Midlife Loves

"Timeless everyday style"

Midlife Loves

To Trainer Or Not To Trainer - That Is The Question!!

Firstly thank you for all your wonderful comments on my blog-a-versary :-)  Not to mention your answers to my survey (click here if you'd still like to take part), which I promise to implement on the blog in the coming couple of weeks, just need to get my head round a couple of things first!!!

In the meantime back to today's post, now you probably haven't failed to notice that trainers are HUGE this season & whilst I love the idea in principle & think they look really cool, my problem is that when I think of trainers these come to mind.




Yes these are my ever so muddy & unglamorous running trainers, which I think is fair to say isn't quite the look I would want to be rocking when out & about other than when clothed in hi-vis lycra!!

Whilst I love the trend, I have to admit I'm just not sure coloured trainers for anything that doesn't involve keeping fit are for me (did I just say that out aloud?!!) - hell I've only recently started wearing wedge trainers!!  

Although I must admit to loving all the colours you can buy said trainers in & fully appreciate just how comfy they would be to wear when running around on a day of errands not to mention sensible instead of tottering around in heels.  But for someone as accident prone as me....yup I've even managed to fall over the dog wearing trainers (albeit whilst out running) resulting in a rather fetching black eye & the skin above my eye needing gluing back together!  I swear I could probably trip over an ant if I tried!!!  Hence I'm currently thinking that I might stick to ballet pumps instead......although having said all that as I've finally gone over to the wedge trainer side give me a few months & no doubt I'll be singing the praises of said trainers & own a couple of pairs to boot!!

I'm wondering if part of my reluctance to give them a go is due to the dreary wet weather we've had for the majority of the last two months & that this is to blame for the fact that I've not fallen head over heels in love with them.  As personally I prefer them styled with a turned up boyfriend jean & a bit of exposed ankle but even I draw the line at slipping a pair of pop socks on with trainers!!!

Of course in readiness for completing a complete 'U' turn on owning several pairs of trainers it's only right that I start drawing up a shortlist now ;-) and if I were to have my head turned these beauties could be the ones!  Such an absolutely gorgeous shade of pink, which let's face it is about as deep as I'm going to get with trainers - make, brand I'm not bothered but colour oh yes extremely important - a bit like when I hear someone's brought a new car - I'm mainly interested in which colour they've gone for!!!


Nike Internationalist Pink Trainers




Now these babies are divine & I can see them looking stunning teamed with a light denim boyfriend pair of jeans, a simple white t-shirt & navy blazer....oooh I can almost feel the urge to click!!

Although for a more toned down pair then Nike also do this gorgeous soft shade of grey, which again would look stunning with what I call a real light cornflower blue shade of denim.






Moving onto New Balance which seems to be the trainer of choice then this navy pair are a real classic & something that's not going to stand out too loudly if you want to ease yourself in gently.






Or for a subtle pair then how about this light grey shade?






Or maybe even this grey & pink shade - two colours I absolutely love worn together.






Moving back to the brighter pairs & I'm also liking these more vibrant black & pink trainers from Nike, as I have a feeling if I'm going to embrace them I might as well go for a pair that are going to stand out!






Moving away from trainers but keeping with the theme then thick soled pull on pumps (not the correct fashion term  - obviously!!) are also really big news for spring.  Again I love these on others but for some reason I just think of Showaddywaddy when I see them (yes I know I'm showing my age - please tell me I'm not the only one to know who & what Showaddywaddy are?!!!).




But if I were to be tempted you know it would be a leopard print pair I'd plump for & these ones from ASOS are extremely well priced if it's a trend like me you're not sure whether to embrace or not.






Of a similar design but more expensive are these ones from River Island.  I'm a real sucker for anything pony hair & leopard print as I just think it looks that bit more classic & stylish, so naturally I'm loving these!






These next slip-on trainers are from Marks & Spencers, which gets me thinking that if good old M&S are rocking the trend then they've got to be respectable for us 40 somethings?!!!











Or how about these burgundy ones from Topshop, which are something that little bit different to the rest.






Another furry pair next & if leopard print isn't your thing then what about this black furry pair also from Topshop?






Or how about this snake print pair from Zara?






Or, if like me you're still sat on the fence then this next style of trainers (well I'd call these more pumps to be honest!) might be more within your comfort zone.  Now I already have a couple of Boden pumps (a leopard print pair - naturally & a silver pair to satisfy my inner magpie) for my more 'dress down' kind of days but I think I could have a bling/navy hole, which this next pair would easily fill!






Or upping the bling scales slightly how about this laceless pair from New Look?










But for all things bling-tastic then you probably won't be surprised to hear that I'm LOVING this next pair of Converse.....my only problem would be choosing which colour to buy!!














So what are your thoughts are trainers for fashion or for life?!!

Finally a quick round up of what I've been wearing since my last post.


Outfit One




'V' Neck Jumper - ASOS
Necklaces - Handmade
Leather Cuff - Banana Republic
Faux Leather Leggings - Zara
Brogues - Chanii B




Boyfriend Coat - Zara


Outfit Two




Jumper - East
Scarf - Massimo Dutti
T-Shirt - Zara
Bracelets - Gemini-Woman & Ashiana
Jeans - H&M
Boots - Oasis




Jacket - Zara


Outfit Three




Jacket - Zara
Scarf - Zara
'V' Neck Jumper - Gap
Leather Cuff - Banana Republic
Jeans - Zara
Boots - Zara


Outfit Four




Necklace - Monsoon
Denim Shirt - Zara
Jumper - Gray & Osbourn
Jeans - Zara
Leopard Print Court Shoes - Zara


So have you taken the plunge & are currently sporting a pair of trainers for the school run?  If so what style & colour have you gone for?  Plus how do you wear yours?  Or perhaps you're like me & totally undecided/firmly of the opinion that they're just not your bag?  Perhaps you're even joining me & admiring from afar & sticking with the tried & tested classiness of the ballet pump.

As always I'd love to hear your thoughts, not to mention if you think in the words of Margaret Thatcher "this woman's not for turning" or if you think I'm going to end up doing a complete 'U' turn before the last daffodil has budded!!

Enjoy the rest of the weekend & see you in a few days.

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20 comments

  1. I'm not into the trainers for fashion thing either, I just don't feel it's me, though I do love pumps - superga or converse and there's a great selection here. You've been busy with your blog! Looking good! Lynne x

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    1. Thanks Lynne, I'm very tempted by the navy glitter Converse I must admit & the pink Nike trainers keep popping up in my head but then I look at my ballet pumps & think I'll be good....well for the time being at least ;-)
      Jane xx

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  2. //fashion40ish.blogspot.co.uk/
    I have had a bash, Jane, see what you think. I would love your' opinion.
    I am with you on the sneaker/trainer trend. I adore them on Michelle / Kat and others but I am not sold on them for me. My leg shape just doesn't lend itself well. I have to admit that I haven't tried any on so I need to do that because, you never know, I may surprise myself. H xx

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    1. I bet you go for some Helen & who knows I may join you!!! Will pop over & have a look at your blog.
      Jane xx

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  3. I still can't work out if I love or loathe the trainer trend - totally on the fence but I am slowly slipping towards love!
    yes I remember Showaddywaddy!

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    1. Fiona I'm definitely on the fence with you, just don't think you can beat a ballet pump for spring but never say never ;-)
      Jane xx

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  4. That first pic was exactly my thoughts, trainers are for exercise I would never wear them for any other reason - just yuck! And then I saw Frances in her's then Michelle and though I rather like those, so bought 2 pairs and I really do like them however I was wearing them when I tore the ligaments in my ankle so maybe I need to stick to a heel! Lol at Showaddywaddy, I remember them!! I've also got the Topshop ones in black and just ordered a snakeskin version I spotted in H&M, hopefully they'll be ok. I hate things that look too clumpy. Love thos pink Nikes! Which pair would tempt you apart from the obvious (Bet ones!!) Vikki xx

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    1. Oh no Vikki can't believe you were wearing them when you tore your ligaments - you definitely need to stick to heels lol!! I bet the Topshop pull ons & the H&M ones are going to look fab on you...knowing me I'd trip up over the thick sole lol. The Bet ones apart it would definitely be the pink Nikes for me. Hope the ankle is on the mend soon.
      Jane xx

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  5. I have the new balance in navy and one of my daughters just bought the grey vintage and they are lovely. I felt I was too old for the trend but wouldn't be without them now, so comfy x

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    1. I love you in yours Sharron...I'm just not sure although those pink Nike are definitely now in my mind, but then I've seen a gorgeous jacket & we all know where that's going to end lol!!
      Jane xx

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  6. Do it! Do it! Go on Jane.....you know you want too! Lol! I am full-on obsessed with trainers.....as you are no doubt aware and it shows no sign of abating either!! Good job the DH likes this trainer trend! Give 'em a go I say! xx

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    1. Lol Michelle you really rock the trainer & always look so cool in yours...I just don't know, although I might surprise you!!!
      Jane xx

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  7. Loving the Dotty P navy pumps...fab!! I do like the trainer trend (& remember it from the last time around in the 90's, lol!!). I already have a few pairs of converse that I love (& the glitter ones are gorgeous!) & I really like the NB's in vintage grey. x

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    1. The Dotty P ones are fab aren't they Sian. I can certainly see the appeal of trainers I just don't know if I'd get my wear from them...I'm currently trying to think of how many outfits I could plan around the pink Nikes or glittery Converse lol!
      Jane xx

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  8. Jane you should go for it, you could so rock a pair of leopard print slip ons. I have been a New Balance fan for a few years but have just got into the slip ons and I love them..they will be invaluable in the summer! x

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    1. Frances I'm trying to be good lol!!! Plus I've just seen a couple of pairs of sandals I quite like too....decisions, decisions!!
      Jane xx

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  9. I have the Dorothy Perkins navy pumps and I love them! I don't like trainers so got these as a stylish alternative! Loving the River Island pony hair leopard print plimsolls and the glittery Converse. xxx
    The Jolly Fashionista

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    1. You see that's what I'm currently thinking Emma I've got both my silver & leopard print pairs of pumps & I'm just wondering how much use I'd get out of a pair of trainers....not of course that's any reason to stop me ;-)
      Jane xx

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  10. You would totally rock a pair of NBs Jane! I have the M&S slips on in leopard print on order! They arrived instore today but the 5s were a tad too big so I sent them straight back & ordered a 4! Can't wait to collect them! Ax

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    1. Ooh I look forward to seeing the M&S ones on you Andrea, as I'm now thinking perhaps I should try a pair on but there again I'm not sure!! Lol by the time I make my mind up they'll have gone out of fashion!!
      Jane xx

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