Fantastic Footwear: Art Harlem 932 Oxford Brogues from Sarenza

I don't know if it is the weather or what, but I seem to be searching for shoes that are more suited to the autumn and winter months at the moment.  Surely there's something wrong with this picture?  Where is the sun?  But on the plus side, it does mean that I'm finding some really great bargains that can be stashed in the cupboard until later in the year - or, in fact, worn now if summer has truly been and gone...

The Sarenza summer sale has started and they're offering up to 60% off on over 50,000 styles of shoes and bags from hundreds of top brands, so it is definitely well worth a look.  They stock Art Company footwear, which is a quality shoe brand whose values are strength, quality, innovation and humour.  I think these Harlem 932 taupe lace-up leather brogues fit nicely into that philosophy.  Clearly inspired by the 1940's, they're a classic, fun, vintage style.  The fact that there is a heel means that the usual masculinity of brogues is lessened, and so they can be worn with anything.  A girlie tea dress or skirt would look fab, but so would jeans with a flash of ankle.  And I love the colour block, three tone effect of the shoe, making it unconventional and interesting!

Normally £92, they've been reduced by 30% in the sale to £64.40, which is the cheapest I can find online for these, and are available in sizes 3.5 to 7.  These shoes are also available in darker 'Moka' brown colours.  Sarenza offer free delivery as standard - always a bonus!

Heeled brogues, flat brogues or no brogues - what are your thoughts?  Let me know in the comments!

Fantastic Footwear: Miista Galaxy Oxford Brogues from Free People

Brogues have been a fashion trend for women for a couple of years now.  Since then, they've evolved from a basic flat shoe, found in simple brown or black, to one that can be found in all manner of patterns, colours and heel heights.  They are practical and comfortable, and a great alternative to a ballet pump.  Unless one is deliberately going for a mannish style, they work best when paired with more feminine outfits such as a floral tea dress, pretty skirt or cropped trousers.

I think these Galaxy Oxford brogues from online boutique Free People are a great version of the trend.  The fact that they're pastel and patterned counteracts the absolute masculinity of the traditional style; this means that they will balance well with most outfits, even if they aren't super-feminine.  So I'd not only wear them with skirts and dresses, but jeans too.  These shoes are leather and great quality, and were £158 - but have been reduced in the sale to £99.95 (with free shipping) and are the cheapest I can find on UK sites online.

What do you think about brogues?  Too mannish, or a practical, trendy and comfortable way to get through the day?  Let me know in the comments below!

Wardrobe Staple: Converse All Star Oxford Lace Up Shoes from Amazon

I don't know why, but in the last couple of weeks I have had loads of people moan to me about the cost of Converse All Star trainers.  Maybe because it's when I'm wearing my favourite purple pair that look amazing, and they're jealous?  Or they are overwhelmed by their fabulousness?  Or that they are sick of shops overcharging for a simple pair of sneakers?  I don't know!  But what I do know is that I paid £25 for them from Amazon a little while ago, which seems to have been a very savvy price.

The trick is to know what you want but to be a little flexible if needs be.  At the time, I had about three different colours I would have been happy with and I regularly checked whether any of them were available in my size, at the price I was willing to pay.  I think now, anything under about £28 is a good deal and you really shouldn't be paying more than the RRP of £35 unless you need the right colour, right now.

The best I can find currently are shoes in this charcoal colour, which are available for £27 in sizes 6 and 8.

However, there is a large range of colours and sizes under £30 available so it's a matter of searching and finding the pair that is perfect for you!  In my experience, Amazon has always seemed to have the best deals on these shoes but of course, it's always worth checking elsewhere on the web, just in case.