Shoe Review: Head Over Heels ‘Darling’ gingham peep toes

Shoes: Head Over Heels ‘Darling’
Price:  £55
Buy: John Lewis, New Look,  Debenhams

Whoops, I did it again, folks: I actually bought the shoes I was writing about here, as opposed to simply blogging about them. I must get out of the habit of doing that, hmm? Actually, though, I’m really glad I didn’t resist the temptation in the case of Head Over Heels’ ‘Darling’ peep toes, because I think my instinct was correct: when you take away the Louboutins which inspired them (and which I compared them to here), you’re left with a shoe which is pretty stunning all on its own. In fact, when these arrived, I didn’t take them off all morning, I was so enamoured with them. I also may have put them on just to watch TV in last night. In fact, OK, I did.

These have a fabric upper, in that fabulous gingham print I love so much. They have a 5″ heel, which is offset by a 1″ platform, so if you’re used to heels, you should have no problem walking in these.

I ordered my usual size (UK 4/ Eur 37), and would say the sizing runs a little small, although not so much that I’d want to size up. With fabric uppers, I tend to think it’s better to err on the small side, because the fabric generally loosens up more than leather or suede does, so after a couple of wears, they should feel larger. With that said, they’re particularly narrow at the toe, so if you have wide feet, you may want to consider sizing up in these for a better fit.

These have a fabulous 50s/rockabilly feel to them, and my first thought was to wear them with turned up jeans or capri pants. I don’t think I’l have too much difficulty styling these, though, because the red colour is such a neutral, and having worn them around the house with a little black pencil dress, I know they really help brighten up a classic look. My main problem now will be trying to resist the black version that’s also available: can you tell that I have a bit of a “thing” for gingham?

I got these from John Lewis (and may actually have got the last pair in my size, because I see they’re now sold out), but Head Over Heels is also stocked by lots of other retailers, including New Look, who still have these in most sizes.