I love shopping. Clothes shopping, interiors shopping, even food shopping. Generally, put any shopping challenge in front of me and not only will I nail it, I will do it with ease in super quick time. I like to think of myself as the Ninja Warrior of shopping.
However, like Superman, I have me kryptonite. A weakness in my shopping armour that threatens to overwhelm me every year – ankle boots! They are the nemesis in my fashion calendar. I absolutely hate shopping for ankle boots!
My customary time to start the dreaded search is at the end of September when it just doesn’t seem right to be wandering around in ghillies (or the summer shoe of choice) anymore. I dread it. That ticking seasonal clock when I know I need to try and find a boot that will see me through the autumn/ winter and glide me into spring with transitional ease. A boot that meets my lifestyle fashion needs. Not too high so I can wear them all day at the boutique and not too flat that they make my already sturdy calves look like a rugby player’s.
Should I go for a colour or stick with classic black? Should I try the velvet trend and add a bit of luxury to me shoe-drobe? What about buckles? Do they suit me or will I look like a member of a Billy Idol tribute band?
My thought process is exhausting! I don’t think I ever devote as much fashion energy to any other purchase than I do to ankle boots. (Except what to wear to a christening. I think we all know the pain of that!)
This year I have dragged my heels (ahum!) for so long that I find myself in the middle of winter living in my black chelsea boots from a year ago or my favourite kicks. But, do you now what? I am so glad my procrastination has lasted this long because I am absolutely loving the choices on the high street for 2017. Delicate embroidery, coloured leather, heel details, animal prints and muted metallics are just some of the beauties out there.
So, channelling my inner Ninja I have put my ankle boot demons to bed (until next autumn!) and have researched what I think are just a tiny selection of some of the best styles out there at the moment at guilt-free prices. Prices so good that I might even stretch to two!
And I have to say Zara, Top Shop, New Look and River Island are nailing it!
Images sourced from River Island, Zara, New Look, Next, Pinterest, Aldo, Top Shop.
