Simple Pleasures

1. Dune studded sandals here
2. Office Roman sandals here

Gladiator sandals are a perennial Summer favourite, and each and every year I find myself drawn to all manner of glam glads.

I have been spending like an absolute crazed lady of late, treating myself left right and centre, and I have now settled upon THE sandals of my Summer wardrobe.

I have a tendency to opt for over-elaborate sandals and those with all sorts of twinkling trinkets attached. However, my experiences with such sandals always seem to end in tears when the gems fall off. And yes, it's as traumatic as it sounds. 

This year I have been more than a little bit smitten with these Isabel Marant sandals at Matches and Aimé on Ledbury Road, but my student/intern budget is certainly not going to reach to these Elvis sandals any time soon, unfortunate as that is.

When I spotted these tan studded sandals in Dune (not my usual shoe stop) I simply had to treat myself. Though they are not quite as dazzling as the Isabel Marant, they have a similar shape and style complete with a block wooden heel to elongate my less-than lengthy legs. 

I was tempted by the white alternative, but managed to resist temptation and opted for the simple tan shade. If you're not one for studs, try this alternative from Office. These Roman sandals are flattering, simple and effortlessly chic.

My sandal collection just got sensible. 

Weekend Temptation: Studded Flats

SS12 Wishlist

And here you have it- my SS12 must have list. I have a few bits and bobs, and these are my must-haves for summer! And were I to buy them all, how much would that set me back? £153.96. A worthwhile investment I reckon!

So why have I chosen these pieces?

THE PALE JEANS Okay, perhaps they are not quite white but these Topshop supersoft  jeans are just to die for (read my wee denim review here!). White jeans do seem tricky to pull-off, but they are definitely a summer must-have. Pair with a breton tee and bright flats for a cool springtime look, or try with a patterned blouse and wedges for evening. And with that, we move swiftly on to...

THE SILKY BLOUSE I am a little bit obsessed with blouses, and this Zara floral one is right up there for me. Paired with denim or leather shorts and flats, this watercolour-print blouse is versatile and very easy to wear! I'm also waiting to purchase the studded one from the Zara April lookbook (see it here)

THE DAY-TO-NIGHT DRESS This sparkly Topshop dress is extremely flattering and very feminine. Mint is my favourite colour this season and looks lovely dressed down with flats or up with heels and statement earrings. Try the creamy mint shade with a deep Mulberry purple as I wore today- a beautifully rich colour combo!

THE SNAKESKIN SANDALS (LOW AND HIGH) Snakeskin is a huge trend this season, and is so versatile! It will look perfect with pretty pastels or with neutrals. Metallics can get a little bit boring after a while, so why not mix it up with a pair of snakeskin flats and a pair of wedges for evening!

THE CUTESY BIKINI Every girl loves a pretty bikini, and as I failed to get my hands on the H&M Versace fruity number (refresh your memory here!), this Zara one will certainly do the trick. The flattering halter detail is great for a less than busty girl like myself!

THE TAILORED SHORTS Anything Erdem-esque and i'm smitten, and these well cut Zara shorts are a total bargain! Worn with white tailoring or just a crisp white shirt they are a Summer essential! I love them.

What will be making your SS12 must-have list? Tweet me @SWfashion_ or feel free to comment below!

Flower Power

by Shona Wallace, @SWfashion_

While returning a pair of faulty boots to Office (heartbroken as I really did love these studded booties- so much so I posted about them!), I spotted these Ferragamo-esque wedges winking at me from the display. While I have always had a bit of a silly soft spot for an impractical wedge, never have I been drawn to a rainbow striped pair.

These 'Wonderstuff' wedges are, however, the cheeriest shoes I have seen in a long time. How could anything get you down with these on your feet?!

Wear with denim and a blouse for a pared down look, or try with a simple colour block dress for a bold look that certainly packs a punch! 

Even the name is bringing a smile to my face!

Instant Update: Fluoro and Flesh

Must... Stop... Spending...