A British Institution

Yep M&S I’m talking about you. It’s the store that if anyone asks ‘Where did you get that from?’, I always feel a mixture of pride and shame at admitting it was from M&S. Pride that I have found amongst all the dross an absolute gem, but slight shame because of the fuddy duddy connotations shopping at Marks has these days. On a number of trips there recently I have come across some absolute belters particularly in the footwear department not only because they do half sizes, but also their super squishy Insolia stuff makes even the most vertiginous heels, more than bearable. So I thought I would do a bit of a shout out (not in any way sponsored!) for this high street behemoth.

What I really was supposed to be doing this week was a boots blog, but half term and the never-ending building work that has turned my house into a slum, has rather put pay to that and here is a somewhat abridged version of my top M&S picks.

As this is the season for the interesting heel, here are a couple of options. Starting off with a low heeled everyday style at £49.50. This also comes in navy and burgundy which are not snazzy on the heel front and are not my favourite colours, although their internet stock levels would suggest I am in a minority and that these are actually highly desirable. Each to their own…

On a higher plane and my absolute favourite mid calf boot – not just at M&S – but across the high street is this Tortoiseshell Heel Ankle Boot with Insolia £45. Wear with midi length skirts, boyfriend jeans or culottes.

Another mid calf option is this Leather High Ring Ankle Boot with Insolia £85. Not a heel detail I appreciate but the buckle makes it bang on trend too.

If it is a more generic ankle boot you are after then this Stain Away Suede Wide Fit £45 is a great option. A real wardrobe staple for wearing with jeans, dresses or skirts.

Still on the ankle boot front but embracing this season’s love of all things animal is this Leather Wide Fit Ankle Boots with Insolia £75. Perfect for jazzing up a pair of jeans and great for skirts too.

On the knee high front, these Suede Knee Boots with Insolia £99 are very nice indeed. Also in burgundy which I do like but the practical Virgo in me won’t justify.

If you struggle with getting boots to fit your calves then opting for a style with an elasticated fabric panel is the thing to do and these Block Riding Boots with Insolia Flex £49.50 will work perfectly with A-line dresses and skirts or with skinny jeans.

Next up is the block heeled court which is on trend and more practical than its stilettoed sister. Good old M&S has these in silver and black for a mere £25. I have been hankering after a pair of silver shoes for a while to wear with denim and these are perfect – and are also a good bet for the party season.

In black with a patent heel is this Stain Away Suede Square Toe Block Heel Court £35. Also in navy blue. A perfect update for wearing with a pleated skirt and sweater or culottes and a crisp white shirt.

A higher heel but a great shoe which looks a lot more than it’s price tag: Flared Heel Court Shoes with Insolia £25. These would be sophisticated for the office but understated enough to still be on the right side of corporate.

For those trainer-lovers out there, M&S also has a couple of fab options. If you haven’t yet converted to the ubiquitous white sneaker then get on it with these Leather Lace Up Trainers with Insolia £45.50. Wear casually with denim or with a tailored black tapered leg trouser for work.

There are also these beauties: Leopard Leather Lace Up Trainers £49.50.

An alternative to trainers and another brilliant option for work is this Leather Lace Up Brogue Shoe £165.

Now I appreciate that in store you have to look beyond the granny slippers and hideous spongy looking loafer types, but if you do, you will be rewarded for your patience. They have got some bang on trend styles and the comfy shoe technology sussed too. Now all they need to do is invent some sort of smelly-feet- reducing technology.