to want to buy shoes for my 4 year old dd that are not school shoes, not trainers, not flimsy, yet pretty, and won't cost me 40 f*ing quid

[emkana]

grrrrrrrrr

this is the time when I feel homesick for Germany

Have been all over the place today, but NOTHING

V. nice but unfortunately my 4 year old has size 11 G and those only go up to 9 1/2

Ah yes, it gets harder for a big-footed dd.

My dd1 had size 3.5 at age 7, the size above which you can only get clumpy black slapper shoes. I nearly had a nervous breakdown trying to buy her plain white mary janes to go with her first communion dress.

Luckily current dd is on the dinky side. Lots of independent shoe shops stock Angulus and Aster (french brand) which are loverly, but £££.

French or Spanish hypermarket is the way to go, I fear.

My dd has Primigi shoes (the ones with the stars and moon) A bit expensive (I think about 35, wouldn't usually pay that much) Don't know what size they go up to - dd is 6, but only a size 8.5

apologies if the link didn't work btw, it wouldn't let me copy and paste

meant to say gore-tex ones

www.marksandspencer.com/gp/search?ie=UTF8&bannerAltText=Shoes&fromPS=&mnSBrand=core&viewID=leaf&bann erWidget=32543402&showAll=&rh=n%3A48136031&isBrowse=1&page=2
Marks and Spencers?

My DTs have incredibly slim feet with even slimmer ankles... I wish I could get away with only paying £40 a pop. Shoes for the DTs means over £100, believe me I've been everywhere. I can't even make use of my TAMBA discount in Clarks with the DTs. Their shoes are too wide [sob]

Thanks for the link lottiejenkins but M & S prove exactly my point - they are all black, or trainers, or not suitable for bad weather.

This site is excellent for discounts if you know the size you need. Not much choice but they update it regularly so it's worth checking it from time to time.

Bad weather shoes are tricky at this time of year, emkana.

Surely you realise that anybody wanting winter shoes would have bought them in August? And right now we are planning what sandals to buy for the summer holidays. Obviously. Hence why all the websites/catalogues are full of canvas pumps and open toes.

Wanting a woolen school jumper in January is apparently also unreasonable, if my recent shopping trips are anything to go by. Conversely, trying to buy a swimming costume (for the indoor pool, natch) is also a challenge unless you're prepared to pay boden or Speedo prices.

Aaargh.

But I don't think that Germany is that much better -- last time I was in Bonn I trawled Deichmanns and Kaufhof and whatever Hertie is calle these days and was distinctly unimpressed. But a large branch of Carrefour in some provincial backwater in France = gold dust.

oooh how often are you in Bonn? If we are ever there at the same time we should have a coffee!

You're right though, I'm in denial really, Germany no better.

Rarely these days, sadly. But do get very nostalgic. I took dd1 for the Weihnachtsmarkt a few years ago, and she was enchanted. Keep meaning to repeat the experience, but things keep getting in the way.

But flights are so cheap now from Stansted there's really no excuse.

frogs - I once had the audacity to try to buy a pair of gloves from Accessorise in February. the place was full of flip flops and sun-glasses...

independants have sales at the mo, and will have 40 pound shoes reduced half price often

whereabouts are you located as i could recommend a good one

Jones are also good for more European styles if there is one nearby . Ignore the selection on website as htat is only a limited range and you can't buy online.

I've just got 2 lovely pairs of winter shoes for my dd in TK Maxx - £10 (timberland shoes)and £14. Had her feet measured in Clarks but they only had black or very very bright pink mary janes in - obviously winter has ended without me noticing!