Summer 2008 Fashion Foot Guide - 05/06/2008
- Fashionable footwear advice from Ocean Village -
By Wendy Elsmore
To see a version with images of the shoes included in this release, click here >
It occurred to me only yesterday that a funny thing happens to all us style conscious girls on a certain day in late spring. We suddenly realise we can no longer turn to our beloved boots and trusted opaque tights as stylish and comforting cover ups. These that have so loyally been there through the long winter and mid-season early spring months, now fight us for retirement from sheer over use and exhaustion. With more regular blasts of sunshine and hazy warmth finally touching our skin, they suddenly feel ridiculous and out of place. So it is with little warning we are awakened to the fact that our feet need to re-appear once more from winter hibernation. They should be buffed and beautifully pedicured, ready to slip with ease into this season’s delicious array of summer shoes and sandals.
I am indeed a massive advocate of disciplinarian approach of the capsule wardrobe, whose design and intention is for us to only buy a few items of carefully chosen clothes that all enhance our shape and make us feel truly gorgeous. I also believe that self indulgence and whimsical fancy every now and then is wickedly good for the ‘sole’ and is naughtily very nice indeed! So with this summer fashion season focusing fully on big, bright and beautiful shoe shapes bordering works of art, it would seem impolite not to create a guide to picking the very best summer delights that pay homage to the king of accessories - the shoe!
For those lucky people departing on fabulous cruises this summer, you deserve a shoe wardrobe that hits the style spot with a capital ‘S’. One that is easily adaptable and allows you to slip effortlessly from the time of boarding to between dining and dancing, sightseeing and sipping cocktails and simply soaking up every summer pleasure that goes hand in hand with the delicious delight that is cruising…
1. Flat Sandals
If your flips flops are feeling flop flop and you’re looking for a fab flat summer alternative, this is the season to be spoilt for choice. Take your pick from the following lovelies that will be a holiday saviour as they adapt effortlessly to perfectly partner swimwear and sarongs, t-shirts and shorts and also work a treat with the lightest of summer dresses for day and evening wear.
- Slinky patent slingbacks in Fuchsia, £20.00, Viva La Diva, also available in Turquoise Blue, Black and White.
- Faux Snakeskin Metallic detailed strap sandal £8.00, Matalan
- Dramatic T Bar sandal £40.00, Office
- Jeweled Thong £23.00, Next
- Asos leather metal trim flat gladiator styled sandal £35.00 @ www.asos.com
2. Loafers and Pumps
A stylish yet practical summer loafer or flat pump is every holiday explorers must have and warrants a place at the top of the list in every cruisers suitcase. Set to become best friends with your feet, these are perfect for jaunty sightseeing trips and excursions on foot that demand stylish comfort as essential.
- Flat strap bright pink espadrille £15, Asos, @www.asos.com
- Turquoise bow detail espadrille £45.00, Irregular Choice
- Gaby gold flat mule £50.00, LK Bennett, also available in black, white, yellow and pink
- Fruit patterned pump £8.00, New Look
- Shima patterned pump £25.00, Office
3. Wedges and Platforms
If you buy one new pair of shoes this season, make it a divine pair of summer wedges or platforms. They combine just the right amount of trend element to add a modern twist to every summer outfit and a splash of glamour too.
- Yellow wing caged t-bar wedge £60.00, Topshop, also available in pink
- Floral print ankle wedge £75.00, Steve Madden
- Gold T Rex Wedge, £185.00, Russell and Bromley
- Flirt Red Wedges £169.00, LK Bennett
- Oversized gem platform wedges £100.00, Bourne
4. Dancing Shoes
Evening shoes this summer are packaged in many different ways. The choices are guaranteed to make you go weak at the knees as you check out styles that are flirty and feminine, seductive and glamorous, classic and elegant or just fun, fun, fun…
- Black suede fringe sandal £28.00, Dorothy Perkins, also available in coral
- Flower and Butterfly Sandals £120.00, Karen Millen
- Krystal bronze sandal £55.00, Carvela
- Spice peep toe gold evening sandal £119.00, LK Bennett
- Rose colour block low heeled peep toe sandal £55.00, Georgina Goodman for Evans
Ps. A top packing tip is to wrap all your holiday sandals and shoes in recyclable plastic bags and place them neatly around the outside of your clothes in your suitcase. These will hold all your clothes perfectly in place whilst doing your bit for the environment too.
