Would recommend Jones the Bootmaker (online) lasy year had silver this year blue. Really comfy, good quality leather. Not too pricey either.

gladiator sandals seem to be everywhere, and big jewelled flip flops/sandals

Sorry but am really smiling at 'weary over New Look' - I tell dd1 that New Look exhausts me too!

Agree with EA, try French Sole on instore if possible as they are small size. I have French Sole pumps and I love them. The leather is beautifully soft and comparable to Repetto pumps (which are double the price, in general).

Having said that, I also have pumps from Office and they have survived for about 5 years of approx once a week wear

There are still loads of them in my local Topshop, and New Look, DP, M&S, Clarks. I agree, it's sometimes hard to find a really classic ballet style but they are out there if you look hard enough! Jones the Bootmaker is quite good for pumps too.

French sole are on the small size in general
Best to try on instore if possible

I do have some new look ones that are all leather but they don't have them online anymore

Thanks for the advice. I am weary about the New Look ones, as I'm not too sure about synthetic shoes in 30 degree weather.

Do you know what French Sole's sizing is like? There are some shoes I like in the sale (fortunately!) but don't know how they fit. I have pretty standard width feet (I think they're C) but they only give advice for wide or narrow fet.

What confuses me is: why have all these places (Top Shop, Office, Faith etc.) stopped making ballet pumps?! Are they out and nobody told me?

french sole seem to have really gone up in price

agree with janeite you have to double check with the new look ones for leather

Or if very flush www.prettyballerinas.com

Question is, what has replaced the ubiquitous ballet pump?

Clarks - 30 squid. The New Look ones often pretend they are leather but if you look closely some of the pairs are just leather-lined with a synthetic upper.

Are the French Sole ones any good? They always look and feel really cheap and flimsy in the shops imho but I've never owned any, so may be wrong.

can you afford French Sole?
www.frenchsole.co.uk

dorothy perkins have some ice ones

la redoute usually have tons, will have a look

I used to buy them (black leather) at TopShop, but they've stopped making them now. Have also looked at places like office and Faith, but it seems they're not selling. Who is?