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Original poster

My Mother says I look ghastly in Clarks heeled brogues - return or keep?

78 replies

Chewbecca · 16/09/2014 15:02

I bought these Clarks heeled brogues in oxblood.

They're very comfy but I haven't worn them yet so I can still return them!

My mum saw them on me and was horrified, said I they make me look short and fat (which I am, but obviously try to choose clothes that make me look my best!).

Return or keep?

OP posts:
Fairylea · 16/09/2014 16:42

They're gorgeous. I've nearly ordered them myself .

Ignore your mum.

If I didn't ignore mine I'd be permanently on a diet to be a size 8, wearing head to toe fuschia and shoes that have velcro.

Catsmamma · 16/09/2014 16:54

I am with Mrs Lettuce ...heeled brogues are lovely, BUT the heel on those clarks ones is too stacked...a bit Yeeee-hah cowboy boot.

Bunny's pic have a much nicer heel....I had a simple black pair just like that for work till the dog ate one of the heels off. In his tiny mind I think he though if I had no shoes I'd have to stay at home with him...big jessie! He never ever has chewed a single thing other than those beautiful shoes.

ohmymimi · 16/09/2014 16:54

I really like them, but think they may look more flattering worn with a toning 40+ denier tight on a shorter leg. (That is the only way I could get away with them on the end of my hobbity pins.). I do think you need a well defined ankle, too.

BuildersTea · 16/09/2014 16:58

I have those shoes OP and my mother too said that she hates them. I don't care. I love them & got loads of compliments when I wore them for the first time a couple of weeks ago (and yes, they are very comfortable).

Milmingebag · 16/09/2014 17:05

I like the tone of the leather but not the heel. I could see these working if you did the retro tweedy country look with wide leg trousers.

MillyDots · 16/09/2014 17:10

Goodness me.......I wore these in 1979/1980. Just goes to show doesn't it how fashion just goes round and round.

lordnoobson · 16/09/2014 17:12

how are you wearing them?

littlewhitebag · 16/09/2014 17:19

My 16yo fashion conscious DD has just seen them and she says they are lovely and that she would wear them. Seal of approval there then!

ElephantsNeverForgive · 16/09/2014 19:09

They are great, too high sadly I'd do my stupid ankle.

DSIS had school shoes very like that (lower clearly) late 70's. I remember them very clearly, because the sole stuck out beyond the toe and she kicked me under the knee cap. It was exceedingly painful.

bouncinbean · 16/09/2014 19:18

With these it's definitely about how you wear them rather than the shoes themselves being bad. I had a similarish shoe to this and they only ever looked good with trousers because of the way the top of them made my ankles and calves look if I tried to combine them with a skirt
skirt.

StripyBanana · 16/09/2014 19:22

Ive got the non heeled version for work.... I keep veering between thinkjng fun and on trend and matronly!

Original poster
Chewbecca · 16/09/2014 19:24

Thanks all.

How should I wear them then wise ladies?

I haven't worn them yet. I was thinking of with worky trousers, preferably some new, slightly woolly ones, will also try with some dresses (jumper, knee length) and thick tights, maybe coloured. But that's when my chunky calves may put me off.

OP posts:
flingingmelon · 16/09/2014 19:34

I'd go with a slightly folky dark based floral dress and some gorgeous knitwear. Or maybe a checked shift dress for work.

SwedishEdith · 16/09/2014 19:34

I had Granny shoes as and couldn't walk in them then either I like them and that blocky heel is more current looking. But I think if you're not sure, send them back. Only keep things that you love - I'm still working on this for myself

flingingmelon · 16/09/2014 19:35

And black tights are your friend if you have cankles like I do Wink

SwedishEdith · 16/09/2014 19:36

I've just got a lovely dress from Sainsbury's that is dark and folksy - they'd go with that

Eliza22 · 16/09/2014 19:54

I had these in the 70's. Your mum is wrong. They look great to me!

NothingTraLaLa · 16/09/2014 20:00

I love them! But then, I am biased as I bought these today as well (in black as they didn't have the burgundy in my size).

SublimeCorpse · 16/09/2014 20:02

I was expecting them to be awful, but they're lovely! Keep, keep, keep!

munchkin2902 · 16/09/2014 20:51

Weird - I just picked up the exact same ones from Clarks tonight. Love them, perfect for work and they're so comfy for my pregnant feet! My mum would hate them too - I'm 34 and still think twice about buying stuff my Mum won't like!! Sad really Smile

burnishedsilver · 16/09/2014 22:17

They're a bit nora batty.

My Mother says I look ghastly in Clarks heeled brogues - return or keep?
Pensionerpeep · 16/09/2014 22:19

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

DiscoDancer · 16/09/2014 22:34

I saw these in store yesterday and really liked them. Can I ask what you wear them with though? Keep them btw!

SofaCanary · 17/09/2014 02:52

Oh, they're vile. Sorry.

Guess Mother really does know best in this instance.

MrsCampbellBlack · 17/09/2014 05:57

I'm with your mother.

But more to the point, if my DH ever comments negatively on any item of clothing (which is very rare) then it really puts me off said item. I may keep it and wear it but I never feel that I look great in it.

Does your mother overall have good taste - if she does and was being honest, then I'd listen to her opinion.