Moroccan Ballet Flats from TOMS

Well, it's been a while but I am hoping that I am back up and running, ready to find lots of beautiful bargains for Spring.  And the first thing I have spotted is a new range of ballet pumps from TOMS. Not only are they comfortable, practical, pretty and great quality, with every pair of shoes purchased, TOMS will give a pair of new shoes to a child in need.

I particularly like these pink suede shoes with a cutout design and the elasticised edging will ensure a great fit.  The colour is gorgeous and will look lovely with skinny jeans - or if the weather continues to improve, with a floaty dress or skirt.

Until the end of March, customer can get £5 off purchases of £25 or more with the code NEWSPRING or £10 off £100 spends with the code SPRING14 so it's definitely worth a look!

Alternatvely, they've just sent me an email offering 15% off with the code MARCH15 so do figure out what works best!

Wardrobe Staple: Toms Shoes

Toms Shoes is an ethical shoe company; when they sells a pair of shoes, a pair of shoes is given to an impoverished child, and when Toms sells a pair of eyewear, part of the profit is used to save or restore the eyesight for people in developing countries.  For this reason alone, I'm happy to say that a pair or two of Toms shoes should be a wardrobe staple.  The fact that they are simple, classic and comfortable is a bonus extra!

Having said that, the style of the shoe does seem to divide opinion somewhat.  I've heard them called 'dull', 'ugly' and 'boring'.  However, I don't think this is the case - and anyway, they've expanded their collection significantly and there are loads of lovely versions available.

There are two on which I'm going to focus, which I particularly like.  The first is in the classic style, but a crochet material which should cost no more than £45.  Amazon's a good place to find a selection of different colours for reasonable prices.  I like the cream, but they're also available in navy on sale for just £30 at Box Clothing (but only in a size 3).

The second is a fairly new, ballerina flat pump.  They tend to retail at around the £65 mark but this is far too much!  Get them on sale at Soletrader for just £39.

Toms are also available for the standard prices (i.e. not inflated) at Office, Schuh (some are on sale) and Footasylum (again, some are on sale).  And, of course, there is the official Toms UK website!

Fantastic Footwear: Emilio Luca XF Vintage Ballerina Pumps from Brantano Shoes

There is an amazing 40% off selected Spring and Summer lines at Brantano Shoes right now and there are some real bargains to be had.   Floral flats are a perfect way to inject a bit of Summer into an outfit without going overboard, so I've selected these floral ballet pumps which are pretty and practical.  Feminine and romantic, they will work with any outfit for delightful daytime chic.  Usually £22, with 40% off they are a mere £13.20 and come in sizes 3 to 8.

To get 40% off, use the code 40SHOES at the checkout.  The end date for this voucher hasn't yet been confirmed but codes are normally time-limited, so better sooner than later!