I have returned! "The Comeback" post featuring sale workwear flats from @ASOS

So, it's been a while since there was a new post, huh? I just got my PC back last weekend and have just about had time to write. Apologies for the extended impromptu hiatus.

Firstly, I changed jobs, and secondly I had the entire ground floor of my home remodelled - inside and out. The entire project has taken several months and has been a long process. In the end of course it's been worth it, but it's been an incredible upheaval and as such I've not had a regular kind of a home space to be able to work and create in. It's been tough, but we got there in the end.

So, with the new job in mind (I'm now working on business projects for GAME head office here in the UK - yes, I work with videogames at last) I thought I'd share with you a couple of comfy all-day picks for the office. These can both work with funky jumper dresses or jeans, and are a snip as they are both in the sale too - woohoo!

On the left are the more casual (and more my own personal style) trainer style flats:

ASOS DJ PLAY THAT SONG Plimsolls
Was £18.00 - Now just £14.00

They kind of remind me of water shoes, which if you have ever practiced any watersports or gone someplace like Jamaica in the caribbean, you will know are snug fitting shoes with amazing grip which are just the most comfortable things on the face of the planet. They make UGG boots seem like 5 inch heels in comparison. The lack of any kind of a fastening for these means they are just going to be like wearing slippers. Perfect if you spend a lot of time on your feet, have to walk to work, or stand around waiting for public transport to show up as part of your commute.

In case your workplace is a little smarter however, you might want to consider the cute pointed flats to the right:

ASOS MAKE MY DAY Pointed Flat Shoes
Was £18.00 - Now just £14.00

Simple and understated with a flat silver tone bar to the vamp, it's hard to think of any clothing option that wouldn't work with these sweet pumps. They might just be your new go-to flat shoes, and would look especially cute worn with thick 100 denier tights and short flippy mini kilts. Yes, that might be a little bit inspired by Sam in Until Dawn. One of my favourite games of the year, I may have gone a little bit mad buying short kilts for the winter after playing it through... twice. Haha. Not even sorry. It's a fantastic game.

Posts will return to a more normal state of play soon now that I'm able to access everything again. Until then, happy Sunday shopping.

FINAL MARKDOWNS NOTICE from the AllSole Online Sale - Discount Code & MY TOP PICK

Who doesn't love sale shoes? This means that you can buy more pairs... right? So here at Shoeniverse few things fill me with glee quite as much as a final markdowns notice. If you've held out for the very best price then this is where you get to see if your final gamble has paid off, or if you have in fact missed out (Noooooo!!!). My top pick were these Ted Baker evening sandals called Chablise in high gloss black leather. They feature a super slim cigarette heel and golden accents. They are now a full 50% off the original price as well. What's not to celebrate?



Ted Baker Women's Chablise Patent Leather Two Part Cigarette Heels - Black
EXTRA 10% OFF END OF SEASON SALE
Was: £120.00
£60.00

How to claim your EXTRA 10% OFF END OF SEASON SALE!
Get an additional 10% off the End of Season SALE when you enter PLUS10 at the checkout

Shopping the final @ASOS footwear reductions #sales #shopping

Yes it's been FAR too long since a new post has arrived at Shoeniverse. Apologies for the radio silence, but everything has been hectic and crazy with simply not enough time to post!

So to make up for it I've taken a long look through the ASOS up to 70% off sale so as to hunt down the very best buys so you don't even have to browse. Take a look below for my top sale picks and click through on any image for more information and to place your order. Simple!



Supertrash Sophia Over The Knee Heeled Boots £300.00 £144.00



Miista Lily Leather Ankle Strap Block Heeled Sandals RRP £200.00 £122.00



Free People Dark Horse White Flat Ankle Boots £168.00 £117.50



Senso Lucas I Strap Back Flat Ankle Boots £199.00 £111.00



Vivienne Westwood for Melissa Lady Dragon Bow Heeled Sandals RRP £150.00 £105.00



Karen Millen Gold Glitter Heeled Court Shoes £110.00 £77.00

Shoeniverse Shops the French Connection Dress Sale

As you are probably aware, I love some French Connection when it comes to finding high street dresses. I think that AllSaints edge them out about 10 to 1 in terms of my wardrobe real estate (and trust me, I own a LOT of dresses), but FCUK are definitely one of the brands that I trust, as much for comfort and quality as style and design.

So I spied an online dress sale and figured... it's rude not to. Here are my picks. Oh, and I may* have purchased two dresses from French Connection in the past week, so you can be assured that I'm practicing what I preach.



PLEATED POLLY SLEEVELESS DRESS
Original Price £45.00
On Sale £32.00 - £45.00

Simple and chic, the only thing this pretty pleated dress needs is a pair of stacked summer sandals and slicked-back hair.



FRIEDA STRIPE COLOUR BLOCK DRESS
£85.00 - now £60.00

Make for a bold entrance in Riviera-inspired stripes. Cut for a relaxed silhouette, this makes the Frieda Stripe Colour Block Dress perfect for vacationing by the seaside. Finish with cool espadrilles and bohemian sunnies for holiday glamour.



CYCLONE CREPE ONE STRAP DRESS
£140.00 now £70.00

Stand out from the crowd in this striking one-strap dress. With an eye-catching neckline and textured gathers at the waist, it looks oh-so-chic teamed with metallic pumps or chunky sliders and layered-up jewellery.



POLKA PLAINS LAYER DRESS
£70.00

With a sporty high neckline and layered panel, the Polka Plains Dress makes for an ultra-modern new-season wardrobe addition. Wear with monochrome accessories for a chic sports luxe finish.



SUNBEAMER HIGH NECK SEQUIN DRESS
£160

Shimmer into the new-season with this Sunbeamer Sequin dress. Add extra glitz factor with a slick pair of silver stilettos and don't forget to apply a mandatory smokey eye finish.



(* You can delete the 'may' :))

The Shoeniverse Summer Date Night - Shop the Look

I'm writing this from my sick desk** (it's like a sickbed but less restful) and I hope you enjoy the post and the what currently feels like a monumental effort to write. I've been put on constant painkillers now for my knees, and four days in I'm feeling sleepy and very very sick.

However, this is midsummer, and as such there are Summer date nights to be had. I wanted to create a look to feature as soon as I found this divine cornflower blue dress from BCBMAXAZRIA, and yes it's possibly a little out of budget for some readers of Shoeniverse, it's a look that I think could be created with some clever high street or vintage pieces if you like it.

I've paired it with shiny silver accessories. I love the clean lines of the mules, plus they are not too high as to be uncomfortable to wear. The stunning chrome finish Lulu Guinness purse is just to-die-for, in every possible way. The shape, the finish, it's probably my fave new purse from 2015 thus far, and if you can add it to your evening rotation is sure to always turn heads.

Finish it all off with rosy natural makeup, smokey eyes, and a monochrome manicure. There is no better way to boost your dating confidence than a look that is polished, natural, and doesn't look like you have had to try too hard. You can shop the individual items by clicking the links below:

BCBGMAXAZRIA Tunic Dress with Angel Sleeve and Drawstrings - £210.00
Whistles Tilla Silver Leather Mules - £160.00
Lulu Guinness Disco Ball Clutch Bag - £295.00
NARS Limited Edition NARSissist Dual-Intensity Eyeshadow Palette - £45.00
theBalm How About Them Apples - Lip & Cheek Palette - £28.00

**So I normally queue my posts for the week across the previous weekend, due to my general working day (of almost 13 hours end to end) making it hard to do this during the week. However, I find myself now sick on a Sunday and in need of posts to be written. So forgive me if this week is a little rushed. I had anticipated having more time.

Shoeniverse Is Speechless at the Christian Louboutin Limited Edition Scarabée Collection #swoon

I'm fairly certain that the thought of me with nothing to say is something that rarely happens in real life. Times like sleep. Or laryngitis. Failing that I'm not really a girl who is lost for words, and as such when something arrives that leaves me utterly and breathlessly SPEECHLESS, you can be assured that I've stumbled upon something special.

I opened an innocent looking Loubie email the other day and was presented with the image above. I might have moaned a little out loud (Lord only knows what my very much all male co-workers thought) and then I closed the email. Concentration is kind of needed in my day job and the last thing that I could actually so was explore this at work.

Plus I wanted to enjoy it in the privacy of my own home.  (Oh God, it sounds too much like porn...)

Shall we take a look? There are three styles online right now (I think the ones in the top image may have sold out or not be online yet).



Styles shown are:
Follies Spikes Patent Scarabe 100 mm
Degraspike Flat Patent Scarabe
Roller-Boat Flat Patent Scarabe

The heels should be my favourites, of course but surprisingly I find myself fawning heavily over the more wearable Roller-Boat deck shoes. I covet them in a very real 'truly, madly, deeply' kind of a way. I want to run away with them and see the world :)

The heels and flats are of course deliciously beautiful in their own right too. But if you want to add any of these to your collection then be quick - they are going to sell out. Guaranteed.

It's a day off because it was supposed to be Foo Fighters Friday #FFF #FooFightersFriday

So today was (or as I write this on Tuesday morning*, currently IS) a planned day off for me at Shoeniverse. The plan, as of many months ago was to spend today swanning it up in The City, before Foo Fighters at Wembley Stadium. Pretty cool day ahead, huh?

However as I write this post this has just happened and I am as of yet unsure if the gig will go ahead. So this might not happen in which case an alternative day off will be planned. But hopefully I will be on my way to partying it up in London with Dave Grohl as you read this.

*Updated message from Dave here - I'm still going to have a great day off but I'm GUTTED that the guys are not a part of it

Have a great weekend, and normal posts resume on Monday...

Shoeniverse Spies Something Pretty - Dune Burst Pink Hologram Heeled Court Shoes @ASOS

I was after some pretty evening shoes and whilst browsing through the ASOS site I spotted these. They don't say they are exclusive, however they are not yet in the Southampton Dune store.

Not that I keep tabs on it. Oh, OK, I totally do.

Anyway, there is something so very pleasing about the silvery pink toned holographic hi-shine finish that they immediately piqued my interest. Plus, being from Dune means they are not going to break the bank either. They can be yours for just £85. My only sadface comes from the fact they are not real leather, but if you are a proud Pleather Princess, then go get them.

It's sale time at @Spartoo - save up to 70% off today!

I do love a great sale find, as the only thing better than finding the shoes of your dreams if finding them on sale. Or half price. Besting that, 70% off sales are just about the very best - and so I just had to browse through the gorgeous selection on offer over at Spartoo. If you'd like to shop ALL women's style in the sale then hit the top banner to go straight there, or see below for my fave finds.


Moschino Cheap and Chic - BUTTON in Black
Was £ 798.60 Now £ 559.02


Missoni - Vacchetta stamp zig zag in Black
Was £ 799.05 Now £ 479.43


John Galliano - AN3571 MARINE / Pink
Was £ 613.90 Now £ 429.73


New Rock BOVIM in Black
Was £ 419.01 Now £ 293.31


McQueen - 318309 in silver
Was £ 384.91 Now £ 269.44

Taking a look at the beautiful SS15 wedges from Jimmy Choo

Jimmy Choo's SS15 collection is literally full of instant hits. My favourite have to be the cork wedges however, so I thought I'd write a quick post highlighting my favourite three pairs. Retro styling can be chic, and beautiful. Jimmy Choo shows the competition how with this stunning and innovative collection of wedge heel beauties. Starting off with...

NOTION 130 - £450
White Patent and Caramel Mix Vachetta Leather Wooden Wedges

A modern and towering wedge for this season. The layered shades of wood in the cutaway wedge-heel create a unique silhouette and pattern, in a natural palette of earthy tones.

The upper consists of white patent leather across the toe, and a caramel vachetta leather on straps that wrap around the foot and to the ankle. Leather lined, they are finished with an adjustable buckle at the ankle for added support.

Heel height measure 130mm/5.1 inches with a 40mm/1.6 inch platform.

NIMSON 120 - £395
Ocean Mix Suede, Patent, Vachetta and Printed Leather Cork Platforms

This strappy platform sandal has tonal material combined to create a modern update to the cork wedge.

The straps of the upper are an ocean mix of suede, patent and vachetta leather. The sole has printed snakeskin leather around the edge and is leather lined. The cork platform heels are finished with a rubber sole for added grip. A small ankle buckle fastening adds extra support.

Heel height measures 120mm/4.7 inches with a 30mm/1.2 inch platform.

NAYLOR 135 - £425
Natural Elaphe Cork Platforms

These strappy corked heel platform sandals create a unique silhouette and are a modern update to the cork wedge.

Leather lined, the upper is made from natural elaphe. The cork platform heels are finished with a rubber sole for added grip. A small ankle buckle fastening adds extra support.

Heel height measures 135mm/5.3 inches with a 40mm/1.6 inch platform.

Shoeniverse Loves Christian Louboutin Benedetta Patent 120 mm

These are my favourite new Loubies in a little while. The black is classic and timeless of course but I can't help but with for a different finish. Both of these are beautiful, however I would love them in pewter liquid metallic. Or hot pink patent. Perhaps even a glitter strass silver? The sandal themselves is a practically perfect go-to heel. Simple lines, a subtle platform and secure cross straps mean they should feel secure to wear, yet gloriously feminine.

Every season calls for an evening wardrobe update, and "Benedetta's" strappy T-bar silhouette is an irresistible choice. Dance through party season in this glorious black patent leather version.

Or find your inner disco diva and try out the glorious gold version.

Get 40% off in the Dorothy Perkins Pre-Sale #code #discount

Happy shopping (yes, there are lots of shoes in that sale too...)

Shoeniverse Spotlight - the gorgeous Casadei bridal edit

Following on from last week's post featuring the divine Christian Louboutin New Very Prive - Perfect for a Summer Bride, I thought that you blushing brides-to-be out there might appreciate a follow up post showcasing some alternatives. As you all know, I am not a fan of white shoes for a wedding, however much the traditionalists love them. There are basically three choices for a bridal shoe nowadays, and this post highlights great examples of all three, while taking inspiration and showing examples from the Casadei bridal collection 2015.

Whether you opt for traditional white, a soft hint of nude, or a gorgeous soft finish metallic, you really can't go wrong with any of these styles. I think one of the most important things to bear in mind when choosing your bridal heels is the kinds of styles you were normally. If you'd never wear white shoes then maybe it's a waste to spend out on a pair of heels you will never wear again. If you love nude heels then maybe they can be your new go-to special occasion shoe. If you love nothing more than tearing up the town on a night out, then your best bet could be to opt for a metallic you can paint the town red in (with your new husband, of course!) after the big day?

Shop smart and remember to buy flats for the reception too. Don't be a slave to your heels. It's a long day and you want to feel fabulous, not be worrying about sore feet and blisters! You can shop my top three picks below:

Option 1 - Nude
(above, left) - Blade Sheer in Skin / Beige / Gold £675
Asymmetric sandal in nude leather with cross over sheer mesh panels and gold piping.

Option 2 - White
(above, middle) - Blade in White / Silver £550
Iconic "Blade" pointed toe pump in white supple nappa with silver laminated leather piping.

Option 3 - Metallic
(above, right) - Sheer in Cream Candylux / Beige £650
Refined evening sandal with graphic design in cream candylux and sheer mesh panels.

Giuseppe Zanotti just made the most perfect mules.... Ladies, meet your new shoe obsession "GUN"

GUN - £630.00

I am beginning to see glimpses of Giuseppe Zanotti being right back on top form. If these Cowgirl-style spike heeled mules are anything to go by then the soon to be launched Fall 2015 line is going to be incredible. I want boots like this. Right. Now. Sadly the mules are not cheap and impossibly impractical. Don't let that stop you of course if you love them. Whoever said that shoes had to have a practical purpose was probably a man...

Add this season's western inspired mules to your wardrobe. Black leather, 120mm (4.7 inch) heel, with silver buckle and stud detailing combine two key must haves styles of the season for a design led, statement shoe to wear all summer long.

I just found your new favourite ankle boots (thanks to Catarina Martins & @SARENZA)

I think these pretty much speak for themselves. These gorgeous little western-inspired perforated leather ankle boots are perfect from dusk til dawn. In a choice of off white or classic black, they are new in at Sarenza this week and are by far my favourite new boots of the season so far. As with all Catarina Martins boots they are created by hand and are an easy to wear luxury for every day. They can be added to your shoe closet for £163.00.

Catarina Martins’ authentic rock-chic boots combine quality and know-how for an irresistible nonchalance with trendy, rebellious accents. Biker boots with buckles and cowboy boots are the main inspiration for Catarina Martins.

Founded in 1993 by Paulo Martins, Catarina Martins shoes are made for dynamic, fun women who appreciate fashion combined with comfort and quality. Made with high quality materials and made entirely by hand, Catarina Martins creations are unique.

Shop the Outfit - The Shoeniverse Style Workwear Edit June 2015

This is basically the sort of outfit that I was attempting to create. I am very much a devoted Black Milk girl (Sharkie's rule!) and I LOVE my gaudy printed spandex, but this would just be an easier look for really lazy mornings that would actually look kind of smart. But with zero effort. Who doesn't want to be that girl?

You can shop the look below, everything is high street and it won't cost you a fortune to put it together. Swap the wedges out for brogues or gladiators, ankle boots or heels as the weather (and your mood) takes you.

Oasis Double Layer Viscose Camisole £18
It s inspired by a simple cami but silkier, sexier and so much more special thanks to the pretty back cross strap and floaty double layer. Your mirror will approve.

Ted Baker Nashota Distressed Boyfriend Jeans £89
Distressed boyfriend jeans, ted baker womenswear collection, boyfriend fit, distressed denim, mid wash, zip and button fastening.

Linea Kapella T-Bar Footbed Wedge £45
Classic summer style brown wedges - wear them with everything.

Jane Norman Soft Waterfall Jacket in blue £35
Brighten up your outfit with this gorgeous waterfall jacket. Featuring soft texture, waterfall front and long sleeve design. Team with anything from skinny jeans to tailored trousers for a chic finish.

Fossil Sydney Womens Tab Clutch £65
Little things do a lot-our smooth glazed leather clutch holds all your necessities and then some. Created with pockets, card slots and more, it`s the perfect plus one for your purse.

Laura Mercier Satin Lip Colour in Raspberry Sorbet £19.50
Laura Mercier Shimmer Lip Colour in Raspberry Sorbet. Delivers ultra-rich colour in an irresistibly lightweight formula. Its unique blend of moisturizing, anti-aging, anti-oxidant and plumping ingredients enhance the lips leaving a smoother, healthier appearance. One swipe of colour provides hydration and prevents moisture loss ensuring fresh and flawless lips.

Lifestyle Post - I finally caved (and bought a Nutribullet)

I finally gave in and decided that actually a Nutribullet is the latest addition to my new kitchen. Or rather, my new kitchen to be. Seeing as how the building work hasn't actually started on my house yet...

Anyway, I digress.

Just shy of £100 will get you one of these in a variety of colours to match your decor. Perfect for making sure you grab the all essential nutrients in an easy to drink pulp format and boost your metabolism whilst you are being healthy. At first they seemed expensive, but the more I thought about them, the more I believed that this is something that I really need to support my healthy lifestyle. I get it tomorrow and will produce a follow up post once I'm up and running with it. If you are curious, then here is a bit more about it:

NutriBullet completely breaks down your food, liquefying and mixing together all the essential nutrition.

Unlike everyday juicers and blenders, the Nutri Bullet completely breaks down ingredients into a pulp free, delicious smoothie.

It bursts open seeds, cracks through stems, and shreds tough skins to get the most out of your fruit and vegetables.

The Super powerful 600w motor and cyclone technology produces a better, smoother smoothie without all the pulp and bits that you get left over by a regular juicer/blender.

Comes with the Pocket Nutritionist so you can start a healthy diet straight away.

Shoeniverse - How to find the perfect 'boyfriend' jeans (clue: this post might not have the answer)

So, I spent a fair amount of my Saturday trying to find the perfect boyfriend jeans, and I have to admit - I failed dismally. Due to various reasons around my slightly worn out knees, finding skinny jeans to fit can be somewhat problematic. Or at the very best a little uncomfortable. However, I had a dream, one that was sure to work. This involved hip length dip hem chiffon blouses, a variety of summer footwear ranging from wedges and heels to flats and sandals, and the perfect pair of boyfriend jeans. You know what I'm after here. Low slung on the hip held up with a belt. I have the perfect Steve Madden belt for this. My new super-duper jeans would fit flatteringly over my hips, then have an easy ripped leg, ending in a tapered cuff turn up. Not too shabby, and probably something that a lot of you may well be wearing as you read this. However as you read this my dream is currently in tatters.

Surely finding the jeans of my dreams shouldn't be that hard? The ladies in the picture above have all pretty much nailed this look.

It started on Friday. I had a day off from work and decided to run into Superdry and grab these little beauties.



Superdry women's Boyfriend jeans. 
These relaxed fit jeans with a distressed finish feature the classic five pocket design, contrast patterned front pocket lining, a zip and button fastening and an embroidered logo on the coin pocket. The Boyfriend jeans are finished with an embossed logo badge on the waistline and a logo patch on the back pocket.



You have to bear in mind that these are the loosest fit jeans that Superdry currently have in their girls section. They're gorgeous, soft, a great colour and a cool finish. Unfortunately they are also super skin tight over my knees and the very top of my calf despite me buying a size up from what I normally need as I wanted them to be baggy on the hips and slung in with said Steve Madden belt. I was a little disappointed but figured I'd take them back the next day and find a similar pair elsewhere. The good thing about Southampton is there are literally loads of places to shop, with every high street brand you can think of having huge stores.

Saturday started in GAP. I'd done a little research online for suitable replacements and these looked to be definite contenders.



GAP 1969 destroyed authentic boyfriend jeans

Unfortunately I'm unsure if these will fit me or not as they don't actually stock this style in store. This is despite the fact that we have a three storey GAP store, and they have every other style. There were a couple of pairs in the sale but they were too small and I couldn't risk ordering them online in case I had to return them yet again.

So I started to cover town... Debenhams, New Look, John Lewis, Zara, Topshop - you name it and I tried it. I must have tried on more jeans in the past weekend than I have in the past five years, and yet nowhere could I find a pair of jeans in a UK size 10 that would fit me like the ones at the top of this post.

New Look were the worst offenders of the lot, where I must have seen thirty different skinny / jegging options and nothing else (unless you count flares). I don't.

What is going on?

So as of now I'm slightly crestfallen and would welcome any input as to where (if anywhere) to look next. I shall update as and when there is any further progress.

Sincerely, a very sad panda.