Sunday 24 July 2016

Sole'd

My nickname, Shoena,(pronounced Shoe-na),  was given to me by my Uncle, when he noticed at a young age that I had a thing for shoes. How many pairs of shoes do I own? I haven’t got a clue.  How many pairs of Ballerina pumps/flats do I own?  One! Yes, just one pair of pumps aka the most uncomfortable pair of flats ever! Here’s my thing, I have a funny relationship with ballet pump/flats.  I’ve tried on a few over the years and they just don’t work for me. I find them either too flat that I can literally feel the pavement, or they end up rubbing the back of my heel and I end up with blisters.

Last year, I decided to give them another ago, as I stumbled across a cute pair in Office. They were leopard print with a pony skin finish.  I noticed that one of the girls at work had the same pair, so I asked her how she found them.  She gave them a glowing review, and I was sold.  I bought them that same day convinced I had finally found my flat (shoe), sole mate. 

Sadly, I was wrong. On their first outing, by lunchtime, my feet were burning me hard! I just couldn't work it out. My colleague had the same shoes on and was walking around the work event like the cat got the cream. I, on the other hand,  was hobbling up and down the event, trying to hide my pained expression while feeling like the flat shoe gods were seriously against me. It got so bad that I had to make a speedy dash to Topshop and I ended up buying a pair of (comfier) heels - how ironic!

So, when the lovely people at Bonessi  Ballerinas  got in touch, asking if I wanted to review one of their ballet pumps, I was a little hesitant. I mean my experience with flats to date has not been great - I still have the scars to show it. But I figured I should take the plunge (again)...

 To give you a quick heads up on the brand. Bonessi Ballerinas is a luxury London-based brand, dedicated to designing footwear that is  equally unique, pretty and super comfortable. Made from the softest leather, each shoe is complemented with their signature,  inner cushioned sole.

I'm a sucker for statement shoes, so I opted for Yas; a gorgeous metallic gold ballerina pump, with embellishment detail on the toe.  When I plucked up the courage to wear them,  I decided that  I should  ease myself in.  Why run before you can walk, right? So their first outing was to a nice and local brunch meet-up with the girls.

The verdict? Yes, yes, yes! They actually do what they say on the tin! Soft, comfy and pain-free! On those (rare) days when I feel the need to wear flats, these ballerina's are the one!

Oh, and if you're wondering what happened to my Office leopard ballet pumps, let's just say they' ve gone to a new and hopefully much happier home.

Post in collaboration with Bonessi Ballerinas, but all views my own. 
  
Photos by Burd_boy