Friday 14 March 2014

Clarks: Sensible and Chic Vintage Inspired Shoes

I recently had a splurge and bought two pairs of Clarks' shoes.  I ordered them for home delivery, as they didn't have much stock in the store I popped into, so it was with baited breath that I waited for them, because online shopping can be such a gamble sometimes in terms of sizing issues.



I ordered both pairs from a Clarks store at 5pm on a Wednesday, and they were delivered to my house the following Saturday.  It's worth noting that home delivery is free.

Black Heeled Brogues, 'Coolest Fruit' £44.99
I was really unsure about these - they don't have a concealed platform, the toe's quite rounded and the heel very low.  I also hate the name, 'Coolest Fruit', which is nonsense.  My Baby really liked them straight away and said they were a bit 'librarian' but then he does like that look!  Fit wise, my usual 7 and a half in Clarks fit perfectly.  I decided to try them out with different things in my wardrobe to see what they 'go' with, and was surprised to find that they work with a below the knee pencil skirt, my 1940's style swing trousers, and a full '50s style skirt.  That's a lot of things they go with in the 'workwear' part of my wardrobe.  Add to this the fact that they're real leather, have a cushioned insole and will be easy to walk in with such a low heel, and I feel compelled to keep them.  They're not fun or quirky or sexy, but I can see myself getting a lot of wear out of them over the years - I've worn them to work a few times, breaking them in around the office, and I walked home from the station too and they were super comfy.  A good investment, for sure.


Two-Tone Flat Brogues, 'Hamble Oak' £54.99
Seeing these online, I was incredibly excited.  I bought a pair of two-tone grey and white brogues off Ebay ages ago, from Shucrazy.  They were synthetic, thin soled, cheap as chips, and I've worn them to death over the past few years.  They went with dresses, trousers, cropped jeans and I could walk miles in them.  They started to disintegrate a bit, and I had them reheeled and had to glue the upper back down a few times.  I looked and looked for a replacement pair, but try as I might, I could only ever find plain coloured brogues.

Ta da!  These 'Hamble Oak' brogues appeared in Clarks, and I snapped them up.  This time around they're more than twice the price, but they're made of leather, are a more solid construction and have the lovely sole padding as well.  Again, they are true to size and my usual 7 and a half fit beautifully.  I hope they serve me as well as the cheapo ones did!  So far I've worn them quite a few times to work.  The brogues are available in other materials and fabrics, such as navy suede, or wine patent.

If you don't like the look of either of my purchases, then may I suggest some alternatives that Clarks has, also sensible, also with a vintage vibe?

Cut-out Brogues 'Hotel Image' £65
These will take you through Spring and into summer - I think these would team particularly well with lighter dresses, and would work with '30s, '40s and '50s looks.  Actually, you could team them with '60s and 70's dresses too and they'd still work.


I'd wear with this 'Tea at the Pavilion' dress by Puttin On The Ritz.


Orange sling-backs 'Selena Jemma' £44.99
Pair with capris for a lovely '50s vibe.  Yes they are heels, but they're not too high, especially with the platform, and they have Clarks' 'softwear' cushioning for extra comfort.  Sensible indeed!  They also come in navy suede and black leather.


I think they'd look particularly fabulous with these Lady K Loves capris.

Platform sandals 'Olina Katelina' £44.99
These feel 1940's to me.  I'd wear with a fabulous Mexicana peplum dress and pin some fake fruit to it.  Again because of the platform they're not too high and they are cushioned.  They also come in plain black or pink.

I'd wear the pink ones with this Tropical Sangria dress from Miss Bamboo.


Do you own any Clarks shoes?  What do you think about their range?  Are you a fan?

It's the regular Friday link up with Passion for Fashion, so head over to either Rachel the Hat or Lena B to find out what everyone else is posting about.

23 comments:

  1. The pairs you picked are just the trick for office wear. I also have a cheap-as-chips pear of two-tone brogues that I refuse to part with... perhaps it's time for an upgrade?! But LOVE those cut-out brogues and the green sandals. Decisions decisions!

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    1. Do it, upgrade, you won't regret it Helen!! x

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  2. Love clarks. I have several pair. I live in an urban area with lots and lots of walking. These are they only heals that don't kill me by the end of the day.

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    1. I agree Gina, they really are shoes made for walking, and that's the main reason I have started buying Clarks again, after too many years of buying uncomfortable shoes - some of them not cheap either. So, if I can get leather shoes that are comfortable and chic from Clarks, then it's a no-brainer!! x

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  3. OOOH OOOH the cut out brogue is super cute!! I really want some traditional espadrilles this year, yearning for lighter footwear now, I am guilty of wearing my converse all week and only making effort on the weekends, maybe some new shoes will fix this! :) I do love Clarks, always keep an eye on their new looks!
    Katie

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    1. Some of my colleagues at work are drooling over the cut-out brogue too - I think it's been featured in quite a few of the fash mags too. I think I'm the opposite shoe wise, I wear the smart stuff during the week and then on weekends I wear the same ancient boots!! x

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  4. Great choices! I'm a big fan, but only from afar. They cost significantly more here in Canada and given my hard to fit feet, I've never worked up the courage to purchase such $$$ shoes online (as most shoes I have bought online didn't fit at all and ended up being quite the money sink). Perhaps one approach, especially if I was in a big city (which I'm not currently) would be to try them on in person and then, if I could get a better deal online, and really wanted to splurge order a pair that I new had fit me well in the store. If I ever get a pair, I'll be sure to let you know.

    ♥ Jessica

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    1. I agree that it's very tricky trying out an uknown brand via online shopping, because the risk is so great! I would definitely seize the chance if you ever do spot them in a store, perhaps on a trip somewhere, to just try them on and get your sizing sorted - you can even keep an eye out on Ebay and such then as well x

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  5. I love Clarks shoes I do!!....I have a pair similar to the top ones but more of a Victorian style. Love them.
    ps....I also live in the mountains but way up north in Gogsville just under Mount Snowdon.

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    1. Lovely to meet another Wales based blogger! Though your scenery is ten times more majestic than it is around me, I'm in the Rhondda valley up near Treorchy. Glad to have found your blog also, I'm following you now.x

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  6. I adore anything vintage inspired so these shoes are perfect! This line of Clarks is fantastic!

    Rebecca
    www.winnipegstyle.ca

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    1. It is good isn't it Rebecca? I'm just waiting for them to bring out more colours in some of the styles I already have, because I will be sure to snap them up! Thanks for stopping by, I like visiting your blog and seeing your amazingly outlandish outfits! x

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  7. Oh my, yes Clarks are fantastic! Whenever considering new shoes, their line is usually one of the first I browse. I've been thinking on summer shoes lately, and those sling backs seem to be exactly what I had in mind. Love your suggestions on what to pair them with, or what you'd wear them with, spot on and lots of fun!

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    1. It seems Clarks are en vogue, I hadn't considered them for years but they've definitely come back with a vengeance with this selection. If you do make any new purchases be sure to show us some photos on your lovely blog! x

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  8. I absolutely love Clarks shoes. I have 3 pairs of brogues that i wear and wear and several pairs of boots from recent years. I'm a huge fan!
    Love Liz xxx

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    1. I am beginning to think one pair of brogues isn't enough.... ;) x

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  9. I love the Selena Jemma style! Praying these are going to stay on my feet...

    Generally though, Clarks are my favourite brand. They do half sizes, their shoes are nearly always comfortable and solidly made and they've had some brilliant retro styles recently. My favourites recently have been the Chorus Voice style - such a wonderful kitten heel and even stayed on my narrow feet. Swoon. x

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    1. I have been voyeuristically admiring those Chorus Voice shoes on your blog! Gemma from Fat Frocks has them in blue, and I know they do an orange too in that style. Decisions, decisions....! x

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  10. I love Clark's shoes! They are comfy and I love the shape of most styles.
    The sling backs and sandals you featured look awesome.

    Ulrika / http://freelancersfashion.blogspot.com

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    1. Thanks for stopping by Ulrika! I'm a big fan of your shoe collection though, you have some absolute stunners and some brands that we don't get in the UK. x

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  11. Love your shoe choices! I do have one pair of Clarks sandals and they're so comfortable and cute too. I need to buy more! Loving you on bloglovin now and really enjoying your posts.

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  12. I'm still dithering over the brogues....want them but not sure they suit me. Need to go try them on again after reading this! Ax

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  13. Love the brogues! Its weird I remember hating having to go to Clarks when I was little.

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