A Leopard Print Shoe Find | Van Dal

I posted this next picture on Instagram a few weeks back as I couldn't believe where these gorgeous shoes came from and it was clear that many of you who saw them on there couldn't believe it either.

Scarlet Loafers in Black Suede/Jaguar Print

Yes...one of my mother's favourite brands, Van Dal, a British brand that has made shoes in England since 1936 and still make nearly half a million pairs of shoes every year, employing over 100 people in East Anglia alone.

I love when a brand recognises that their demographic has moved with the times and are looking for appropriately on-trend pieces (while still catering for their original customer base).

These loafers are just that. So many leopard print shoes can look a bit tragic (in my opinion...I know not all will agree) and I tend to find a shoe entirely made from leopard print too much to wear during the day (and again, not all of you will agree with me on this). I guess what I'm trying to say is that I think there's something classy about these loafers and I love that they are daytime appropriate and in this next outfit, workwear appropriate (all past season):

Black Knit - Oliver Bonas

Black Jeans - Selected Femme

White Shirt - Benetton

Shoes - as before

Comfort wise, they're fantastic, as you'd expect and size wise, I'm wearing the 6 so I'd say they are spot on and for anyone with a wider foot, you can see the wide fit version on this link.

If leopard is not your cup of tea, they also come in a gorgeous red suede:

Scarlet Loafers in Holly Red Suede

and in black with a silver tassel...stunning!

Scarlet Loafers in Black Suede

and in case you think these loafers are a one hit wonder at Van Dal, here are my other picks:

Smithfield Brogue in Storm Pearlised Patent

Mineral Casual Ankle Boots in Moss Suede

Buchanan Loafers in Black Suede

and finishing with these courts which come in 6 colours. What's interesting about them is that you can add a velvet mary jane detail or embellishments (sold separately) to totally transform the look of them:

Albion II Courts

All that's left to say is bravo Van Dal - I'm so pleased that instead of drowning in a sea of frumpiness, this company is watching trends and realising that their customers have moved with the times.

Oh and I should say that I was gifted the leopard loafers for the purposes of this blog post but I was not paid, nor was I required to blog about them. I simply wanted to share my genuine delight at how a brand much loved by my parents' generation (my mum is 84) is making shoes that I can fall in love with too.

Ax