Shoes Review: Womens Heart Jelly Flats

Posted on June 18, 2012 by Cathryn Cook

If, like me, you love Vivienne Westwood’s collaboration with Melisssa shoes, you might be interested to see these copycat Jelly Heart Flats!

You may have seen on the blog before that I have a pair of Melissa/Vivienne Westwood Ultragirl Bow Flats, and I’ve always had my eye on the gorgeous Lady Dragon shoes too. Then I saw these on Amazon at just £12.99 and decided they’d be a close second.

They come in sizes 3-8 in pink, green, orange, black and white, and the shape and style is almost identical as the Vivienne Westwood ones.

They do come up a little tight, but not uncomfortably so and the shape allows a small wedge under the heel to support your back. The hearts and peep toes are the icing on the cake – paint your toe nails for maximum effect!

Need a pair?

Check out these bargain Jelly Heart Flats on Amazon UK
Look at a similar pair with Heels
Or go for the real deal, Vivienne Westwood Lady Dragon

Have fun! Cat

Vintage Bargains on Instagram!

Posted on April 25, 2012 by Cathryn Cook

If you follow me on Twitter, you’ll know I’m mad keen on vintage homewares, fashion and jewellery! If you want to check out my latest bargains, follow my Instagram feed @cathryncook or see my profile at http://followgram.me/cathryncook/

Here’s a few of my recent finds – vintage wine glasses, amber and plastic jewellery and my FAB new (old) deck chair!

Shoes Review: Dr Martens Darcie Boots in Red!

Posted on January 8, 2012 by Cathryn Cook

Just over a year ago I told you about my fab Dr. Martens 1460 boots (here) - they’re still going strong and look brand new, despite my having worn them at every given opportunity! They’re so comfortable that I began wishing that they had heels so I could wear them out dancing. A quick search on Amazon found me Dr Martens Darcie Boots - before you could blink, they were in my basket and winging their way over to me!

I’ve actually had them for almost a year now and like the 1460s, they still look pretty much brand new – the only difference being that the wooden heels pick up a bit of dirt. Comfort wise, I’m very happy to report that they’re just as comfy as the 1460s, despite the heel! I have read in other reviews that some wearers find DMs (of varying models) hard to break in, but I have to say I have found both my pairs comfy from the word go. I tend to wear them loose around the top laces (tucking in the laces, rather than doing them up) with thick ski/walking socks and plain black leg warmers over the top for an extra layer. This gives some extra padding around the heel so that there’s no chance of rubbing and means that I can walk all day or dance all night in total comfort!

Mine are red with a wooden heel, but there are many, many different colour ways to choose from and there are often bargains to be picked up on Amazon – check them out here:
Dr Martens Darcie Boots

Dr Martens Darcie Boots Red

Philofaxy All Stars Guest Posts

Posted on October 20, 2011 by Cathryn Cook

As part of the Philofaxy All Stars project, I’ve posted on two other blogs:

What’s in my Bag? A peek in my Mulberry Alexa Hobo (in Trippy Tiger raffia) – on Imysworld

What’s in my Filofax? A peek in my A5 Balmoral Filofax – on Deligted

And you can read all the guest posts written for Cat’s Corner here.

Enjoy! Cat :O)

Why I love Birkenstock: Comfy Sandals!

Posted on September 26, 2011 by Cathryn Cook

Since it looks like we might have one last week of summer – here’s a quick note on Birkenstock sandals!

I first discovered Birkenstock when I needed something cheap and last minute to take on my honeymoon a few years ago. I discovered a pair of lemon print Birkenstocks in the TKMaxx clearance for £7 – pictured left. I was surprised how comfy they were, but I have to say they haven’t had much wear back home, given that they don’t really go with much!

Then the following summer my friend bought me a pair of cute clogs, and I like these very much, but they’re really only suitable for spring and autumn in those few short weeks where it’s too warm for shoes but to chilly for sandals!!

Last summer I decided to go the whole hog and get a classic pair of Birkenstock sandals (the purple ones). Oddly, they took a little longer to break in than the other two, but after a few wears they became really comfy. They look great with summer shorts and trousers and I think I’ve finally discovered the perfect pair

One of the things I really like about the Birkenstocks range is that they do a narrow fit and a wide fit – the narrow fit is perfect for me, yet they’re still roomy around the toes, perfect!

Birkenstocks Clogs Papillo

Check out the current range of Birkenstocks on Cloggs UK here.

What’s in My Bag?: All Stars Guest Post from Imysworld

Posted on September 19, 2011 by Cathryn Cook

Recently, I joined some of the gang from Philofaxy in a guest-blog swapping project called ‘All Stars.’ I’m very pleased to introduce the first in these posts, by Imy from Imysworld:

I have been lucky enough to have the chance to do a blog post on Cat’s Corner as part of the Philofaxy All Stars. I have been saying to her for weeks I will do it tomorrow (my famous last words at the moment), since I have been without my laptop doing blogging at home can be hard, as my boyfriend hogs my Macbook Air and when I try to explain I need to use it he just says in a minute then when he finally gives it to me, 5 minutes later he says turn off its bed time!

This is the reason I am very behind, I always get in a bloggy mood and end up having to write ideas and notes in my Filofax, which I’m not against, just I like to do it when its in my mind else I never get around to it!

Wow what a load of waffle to start this All Stars Guest post!! Anyway sorry Cat’s Corner readers!

As she did a What’s in my bag post for me I am returning the favour, we originally arranged for me to do a What’s in my Mulberry but at the time I had just done one, then recently I had to change to my Louis Vuitton so I decided what better idea then to do it of another bag!

Be warned this shall be picture heavy and magically fun!

The obvious thing to start off with is the picture of the bag, sorry some pictures are a bit flat, I used my iPhone as I believe its good enough quality, just sometimes in the evening the lights a bit off!

It is my LOVELY Louis Vuitton Delightgful (not that I like her very much, we fell out a long time ago, now were just acquaintances), as you can see my beloved is trying to sneek in to the picture, naughty Dora!

As you can see I have an AWFUL lot in my hand bag (don’t worry I’m going to go in to detail on every item, but first I shall start in my Large zipped pocket).

It doesn’t really look like there is ANYTHING in her but believe me it is a vault that just keeps on going like Mary Poppins bag!……Are you ready to see what is in there??

Bear in mind I just came back from a trip to Brussels so a lot of stuff from that is in there!!

The thing at the top is my Filofax A5 Plastic Ruler, I will not just list the things and if its interesting I will explain it all to you!

Lamy Safari in Turquoise
Chanel Lip Gloss 104 Astral
Moo Business Cards
Hair Rose from H&M, it is really that colour
Fanta Lip Smackers
Intersex UK Business Cards
Nivea Pearly Shine stuff
Blue Inhaler
Finally – my Zebra pen refills!

Now on to the main compartment!!!

My beautiful A5 Adelphi, she is lovely to use and she is called Coco! For obvious reasons the quilted pattern

Hello Kitty Slimline Pencil Case

And the insides which contains: -

Zebra Sharbo Diary Pen
Papermate Pink Scented Pen
Mini Pink Sharpie
Berol Handwriting Pen
Uni-Ball Signo Gelstick
Bic Orange Pens (black)
Post it Highlighter pen

Now this may seem BAZZAR!!!

But I have the leopard print purse which had English money in and also is the purse I use in my Dora, the middle one is travel card wallet which has my oyster card and bus tickets and train tickets, then finally my glittery pink Paul’s Boutique wallet which is HUGE!!!!

My Raybans <3

Deodorant and Body Spray

The body spray is from Superdrug and is called Be Delicious and smells like candy!

Compact Umbrella as its always raining!

My beautiful Mulberry Key ring which my boyfriend sort of bought for me, I used the money he gave me at Christmas to get it! Its so pretty!!!

Buxton water (not my favourite but always on offer)

The MOST AMAZING Happy Meal toy ever from Mc Donalds it makes noises and everything!

Apple Earphones! So I can listen to music on the bus, train or plane!

The sticky notes which I reviewed the other day as they are AWESOME, and I forgot to take them out of my bag to put them to use!

There was also all this paper underneath there is all sorts from an amazing blog post written by Jutje, Tate Modern Café 2 menu, train times, receipts, all sorts!

There was also a lot of tissue but I didn’t think you needed to see all that!!!

I hope you have enjoyed my guest post on Cat’s Coner! YAY!!!!!!!!

Thank you for having me and I hope to be back again soon! Maybe a shoe review I’m so cheeky!

No, no, thank you Imy for sharing this with us – I loved seeing your bag and all your lovely pens! You’re more than welcome to come again and talk about shoes!

Cat x

Crocs Tone Skylar Flat: Toning Shoes Review

Posted on August 8, 2011 by Cathryn Cook

Toning shoes have been around for a while now, but I hadn’t really taken much notice until Crocs came out with their own range and in particular, the Crocs Tone Skylar Flat. Similar to my beloved Malindi Crocs, these cutie pumps are smart enough to wear in the office, comfy enough for long lunchtime walks and light enough to wear on holiday…

Crocs Tone Skylar Flat

Sweet, right? Here’s a comparison of the Skylar (in Light Grey/Rose) with my black Malindi – they’re a slightly tighter fit than the loose fitting Malindi, but as with all Crocs, they conform to the shape of your foot for a custom fit. Mine only took a couple of wears to become super comfy, with or without tights.

So how do Skylar flats work to tone your legs? Crocs say that their ”Sculpted outsole creates a rocker effect while you walk that can help initiate key muscle activity to provide toning benefits. [The] toning ring is designed to help moderate movement and provide support contributing to increased muscle activity.” Watch a video about the Crocs Tone Skylar Slingback Flat here.

I wish I’d done a before and after photo of my legs, but alas, I was too excited to start wearing them! I can tell you though, that there’s a marked difference in muscle tone and my legs feel stronger as a result of wearing these a couple of times a week for the past few weeks.

They also have the usual circulation nubs on the foot bed and are super comfy for all day wear, I love them!

There are several other styles in the range, including a more traditional style Croc (Skylar Clog), flip flops (Skylar Flip) and a closed ballet pump (Julia Flat).

Check out the Crocs Tone range on the Crocs website here or on Amazon UK here.

Crocs Tone Skylar Flat

United Nude Shoes: A Coral Ballet Review

Posted on May 31, 2011 by Cathryn Cook

Time for another shoes review! This time, United Nude Women’s Coral Ballet flats in yellow – BRIGHT yellow!

I discovered United Nude shoes on Amazon earlier in the year and couldn’t resist this pair, which are moulded from lightweight ‘EVA.’ They arrived in the depths of winter, so they’ve only just emerged from the cupboard and found their purpose as Spring/Summer sandals!

First off, a little about the brand. Architect, Rem D Koolhaas and shoemaker, Galahad Clark, came together to launch the United Nude brand in 2003, creating “an iconic brand at the intersection between design and fashion” (read more on their website here). The range includes heels and flats in a wide variety of colours, from pastels to neons, in styles that should satisfy the subtle and outlandish alike.

Sounds great, I hear you cry, but what are they like to wear? Well, this particular model, ’Coral Ballet,’ are extremely lightweight, and they really do fit the claim by the makers that the wearer hardly feels like they’re wearing shoes at all! In fact, I braved a day out in town wearing these without any kind of insole and didn’t suffer any blisters or rubbing at all – very unusual for a first wear! The liner prevents slipping underfoot and the holes in the design allow your feet to breathe, even on a really hot day. In addition, the sole is nicely textured to give good grip and protection, so they won’t get too grubby or send you flying past the ‘wet floor’ sign in the supermarket!

Style wise, I was attracted to the unusual design (aren’t I always?!), but was a little worried about how I’d make them work with my wardrobe. They look kinda sporty on, so I’ve been wearing them with cropped jeans and casual tops – perfect for days out in the sunshine!

I’ve noticed that this style is now available in a range of yummy pastel shades – hmm, which colour to choose next?!

Buy your pair of Coral Ballet flats on Amazon UK here or check out the wider United Nude range here.

Fashion Cases and Covers for Amazon Kindle – Where Art Thou?

Posted on May 4, 2011 by Cathryn Cook

I recently purchased the latest generation Amazon Kindle (Free 3G + Wi-Fi) and I love it, but I’ve had a bit of trouble finding stylish fashion covers and cases to accessorise it with!

So why am I telling you this? Well, it took me several evenings of searching the thousands of Kindle accessories on Amazon to find something stylish and good quality at a decent price. I’m hoping that this post might help others on the hunt for an alternative to the rather pricey official Kindle lighted leather cases too.

I’ve always been a bookworm and a gadget girl, so it was inevitable I’d buy a Kindle at some point, but I must admit I wasn’t overly keen on the grey casing - far too plain for a colour lover like me! But then I saw Gelaskins’ range of protective skins and I knew that could do the trick! So my first purchase was the understated, but chic Gelaskins ‘Blue Willow’:

Gelaskin Skin on Kindle Blue Willow

Kindle Blue Willow Skin Back

These skins come supplied as a sticker, so you simply lift off and place over your Kindle. I usually find this kind of thing a bit fiddly and past attempts have not ended well – however, Gelaskins protective skins use 3M technology (from the Post-it people) that lets you peel off and reposition without leaving a sticky residue behind – amazing!

Even with my impatient fingers, I was able to get a nice result and I feel like my Kindle has been absolutely transformed!

There were even stickers to cover the individual buttons, but I just used the larger ones, like the page turners and selection key and I’m happy with the look.

Now, this makes the Kindle look fab, but what about protection? The Gelaskin protects from surface scratches, but I still needed something to stop it from getting knocked about it my handbag…

This is where, after hours of scouring Amazon and reading reviews, I discovered the Acase Vintage brown leather case:

One of the things I like about the Kindle is that you can hold it in one hand and therefore I didn’t want a ‘book’ shaped case for it. I also like the idea of being able to stand it up, which is handy whilst on a lunch break, at the beach, lying in bed, etc. The Acase serves both these purposes, whilst still protecting the Kindle with padding and a quality leather outer – all for a mere £15.99! It even came with a free clip-on battery powered light, so I really couldn’t resist! The case can be used with the front folded back (ie one handed, as in the very top pic of this post), or stood up at several different angles, making it very versatile. And it’s a subtle unisex style to suit the fashion conscious amongst us – perfect!

I won’t go on to review the device itself, as there are hundreds of blog reviews out there that you can look up, but I do hope this helps you on the way to find your perfect Kindle covers and cases! Do let me know in the comments section if you’ve found another gem!

Oh and P.S. UK buyers, did you know you can redeem your Nectar points on Amazon?! I bought my skin and cover using points and will be saving up for my books that way too – free books, woop! Finally, a silver lining to the ever-increasing cost of petrol ;o)

Shop for Kindle covers and cases on Amazon UK here.

Buy your latest generation Amazon Kindle here.

Irregular Choice Shoes – Art for your Feet!

Posted on February 8, 2011 by Cathryn Cook

If you’re a fan of fab and funky footwear, then you should definitely check out ‘Irregular Choice‘ shoes! This is one brand that gives you a designer look on a high street budget and they’re guaranteed to turn heads. Each pair is styled like a piece of art, covered with playful decoration – in Creator and Designer, Dan Sullivan’s words, they “recapture your freedom which eloped with your youth’’! And who could ask for much more?

To me, they look like a fusion of antique Edwardian and Victorian era shoes, with influences of contemporary designers like Vivienne Westwood and Alexander McQueen. I love the fact you can turn even a simple shift dress into a spectacular outfit with a pair of these heels!

My chosen pairs (so far) have been a pair of kitten heels with stars and a most fabulous pair of purple high heels with Chinese ladies – the heel on these isn’t in the usual place, making them a real talking point!

Check out a wide range of styles on Cloggs here.

Cat's Corner

News and reviews of favourite shoes, trollbeads, filofax & creative pursuits…

Category Archives: All Fashion & Shoes