I know that this wettest of winters has had most of us living in boots since last September, with wellie boots being the most sensible choice for the last month straight, but right now – just for this afternoon – the sun is shining and I’m allowing myself a little shoe fantasy. Spring will come, the weather must get better (mustn’t it?) and Orla Kiely’s first shoe collection, in collaboration with Clarks Shoes, pulls together colour, pattern, shiny patent leather and sensible heels. What’s not to love?
This capsule collection of six styles embodies the designer’s trademark retro style and use of colour. Styles are inspired by 60’s slingbacks and pumps and 70’s wedges, whilst bright red and green teamed with mustard and navy are highlighted with white and ivory neutrals. And the details are just gorgeous – fabulous heel shapes, contrast buckles, subtle punched floral patterns, and the iconic Orla Kiely multicoloured stem print on the soles of the shoes – that’s the kind of hidden detail that always makes my heart sing, and adds that extra little bit of joy into the day.
There are also these fab block heeled Mary Jane platforms, pictured above, but sadly I have to think more (much more) “age appropriate” these days, and my favourites are the two mid-height block heel slingback styles below:
I also love the fact that these are spring/summer “shoes” i.e. have closed in toes, rather than strappy, open sandals – those are easy peasy to find whereas I always struggle to find actual shoes that I like. The British summer being what it is, half the time we need something to keep our feet just a little warm and dry whilst not looking like we’re still wearing our winter footwear, and these are just perfect. So hurrah for Orla Kiely and Clarks,, but if you like these lovelies then don’t hang around – they already sold out once, but are back in stores now. Just believe – there will be a time when we can cast off those wellies.
Images: Clarks Shoes
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