• Makira Shoes Review [Honiara Vintage]

    If you’re not aware of Honiara Vintage yet, you’ll be forgiven as it’s a relatively new outlet from the very fabulous Charlie Stone. With a tiki twist for pin up loving, vintage style, gals, Honiara Vintage focus on vegan leather shoes for summer styling.

    I chose the Makira heels in white and it took about a week to arrive and I was especially happy to see a compostable bag included for any returns too. As well as being kind to animals, they’re also being kind to the planet 💚

    The packaging is really lovely and feels special with a branded box and dust bag, which features a pink ribbon closure. Both shoes are then in individual dust bags too so your shoes arrive perfect and well cared for during transit.

    Upon opening the bag, you’ll let out a little squeal with delight as your new pin up shoes emerge. They are absolutely gorgeous! I really love the diamond lattice details on the Makira which really emulates the 50s style of shoe.

    Also note the close up of the foot bed in this photo which is super cushioned. It’s honestly the most comfortable summer heel I’ve worn. This is a classic feature in Charlie Stone collections and it’s great that they’ve continued to think about comfort for summer wear too. I could happily wear these all day and night and for anyone that dances, these are the shoes for you! The 2.5 inch heel makes it very easy to wear too. They’re low enough to be practical but high enough to add a little spring in your step and elongate your legs in your outfits for that perfect pin up look.

    The strap is a quick release style; lifting it up easily over the hook to get in and out of without having to do the buckle up. This style of closure is great when you’re in the cutest wiggle dress but can’t actually bend down (oh yes, I’ve been there!), or if you have disabilities/arthritis issues it’s super practical too.

    Trying them on for the first time, it felt like my foot slipped into Cinderella’s shoes – the perfect fit! They feel really good on, so incredibly comfortable and as I chose white, they’ll go with so many of my outfits. Size wise, be aware that this is a style which comes up large and is suited to regular/wide feet. I have quite a narrow foot so following the guide on the website and with help from Honiara Vintage too, we decided a size down would work well for me, which was absolutely spot on as the fit is really good. To ensure you order the correct size, check the sizing guide or contact Honiara Vintage and they’ll recommend the best size for you. 

    I love a peep toe sandal and combined with the security of a small strap, they’ll be a staple for my summer outfits. I wore a palm tree playsuit to add some tiki inspired, pinup, vibes and they work so well together.

    What I love most is that they’re so practical and comfortable but delicate and daintily styled too. The strap sits just low enough to highlight the curve of your ankle whereas a lot of sandal straps completely cover this area which makes your legs look smaller (especially if you’re of a petite nature). 

    As well as white, this style is also available in red, gold and black and cost £59 with FREE worldwide shipping! I think I may need every colour haha and look forward to wearing the Makira at every opportunity this summer! x

     

     

    For reference:
    I’m a size 4 (37) in shoes normally but the above are a size 3 (36). 

    Disclaimer:
    These shoes were gifted to me as a Brand Ambassador for Honiara Vintage. I only give honest reviews and all thoughts shared about the product are my own. 

    Also wearing:
    Mahina Playsuit, Sunnies and Hair Flowers – Collectif Clothing (previous season stock)
    Bangles – Splendette

  • Jenny Lu Swing Dress Review [Collectif Clothing]

    Bringing the sunshine to recent rainy days, this elegant summer dress is lovely and bright with some stunning details. There’s a sweetheart neckline for that classic 50’s feel and fitted bodice.

    Pretty sweetheart neckline

    It looks like a seemingly simple dress from the front, but all the WOW is at the back which I really love. There are double straps which join the skirt section at the back, but it’s backless aside from that which is such a sassy look and will also keep you cool but effortlessly elegant at summer soirées and garden parties over the coming months.

    At the centre back there’s also a gorgeous bow feature which is part of the fastening for this dress. It has a a centre zip with hook and eye at the back of the skirt section and the bow has a popper on one side of the bow which acts like a flap over the zip. All of this is invisible and not seen at all – as you can see on the photo!

    The skirt section is a full swing and fits a petticoat underneath just fine. I wore a petticoat underneath it here:

    Plenty of petti room!

    And without a petticoat here:

    I think it suits both, it just depends what you feel happy with. I tend to wear a petticoat if I’m going to an event or do but day to day, I’d be super happy wearing it without too as it falls beautifully. It is a teensy bit see through so you may want to wear a half slip. There are also large pockets in the skirt which is a great addition to any dress!

    Fit wise, I found it fit fine without sizing down (as the size guidance suggests). There’s plenty of stretch and the bust section is quite large, so if you have a smaller bust, you may want to size down. However the waist section is still correct as there’s no stretch once the bow is fixed in place so sizing down wouldn’t work for anyone in between sizes on their waist. The length is a little longer than I’d usually wear for a swing dress but works great with the petticoat to lift it a little. It’s at my mid calf without a petticoat and with petticoat it’s a couple of inches below my knee.

    The straps are not adjustable which is the only down side to this dress. I had to bastardise the straps with my limited sewing skills as they were too long on my petite frame. It’s important to note that the straps sit a little differently at the back on the actual dress vs my bodge-it sewing attempt but I think I did ok?! That’s the only alteration I’ve made, though I may shorten the dress a little too going forward. It’ll work great for taller or average height gals though!

    With brighter days on the horizon, grab this dress while you can! Available at Cherry Red Vintage in sizes 8,10,14 and 16 at £59.00.

    Oh look, it’s Summer incoming!

     

    Also wearing:
    Sunnies and Necklace: Old stock Collectif
    Shoes: Lulu Hun Kathleen Wedge
    Earrings and Bangles: Splendette
    Hair Flowers: High Street years ago

    For Reference: 
    I’m 4’11” and wearing 3.25 inch wedge heels. My stats for reference are: 33:24:33. I’m a standard size 6 in Collectif and wearing the size 6 in the photos, though I’ve adjusted the straps.

    Disclaimer:
    This dress was gifted to me by Cherry Red Vintage but all my views are my own and I only give honest reviews.

  • Supplier Spotlight: Mod Shoes [The Angie]

    It’s a pleasure today to talk about Mod Shoes, which were established back in 2011 but I only became aware of them over the past couple of years. I followed them intently and lusted after their many gorgeous designs (have a look here, honestly they’re the cutest things ever!). Unfortunately I wasn’t able to buy as most of you know I’m vegan. So much to my delight, this year Mod Shoes have launched their very own range of vegan shoes and they are AMAZING! Could this gal be any happier? I think not. 

    If you’ve never heard of the brand before, they make their own exclusive designs with factories based in Spain and Portugal, creating ‘smart shoes for smart people’ setting themselves apart from the High Street and bargain buys. Their focus is on quality designs with influences from the 60’s, 70’s and mod era. I love modern shoes with a vintage twist and their range of retro styles have something to suit everyone.

    I was gifted The Angie in the gorgeous blue and vanilla colour way which based on an original 1960’s shoe.  The royal blue is so striking against the cream – I love it! 

    I love the little silver ball details to the ends of the laces too. Such a sweet and effective touch!

    They’re a patent style (also available as non patent) with a cream toecap and a 5cm heel making them a great choice for work or play. They also have gel cushioned inserts so comfort is definitely key and I can confirm they are really lovely to wear – you could absolutely wear them all night dancing and not feel a thing!

    They’re also really soft and flexible, not like some vegan shoes can be where they’ve rushed to get a vegan option out but the quality isn’t up to par. One of the founders of Mod Shoes is vegan and really wanted to produce a vegan range which looks and feels great and compares equally to the rest of their range. I have to say, they didn’t disappoint! They’re hands down the best vegan shoes I own. 

    The Angie is available in UK sizes 2-9 with other styles available up to size 11. The vegan range also includes the very fabulous Dusty Vee which is a version of the non vegan Dusty from their collection. The turquoise t bar pair are my favourite and it has a slightly higher heel at 8cm with the gel inserts to maintain comfort.

    All shoes are available with the option of Clearpay making it easy to pay in instalments if needed, and delivery is fast and free (over £40). 

    I think it’s important to point out that you don’t need to be vegan to buy vegan shoes – they’re just man made. So by choosing man made instead of leather occasionally, you just happen to be helping the animals too.

    Mod Shoes also offer a range of clothing and cool tights, so if you want to add some snazziness to your legs as well as your feet, you can find those here. I love all the delicate patterns and bold prints – especially as the weather has cooled again this week so tights are super handy!

    The team are really friendly and helpful too, so if you can’t find the answer to a question on the website (there is so much helpful info on there too), then drop them a line and they’ll be able to help.

    I’m utterly enamoured with The Anglie and really enjoyed the change in style frommy usual 50’s to 60’s influences. I’m off to prance around in my gorgeous new shoes now! x

     

    Full disclosure:
    I was gifted this pair as I’m now a Brand Ambassador for Mod Shoes (woohoo! lucky ole me). However, I’ve long been a fan of their shoes and only write honest reviews which are my own personal thoughts, not that of the brand. I was recommending this company a long time before I became an ambassador and will continue to do so as their products are fantastic! 

  • Crazy for Coloko! Shoe Review

    I’m a bit of an Imelda Marcos if truth be told. I have hundreds of pairs of shoes but only one pair of feet – go figure! But I can never resist a cute pair of shoes and these low flats by Coloko tick all the boxes! I’d been wanting a pair of jelly style shoes since forever, but everything I’d previously seen reminded me too much of actually wearing jelly shoes to school in the 80’s! So I was delighted to finally find a pair that feel more grown up, but fun at the same time.

    The Blossom style I chose is an open shoe with covered heel and toe, featuring a double bow on top. I opted for the blue and it has a speckled effect (almost like glitter but it isn’t at all shiny) and a small heel of 15mm making them super comfortable to walk around in for long periods.

    Coloko Blossom side and sole

    The footbed has a really sweet pattern on it too, as well as the sole of the shoe – they haven’t forgotten about keeping things pretty when they’re not on your feet, which I love (and think of all the cute patterns you’ll leave while walking on the beach!).

    Coloko Blossom Footbed

    I was a bit concerned about them being open and thought they may slip on and off my heel, but they’re a perfect fit and don’t do that at all. I would say I’m a small 4 (37) and they’re true to size.

    Recently I’ve been trying to make better choices for the planet, so being a vegan friendly product is such a plus too. The packaging is fully recyclable as well (though I tend to keep all the boxes my shoes come in so they don’t get dusty).

    If you sign up to their newsletter there’s a 15% off code for orders and delivery is free over £30. They have other ballerina flats and sandals too, which are obviously going to be next on my list!