I am so pleased that it’s okay to wear espadrilles again, after a few years in the style wilderness. I have just returned from four days in Corfu, which was fine except little Sam sort of spiralled off into some kind of mad psychodrama (plus ca change).
(By the way, if you were the reader who I was chatting to at Pizza East, having dumped my husband and children at home fresh off the plane on the pretext of getting the kids some tea, while I was literally demented with end-of-school-holidays madness I am really sorry. I saw the panic in your eyes. You were kind.)
Anyway while in Corfu I found myself reaching for my espadrilles at all times. Mine are these pale pink pair from Seven Boot Lane that for the last two summers I have treated like they are holy relics, only getting them out for special occasions, spraying them and brushing the suede, keeping them in the box.
£80, from Seven Boot Lane
But alas you cannot put off the inevitable knackering of an espadrille, (although new generation espadrilles are more sturdy than their tatty, squelchy ancestors), and I have vaguely got my eye on what my next pair might be. My one requirement is that it has a platform sole, which has marvellously leg-lengthening and ankle slimming properties (possibly only to me, in my head, but that’s all that matters).
I like these from Office.
£67.99 – how did they arrive at this random price, I wonder?
and these , also from Office. A bit mental, but I think they would look nice on.
£69.99
I worry that these, with the sparkly bits on the front, might be a bit Temple Fortune mum. I grew up in Temple Fortune and I can say that and it’s not racist.
£110
If you are thinking that it is insane to spend north of £50 on an espadrille, just remind yourself that they are more sturdy that their forefathers and so worth it. You are still allowed to wear your flip flops! Just not for best.
I bought the mental ones last week in Office (in grey) and I love them and have worn them everywhere but they are bloody uncomfortable even though I bought one size bigger than I actually am and yes I did think they were expensive for espadrilles but everything I like is expensive these days X
Sarah thank you for this very useful review!
ps what is a Temple Fortune mum? Not heard this expression?
A Temple Fortune mum is very flashy… it’s a very niche in-joke that mainly only my husband will get
Surely there’s such a thing as ‘dress’ flip flops?
Tom you are really not my demographic
Are the Seven Boot Lane ones comfortable the first time you wear them? I bought a Kurt Geiger pair last year, like these:
https://www.kurtgeiger.com/women/shoes/sandals/espadrilles/mellow-nude-leather-kg-kurt-geiger?gclid=Cj0KEQjwldzHBRCfg_aImKrf7N4BEiQABJTPKJ8hjaMIMSfzs5MVwTYteBUhRcHDZfMh1Y0b5vnWACUaAqwt8P8HAQ
and they were SO comfy, so I don’t know whether to go there again or try somewhere new… x
Claire yes the Seven Boot Lane ones are incredibly comfy x
I really like the Seven Boot Lane pair.
The sparkly ones are not ok. I don’t think any of us should go there.
Trying to resist making a money for old rope joke (guess I failed).
I do love an espadrille. However the idea of a *suede* pair that would require maintenance makes me feel a bit giddy. I have too many demands on me (not actually that many) as it is without my shoes getting in on the act. Very tempted by the grey ones though. I like the platform.
Michael Michael Kors has a few pairs in different colours on The Outnet currently with a nice crossover strap detail!
Well, I ordered the mental ones in pink anyway. I can’t resist that topknot, I’ve been eyeing shoes up like it for a while. Kurt Geiger sells trainers with it on but for over £150 – out my price range atm. Sarah, I am wondering if yours was one of the two reviews on the website…I hope they don’t hurt tooo much.
I’ve been insta-stalking Mint and Rose’s espadrilles… They have lovely platform ones, and also really nice ones with ties around the ankles (which I must remember will be a lot less flattering on my ‘pins’ than they are on the model)
https://mintandrose.com/eu/en/products/spring-summer-17/espadrilles/
omg absolutely LOVE those…
I love Temple Fortune Mum – can’t wait to use it. May shorten to TFM when in Gails NW11, for safety. I use Whetsone Wife for a certain breed of thin, highlighted blonde lady in massive SUV type car, with many wrist trinkets.
The eternal summer shoe problem continues *looks at pile of last year’s mildewed Birkenstocks*.
ha ha! see you in Gail’s… I was thinking particularly of those Larizia fascists….
Yesss Temple Fortune mum I know exactly what you mean. I am literally a Temple Fortune mum but not figuratively
Ha ha! Claire I had no idea so many of my readers know about Temple Fortune. I think we all ought to meet outside M&S for a massive bitch about stuff
I have a pair of tan espadrilles from Aldo that are so soft that I have worn them constantly over the last two summers. I get into a slight sweaty panic when I think of the time they have to go in the bin because Aldo don’t do them any more, of course. Arghhh
Alyson from the looks of it Aldo haven’t got their summer espadrille stock in yet – there is a good chance that they will do an espadrille this year that is if not identical, very similar. I’ll drop their press office a line x
Why have the grey ones from Office got a stain on them? Why wouldn’t the good people at Office just take a more flattering photograph?
I see what you mean! I suspect it’s just a shadow rather than a stain but yes… that’s not idea is it
Elizabeth, no I didn’t leave a review on the website for the mental espadrilles and dont worry they are not that bad just keep your trainers handy if you have to walk anywhere too far!!! They are fine for very short walks only which is a bit irritating and like you I couldn’t resist the top knot either. They do look great on. I have worn them everywhere and had lots of people ask me where I got them! Ill probably trash them as Im too lazy to do suede treatments etc and not very good at that sort of thing. I actually wanted to buy the sliders with fur on them (also in Office) but one of my teenage daughters advised me I was too old for this look. Im 46 but still try and get down with the kids sadly X
Fine for very short walks only! Yikes! I thought they would be a great solution for commuting. Well – I’ll just have to see. I am exactly the same age as you. I filled out that ‘win a £100 prize’ on their website – it was a stretch to identify other brands they sell that I wear. Out of my depth with Temple Fortune, East London but very much Boden not hipster mum here.
You should definitely be looking at the newly launched range of espadrilles by palmaira sandals. Love their sandals too.
https://palmairasandals.com/
Ah, are your children back at school then? Mine are off for another WEEK.
Kitty goes back to school TOMORROW
I bought these from Russell and Bromley and they look FAB on, and the ankle cuff has amazing leg slimming properties. Haven’t worn them out yet, need a tan and painted nails, but am looking forward to clumping about in them soon. http://www.russellandbromley.co.uk/flat-sandals/deluxe/invt/431551