CLOGGING IT!

Chanel black leather clogs $500

I remember my first pair of clogs. It was the nineties and they were in vogue. Like any budding fashion enthusiast, I begged my mom to get me a pair. We got them from Tejuosho, Yaba, a Lagos city market famous for designer/high street finds and knockoffs.

When I got them, I wanted to wear them every day. They were black, about 3.5 inches high of wooden heels, the now very necessary bras studs around it and it fitted like a glove. I rocked those clogs till I went off to college and eventually they went out of style (plus they were too hot for Texas weather) but I definitely got a few years mileage out them.

Now clogs are back and I can’t wait to find THE perfect pair. I can’t decide on which colour because I’m trying to get away from black but that’s the least of my worries. I cannot seem to find one in the correct size and shoe width. Hopefully the stores that cater to wider feet will see fit to stock some truly beautiful ones and not the ugly skanky looking ones I’m seeing on the various websites.  I love these ones from Swedish hasbeens, especially because they’re more practical but still good looking, and will look for a similar pair in Ireland.

For those of you without this problem, most High Street stores like New Look stock some cool and affordable ones like these. You may also prefer the clog boot(ies). Ultra chic and sumptuous, you can be forgiven for never taking them off and they go with EVERYTHING. The chunkier and higher the heels in this case, the better!

I LIKE IT CHUNKY

 

Topshop platform loafers £70

Thank God the chunky heeled platform shoes are making a comeback and there are some gorgeous ones out there. The Irish have long been obsessed with the 6 inch stilettos which I’m afraid to say, can only be worn by the skinny model like types who only drink soup and eat grapes. For the rest of us, shoe shopping has become pleasurable again. Never again will we stare at that simply beautifully designed shoe and sigh in frustration over the 6 inch stiletto it comes with. Check out Topshop’s seriously addictive platforms or New Look for some more practical ones. Viva la platforms, may you stay for a long time! Let’s keep it chunky.

KUNG FU ;)

 

The Kung fu shoes were made popular in the late eighties and early nighties in Nigeria with the popularity of Chinese movies especially with the most famous of all actors, Bruce Lee. The simplicity, flexibility and lightness appealed to young teenagers and the fact that it could be easily and cheaply replicated by local shoemakers because it was made of fabric was a financial bonus. Pretty soon you were seeing your mates wearing ‘Bruce Lee’ shoes made with old denim (from castoffs), in Ankara and Kente. It was cool, it was hip and everyone had to have one. My second teenage shoe obsession. Check here for some Ankara fashion inspiration.

Bata mi (My shoes)

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