One, Two Buckle My Shoes

"Today I began to put buckles on my shoes" wrote the diarist Samuel Pepys in 1660. This is the year that buckles replaced ribbons as the most fashionable way to fasten a shoe. The buckles came in in all manner of shapes and sizes made by the finest silversmiths of the day.

Silver and leather buckles, made in London, 1790

For over three hundred years the shoe buckle was a form of status, transforming plain shoes into glorious objects that attracted much attention . It wasn't until the 1960's that shoe clips (a direct descendant from the buckle) fell out of fashion.

Pair of Red Patent Bow Clips @ £16.50

Fear not. New York based designer Erica Weiner, who is a lover of all that is vintage, has re-issued a limited edition collection of 1950's shoe clips to jazz up our modern day footwear.

Pair of Navy Grosgrain Rosette Clips @ £16.50

In these times of financial struggle and eco-consciousness why not transform a pair of old, but cherished shoes, giving them a new lease of life.

Pair of Cream Grosgrain Rosette Clips @ £16.50

As you walk down the street, glimpsing your navy grosgrain rosette or bright red patent bow clipped onto a pair of your favourite pumps you will wonder how you ever lived without these indispensable little gems.

Available here from the Shoe Department.