Dune London probably wouldn’t be terribly impressed with me describing their latest line of low block heeled shoes as NANA shoes.
Sorry Dune it’s not personal, simply how I’ve always referred to this style.
There’s nothing derogatory about the phrase “Nana shoes”
Not from me that’s for sure, clearly I love the look or I wouldn’t have bought the shoes. The low block heel combined with a rounded toe harks back to the 1960’s, demure sensible shoes worn with a shift dress for the working woman. Usually a secretary (it was either that or factory work sigh) or Twiggy & the funky Mod generation.
I remember both my Grandmothers & my Great Aunt wearing shoes just like these all the time. Even as a child I took notice of what women were wearing. In fact I would often try to emulate their outfits although it was difficult back then as children’s clothing was rather less fashionable than it is today. Come to think of it, these days I’m often found mumbling in Marks & Spencer’s girls department – How unfair this range doesn’t come in women’s sizes! sob sob.
Their girls designs are always so much more impressive than the women’s which I find can be a little dull. Has anyone else noticed this or am I completely off my rocker? As in rocking chair hahahahaha As if!
Current Elliott cuffed jeans
As ankle freezers these jeans are perfectly placed to showcase any shoes to maximum effect. Coincidentally in this case they’re in keeping with the era although I will be styling these shoes completely differently over the coming months. Picture the pretty pale pink of the shoes paired with my grey leather skirt (see it here) & with white jeans, here. Divergently contrasting the light colour of the shoes with this dark floral dress or with black leather trousers. The terrific number of styling variables marries well with my ethos of getting the utmost use from every item in my wardrobe.
Have a look at my post 5 Rules for a Hard Working Wardrobe for a straightforward explanation of how to accomplish this.
The day I shot this outfit was gloriously sunny so the fine cotton of my BA&SH shirt was ideally suited particularly as the colour is a perfect match to my new shoes!
At risk of being too matchy matchy I opted for my brightly coloured woven bag which incidentally adheres to the “Nana” theme. Would you believe I bought this bag 28 years ago from a vintage shop in Perth?
Crazy right? I think I paid $5 for it – bloody ridiculous! Designed to store the handiwork of knitting Nanas everywhere, I imagine its early life & original purpose with warm & fuzzy feelings.
However today it makes the funkiest of vintage finds with which to carry my home deco magazines.
I shudder to think how old it actually is, being made of woven plastic it has remained in pristine condition. Equally it’ll never decompose whilst paradoxically being the antithesis of FAST FASHION! Oh the irony….
More OPI love from me, this time in the colour of steel grey – called Strong Coalition.
Thanks for popping by & thank you so much for sticking with me though I’ve dropped back to just one post a week. The loft work is creeping to the finishing line & the floor downstairs has dried out so I’ll be ramping up to two posts again soon. In a few weeks I’ll be including posts about the design details of our loft conversion for those who are interested.
Have a lovely Easter break everyone,
Mx
Comments ( 20 )
sequinist
I LOVE the Nana shoes! I like how you’ve styled everything here. It looks funky and effortless, and so easy to wear…perfect for sunny weather. I can see you getting a lot of use out of those shoes! Gorgeous photos, as always. xx
retrochicmama
They really are so easy to style Lisa & the heel height makes them super versatile!
x
Abby@midlifecrisisnut
Nana shoes – that’s a good one! I must admit I prefer your hot tunic though 😉 And I can see spring in full bloom in the background, how beautiful! xx Abby
retrochicmama
Hahaha I know!
This top is pretty isn’t it? I imagine you have something very similar Abby 😉
xxx
Not Dressed As Lamb (@notlamb)
Haha I LOVE that you call them Nana shoes, Michelle – I always referred to them as “The Queen” shoes, she’s always worn this style! Can’t believe you’ve got these Dune ones as these are the EXACT ones I’ve had my eye on… Though as I’m having to reign in my spending I really shouldn’t be thinking about them at all. Anyway they look so great with your fab legs in those jeans – and yes!!!! to vintage knitting bags as we already discussed, I really should dig mine out ;))
Have a fantastic Easter sweetie – here’s to lots of spring-like photo shoots and sunny days!!
Catherine x
http://notdressedaslamb.com
retrochicmama
Hilarious “The Queen” shoes I love that! You’re so right too she does always wear this style hahahaha just call me Your Majesty from now on teehee.
I admired the leopard & the silver in the same style but thought this nudey pink would transition seasons better for my wardrobe colours.
Yes to getting your vintage knitting bag out Catherine, I’d love to see how you style it xxx
stinedurfdl
Love the shoes…you can’t beat a solid chunky heel. This outfit is perfect; casually cool and pulled together while still looking effortless!
Debbie
http://www.fashionfairydust.com
retrochicmama
Thanks Debbie, super comfy from head to rounded toe – just how I like my outfits 😉
Mx
Michelle – The Barefaced Chic
Loving the ‘Nana’ shoes, but it’s your bag that I am seriously coveting! I remember my gran had one that was almost identical. She didn’t knit, so she used to carry it around with her. It was always stuffed full of interesting goodies. Being allowed to rummage around in Gran’s bag was such a treat. Thank you for bringing back happy memories 🙂
Michelle xx
http://www.thebarefacedchic.co.uk
retrochicmama
Aww what a lovely story, bet she had sweeties there for all the grankids 🙂
xxx
welovefur
It’s a great lovely look perfect on you
I love your blog. Please check my last post if you want
http://www.welovefur.com
retrochicmama
Thanks Samantha, Sounds like you’ve been super busy travelling to Shanghai & across to Doha! The boots you wore at the Chic Fair are amazing x
sandypatti
I am old enough to be a Nana, many times over – and I love these shoes on you. You’re looking fabulous, and thanks for linking, xo
-Patti
http://notdeadyetstyle.com
retrochicmama
Gosh aren’t we all Patti? Not that you’d know it right 😉
xxx
Andrea@WellnessNotes
Great shoes! I totally see why you call them Nana shoes, but they look so modern on you! And I can see them paired with all the pieces of clothing you mentioned above and more! You’ll have so much fun with them!
retrochicmama
Thank you Andrea, yes I can’t wait to re-style them & bore everyone to death hahaha Oh no not those bloody Nana shoes again, they’ll be saying.
xxx
ashleysedbona
All I ever want to wear in spring is a chunky mid-heel like this! Love it paired with such a fun bag for March!
Xoxo,
Ashley || Sed Bona
retrochicmama
Thanks Ashley – same 😉
xM
Stylease
Hey Michelle!!! I loved those shoes!!
On the whole, this is a great style 🙂
Merry Xmas.
Xo
Esha
https://www.thestylease.com/
MT
Thank you! Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to you too xx