I can’t help but think as I write this that perhaps I should have named this post The Best Summer Shoes For 2016 in Lolly’s opinion because of course what actually constitutes ‘the best’ is a subjective matter. My mother for example would take one look at the Jigsaw heels in the slider here and go ‘oh but they’re SO hiiiigh’ which of course would eliminate them from any ‘best’ list for her. But I digress. we’re here to talk about shoes and so on we must go.

For the purposes of easy reading, I’ve split this post into three main categories, namely flats, heels and plimsolls so you can easily skip to the section/s of the post that you’re most interested in and perhaps be less tempted by those things you absolutely don’t need but secretly want anyway. If this weekend’s projected heatwave isn’t an excuse to invest in some new shoes then I don’t know what is…

Flats

I spend the majority of my life in flats. They’re kind of like my go-to, my failsafe and nine times out of ten they’ll be of the pointy variety. This post has actually been quite cathartic if I’m honest as I’ve been able to virtually build up my shopping basket as if I actually owned them all without spending a penny….yet.

I say yet because these Zara flats are making my heart beat super fast; they’re super sharp and a little bit naughty and frankly all the elaborate strappiness is just so on point. If however they’re a bit…well…much then this pair is a softer alternative.

If prints are your thing then Boden have pulled out all the stops with their Florence flats. Made from leather and ponyskin and with the sweetest grosgrain ribbon detail, this pointed pair are so elegant you’d make the French proud.

Super shiny gorgeousness abounds at ASOS too with these wide fit ballet criss cross ballerinas. Perfect for that day to night transition. I can also attest to the brilliance of these baby blue suede studded beauties if you’re looking for something glitzy but not quite as shiny. I was treated to these wonders by Mrs O’Shea for my birthday this year and I absolutely blinking love them! They also come in black leather and baby pink suede too.

I was pleasantly surprised to discover that Mint Velvet offer shoes as part of their product range…has this always been the case? Regardless I love their Alanas with their chic taupe suede, studding detail and back zip. Has anyone bought shoes from the brand…what did you think?

Lastly for those of you looking for proper sandals then Topshop have these beautifully named ‘Harp’ sandals for you to gawp over. Crafted from butter-soft leather I love the simple twisted strap detailing and practical flat heel. They also come in the perfect powdery blue too…Why not get both 😉

Heels

Why hello there block heeled sandals from Jigsaw. Let’s be having you! On a serious note though I am seriously coveting these chunky wotsits which actually are really rather elegant. Ok so they aren’t cheap and they are HIGH which probably means that I’d only be wearing them when Hector wasn’t around (read sporadic date nights) but I love them so! Available in sizes up to a UK 8 you can bet that the Italian leather that they’re made from will make them super comfy to wear.

Matalan have seriously upped their style game of late and so when I spotted these espadrilles from the brand I was seriously tempted. I’ve never owned a pair of roped heels before despite looking longingly at the style on other people and for the sake of £20 I may very well give in and purchase them. The mink brown colour means that they’re bound to go with pretty much every single item of my summer wardrobe too – from skinny jeans for cocktails with the girls to summer dresses worn to the park with Hector.

I love Whistles and lived pretty much the whole of last summer in a pair of their black suede flat sandals so I can attest to the quality of their footwear. The aforementioned sandals are still going strong by the way. It’s no surprise then that I’m seriously tempted by these statement platforms in mock croc leather that have a touch of the 70s about them. I can just see them paired with a floaty frock for summer nights or with a sleek jumpsuit for super cool wedding guest fashion.

Plimsolls

Ok so technically this part of the post should really be entitled ‘Trainers’ but ‘Plimsolls’ sounds so much more sartorially attractive that I’ve opted for this instead…but you get the gist.

I’ve already talked about my love for Superga’s metallic plims in this post earlier this year so I’ve decided not to cover old ground. Instead let’s take a look at this black textured pair from New Look for the bargainous sum of £15. Granted you’d probably be best to wear a pair of socks with them (they’re made from synthetic material and no-one likes sweaty feet) but at that price you could wear them all Summer and then throw them out when the nights draw in. Plus they’d be super easy to pull on and off which is essential when you’ve got an outdoorsy toddler who demands to go in the garden at a moment’s notice. Available in white and pink too!

If like me you’re a fan of metallics through and through then it’s worth checking out Mint Velvet, or more specifically their Champagne Ester Plimsoll. I like how you can appear casual but really you’re embracing a basic level of glamour. The tapered toe, the subtle metallic fabric and the fact that the laces are grey rather than white are serious plus points for me, so much so that I feel I need to add them to my shopping basket next time payday rolls around.

Apologies in advance for all the enabling that may have occurred as a result of today’s post. Perhaps you can get your own back on us and share your recent footwear buys. Are there any flats you’ve got your eye on? Any heels we should know about? Why not tell us EVERYTHING in the comments box below…

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