Buy Now, Wear Forever

Well now it's officially summer and the sun is shining; or it's trying to at least! Which means one thing, the Summer Shopping Frenzy. This is a tricky period where the average lady shopper will get swept away in rails and shelves full of pretty items and with the encouragement of friends who she's 'just met for a coffee'.

The temptation to go wild and buy shoes completely out of character, just because they are beautiful and the sun is shining, has happened to all of us. Sometimes it's a triumph of breaking out of your usual style, but I think we can safely assume that at least half of us have experienced what is quaintly known as 'buyers' remorse' at some time or another.

Thinking about it, the only time a woman will have a risk-free shopping experience is when she either knows exactly what she wants (this is an unlikely event when we all 'know it when we see it') or she purchases a true wear-with-all classic.

There has been a lot of talk about classic shapes and styles in the fashion press and even on this blog, but I'm not talking just about beautiful occasion courts and sandals. Everyday styles have their classics too. So for a successful summer shopping experience ladies, keep an eye out for these 'buy now, wear forever styles':

1. The loafer: Traditionally reserved for die-hard Sloanes or ladies of a certain age, loafers have made a fighting comeback on the feet of fashionistas such as Fearne Cotton and Alexa Chung (above left). With people tiring of the ballet pump and loafers available in beautiful colours, this style has usurped the position as the go-to for everyday style (above right, top picture).
   
2. The mule: A shoe that is about as effortless as you can get. The easy slip-on style of the mule is usually associated with higher heels, but in a colourful and fun flat they can become a summer wardrobe staple (above right, middle picture).
3. The court: There will never be a woman who finds herself without a need for a classic court style. In summer the court can be lightened with a peep-toe and medium-sized heel, perfect to pull out of the wardrobe for all occasions (above right, bottom picture).

Suede loafer: was £119.95 now £95.95
Flat foldover mule: was £99.95 now £79.95
Medium heel court: was £129.95 now £103.95

All at keithscarrott.co.uk