So it’s June this week, I know, I know, where is the year going? Time goes so fast doesn’t it? and don’t we love to say that? When we are not talking about the weather of course, but ooh, hasn’t it been warm of late? Being that it is almost officially summer and we finally have got a taste of some sun, we should start thinking about the official shoe of summer, The Espadrille. Obviously the other shoe of the summer is a Sandal, but I think I’ll save that post until we’ve all have our bi-annual pedicures.
The Espadrille has moved on a fair bit since the days you only bought them when on family holidays in Benidorm. Allegedly they have been around for 4000 years and were made to be worn in the summer months only. Pretty much still true now, you can’t really rock an espadrille in the bleak mid-winter, they are essentially made of straw after all. Did you know that wedge espadrilles were first popularised by Yves Saint Laurent in 1970 and were an instant hit? Did you also know that the espadrille style was revived in the 1980’s due to the success of Miami Vice? They were worn by dream boat hunk bucket Sonny Crockett, aka Don Johnson. He also rolled up the sleeves of his blazer and rocked a bare ankle, all style tricks I still live for now.
I’ve got two pairs of Espadrilles, some lace-up ones from Zara I got last year and a frankly amazing pair from Seven Boot Lane that I got a week or so ago. Those ones have got a leather upper and they are seriously the most comfortable things ever! There is also no fear of them falling apart if you get caught in a downpour, (which is exactly what happened to me the first time I wore them!) as the soles are rubber. Bonus!
To help you chose which Espadrilles you are going to get this summer, I’ve handily popped them in to 5 sections for you. We’ve got the the Lace-up, The Sandal, The Wedge, The Patterned and The Classic. Here are my favourites…
LACE-UP ESPADRILLES
By lace-up I mean ties up around your ankles. Look great with your classic cropped wide leg trousers. Maybe go for a tie-up theme with one of these tops from good old M&S. I’m thinking about a pair of white trousers. not tight obvs, that would be too Liz Hurley circa 2004, but a wide leg pair might be just the ticket.
1. M&S Tie Front Top
2. M&S Tie Shoulder Top
3. Mango Linen Culottes
4. La Redoute Wide Leg Crop Trousers
5. The Outnet Soludos Tie Espadrilles
6. Top Shop Ankle Tie Espadrilles
SANDAL ESPADRILLES
Dare I also suggest a pair of shorts? One of the most difficult items to buy I think, especially at my age. I still favour a denim cut off for on holiday or in the garden, but loose fitting these days. You could always save money and just chop the legs off your old jeans. Make sure it’s not your skinny jeans though, will only work the boyfriend style, unless you want bum clingers…
1. Isabel Marant Etoile Linen T Shirt
2. River Island Boyfriend Denim Shorts
3. Next Flatform Espadrilles
4. & Other Stories T Shirt
5. La Redoute Denim Shorts — 40% off
6. La Redoute Espadrille Sandals 40% off
WEDGE ESPADRILLES
A classic summer option for those who like a little lift in their life. Perfect with a summer dress. If I didn’t have those terrible 90s tattoos on my shoulders, I would totally be buying one of these beauties. How cute is the gingham?
1. New Look Red Gingham Dress
2. Warehouse Tiger Print Dress
3. Top Shop Floral Print Dress
4. Office Red Twist Front Espadrilles
5. Castaner Cream Espadrilles
6. River Island Black Tie Espadrilles
PATTERNED ESPADRILLES
Something a bit jazzy to brighten up simple sun dress. I’m loving Isabel Marant Etoile right now. If I had endless funds, I would literally buy everything in the current collection. Really want this cream one, just waiting to see if it will go on sale anywhere. If you get wind of it going down in price, please let me know!
1. Isabel Marant Etoile Smock Dress
2. Isabel Marant Etoile Anise Dress
3. Isabel Marant Etoile Espadrilles
4. River Island Blue Stripe Espadrilles
CLASSIC ESPADRILLES
These are the new improved, updated version of the classic style, wear with jeans, jumpsuits or anything you fancy. The lovely people at Seven Boot Lane , who make the best Espadrilles have kindly given me a code for you to get 10% off their whole espadrille collection this week. Use the code WEARS10 on check out. Valid from today, 28th May until June 4th.
1. Top Shop Merci T‑Shirt
2. Whistles Frayed Detail Jeans (20% off until 29 May)
3. Seven Boot Lane ‘Juice’ Espadrilles
4. Whistles Ruffle Jumpsuit
5. Seven Boot Lane ‘Jonie’ Espadrilles
I should stress that Espadrilles in the city should really only be worn by women. I know, a bit sexist, but a man in an Espadrille strolling down the high street is a no-go in my book. On the beach, yes, at home, no. I once worked with a very famous and very handsome actor whose shine was tainted somewhat when he turned up to a day of promotion wearing multi-coloured espadrilles, with no socks! It was also December FFS! I won’t name him here. I’m guessing information like this could damage his career…
k x
