Cat's Corner

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.
 

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.