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

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

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.

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.

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.

Why I Love: Dr Martens 8-Hole Boots!

Posted on November 24, 2010 by Cathryn Cook

I’m so excited to tell you about my beloved Dr Martens boots!

Dr Martens 1460W 8 Hole Boots Dr Martens have been around since Dr. Klaus Maertens designed shoes with air-cushioned soles to help him walk more easily after a skiing accident in 1945. On and off over the years they’ve come to the fore and I remember they first came to my attention in the 90s grunge and Brit pop era, when it was all the rage to switch out the laces for neon yellow, pink or green! A teenager at the time, my feet were growing too quickly for my parents to invest in a pair for me…

…But no matter, all these years later I finally have a pair! I went for the classic 8-hole design (1460) in a black animal print with the trademark yellow stitching and they’ve barely been off my feet since I got them (if only I could wear them to the office haha!). I usually wear them with skirts, leggings and leg warmers – the latter for extra padding because several reviews I’d read on Amazon said they might rub on the heels. Actually, they’ve been comfortable from the outset, but I’ve got used to the ‘look’ and now it’s getting colder I appreciate the extra layer!!

They also look fab over skinny jeans or under bootlegs and as they’re so classic I think they’ll last for many fashions to come! I’ve only had mine for a couple of months but they’ve had a lot of wear and still look brand new, hopefully they’ll be with me for many years!

Fancy a pair for yourself? Grab a bargain pair on Amazon UK here.

Keep your Feet Toasty Warm this Autumn: Crocs Nadia Boots

Posted on October 19, 2010 by Cathryn Cook

Brrr! The weather’s turning cold here in the UK and at least there’s one thing to look forward to – wearing comfy, cosy boots!! I particularly wanted to show you my Crocs Nadias, and it’s a great time to show you now, as Crocs currently have them on sale!

I used to wear Ugg-style boots but found them too bulky and not particularly suitable in the rain. When I saw Nadias, they seemed the perfect choice, as the base is moulded with the comfort of a Crocs clog, whilst the sides are soft material. You can also wear them with the material rolled down, for a shorter, ankle boot length - but if you wear them up, you can also put Jibbitz charms around the top!

They look particularly cute worn with woolen skirts and leggings, under bootleg jeans and over skinny jeans and I’ve even heard a rumour that they can be machine washed on a cold cycle (N.B. I haven’t tried this myself, so do so at your own risk!).

Read all my Crocs posts here.

Check them out today over on the Crocs website:

Melissa Shoes Ultragirl – IV vs Vivienne Westwood Bow Flats

Posted on August 15, 2010 by Cathryn Cook

Well, the long awaited review of my Vivienne Westwood for Melissa Shoes Ultragirl Bow Flats is finally here! I also decided to trial a pair of Melissa Ultragirl IV alongside them, you know, just to make it fair ;o)

As you may have read here before*, I’ve been waiting a long time for these Vivienne Westwood beauties as hubby hid them away for my birthday! And they don’t disappoint! They’re so beautiful that I’m forever bumping into things because I’m staring at the floor and not at where I’m headed! I also don’t get anywhere very quickly, because people are always stopping to ask where I got my gorgeous shoes!

So, what are they like to wear? Well, they’re extremely comfortable, thanks to the wonders of the Melflex material they’re made from, which conforms to the shape of your foot for a custom fit. They’ve been great worn at work, smart daytime occasions and nights out as well. I never thought I’d go out dancing in flats but I haven’t worn heels since I got them!

Perhaps I shouldn’t have bought the regular Ultragirl flats as well (mine are model IV), but I was intrigued to see if there was any difference…and there is! The IVs are actually even more comfortable because they have a padded lining that offers more support underfoot and stops your feet getting as hot as the flat liner in the VWs. I’m sad to say as well, that the lovely pattern inside the VWs has started to wear away already and I’ve only had them for three weeks. This isn’t a big problem obviously, but given the price I didn’t expect it to happen.

Otherwise they’re pretty similar – both are scented with the signature bubblegum smell and the shape seems to be identical – I guess Vivienne Westwood customised them from Melissa Shoes’ original design.

I am totally in love with the VWs and I would definitely recommend them if you’re looking for a beautiful pair of flats – I’m sure like me, you’d get lots of wear out of them. Click here to buy them from a retailer in the UK.

If you’re on a budget, or are not worried about the extra detail on the VWs, the regular Melissas will also serve you very well, if not in quite as beautiful a way!

Buy Melissa Shoes now on Amazon UK!

*Read all of my posts about Melissa Shoes here.

Melissa Shoes – an update on those comfy heels!

Posted on June 8, 2010 by Cathryn Cook

A couple of months ago, I blogged about my experience with Melissa Shoes (you can read it here). Now that I’ve worn them some more, I felt it only fair to give you a little update…

You might remember I tried out the Neon in Mostard (yellow) and Hello III in Purple Flock:

The Neons are still my favourite, they’re really comfy and so easy to walk in, both when wearing tights and without, I think because of the support the ankle strap gives. They’re a real conversation piece too – the colour is fab! The only discomfort I get when wearing these is at the balls of my feet after long periods of standing – if you’re used to wearing heels a lot of the time I don’t think you’d have this problem.

I braved wearing the Hello III pair out for a night of dancing at the weekend and was a little worried about the problems I’d had before with a blister where the strap meets inside the shoe. As I mentioned before, I used a blister pad over that area and I managed to dance for 3 hours straight without any rubbing anywhere – a miracle!!

Girls, I’m seriously impressed with this brand (and no I don’t work for them!), I think it’s the first time I’ve ever had heels that don’t rub anywhere and are genuinely a joy to wear. I’m not saying you can wear them for hours and hours on end without any pain, but they’re certainly the closest I’ve ever found in heels! If you have any other tips or brands to recommend, please leave a comment and I’ll continue my search!

In the meantime, I’m eagerly awaiting my birthday next month, as I happen to know my lovely husband has hidden away a pair of these beauties:

These gorgeous Ultragirl Bow Flats were designed as part of a collaboration by Melissa Shoes with Vivenne Westwood called ‘Anglomania’ – I just had to have a pair – can’t wait! Look out for my full review of those in a couple of month’s time…

In the meantime, why not check out some of the range and other Vivienne Westwood shoes on Amazon UK here…

Read all my posts about Melissa shoes here.

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