As I detailed last week when reviewing their Manhattan glitter flats, Charlie Stone Shoe’s 2021 autumn/winter line is a family reunion of re-released and reimagined past bestsellers. One of the reimagined kin is the London flats, previously available in red and this year released in a navy velvet, a perfect match to the gown I’ll be wearing for my younger sister’s twice-rescheduled wedding next spring. There was simply nothing for it; I had to order both. If you read last week’s Manhattan review you’ll know I adore them, and so it is likely no great surprise to learn I feel just as ardently about the London.

Shoes: Navy London shoes by Charlie Stone Shoes
[Bought with a discount as part of an influencer program]
Dress: Old season gifted Miss Candyfloss
Cardigan: Navy Mabel cardigan by Voodoo Vixen
Brooch and bag: Vintage

I originally intended to wear another pair of Charlie Stone’s for said aforementioned wedding, the gold Santorini’s, but as each reschedule for the wedding has come and gone I’ve found myself flip-flopping between wearing silver or gold as my accessories colour for the big day. As such, snapping up a pair of gorgeous, luxe flats in a navy velvet that exactly matches my gown just seemed like a no brainer–no matter which metal colour wins my heart next May, my navy velvet London’s will work for both.

The London flats offer glamour with ease, boasting a geometric design of cut-outs and stitching that produces a chic yet intricate vamp one most expects to see on a pair of evening heels. The centre diamond cut-out is echoed by 4 smaller cut-outs that almost create an art deco flower. The t-strap leads to a sturdy ankle strap that fastens with CS’s quick release buckle, a feature I will always appreciate for being both quicker, of course, and much easier than a standard buckle. As with all Charlie Stone flats, they aren’t entirely flat. There is a small heel on the outer sole, just 10mm, but there’s also an internal elevated heel that lifts the foot to a more supportive angle. That slight elevation is what makes these shoes so much more comfortable for me (and my not-quite-right left foot) compared to other standard flats.

I also need to take a moment to cherish the use of velvet in this shoe; I am typically a suede lover in shoes, but I regularly get them wet and even muddy, living as I do in the countryside, so I live in constant fear of ruining many of my favourite shoes. I love that the velvet of the navy London meets the need I have for a texturally interesting material but with less of the risk associated with suedes. It screams luxe but also don’t panic.

The London flats are vegan-friendly, made from a velvet fabric upper with PU lining. Charlie Stone shoes offer extensive sizing information on their website, so if you have any concerns about figuring out which size or style will work for you then checking out their size information would be your best move. These London flats are listed as grade 2, which means they consider them to run slightly large, around a quarter to a half size larger, and are also listed as being best suited for regular width feet. I’m a UK 7 so I wear a 40 in European sizing, which is what CS use, but I do have slightly wide feet, so it’s not unusual that I may need to size up into an 8/41 for certain shoes styles, particularly where the instep comes into play. For this reason, I decided to buy these in the 41 so that my left foot (which doesn’t actively have Plantar-Fasciitis anymore but can be experience discomfort and aching quite easily,) will be happier. For others, without any unusual sizing or comfort requirements, following Charlie Stone’s own size guide and advice will no doubt serve you well. As is the case with all Charlie Stone Shoes, these are well-made and high quality.

The navy velvet London flats are available in sizes 35-42, but also come in vegan imitation suede in black and red. Charlie Stone Shoes ship (free!) worldwide.

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Disclaimer: The shoes featured in this review were bought at a discount as part of an influencer program. The dress worn as part of this outfit was previously gifted to me by Miss Candyfloss. All opinions expressed are truthful and my own, with no input from any of the companies listed or any other individuals.

COVID-19 NOTE: These pictures were taken alone and safely in a secluded outdoors area with no other individuals present, thus practising strict social distancing measures in an effort to help reduce the spread of Covid-19.