THE INFAMOUS LEOPARD VANS

It'd all started with an innocent vlog by Hello October and then a careless look through my hometown shops. Then I found myself looking for them in Rome and even in New York. Finally, I hit the internet. Asos, Zalando, Privalia, Amazon, they were all useless. I found the light on eBay, and after two cancelled orders due to 'Product out of stock' and leopard print shoes popping up everywhere (I've seen even Adidas ones, they're horrible) I finally got my leopard Vans on Friday for a €80,20, shipping from Spain included.

Now, were they worth it? I have mixed feelings. Don't get me wrong, I love them and they haven't left my feet since I got them, but I'll admit that maybe the H&M ones, or even the new Black&Leopard Vans would have done me quite as well. Definitely the fact that I couldn't find them anywhere added to my obsession and made acceptable to pay 15€ more than the basic price for something that, after all, is last season.

Anyway, I love them to pieces. They're so comfortable and the perfect transitional shoe. I've already owned a pair of slip on Vans when I was 12 but I didn't like them even nearly as much as I adore this ones. I think the Authentic model makes them slightly more feminine, as the low neck reminds me kinda of a ballet flat. I also enjoy the almost flatform feel they have and the floppy black strings (I remember when I used to tuck them in to look cool and how hurtful those strings on my instep all day were). I think they perfectly compliment a very basic outfit, bringing it an edgy and informal feel. I've been wearing them with black skinnies and a plain grey tee and they really work together.

A couple years ago, I would've never bought these shoes, neither a pair of Vans or something with a leopard print on it. Obviously fashion has changed, but I like to think I've changed myself too. They definitely wouldn't look good with a polka dot collar shirt but they work with a more basic, grey toned, Zara-ish wardrobe, which is what I'm leaning to at the moment. Of course I can't just throw everything away and buy me a whole new closet (dreams), but I'm starting with a few little steps in that direction, and I'm quite enjoying it. Especially if those steps are taken in a pair of beautiful Leopard Vans.