Stripe slingbacks by River Island and J. Renee

First I found these shoes by River Island:

River Island slingbacks, £50

“Well,” I thought, “It doesn’t get much better than this, does it? Simple shape, statement print, STRIPES… These are fabulous, and quite possibly my favourite stripe shoes – out of a LOT of stripe shoes – of the year. They just cannot be bettered!”

Then I found these:

J. Renee slingbacks, $59.95

Also stripey, also slingbacked, but with a Carven-esque bow on the heel which I think just gives them the edge over the River Island shoes – only just, mind you. Although, with that said, the patent upper of the former shoe would probably be more durable than the fabric one of the latter, and that’s always a consideration. 

I may not be able to decide which of these I like best, then, but I think one thing’s for certain: I’m LOVING the stripe shoe trend. (Just in case you hadn’t guessed…)

Which pair would you go for?