A few weeks back I asked you what you would like to see on the blog. There were quite a few good suggestions. I will get to the ‘Mum Coat’ next week, but this week is all about trainers. Specifically the trainers I actually own and how I style them. Thanks to Katy for the idea, this was an easy one. We all know this blog is really just my own personal style ideas page, so to do something with things I already own is good for my bank balance.
I am 100% a trainer girl. I love them, it’s definitely the footwear I feel most comfortable in, physically and mentally. It’s not that I need to run away from things at a moments notice, although that is also a bonus, it’s just that I don’t feel at home in anything too dressy. Trainers work to dress even the most fancy things down, but with the right pair you won’t ever look under-done. Wear with suits, dresses, trousers and skirts. As well as your most trusty denim.
I don’t even know how many pairs of trainers I have. A lot. So I thought I would focus on the five styles that I have more than one pair of. Repeat buying is clearly a sign that these 5 types of sneakers are my favourites. I’ve also handily done some Pros and Cons of each type, just because I felt like it, so here we go…
VANS
I’ve been a Vans fan for as long as I can remember. I think it all started with wanting be in with the skaterboys as a late teen. My favourites are the checkerboard slip ons. In warmer weather I wear with everything, they are my go-to shoe when there’s a lot of walking to do. In the winter it’s more the traditional old skool hi-tops as I find it weird wearing socks with the slip-ons for some reason. I think I have 4 pairs of slip-ons and 4 pairs of hi-tops at last count.
PROS: Not very expensive, very comfortable, easy to get on and off (the slip ons anyway) Absolute Classics.
CONS: Not great in the winter, or it it rains. Can be wide fitting so not the best if you have narrow feet.
1. La Redoute Chunky Cable Knit Jumper
2. Carloe London Burgundy Miller Saddle Bag
3. The Outnet AG Mid-Rise Straight Leg Jeans
4. Warehouse Short Brown Teddy Coat
5. Vans Skate-hi Trainers
STAN SMITH
An oldie but still one I favour on a regular basis. Sometimes simple is best. In the summer they go with everything, particularly skirts and dresses. In the winner I pair my Stans with a decent sock and trousers or jeans. One favourite combos is the one below, Navy Blazer and trousers with white Stans. Add a slogan T shirt or jumper to complete the look. Don’t ever be tempted to get your Stan Smiths in a different colour. Always stick with classic white.
PROS: Classic style that won’t go out of fashion soon. Simple design, goes with loads.
CONS: Everyone has a pair. Don’t look great when they get beat up, I like them pristine. Sometimes come up small, I go up 1/2 size in these if I can.
1. Boden Nell Ponte Navy Blazer
2. Orwell and Austen Navy Cashmere Love Sweater
3. Cos Navy Straight Leg Press Fold Trousers
4. A Finer Thread ‘Bravery Is Contagious’ T- Shirt
5. Adidas Stan Smith Trainers
NIKE AIR MAX ONE
These are hands down THE most comfortable trainers ever made. Ergo, they are are the most comfortable footwear you will ever own. Who doesn’t like comfort? they also give you an extra inch in height, another a bonus. I love the chunkiest of them, without tipping over into being a ‘fugly fashion’ trainer. I know a lot of people can’t get their head around that trend, so these are great alternative. Wear with pretty much anything, but in particular long dresses and jumpsuits.
PROS: Really bloody comfortable. Lots of different colours available. Extra height bonus.
CONS: Might be tricky to pull off if you have really big feet. Tip the £100 mark.
1. Baukjen Charla Boilersuit
2. Cos Large Grained Leather Bag
3. Nike Air Max One Trainers
4. Warehouse Checked Jacket
VEJA
New Kids of the block these ones. I discovered them at the start of last year and I’ve worn them loads since. I like the retro design and the fact that they are made from recycled and sustainable materials. They even have the ‘Royal’ seal of approval now that Megan Markle has been spotted wearing them. She seems like a woman of taste. They also work in the winter with a good sock or some tights. More so that the Stans I think.
PROS: Really cool design. Made from Sustainable materials. Work with most outfits.
CONS: Take a while to break in. The Leather is quite stiff. Over £100.
1. Baukjen Luna Midi Dress
2. & Other Stories Mini Leather Saddle Bag
3. M&S Wool Blend Double Breasted Coat
4. Veja V10 Leather Trainers
GOLDEN GOOSE DELUXE BRAND
Finally, my newest obsession and unfortunately the priciest trainers here. I resisted Golden Goose Deluxe Brand for along time. For the same reasons I imagine most people do, They are VERY expensive and are often made to look dirty. I mean, what kind of fool would buy trainers like that? Well, this kind of fool it turns out. Why? because they look so cool, and do you know why they look so good? Along with the great colours and designs, they have a wedge insole. The wedge lifts your heel up therefore making your ankles look thin. Honesty it makes ALL the difference. Wearing hi-tops with skirts or dresses without the wedge can sometimes make legs look stumpy, but not with these bad boys. Once you try them on, you will see what I mean. Put them on your Christmas list or look out for sales and thank me later.
PROS: Really fucking cool. Have extra lift which makes ankles look thin. Tons of styles available.
CONS: Very expensive. May subject you to intense ridicule for spending upwards of £300 on trainers that are made to look dirty.
1. Mango Contrast Knit Sweater
2. & Other Stories Textured Wool Blend Blazer
3. Warehouse Faux Leather Pocket Mini Skirt
4. Falke Pure Matt 100 Denier Tights
5. Golden Goose Deluxe Brand Mid Star Trainers
A version of the above outfit this week. Can I highly recommend Falke tights. I have 4 pairs and they are between 2 and 5 years old. They last for AGES, don’t lose shape, don’t snag or bobble. Definitely worth the investment. Nothing lets you down like a cheap pair of tights.
K x
