There are two types of people; people who love being matchy-matchy with their accessories, and people who dgaf. In a way, I do sort of aspire to be the latter, because in that chaotic pocket of people you have both people who really don’t care about aesthetics and people who know how to take a risk to create something really bold and unusual, and both outcomes are inspiring in their own way. But no, I am a matchy-matchy accessoriser, down to my core, and I don’t think that’s going to change. There’s just something so visually pleasing about finding a necklace that perfectly matches your shoes, or a handbag that matches your cardigan. Or, in the case of Ruby Shoo 100% of the time, a handbag that matches your statement shoes, a perfect, stand-out pair ready to elevate every outfit. And this duo? Oh this duo is something else entirely!

Shoes: Black and White Willow heels gifted by Ruby Shoo
Bag: Black and white Santiago bag gifted by Ruby Shoo
Dress: Mint Luna dress previously gifted by Unique Vintage (A/L)
Cardigan: Darcy wrap cardigan by Collectif*
Bangles: Splendette and Bow & Crossbones
Brooch: Vintage

When I first saw these black and white Willow heels I was immediately smitten! The fact that they’re available with a matching, ridiculously adorable handbag was just icing on their abstractly designed contrast cake. Ruby Shoo’s matching shoes and bag sets make them perfect for brides, folks looking out for the eye-catching final pieces to complete their special occasion outfit, and especially ladies who just don’t feel quite as well-versed and confident in putting together the right accessories with their ensembles. There’s no more trawling through 20 websites and a dozen stores at the mall trying to find a clutch to match the heels you bought for your sister’s/cousin’s/best friend’s wedding, because all the hard work is already done for you! Amen. 

The Willow heels are a sugary sweet pair of joy and delight. Their black and white leaf print uppers immediately catch the eye, while their blue faux suede trimming and ribbon ankle ties add a touch of fun and a feel of spring. Said ankle ties create a keyhole effect on your foot, like Mary Jane’s much sexier old sister has come out to play. They also make it super easy to do up your shoes, as you only have to tie a bow rather than struggle, bent double, to do up a buckle on that one ankle you can never seem to reach by yourself, especially if you’re strapped into shapewear and a dress that will split if you bend too deeply. The shoe struggle is very real, just not when you’re wearing these little cuties!

The heel height is 9cm, so a very comfortable mid-height for those of us who are well versed in wearing heels. Between the heel height and the ankle ties, they feel very secure to wear. I’ve worn Ruby Shoos a few times in the past on modelling jobs and I remember them being well made and comfortable then, but I was delighted to discover they’ve recently redesigned their range with even greater comfort in mind, adding in a padded insole to help ward off that dreaded ache I often get in the balls of my feet  when wearing heels, a much appreciated addition. I asked for these shoes in a UK 7, my usual size, and they’re a truly perfect fit. They come in UK sizes 3-9.

And now, onto the matching bag. The Santiago bag shares the same black and white contrast leaf print on the folding top of the bag, trimmed with the blue same faux suede and threaded through with a matching blue grosgrain ribbon around the outer edge to meet in the middle as a sweet little bow. The main body of the bag and it’s handle are plain black. It comes with a detachable shoulder strap, and there’s an open wall pocket inside for safe keeping. It closes with a magnetic popper.

It’s a compact bag, just right for taking out to dinner or special events when you just want to carry your essentials, but there’s still ample room for me to fit my iPhone 7 plus, my bulky power bank and cable, a pack of tissues, my cards, and the makeup bits I would want to take with me for touch ups when out. Specifically, it’s 20cm wide, 18cm tall and 10cm deep across the bottom. The detachable strap’s drop is 56cm. 

The black and white Willows heels and matching Santiago bag are exclusive to Ruby Shoo’s own website so you’ll have to pick them up directly from them, but new customers get 15% off when they sign up to their newsletter so you can pick them up at a great discounted price! If you love the shape of these pieces but the black and white print isn’t for you, they also come in a navy tropical print that’s super fun.

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[Disclaimer: The shoes and bag featured in this review were gifted to me by Ruby Shoo in exchange for a feature. The dress was previously gifted to me by Unique Vintage for a past feature. Items marked with an asterix * are items I bought myself but are made by companies I have worked with previously by accepting gifted items in exchange for writing honest reviews to feature them. All opinions expressed in those reviews are my own and wholly truthful, with no input from any companies or any other individuals. Items marked with (A/L) are Affiliate Links.]