We are coming back to the present and my personal wardrobe for Style File Friday this week! I know that the rest of the northern hemisphere has been in the midst of spring for quite some time by now. However, in the middle of Canada, we have only recently arrived in the last week. And now that I’m not needing to wear a park and navigate snowstorms, I’ve finally turned my mind to spring. Add in working from home while we quarantine, and my wardrobe looks quite different from 6-8 weeks ago. So, this Style File Friday is dedicated to my spring shoes, and how I’m sticking to my style goals with them!
If you missed it, I did a wardrobe goals post at the beginning of the year, setting some measurable goals. Notably, I want to limit myself to 24 new (to me) pieces for the whole year, and buy at least 50% of them secondhand. And thankfully, they have really helped me reframe my shopping practices. I’ve only purchased three new pieces this year, and two of them have been secondhand. Given that technically I could have bought up to eight, I’m happy that I’m really considering if I need something before purchasing. (The whole “global pandemic forcing us to quarantine” has also played a role, I must admit…) So, what was the one item that I purchased new? Those would be shoes- spring shoes!
Cath Kidston Espadrilles
I have a fairly classic sense of style- I tend to gravitate towards classic shapes, colours, and patterns. I’m quite hesitant to adopt trends. So, when my lovely friend Hannah offered to grab me a pair of Cath Kidston espadrilles and send them over to me, I was thrilled! Espadrilles are a staple spring and summer shoe, and they don’t go out of style. I like to get at least 3-4 years of wear out of shoes, and classic styles make that far easier. (Does anyone remember the jelly shoe trend in the 90s, and how poorly those aged?!)
While I normally get shoes in solid, neutral colours, I love this floral pattern. If I’m going to wear a patterned accessory, I tend to choose patterns that have a few different colours in them to allow for different combinations. It also feels particularly spring/summer-ish, which is a rarity for me. (I’m not going to lie, I gravitate heavily towards fall and winter fashion. But I’m trying!) Cath Kidston does prints well, and this one is no exception.
In terms of wardrobe goals: I actually received these last summer, so no purchasing this year! I’m finding it is easier to plan/use my wardrobe now that I’ve had the same consistent style for a while- last year is paying off now.
Note: Here is where I have to say that Cath Kidston is closing all of their stores, and staying solely online. I’m quite sad given that some of my favourite pieces are from CK, but I can understand why its happening. I’m keeping my fingers crossed that it at least stays online!
Adidas Superstar Sneakers
While I tend to wear loafers and flats a lot, sometimes you just need a good pair of sneakers. I haven’t gotten to the point where I feel okay wearing sneakers with my work wardrobe, but for pretty much any casual situation, sneakers are in. (Some people can pull off the “sneakers with a suit” look, I’m not one of them…) I needed to replace my Nike Low Dunks and I toyed with the idea of abandoning sneakers and going to a permanent loafer. However, I couldn’t abandon my sneaks altogether.
I love Adidas for their classic style. (They also fit my feet well, and I stick with shoes that I know.) It’s fairly difficult to look at a pair of Superstars and date them unless you have a special edition pair. As long as you keep them clean, they are good to go for years. I went with a slightly “fun” version and got dark purple stripes/accents instead of the standard black. From a distance, they pass as black, but they are a little different! (And conveniently match my purple Cambridge Satchel Co bag, not a coincidence…) And if you are looking at classic Adidas styles, you do have the option of Stan Smiths, too. I personally prefer the Superstar with the visible three stripes, but the Stan Smiths do have a clean and bright look, as well.
In terms of my wardrobe goals: I waited until these went on sale, and was able to come in under budget. These are my third purchase of the year, and my first first new item- which isn’t bad given that I purchased them in mid-April. If you know you are looking for something, add it onto your wishlists, as its how I found out about this sale!
Please let me know what your go-to spring shoes (and summer shoes) are! Which pairs do you always depend upon, and which are you eyeing up this year?
Cheers,
The Historian
Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | Pinterest | Bloglovin’
