Thursday 19 September 2013

Debenhams Shoe Challenge*

Following on from my AW13 shoe trends post, Debenhams sent me the stunning 'Mullner' polka dot shoes from Madonna's Truth Or Dare range and asked how I'd style them. I've based my looks around the 'ladylike' trend, playing up their elegant shape and having fun with the polka dots.
Firstly a little word about the shoes themselves, since I know you like to know these details and a couple of you had shown interest in purchasing them from my last post. The UK 5/38 are marked a US 7.5 (being an American brand) and fit true to size. At first I thought they were a little overpriced and possibly more than I'd pay for a shoe of this type, however when I slipped them on, I realised they are a very well made shoe. The heel is 4 3/4" with a tiny 7mm diameter heel tip. There's also a very small platform, probably around 1/4". Despite the high heel and small tip, they are very easy to walk in and that small platform really cushions your foot when walking, so you're not slapping your foot down onto a hard surface. It's definitely down to the top-notch construction.  There's the odd wobble (on an uneven surface), to be expected with a heel tip so small, but the rest of the shoe ensures you don't even come close to toppling. The shape of the peep toe means it doesn't rub at your toes (seriously loving that toe shape) and the ribbons are long enough for a decent bow and help the shoe feel secure. I also really like that the fabric continues onto the heel, often a patterned shoe will sport a plain one.  I wore them yesterday for a short time with no issues and honestly can't foresee any problems wearing them for longer periods.
Ok, so onto my outfits and I'd thought I'd show you more than one for versatility. The 'ladylike' trend is one I'm comfortable with anyway and I kept my outfits within that style for the purpose of this post, but I'm sure they could work with some other looks too.
Pencil skirts are big for AW13, as is leopard print, so I combined the two and added some stripes to contrast with the polka dots.  This outfit looks like you've really made an effort, but is actually very easy to wear and has that 40's feel to it.  The awkward portrait came courtesy of me managing to press the shutter while turning the camera off at exactly the same time (pretty brilliant if you ask me).  My battery then ran out, so I didn't have time for more photos of that particular look, so had to include it!
Wearing: Leopard print cardigan Star by Julien Macdonald at Debenhams, black lace 'Grace' pencil skirt Swan by Clements Ribeiro (Evans), striped satin bow fascinator Topshop, black patent belt taken from another dress.
Bright blooms with monochrome polka dots are one of my favourite pattern clashes.  They just work so well together! I've added even more interest with these house print tights, an eclectic and fun look.
Wearing: Floral wiggle dress and flower hair clip ASOS, red belt gift from Madeira, house print tights House of Holland.
Thanks to Burberry, hearts are massive for Autumn/Winter but have always been in favour with me.  I got a little creative recycling this ribbon from a Net-A-Porter order to wear as a belt!  The darker tights prove these shoes will work well into winter too, despite the cut-outs.  
Wearing: Heart print 'Betty' dress Swan by Clements Ribeiro (Evans), large spot tights Primark, ribbon belt recycled, fascinator Topshop.
Finally something a little less formal in the shape of this floral H by Henry Holland dress and pairing the shoes with leggings.  This is what I wore yesterday and it was cosy and comfortable but looked like I'd made a little bit of an effort.  
Wearing: Black daisy collar dress (and patent belt taken from another dress) H By Henry Holland at Debenhams, leggings and cardigan Primark.
They remind me a little of the dancing shoes my ballet teacher wore when I was younger!  I think this post proves the shoes work well with bare legs, patterned tights, dark tights, leggings, anything really!  Here's my corresponding The Shoe Girl Diaries post with these shoes.  What do you think and do you like the looks I put together?  How would you style them?

12 comments :

  1. Guh! Those shoes are AMAZING! Love how you've styled them too, I think my fave is the 2nd outfit!

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  2. wow these literally go with everything! You look awesome in them in all your outfits!
    I wish so badly i could walk in heels!
    xx
    cowbiscuits

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  3. Your legs are great! You should expose them more often, like in the 1st outfit :)

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  4. what that cute little thing on your head?!?!?<3
    I like it a lot!
    and that pencil skirt looks really glamorous on you!!

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  5. Great outfit choices! The first and second outfits are my favorites (LOVE the Topshop fascinator!!!) and am now seriously tempted to order these shoes.

    You are so bad for my bank account:)

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    Replies
    1. Had that Topshop fascinator hidden away for years and never quite had the right occasion for it. Heehee, sorry!

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  6. Well those shoes are just AMAZING! I love the polka dots! You did well with the challenge!

    Leanne @ Leanne-Marie | Beauty, fashion & lifestyle. x x

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