Day 50: Jubilee

• Woollen grey skirt: Marks and Spencer
• Lacey top: M&Co
• Plum tights: Bhs
• Shoes: Marks and Spencer

When I started on this challenge I was determined that I was going to see it through until the end but I cannot quite believe that I am on Day 50 already. Where did the time and all those outfits go? As I am nearing the end of the 30 for 30 challenge and have made it to Day 50 of my own challenge, relatively unscathed, I am feeling quite positive about the rest of the year.

Although I have just about managed to post daily I have a lot going on at the moment and over the last week or so haven't been able to spend as much time on the blog as I would like. I do plan to write longer posts soon as I was really enjoying writing again, so please bear with me.

Day 49: Sunshine and springtime

• Jeggings: Marks and Spencer
• Jumper: Gap
• Boots: Monsoon
• Scarf: Bazaar, Turkey

I've said it before and I'll say it again, I love, love, love these boots.

It was such a beautiful day today I almost didn't recognise what planet I was on and when I opened my shutters this morning. But then I rubbed my eyes, looked again and realised yes this is Earth and this is the sunshine I have heard them speak of. Wow what a difference a sunny day makes. Dare I say it but is Spring maybe on the way?

Today Scotland were playing Ireland at rugby, in our fair capital, as part of the Six Nations and the atmosphere is always fantastic on match weekend. Shame we lost - again!!!!

Day 48: Chores and chilling

• Shirt: Primark
• Jeggings: Marks and Spencer
• Tank: Gap
• Shoe boots: Marks and Spencer

Not loving this outfit today but I felt I should try and incorporate this shirt again as it has only featured once in my 30 items. I didn't venture far and had a fairly lazy Saturday, just catching up with chores and chilling out.

Day: 47 Fashion beauty friend friday awards

• Grey cardi: Gap
• Patterned tunic: Marks and Spencer
• Jeggings: Marks and Spencer
• Black boots: Clarks



It's Friend Friday again and this week we're giving each other a pat on the back and nominating fellow bloggers for the first FBFF blogger awards. I have been loyally reading a number of blogs for a few years but they certainly don't cover all the award categories and some actually don't fit in to any. However, I have nominated those who have given me the most pleasure over the years they have been with me. The others I have had to seek out and so far are impressing me.

1. Creative Juices - most creative
I don't read many creative blogs but I am certainly going to start. One blog I do check in with from time to time which is an obvious nomination for this category is my friend Jackie, who is from Australia but worked with me a few years ago in Edinburgh. She is a crafter and her blog celebrates her many projects at I Love Tuesdays. A word of warning though, as I know her legendary faddy diet I am not entirely trusting of her recipes. 

2. The Real Deal - authenticity
There is something very endearing about Christina at Second Skin. Not only is her style fabulous but she's not afraid to be completley open and lay herself bare from time to time.

3. Spark Notes - most helpful
Kristina over at Pretty Shiny Sparkly has a great all round blog but I particularly love her how-tos, tips and even recipes.

4. Newbie - best blogger less than a year old
I haven't actually paid any attention to the age of the blogs I read as I like what I like.

5. Can You Hear Me Now - most connected
I nominate Kendi of Kendi Everyday as she has a huge and dedicated following so is connecting to hundreds of fashion bloggers particularly through her 30 for 30 challenge.

6. If I had a Hammer - best DIY
The motivation of PS I made this is second to none and well worth checking out.

7. Tribe Leader - blogger who leads others and brings bloggers together
I think it would be rude not to nominate Katy Rose at Modly Chic since she set up Fashion Beauty Friend Friday which has brought a great blogging community together and not just on Fridays.

8. Practically Perfect - most fashionable
Jane's style at Sea of Shoes is awe inspiring - the designers, the colours, the textures and the shoes, oh the shoes.....

9. Paint by Numbers - best beauty blogger
I haven't really been reading beauty blogs so don't want to just nominate a random blog just for the sake of it.

10. Renaissance Woman - best all around blogger, fashion, beauty, lifestyle
My nomination is the lovely Allie at Wardrobe Oxygen who has been blogging for years and has had various blogs on style, beauty, pregnancy, being a mother and she is now doing amazingly well at weight loss. She really is a superwoman and I read her blogs religiously.

Day 46: Tropics in winter

• Grey cardi: Matalan
• Blouse: Marks and Spencer
• Trousers: New Look
• Beads: Primark
• Shoes: Marks and Spencer

This was day two of the conference and after yesterday's tropical conditions I was a bit stumped for something to wear. I hadn't included many light weight tops in my 30 for 30 as it is still bloomin' freezing outside so this blouse was really the only option. These trousers are a good example of an item which looks better in real life than it photographs. They are a nice shape with quite a wide waistband, a couple of tailored pleats in the front, well placed pockets and little turnups. However, they photograph like a pair of too short tapered trousers which is really rather disappointing.

You may remember that I have been looking into getting a new kitchen and today I have done it! I signed all the paperwork this evening and it will be installed at the beginning of May which is very exciting. I will keep you posted of the progress of this new project.

Day 45: Conference culture

• Flowery blouse: Marks and Spencer
• Grey woollen skirt: Marks and Sepancer
• Cardigan: East
• Black tights: Marks and Spencer
• Black shoes: Marks and Spencer

I was manning a stall at a major conference today which just so happened to be taking place at a venue at the bottom of my street so my walk to work was barely even 5 minutes. My outfit today was appropriate as there were a lot of corporate folk at the conference yet as my company does not fall in to this category I don't need to be overly formal. The conference suite we were in was extremely warm and the spotlights in our booth were blinding and roasting hot so I spent most of the day melting. The cardigan was quickly discarded.

Day 44: Pearls of wisdom

 

• Black lst: Matalan
• Black trousers: Marks and Spencer
• Grey cardigan: Matalan
• Black boots: Clarks
• Silver/pearl beads: Primark

Although I have worn a fairly similar outfit to this before I think that overall it is different enough to create a new look and also I am struggling a bit with the 30 for 30 so give me a break!

Last year I saw a woman wear a necklace like this with a black shift dress and I loved the impact of the large beads against the black. Shortly after I saw these pearl beads when shopping and knew I had to have them especially as they were under £5. I too have worn them with a black shift dress and I think they also work quite well with the grey of this cardi. A good investment methinks.

Day 43: Purple and plum

• Dress: Gap
• Snow leopard scarf: Next
• Brouges: Primark
• Plum tights: Bhs
• Black beads: Primark

I have been looking for different ways to remix this dress so I can continue to wear it as I need a different outfit everyday. This is the first time I have worn it with tights of a similar colour and I quite liked the look. I thought the brouges were a cute touch as I would normally wear a heel with the dress. The scarf lifts the look and I wore it tied differently so that it hang down the dress. I was also complemented on the look today which is always nice.

Day 42: Twenty's plenty

• Cowl neck top: Primark
• Jeggings: Marks and Spencer
• Black cardi: East
• Boots: Clarks
• Belt: H&M

This outfit came about more because this was the last unworn item I had taken away with me for the weeked rather than because of any fashion planning and I am not particularly loving it. I wanted a cowl neck top and although that is what this is the cowl neck doesn't hang very well and I think that might be because the material is quite thin.

I must confess that at Day 20 of the 30 for 30 challenge I feel that now I am two thirds of the way through I am on the home straight. Right now I won't be sorry when this has finished but I plan to try to make the most of the next 10 days and remix in some unexpected looks.

Day 41: Happy Birthday Mum

• Grey Trousers: New Look
• Purple top: M&Co
• Black boots: Clarks

Today it was my Mum's birthday, and we had a lovely day out and went down the west coast for lunch out with the family.

The night before my Dad, sister and I went to the shops to buy Mum some presents and it was the first time I have been in clothing shops for any period of time since starting my year long shopping ban challenge. I really had to change my mindset and tell myself that I was there to shop for someone else and not myself and that seemed to get me through it relatively unscathed. Don't get me wrong there were occasions when I saw sale signs and all the new season's Spring fashions and felt ever so slightly anxious but I just focused on looking for things that Mum would like.

Day 40: Mirror image

•  Shirt: Marks and Spencer
• Jeggings: Marks and Spencer
• Boots: Clarks but not pictured as not on the cream carpet thank you

It is somewhat ironic that the day I have to answer the weekly Friend Friday questions on Body Image is the day I struggle to find a picture I am happy to post. I think that is to do with the change of location, the outfit and partly because I just feel blah! The shirt has now been worn twice since washing and as it is the end of the day has become rather crumpled and voluminous and I am not sure that buttoning it right up is the most flattering.

1. Since you started blogging has your image of yourself changed?
I think my body image has changed for the better. This is partly because photographing myself every day has made me more accepting of my size, shape, flaws and more aware of my good points. However, what has provided me with the most encouragement is seeing other bloggers of all shapes and sizes embracing fashion and loving life, particularly when we are bombarded every day with perfect airbrushed images on line, in print and on film.

2. Are you self-conscious about any aspect of yourself? If so, do you go out of your way to avoid it or do you post it/talk about it anyway?
I am generally quite self conscious as am probably just under the heaviest I have ever been and would like to be fitter, healthier and thinner, but I don't have hung ups about any specific aspect of myself. I tend to focus on the fashion and what works and what doesn't rather than discuss my body image in my blog.

3. Based on how you are feeling now, what do you think the future holds in the evolution of your body image?
I expect to continue to have good days and bad days but hopefully more good than bad.

4. Do you photograph yourself for your blog? If so, how do you feel about the experience when you're having your picture taken? If you choose not to post pictures of yourself, what prompted that decision?
I post daily photographs for my blog and I do take quite a lot of pictures in order to get at least one I am happy with. I take my own pictures using a timer and I still feel a little foolish doing this but know I would be far more self concious if someone else was taking them.

5. What would you want every person who struggles with body image to take to heart?
I am not the best person to give advice as I am not entirely happy or accepting of my own image. I would however, say to those who struggle with body image to realise that everyone has flaws and everyone has beauty and you need to learn to love yourself, work with what you've got and remember image is just on the outside and one small part of what makes you beautiful and unique.

Day 39: Packing light

• Lace top: M & Co
• Black cardi: East
• Black trousers: Marks and Spencer
• Boots: Clarks

Today I went for the easy option when picking my outfit and although I am quite pleased with it it's hardly remixing at its best. The details of the top include puffy sleeves and a lacy yoke which can't be seen in this photo, unfortunately.

I am spending time with family this weekend and had to pack light and didn't have time to plan my outfits. I am pretty sure that what I have taken will create new combinations but we'll have to wait and see?

Day 38: A business affair

• Black dress: Gap
• Blue shirt: Marks and Spencer
• Cardigan: East
• Black tights: Marks and Spencer
• Shoes: Marks and Spencer

I needed to be quite formal for a meeting today and also be outside in the pouring rain so had to be quite creative with my outfit. I don't believe that you have to wear a suit to be the ultimate professional but I hadn't factored in a very business like affair when choosing my 30 for 30. As it turned out the meeting was a lot less formal than I was expecting, the weather was worse!

Day 37: Silver and gold never gets old

• Black long sleeved T: Matalan
• Gry cardi: Gap
• Jeggings: Marks and Spencer
• Boots: Clarks
• Necklace: Primark
• Scarf: Tesco

I dressed slightly more casually today as had no meetings in the office and mixed in this rather glitzy silver and gold necklace but it seems to work as day wear. I have also realised I have a disproportionate number of weekend items in my 30 and as there are only 8 weekend days and 22 work days will have to mix in some weekend items or I am going to find myself stuck. I am starting to suffer from a mid point 30 for 30 slump and need a bit of a boost. Anyone else having this wobble?

Day 36: Flower power

• Flowery blouse: Marks and Sencer
• Black trousers: Marks and Spencer
• Boots: Clarks
• Belt: H&M

As I mentioned on Day 32 belts are not often my friends unless I am relying on one to hold up a pair of trousers, however we formed an alliance today I think. This blouse hangs quite loose and the belt has cinched it in and I was pleased with the result. I wear this blouse often but usually under a cardigan and you know you have done something right when people notice it for the first time and pay you a compliment. I don't think I would have tried to wear it in this way unless I was remixing my wardrobe.

Day 35: Lazy days

• Green shirt: Primark
• Grey jeans: Marks and Spencer
• Grey shoeboots: Marks and Spencer

I had a lazy day today and didn't step outside the front door and since my slippers are not included in my 30 items, these are the shoes I would have worn if I had decided to join the land of the living. Don't you sometimes just love days like that?

Day 34: Lone Star State of mind

• Patterned top: Marks and Spencer
• Jeggings: Marks and Spencer
• Cardigan: East
• Boots: Monsoon

I spent a lovely day today with family including my aunt and uncle who are over from Texas and it was great to see them and hear all their news.

My hair was in soft curls when I left the house but by the end of the day had gone all flicky and was yearning for me to join Charlie's Angels. I have also a confession to make. I have made a boot substitution. This is not the original pair of boots I picked in my 30 for 30 on Day 23 but I haven't yet worn my first choice as they are just a tad too tight to wear over jeans and I don't want to risk breaking the zip. As they haven't yet featured in my 30 for remixing I figure I can swap them as I am not technically adding in an extra item! That's not breaking the rules, is it?

Day 33: Colour me happy

 

                       

• Black dress: Gap
• Grey cardi: Matalan
• Red necklace: East
• Plum coloured tights: Bhs
• Black shoes: Marks and Spencer
• Pink scarf: East

Although I usually dress less formally at work on Fridays I had a meeting this afternoon and had to be more business like. By complete conincidence my outerwear is more colourful than usual and I just happen to be wearing coloured tights although I am not part of the lucky group who received some tights. The reason I am talking about colour is because it is Friend Friday again and this week's theme, which is very close to my heart, is Colour Wars.

1. What colour dominates your closet?
My wardrobe used to be dominated by black as I mentioned on Day 8 and in numerous other posts since then. I made a conscious decision to try to stop wearing black a number of years ago and since beginning this post I have realised that 'safe' black has been exchanged for 'safe' grey. The colours that dominate my wardrobe are jewel tones, mainly purples, reds and deep pinks. I have almost no yellow or orange and very little blue.

2. If money weren't an issue how would you change the colour emphasis in your closet?
I think having pots of money would definitely make me more adventurous. For example when buying a new handbag I tend to go for black or brown particularly if I am spending a bit more money as I weigh up how much use I'll get from it and how practical it will be. I would love to be able to afford that coral coloured winter coat but when making a one off season investment it is much harder to go with an out there colour. This I think may be where vintage/thrift shopping is the answer.

3. What is your mantra about mixing colours?
I have a tendency to be a bit too matchy matchy when it comes to colours and I also used to fall into the trap of wearing colours with black. This was an easy/lazy option for work as grabbing a pair of black work trousers and then any number of different tops is a no brainer. I am trying to ween myself of this habit as it is not very creative and I think matching colours with black can cheapen the look of some colours.

4. For you, how do you incorporate colour into your outfits?
I definitely have a tendency to wear darker colours in the winter and brighter and lighter colours in the summer, however Scotland's climate tends to call on winter attire in the height of summer at times. I tend to incorporate colour mainly through accessories. As I am not shopping for a year I am learning to remix my wardrobe in different ways but it also means I have to work with what I already have. Even if I reach a point where I am brave enough to clash citrus colours I can't go out and buy those hews.

5. Which blogger(s) do you think do a good job of incorporating colour into their wardrobe?
I recently complimented Emma at Daily Clothes Fix on her brave colour choices for the 30 for 30 challenge so I will go with her. 

Day 32: Accessorise, accessorise, accessorise

• Black cardi: Marks and Spencer
• Yellow top: Gap
• Black trousers: Marks and Spencer
• Black boots: Clarks
• Necklace: House of Fraser
• Belt: H&M
• Earrings: Miss Selfridge

I really like the pop of color that this top gives but matching it with black is not hugely creative. But, true to my word I took time to pick accessories this morning. I wore this top with a green/blue necklace before and this time I was swithering between red or brown but went for the brown. The top is quite voluminous and the belt has helped to cinch it in and tie in the black colour and I also like the buckle detail. These stretchy belts can be a bit difficult for curvier figures as I tried it on top of the cardigan but it appears too tight and made me look like a sack of potatoes. My little gold earrings also tie in with the gold buckle detail.

Day 31: Petals and Pearls



• Cream blouse: Marks and Spencer
• Grey cardi: Matalan
• Jeggings: Marks and Spencer
• Black boots: Clarks
• Grey scarf: Bazaar, Turkey
• Earrings: Miss Selfridge

This is the first time I have worn this blouse. I bought it in the Xmas sales before I started my challenge but I didn't expect to get any use out of it until Spring. It is peasant style with quite full 3/4 length sleeves and I feel more comfortable wearing it under a cardi at the moment but it definitely made me feel more spring like today. Maybe Spring is just around the corner.

I got these earrings in a set with about five other pairs and this is the first day I have worn them and I think they are really pretty. I don't often wear earrings as often overlook them when getting dressed unless I am spending more time on assembling an outfit. I do have lots of pairs so I should really build jewellery selection in to my day to day outfit choice routine.

Day 30: Happy 30th

• Red woollen jacket: East
• Black lst: Matalan
• Grey trousers: New Look
• Black boots: Clarks

So today I am joining in with blazer day over at Everybody Everywear which meant I had to plan ahead for this and include a blazer/jacket in my 30 for 30 items. I wasn't convinced I would have a need for a blazer this month and wondered if it was a waste of one of my precious 30 items, but I am sure I can find ways to remix it in again. This is also the first day I have worn these trousers since I bought them before Christmas. As they are shorter with a slightly tapered style I wasn't sure what shoes would work with them but I think they will go with a number of different styles. The photo doesn't quite do them justice.

This is also Day 30 of my blog and I am very pleased to have made it this far. Only 335 days until I can shop again. I am not missing shopping as much as I thought I would but this is partly because I have not been around so much at lunchtimes when I tend to do most of my shopping. I have also been making a concious effort to avoid the shops at other times and I have replaced clothes shopping with shopping for the house. That has certainly kept me distracted but I fear may have a more devastating impact on the old finances!

Day 29: Back to reality

• Cardigan: Matalan
• Grey woollen skirt: Marks and Spencer
• Blue cowl neck top: Primark
• Shoes: Marks and Spencer
• Black tights: Marks and Spencer

Back down to earth with a bump. It is always hard returning to work after a break away but when it has been as lovely as this one was it is more difficult. I had a half day at work, as our train didn't get in until 11.30 last night, and went in for the afternoon so eased back in gently.

One week in to the 30 for 30 it is starting to get a bit more challenging. I think a little more planning is going to be required rather than putting things together in a rush in the mornings.

Day 28: Jolly boating weather

• Top: M&Co
• Jeans: Marks and Spencer
• Boots: Clarks
• Hat: Marks and Spencer
• Scarf: Marks and Spencer

Despite the sore heads and overall fragility we decided to go on a boat trip down the Thames to see the city from the river. The trip was fun and the crew gave an entertaining commentary although when we reached the Tower of London, the skipper announced it was the execution place of 'the evil' William Wallace, which we obviously felt aggrevied at. Still one nation's evil monster is another nation's hero.

We got back on the bus tour after disembarking at Tower Bridge and headed back to Trafalgar Square to check out the Chinese New Year celebrations, then went to the National Portrait Gallery, had a late lunch and headed to the train station for the last train back home.

Thank you my lovelies for a truly brawsome weekend.

Day 27: Living it up London style

• Purple dress: Gap
• Jeggings: Marks and Spencer
• Gray cardi: Gap
• Necklace: Primark
• Boots: Clarks

                                        Champagne afternoon tea at the Soho hotel
 

Stalking the celebs at Madame Tussauds -
Please adopt me?



Happy New Year of the Rabbit



We had the best day today down in London and packed in so much. We went - sight-seeing, on a bus tour, to Madame Tussauds, had afternoon tea, saw The King's Speech at the Odeon Leicester Square where it had its European Premier, wandered round China Town to celebrate the New Year, had drinks out in a bar with Pixie Lott and basically had a fantastic time with great company. Thanks P,B and A xxx

Day 26: London calling

• Pink jumper: Gap
• Grey cardigan: Gap
• Grey jeans: Marks and Spencer
• Black boots: Ugg Australia

I am off to London this morning, a trip I had in my mind when I chose my 30 for 30 items. Anticipating what the weather is going to do is like looking in to a crystal ball but hopefully I have every eventuality covered. I am so excited to spend time with my friends and we have so many fun things planned. I may not be able to post until after the weekend, but I will take the usual outfit shots. See you in a few days.

It's Friend Friday again which, hosted by the lovely Katy Rose, poses questions to fashion and beauty bloggers on a set subject and provides a forum to share the answers. This week we are talking about creating a unique blog.

1. With all the blogging events out there how do you determine which ones to participate in and which ones to avoid?
As I am quite new to blogging I haven't been tested too much on this yet however there have certainly been a number of events which appear in my inbox. I think the rule I really have to follow is to first and foremost be true to myself. If I am going to participate in an event then I want to put in the effort so if I know I won't have time or it is not something that excites me then I probably won't join in.

2. Be honest, have you ever jumped on the bandwagon of some blogging movement/event for the wrong reasons? How did that turn out?
So far, no I haven't, but I am sure there will come a time when I get swept along with something that maybe isn't for me. I think you need to know when to say no.

3. How do you give your own flair to a blog event while still maintaining the general mission and purpose?
At the moment I have just been enjoying getting involved and making connections with people and haven't yet felt the need to put a unique spin on things. I want to be creative but true to myself and not gimmicky.

4. When determining the best content for your blog what criterion do you keep in mind?
My blog has a specific purpose as it is documenting my year of no shopping, remixing my wardrobe and wearing a different look every day. This means it has a structure and a purpose each day and there is no hiding.

5. While everything will not suit your blog, how do you try and support your fellow bloggers who are participating in something worthwhile but not your style?
The email groups are great for checking in with how everyone is doing and passing on comments, I also like to check out the blogs even if I am not involved.

Day 25: What's with this weather?

• Black skirt: Gap
• Tank: Gap
• Blue shirt: Marks and Spencer
• Tights: Marks and Spencer
• Brogues: Primark

I have just got home from the hairdresser and a cyclone!!!! Is there any part of the globe which isn't being affected by freaky weather? Last night the temperature plummeted, then surprisingly we had lightening and the loudest crash of thunder I have ever heard, this morning it was snowing and this evening the wind and rain are of epic proportions. I stepped out of the salon into a monsoon and that is why I have posted sans head! There is no point passing any judgement on the success of a haircut until I have had a go at styling it. There is no radical difference I have had little of the length but the layers are quite choppy. Right now, just out of the wild, I look a bit like a member of Bon Jovi circa 1986. Lets hope that tomorrow it looks like it belongs in this millennium.

Day 24: Haircut eve



• Black cardigan: East
• Grey wool skirt: Marks and Spencer
• Black lst: Matalan
• Green tights: Primark
• Shoes: Marks and Spencer

I am not one for regular haircuts and tend to make appointments when I feel I can no longer do anything with it. I have been known to cut my own fringe and even the odd trim is definitely not beyond me. I always have high hopes from a visit to the salon and then come out feeling that I either haven't got what I asked for or disappointed that for some reason the trim hasn't turned me into some ultimate version of myself. I am always on the search for the hairstyle that defines me, that brings my look together, suits my face shape, is slimming, stylish and just fabulous but it remains elusive. I have had my hair long, short, blonde,brunette, red, highlighted, lowlighted (?), straight and permed and at the moment I am growing it and would like it a bit longer. My fringe is troublesome, however as whilst I prefer to have one it has a tendency to separate. Last year I found a new hairdresser and he seems to get me and my hair. I spend most mornings trying to persuade my hair to take a curl and inject some volume and he has never offered to 'dry my hair straight' as many before when it is perfectly clear that just patting me on the back and sending me on my way with wet hair would soon acheieve that look naturally. So, it is due for a cut and seeing it on screen daily has made me make an appointment earlier than I might usually, I also want to look nice for my weekend away. Tomorrow I am going for a trim and maybe this time it'll turn me into a new woman, we shall wait and see.

Day 23: 30 for 30

Well here is my 30 for 30 as part of Kendi Everyday's 30 for 30 challenge .

11 Tops

4 Cardigans/jackets                 2 Dresses            

  

2 Skirts                                   5 Trousers          6 Shoes

I took a lot longer picking my 30 items to remix for the next 30 days than I had planned. This is partly because I have quite a lot on this month, including a break to London this weekend, and I want to be sure I will be prepared for everything. As I generally wear different clothes for work and play I think this will also make remixing more challenging. I decided to pick some favourite items and some I wear less often to remix in. I won't know if I've picked the right things until well into the 30 days and like at any time some days you get it right and some days you don't.

• Cardigan: Marks and Spencer
• Grey trousers: H&M
• Blouse: Marks and Spencer
• Shoes: Marks and Spencer

I put this outfit together in a mad rush this morning and it was partly dictated by a lack of imagination and by a need to wear fairly sensible shoes for a 20 minute walk I knew lay ahead during the day. It's not particularly inspiring and I am already starting to think that these trousers may have been a poor choice - still that's the challenge of 30 for 30.