sugary, other colours in this trend’s palette include nudes, neutrals such as creams or whites, pale greys or other pastels such as baby blue.

My choice of shoe for this trend is a little limited as always, to the brogue, flat mary jane pump or trainer.  But feel free to experiment with as high a heel as your balance allows.

Shoes for style AND comfort?

I recently received a query from an occupational therapist on behalf of a patient she is working with. 

Being an ongoing battle of my own also, this query regarding shoes was particularly appropriate!  

The lady in question was having difficulty finding stylish shoes with the practical elements she now requires. 

Having recently started walking again during her rehabilitation, she now naturally requires shoes with adequate support, an issue I’m all too familiar with myself. 

 

Factors including mid heel heights, stability, secure fastening, strong supportive materials and comfort, are difficult to find in a stylish fashionable shoe.

For everyday wear, sports shoes can be the most comfortable and practical, but for attending a special occasion or event, we obviously need a shoe in the right style and colour for the outfit.  (I’ve often found myself planning an outfit from the bottom up, starting with the shoes, to eliminate some of the stress).

Given the circumstances, we can immediately rule out the usual go-to occasion wear – high heels - along with some of other regulars such as sandals or wedges or even ballerina pumps. 

Sounds like I’m being fussy, I know.  From a personal perspective, I’ve often felt I’m putting the store assistants through their paces as a difficult customer. 

  

I may sound like a picky, hard to please shopper, but this is the way it has to be I’m afraid. No point any of us risking injury and further restriction for the sake of heel height, is there?

So, given the limitations, these are some of my preferred options when shoe shopping.  Have to say I’m loving the trend for brogues at the moment, as it makes life easier and still allows for some stylish options.  One pair in every colour please..

I think it is always a good idea to go for quality in shoes if support is an issue.  Cheaper brands can be ideal for a once-off event or a holiday, but won’t last beyond the season (or be approved by the physios).  

When choosing shoes for an occasion, I try to buy with other outfits in mind as well, to make sure I get value for money.  Neutral colours such as black, navy, nude and white are obviously a wise choice, and generally easier to find in the most suitable style.

These are some on my spring/summer wish list at the moment – 

Clarks: 

Festival Gala Oyster Patent Brogue

 Hamble Oak Dusty Pink Brogue

Zara:

Soft Blue Blucher

  

Shiny trainers