Tabitha Simmons for J Crew ‘Folly’, £320
Available now for pre-order, these Tabitha Simmons for J Crew Mary Janes have to be one of the most summery twists on this style I’ve seen. These use two different floral prints: one for the heel/toe and one for the rest of the upper, plus a distinctive shape, complete with gently curved heel and blue-trimmed sides. The two different prints, combined with that trim, gives these a bit of a “home-made” feel for me, and reminds me a little of a patchwork quilt. I say that in the nicest way possible, though: I think these are totally charming, and very whimsical, and while I’m sure that’ll put some people off, I’m equally sure that it’ll be a huge selling point for others.
If florals are your thing, these will be a great addition to your shoe closet, and the fact that they have closed heels and toes means they’re the kind of summer shoe you’ll still be able to wear on those days when the weather report doesn’t deliver the kind of weather we’d normally associate with this kind of print.
“These are the shoes we’ll be wearing all summer long!” says J Crew. Well, I’m not sure about that, but I’d definitely love to wear them at least some of the time!
Too whimsical for me! I like the shape, but the floral is OTT.