Pleats and ladylike feet

If a 17 year old version of myself was told that one day she would be trading in her sky scrapper, foot crippling, platform heels for a pair of these Cos numbers she would have turned on her blistered heel in dismay. Flash forward many years (more than I want to admit to) and I've traded in my stilts for a more chic, and comfortable alternative. Ok, so I will admit I outgrew my leopard print, platform wedges along with that phase of clip in hair extensions (yes those statements are based on facts, please don't judge me). However, it was on a recent night out when I was wearing a pair of thin strap heels and suffering all kinds of new pain that I thought to myself why? Yes, they look good and yes they make me look like the tall, lovely version of myself that I long to be. But the pain was unbearable, so much so that I was taking interval breaks every 15 minutes just to sit down and give my poor feet a rest.

Enter my new grey suede shoes, the holy grail of comfort. In part we have Céline and Chanel to thank for this new trend blessing our feet. Like most other trends this ladylike style has trickled down from both luxury fashion houses. However, it was the brand Maryam Nassir Zadeh that first sparked my interest in converting to a pain free existence. I first spotted this brand through their Instagram page on the feet of one of my style icons, Scandinavian stylist Linn Hägglund. The Swedish beauty had on a pair of the brands most coveted heeled, ballet pumps with a pair of vintage Levis. The Scandis just get it, don't they? It is since then that I have been following the brand and have been more and more inspired by their creations. A pair of Maryam Nassir Zadeh shoes has taken position number one on my wish list, however for the time being I am very happy with my Cos decoys. And, look for once I haven’t chosen black. Baby steps. 

Back to the matter at hand, the outfit. Anyone who knows me well knows how much I love tailoring. I had major wardrobe envy with my sister being the subject of the jealously when she recently invested in the most beautiful Theory blazer. However, I have found the perfect high street substitute from Mango, the quality is amazing. So much so that my sisters admitted how similar it was to her much more expensive Theory creation. Paired with H&M, kickflare trousers and Topshop boutique, finely pleated top completes my new found, pain free evening look. Looking to style these grey, suede babies with my own pair of Levi’s à la Linn Hägglund very soon.

No more blisters, no more sore toes stuffed into stilettos. Pain free and oh so stylish, apologies to my former self but me circa now is feeling much more comfortable and chic.  

All images - Erica Richardson