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Take one shower of hailstones....

... and on that day, the obvious thing to look at would be sandals.  It may seem like jesting but actually, in all seriousness, as I mentioned the other day, now is when we should be buying them. 

And this swifty blog is coming to you today, inspired by an earlier shopping trip with the bestie who dragged me into a shop, I don't often frequent.  Well, more fool me as do I have a wish list from there now. 

I know I'm really slow to the party and yes, I do have a couple of pairs of shoes from there from a few years ago (one I seem yet again to have lost one shoe from the pair... REALLY??!) but the other pair I have worn for the past two years and still love. 

We are talking Clarks.  The thing is, when I've bought my shoes from there in the past - they have been the only ones in the shop that I would wear.  But that may be a thing of the past.  Honestly if you told me I didn't have to go anywhere else for shoes this Summer, I'd be ok with that.  Something I thought I'd never be able to say. 

To prove my point, these are the ones that I have from two years ago (I say two, I think it may be three....).  Which I have loved and am definitely planning on wearing again this year.  For me, they are the perfect sandal to go with a midi skirt (I wore last year a number of times with my leather skirt), they would be ideal with culottes (which I don't have) and they're the perfect all day shoe when you want to wear a heel but need comfort.  My "lunch out with the girls" shoes.

Sarina Betty Sandals 





Every time I put them on the blog, I am asked if you can still get them.  Well now, I think they've come up with an even better version.  My photography isn't great by any stretch of the imagination but these (all the shoes in fact) are so so so much better in the flesh than they are online.

Sarina Billy £65 from Clarks 






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They also do them in an Oyster colour which they didn't have in store.

Sarina Billy in Oyster leather £65






Two other sets of heels which are definitely on my wishlist are both a nod to 70s stylee but without being too full on.  They would work as well with my "less is more" wannabe look, especially the mules.  I am rather obsessed with the white pair.  These are more Whistles than Clarks, no?

Image Gallery in white £55



And in the black 



The Oriana Billy in tan £65









In the black - actually a bit more like my old Sarinas with the block wood heel.  I also love the contrast of the pale leather sole edging against the black body of the shoe. 




And they didn't have these in store but the colour is growing on me by the minute....

In the honey 



Flat sandals - also some great ones to add to my list of ones to ponder.  I still have no idea which way I'm going to jump this year.  Jury is still definitely out but these are definitely worth considering if this is the style I choose. 

Romantic Moon £50



Again SO much better in the flesh.  Clarks, have you stolen a photographer from M&S?

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Leopard Print £50 



In the natural snake £50




I prefer the sole of the ones above but I love the more ample suede upper of these. 

Lydia Hale in Black Nubuck £50



The same in silver.... 




And yet again - this is what they really look like.

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But I am still drawn to the style I favoured last year - a twist on the Birkie. 


Netrix Rose £50



In the black again £50







But call off the dogs.  I was verging on hysterical over these in the shop much to the amusement of my friend.  These are virtually identical to the Ash Takoon pair but a fraction of the cost.  The only reason I didn't buy them on the spot was that my feet are minging at the moment.  Seriously grim.  A Hobbit would be ashamed of them.  

Praying they don't sell out - and I'm off to get a pedicure in the next day or so. 

In the natural snake £50



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So are you a Clarks fan of old, have you recently discovered them or have I persuaded you to schedule a trip?  And for the record, not that I feel I need to add this but in the interests of the odd person's queries over my integrity yesterday, this post has been prompted by nothing but a trip to Clarks today.  I'm thinking of the best way to address the points raised but suffice to say in the meantime, regardless of whether I am asked to review an item or not, every single thing I feature on my blog has been carefully selected and recommended by me on its merit, not on the fact I may or may not have had to pay for it. 

Finishing with my outfit today and yes, the dungarees have been out in force today.  I'm not going to say I'm loving them so much I may even be tempted to get another colour but...... (wash my mouth out eh?!) 

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Navy and white striped tee - H&M
Black Dungarees - H&M
Black military jacket - Zara
Black leopard Wild Kat ballet flats - British Flat Shoe Company
Quilted black leather bag - Zara

I have spent the majority of the evening, firstly at football with the boys and then we all went to the Spring Concert at school for the 10yr old who has a raging temperature so tomorrow it looks like I will be on Florence Nightingale duties again.  But as well as a trip to Clarks today, I also managed to cover off a white jumper issue I'm having, as well as a trip to M&S where the friend peaked too early on sandals (my money is on her going back to Clarks - HA!) and I also have a Dress Theory to report back on.  Busy times with lots to think about.  Which would be even more relevant if the sun actually came out......




CONVERSATION

34 comentarios:

  1. Ah just purchased the Sarina Billy....I've always admired the ones that you have. Just curious if in the UK you have the ability to link up with the items that you feature so that if it's bought from a link off your blog you can get a bit of good ol cash...I've bought so much that you have suggested....it would be nice to see you rewarded for all your time and fab sense of style.

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    1. AHA! Well done you - I'm sure they'll be as comfortable as the Bettys. I'm not sure it works like that in the UK. There is an Affilaite programme in the software of the blog which tracks the traffic generated from the blog - some of it rewarded with a minute amount and some of it isn't.

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  2. I bought the yellow sandals last week - can't wait to wear them. Still boot weather here in Yorkshire! Thank you for doing this blog, it's really interesting and enjoyable. I know there's a discussion about "integrity ", I personally don't think there's an issue and nothing to defend. Interestingly, you are very open to comments - another blogger commented on yours yesterday and she allows absolutely NO negative comments on her blog at all!! Fans only! You're better than that, so continue as you're doing.... A great job! Bea xxx

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    1. To be honest with you - the majority of the comments aren't nasty. They're just putting their point across and are nearly always done in a non aggressive manner and it is interesting to hear opinions. Were they nasty, rude or personal then I may think about deleting them but to be honest, I think it says more about the person who actually took the time to construct and write them than it does about the blog. However all blogs are the ownership of the individual writer and they are allowed to do what they feel appropriate for their space. Thank you xxxxx

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  3. *puts hands in the air* I'm a fan and I have been for a while. Ok I wouldn't buy up the whole shop but there are lots of styles I would go for. I love my Melanie Jane boots and I have the Sarina Betty in tan. I would, however, like to tackle the fellow who gets to name the damn things? I am, as usual, loving your' selection. H xx

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    1. I quite wish I had the tan Bettys now so then I could get the black Billys. And yes, WHO comes up with the names??!

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  4. I discovered Clarks last summer when I purchased the most gorgeous comfortable pair of Tan Leather Gladiator Sandals. Then in December I purchased 2 pairs of boots. I black suede Melanie Jude and the Brown Leather Biker Boot.
    I am now on the lookout for sandals, one pair of heels and one pair of flats. I am drawn to two above the Sarina Billy in Oyster and maybe those flat Leopard Print sandals. xx

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    1. Didn't see any glads this year but maybe that's because I couldn't get past the Birkie alikes in snake!

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  5. Well the good news is that I ordered and sent back the Ash Thakoons because the sole was just too thick and clumpy. The bad news is that now you've shown me a load of other lovely stuff i'm unlikely to be pocketing the difference that I save if I go for the Clarks version...Thanks. I think. xx

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    1. oh you see I'm quite liking the idea of clumpy... (WHAT has happened to me??!!) But are they worth all that money??! The Clarks ones looks fab don't they?

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  6. Have been a clarks buyer for years mainly because they do a size 9 and in some styles I find a 9 more comfortable than an 8. The designs have got better and better bu the price has also crept up too!

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    1. yes, you are absolutely right about the price - thinking about it, I'm pretty sure my Sarinas were about the £55 mark and then I got a discount from somehwere... I know they were super reasonable. Definitely much more now x

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  7. Hi Kat, my sister is head of Clarks Womens North America. I sent her today's blog and she said she briefed the designer about the Lydia Hale and so she is very happy that you like the higher suede vamp! Just to let you know your comments are appreciated at the top!! Alison

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    1. Can you ask your sister to make all styles available in the UK available in the US too please! xx

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  8. Hi, long time reader (from Germany) first time writing! I want to ask you not about Clarks, but about the black flats in your photo. I am needing to replace my much loved but much worn out Landsend (yes you read that right!) flats. I need comfort but no toe cleavage (big issue for me!) How do you like yours? Long time to break in? I will wear LOTS ... I currently broke down and purchased the Lanvins from NAP but they are not perfect and for that price they need to pretty darn close! Any suggestions would be great!! Many thanks for a great blog - love reading!!

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    1. RIght, I am currently wearing the Wild Kats which are from the company The British Flat Shoe Company and they did take a teesny bit of wearing in but are now like slippers. I also have the navy pair with the white toe cap which randomly took no breaking in at all. Go figure! They are handmade in England and whilst being a delicate ballet flat are robust enough to take a daily beating. If you have any queries, get in touch with Charlotte who owns the company and she will be able to answer all your questions http://www.thebritishflatshoecompany.co.uk/

      xxxxx (and thank you for commenting!)

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  9. I've had my eye on the snakeskin ash alikes too - waiting for a code!! X

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    1. There's normally one by now, isn't there? I'm scared they're going to sell out....

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  10. Can't make my mind up, sandal-wise! I saw a nice one at Clarks (there is a shop near here + online) Zena Mea but they don't seem to have that style in tan or light brown. I'm looking for a minimal-look flat sandal that won't cost me millions (as I've already spend far toooooo much on J.Brand jeans..) If you stumble across something like that.....
    Hope you get the snakeskin sliders, they're so much you!
    Greets,
    Irmin from http://fashionsabbaticaldress.blogspot.com

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    1. Hmmmm have you had a look at OFfice?! What sort of style are you after? Ancient Greek stylee?

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  11. The mules are so like ones I had from cable and co in the 90's. I used to love that shop.

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  12. For London readers, there is a Clarks factory shop at the Elephant and Castle shopping center. Not always a great selection of the non granny styles, but worth an occasional look if you're close by. Got a great pair of leopard kitten heel ankle boots there for £35 recently.

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    1. omg I used to go there all the time when I lived in London and was on maternity leave. I used to like in Kennington, just behind the Imperial War Museum. Is it still downstairs on the corner?!

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  13. I have always loved Clarks. If you have 'awkward' feet (wide and a size 8) then you have to like Clarks because they do shoes that actually fit and are comfy. I love the yellow ones you posted - I might go and buy them for the summer.

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    1. The other great place to go (which I'm sure you know!) is M&S . The yellow ones are ace aren't they? (or should we say "honey"....!)

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  14. Huge Clarks fan here, I buy about 80% of my shoes there as they always fit perfectly & are just so bloody comfortable!!! I bought a pair of Birkie lookalikes last year that never left my feet & I'm pleased to see they have them again this year so I'll get another pair. However, the leopard print sandals need to get in my wardrobe NOW!! ;) x

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    1. They're fab, aren't they? I'm definitely going to see about those snakeskin ones, they'll be perfect with a tan/grey bag... (cue grey bag hunt.....)

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  15. I totally need to get to Clarks! Pedicure is booked for next Tuesday and once my hooves are presentable I'm there.

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    1. You showing off with your hooves. Mine are trotters. I DREAM of having hooves....!

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  16. HA ha ha ha, that's so funny about the shoes being too clumpy but liking the birkies. Each to their own! Right, the breton isn't a breton, it' s a very thin silky navy and white stripe tee..... But I have to say I do like it. Got it the other week when I went in looking for breton tops and came out with this instead!

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  17. I have lusted over those shoes since you first bought them Kat & still love them as much as you do! There are quite a few looky likeys out atm & I've just spotted a pair in H&M that might scratch the itch for me! x

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  18. ooh i see lots of fantastic collection in this blog .
    where we can get this shoes you have any link for online shopping ?
    thanks for ideas looking fit for me :)


    Ballet fitness DVD | Ballet equipment
    Ballet business | \A\Rachel Withers

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