Newsletter

In praise of the pointed flat

— by Alyson Walsh

J Crew pointed flat_RD6100_d1

One of my Birkenstocks has died. After limping around sadly for a while, it’s now decomposing somewhere behind the sofa. Instagram followers will be relieved to know that they won’t be seeing another ‘view from the top’ post of my black leather two-strap Arizonas, anytime soon. In a way this is good news, I’ve been concerned about the Birki, ever since someone left the ‘Chiantishire’ comment on one of my posts. It’s like the David Cameron in Converse scenario, all over again… I also have a couple of projects on the go this week, where I’ll need to hide my skanky end-of-summer feet away and look smart. Bring on the pointed flat.

I’ve rediscovered a 10-year-old burgundy leather pair from LK Bennett that might just about pass muster. If not, there’s always J.Crew’s Gemma. The lovely rhubarb red colour (top) is so popular it has a waiting list, but it is currently available in chartreuse and all-important leopard print:

leopard pointy flat_d1

J Crew Gemma leopard flats, available HERE.

LK Bennett pointed flat002091658alt1

LK Bennett Holly flat, available HERE

Alternatively, LK Bennett’s selection of flats is always fab and for fun footwear, you can’t beat Boden. See the sparkly Isabel Bow, available HERE and strappy T-Bar (available HERE). Very Valentino.

Boden sparkly shoe

Boden’s Isabel Bow

Boden navy flat AR703_NAV

Boden’s strappy T-bar

The best thing about pointed flats is that they go with everything: trousers (wide legged and cropped), jeans (boyfriend and skinny), culottes, dresses, skirts, you name it… Of course, I’ll be Instagramming a picture of a pair shortly but in the meantime, here’s Costanza Pascolato:

Constanza Pascolato 040e6cd133249bad99

Oh and the Birkenstock died because I took a chunk out of the sole tripping over a paving stone. To me, this is one of two things that have signalled the end of summer. The other was surreptitiously throwing our knackered old suitcase into a skip down the road, only to find that the skip had a lid on. The suitcase landed on top with a bounce, we promptly left the scene but the broken suitcase is still sitting there, bringing a whole new meaning to the term left luggage.

 

Keep Reading

Style Forever: Yasmin le Bon for Winser London

One of my Birkenstocks has died. After limping around sadly for a while, it’s now decomposing somewhere behind the sofa.