Swedish Hasbeens Peep (out) Toes. When shoes don’t love you back!

 

It’s warming up – time for Spring/Summer shoes.  Before I invest in a new pair, I like to go through what I’ve got first, sorting what to keep and what to ditch. And as usual, I can’t quite decide what to do with my Swedish Hasbeens peep-toe clogs. Bought 5 years ago as an alternative to off-duty flats and trainers, I’ve only ever managed to wear them a handful of times.  Not because I don’t want to or for want of trying. Simply that when I wear them,  my toes not so much “peep” as make a bid for freedom. The big and index toes poke right out and the remaining toes, with no where else to go, are left squashed against the hardest leather this side of the wild west. Not a good look (especially when said toes are not one’s best feature!) and incredibly uncomfortable to boot. I’ve tried everything to stop this ridiculous toe slippage: toe socks (yes they are a thing, from Japan where else) and a variety of gel pads and cushions but nothing works. So, I’ve had to conclude that I must have the wrong sort of toes for these shoes.  Yet, I can’t bring myself to ditch them. Instead every Summer, I go through this silly ritual and rue my rubbish toes, envious of others happily stomping about in theirs. Perhaps they are blessed with just the right toes. Or maybe they have a higher pain threshold. If you have neither and have narrow feet and toes like mine, you are best off avoiding these. Because, you can forget about trying to break these shoes in, these babies will break you. Now, if I could only bring myself to get rid of the damn things.  Do you have similar Hasbeens stories? Let’s hear them!

Addie x

 

 

 

 

 

Sneaker Pimps. Cheating on my Stan Smiths with Bart (The Imitation Game part deux!)

Isabel Marant blatantly ripped-off Stan Smiths!” At my local deli the other morning, I overheard a group of friends arguing over trainers, specifically Adidas Stan Smiths and Isabel Marant Bart Sneakers.  What they were saying was a little OTT but essentially true and it’s a view shared by many since the Bart Sneaker was launched in 2015.

Spot the difference?

A few things struck me: 1. It was far too early in the morning for a heated debate of any kind. 2. So, the Marant trainers are a tribute to Stan Smiths. So what? Imitation (don’t mean fakes) makes the world of fashion go round and I’m all for it (The imitation game – a fashionista’s dilemma).  3. The irony. Isabel Marant trainers and boots have got to be the most copied on the planet. Can you name one major sportswear brand that hasn’t got a version of the wedge sneaker?

MyStyleArtist review: Anyway, as I happen to have a pair of each*, I thought I’d post a mini review for those thinking of getting one or the other (or both!). They obviously look very similar but they actually feel quite different to wear. Stan Smiths are sturdier and chunkier which gives the Bart the edge if you are after a more polished/chic look. But that doesn’t take anything away from the easy relaxed cool of Stan Smiths.  I’ll leave it up to you to decide if you need both. 🙂 But if you decide to then there’s definitely room for both in any wardrobe.  Remember, whether you have one or the other or both, up the style stakes by keeping them GLEAMING WHITE:  Trainers or Sneakers. Keep Them Box Fresh Because Age matters

Addie x

Two-timing my Stan Smiths with the Bart Sneaker

 

Others enjoying the Bart

All good in Stan Smiths

 

*I seem to be in the grip of a trainer addiction. It started 5 years ago after my daughter was born and now I just can’t …………stop.

Fashion Week AW 17- High/Low lights from London and the best from Milan so far

A little late with this one (it’s been a busy few weeks!) but here are my high (and low) lights from the recently concluded London Fashion Week.  Follow the link at the end for the best bits from Milan so far….:

#1. Simone Rocha: For using older models. And for nearly changing my mind about velvet. And for a kick-ass collection actually.

simone Rocha3 LFW AW17

Simone Rocha AW 17

simone Rocha LFW AW17

Simone Rocha AW 17

Simone Rocha2 LFW AW17

Simone Rocha AW 17

#2. Ashley Williams: Could someone pinch me please. Stetsons over hoodies tucked into jogging bottoms finished with a pair of pumps? What the hell.

Ashleywilliams LFW AW17

Ashley Williams AW 17

Ashley Williams2 LFW AW17

Ashley Williams AW 17

#3. Burberry: For delivering another “See now buy now” collection.  A super wearable combo show of women’s and men’s. Trousers came high-waisted for men (works for me but I imagine it’s not for everyone) and there were white shirts aplenty! I likey very much.

Burberry AW 17

Burberry AW 17

Burberry2 AW 17

Burberry AW 17

Burberry3 AW 17

Burberry AW 17

Burberry4 AW 17

Burberry AW 17

#4. Antonio Berardi: For a bit of  “casual glam”.  High collars and full skirts stand out.

Antonio Berardi AW 17

Antonio Berardi AW 17

Antonia Berardi2 AW 17

Antonio Berardi AW 17

Antonio Berardi3 AW 17

Antonio Berardi AW 17

#5. Christopher Kane. For continuing to try to get us into Crocs! Obviously it didn’t quite take off with the SS16 bejewelled numbers and so he’s back with an AW 17 fur-lined version. I’m sorry but this is still a no from me.

Christopher Kane AW 17

Christopher Kane AW 17

Chrisotpher Kane2 AW 17

Christopher Kane AW 17

And finally, for the best bits from Milan so far – including Alessandro Michele’s whimsical bumper men’s and women’s show (featuring 119 models!) – click here.

Next stop, Paris!

Addie x

London Fashion Week A/W 17 kicks off tomorrow! (16.02.17)

 

So what to expect? Well, looking at the show schedules London clearly continues to excel at showcasing new and upcoming talent. Some are so new in fact that I’ve never even heard of them! Which is exactly what I love about LFW.  As for the old guard, I’m looking forward to MM6 Maison Margiela (always a (bonkers) treat), Sophia Webster (her SS 16 birds of paradise-themed show is still one of my all-time faves), Christopher Kane (remember Crocs-gate from LFW SS 17?),  JW Anderson (will we see more crochet? See my round up of LFW AW 17 Mens) and of course, the “new talent factory” that is Fashion East.

My post LFW round-up will follow post-haste so watch this space!

Addie x