Office ‘Jewel’ t-bar court shoes, £65

No prizes for guessing where the inspiration for these shoes came from: they may be missing the studs, but the shape is very reminiscent of Valentino’s iconic Rockstuds, don’t you think?

Because I’m so used to seeing the Rockstuds themselves, the lack of studs gives these shoes a “naked” look –  it almost looks like they’ve been left unfinished, somehow. I know it’s only repeated exposure to the originals which makes me say that, however: if I’d never seen the Valentino version, I might feel totally differently about these shoes, but as it is, it’s impossible not to compare the two. Such is the danger of creating a “designer-inspired” shoe, I guess: it’s rare that the cheaper version doesn’t LOOK cheaper, and that’s certainly the case here, although, in their defence, these ARE only £65, which is a snip compared to what you’d have to cough up for the Valentinos.

These shoes come in six different colours, ranging from plain black, to a neon yellow. I think this coral version would have to be my favourite, as its bright without being neon, and should prove pretty versatile, too.

What to wear with these shoes?

How to wear a midi skirt:

♥  Kelly Love ‘Bright Skies’ stripe skirt    ♥  Dorothy Perkins bowler bag  ♥   ONLY copped slogan tee   ♥ Elizabeth Arden lipstick 

I know this is my second striped outfit of the day (And let’s not even think about how many stripes I’ve featured this month/year/decade), but what can I say: it’s summer, and summer calls for stripes. I’ve made this midi-length skirt a little more contemporary by pairing it with a slogan tee, as opposed to a more fitted top: I’m really liking the current trend for “ladylike” skirts with more laidback tops – I just need to find the right top to try it for myself!