Details: Swedish Hasbeens for H&M clogs

My classmate Dimitris (I'm putting his name above the fold to catch his attention and also tease him a little because I had no idea he even knew about the existence of this blog) saw these shoes yesterday and told me that he would be waiting for them to appear on my (infamous) blog.  Well, wait no more! 

I had previously learned about cult clog brand Swedish Hasbeens from other bloggers, and had browsed the site in a vague, admiring kind of way.  But knowing that the shoes cost upwards of £100 meant they were a distant dream, not to be taken seriously at all.  And then, I read a magazine (the same one about Kate Middleton's "secret hell" and "shattered self-confidence"... oh, tabloids!) and learned that they were collaborating with H&M to design a more affordable clog line.

My first reaction was breathless excitement, followed by crashing disappointment when I realised they didn't carry them in the town nearest to me.  However, by some miracle, I went with a group of friends to the Birmingham Bull Ring where they did indeed stock these beauties.  When I walked into the store and saw the lines of different clogs waiting to be taken to a loving home, my heart made a brief skip.

If you've seen the Swedish Hasbeens for H&M line at all, you'll see that the clogs are cute and practical and beautifully designed, just like the original line.  (Check the link to see which stores are stocking them if you're interested, there should be loads left!)

Yes, they are pricey at above £30, but they're much cheaper than the original and come with the same great features like the beautiful wooden bottom, vivid, full-grain leather (I will always pay far and away more for leather) and a lot of style for a lot of comfort.

I bought the red clogs (obviously) with a very walkable 8cm heel and gave them a quick preliminary polish with extra virgin olive oil last night.  If you look at the shoes, you'll notice that the pitch is very mild, making them a joy to walk in.  Leather also softens over time, which will make them more and more comfortable.

My only issue (and it's a piddling one at that) is that if you're not used to walking in clog-type shoes, the toe swoops upwards, and that causes the shoe to rock slightly on uneven ground, for example paving slabs or cobblestones.  It can be a little surprising, but it's easily gotten used to, and I've been walking around in them all day with none of the breaking-in pains you sometimes get with new shoes.  I can see they're quickly going to become a staple!

Blouse - present from mother.  Jeans - Uniqlo.

Clogs - Swedish Hasbeens for H&M.  Bracelets - The Disney store.

Necklace - Urban Outfitters.

Estimated temperature - 21 degrees!  Hallelujah!

I let them pop against a simple top and jeans outfit with this amazing blouse that my wonderful, wonderful mother gifted me when we met in London.  I just love that shoes and a cute blouse detail like this can really jazz up and outfit that is basically your quintessential combo of t-shirt and jeans.  I am a real t-shirt and jeans girl and I felt nothing but comfortable all day.

I wore this to a lunch/tea of sorts with Dimitris, Shriya, my classmate Jon and his girlfriend Malley at this beautiful place called the Saxon Mill, a large pub on the water with outdoor seating.

The weather was beautiful and we had a stunning view of the water as it rushed around us, beneath a bridge and under the pub, fringed by rushes, weeping willows and the occasional swooping bird.  Everyone was outdoors, enjoying the warmth and I found myself smiling when I thought of the previous freezing, grey, uncooperative Inklund.  If only it were always like this!

We had a wonderful lunch of smoked Haddock fishcakes and Belgian fries, talked about miscellaneous things like Twilight and parenting, and then walked around the pub, laughing as people waded across the water from the other bank to get their beers.

In other news, if you're interested, fellow blogger Nina on the Moon is hosting a bikini giveaway.  I'm participating, and you should too!  Check out her blog below if you'd like to enter!!