In the navy

Long distance relationships are tough. When you are in, say, Moscow, and the object of your affections is nearly sixteen hundred miles and four time zones away in London, it’s – well, it’s frustrating. Especially when the object is beautiful and stylish and very now.

Like these navy patent kitten heels with the gold ankle chain and the little red anchor, which I shot at home in London last week, and which, sadly, are still in London due to the sheer volume of shoes currently bulging out of Shoe Closet East (there are seven pairs under my desk as I write. I hardly dare open the wardrobe these days.) 

Versace (left) and Issa, s/s 21012. Images thanks to Style.com

The sea and all things oceanic is one of spring/summer 2012’s big fashion trends. At Versace, bandeau tops and skirts were bedecked with starfish and shells, while at Issa the harbour at Rio de Janeiro (complete with statue of Christ the Redeemer) was splashed over tunics and dresses. 

Of course, the life aquatic is a perennial style favourite, and my nautical kitten heels are practically vintage. I bought them years ago at Shelly’s in Oxford Circus (that dates them – and me: Shelly’s hasn't had a store in Oxford Circus for ages. Which is a shame, as it used to be a great place for interesting, unusual, and good quality footwear). They are by Miss L Fire (I am pleased to say the label is still going strong and has a very cute website, here). 

The thing I remember most clearly about buying these is that a very smart Japanese woman in gorgeous black cigarette pants was buying a pair (in black) at the same time. I was so taken with how marvelous they looked on her that I hardly bothered to look at my own reflection.

Still, I have never regretted buying them. I have also never regretted buying these French navy patent cork-heeled pumps (below, from Aldo) despite the fact that they do that thing patent occasionally does, of cutting off the circulation to one’s toes.