Style Theory: The criteria for the perfect black ankle boot..comfortable, flattering, buckles (very AW15) pointed toe, short ankle height and soft leather. I have found them from non-other than Clarks

Boots -  Clarks Stanhope V&A boots £125
Dress - Asos (old season)
Bag - H&M similar here

The boots are from the Clarks V&A collection, Clarks collaborated with the Victoria and Albert museum to create a cool and slightly more edgier range of shoes. They looked to different periods in history for inspiration, these boots hail from the 80s, the Goth era to be specific. Clarks have smartened the goth look to create a pair of boots that are sharp, chic and completely on trend. The buckles toughen up the look without looking too heavy.

Halloween Outfit
Jacket: H&M old season
Blouse: Zara
Jeans: Topshop
Boots: Clarks Stanhope £125

Made in soft leather these boots are the perfect height to be worn with dresses and skirts, or with skinny jeans/ leather leggings. I have chopped my black jeans up to just above my ankle so the boots sit below..fine for mild weather and the boots keep my feet warm. As I find with most of Clarks shoes, they are undeniably comfortable with a very small heel, the perfect schoolrun to evening out boots. The leather looks mottled online in real life it is far less so (actually the photo online put me off a little I am glad I ordered them anyway!) They are exactly what I was looking for and the fact that they are super comfy, complete with ' cushion plus' technology makes me even happier!

Here are a few ideas of how I will be styling them...

images via Pinterest

They will be so useful throughout the autumn/winter and spring, they look fab with bare legs so if I try not to eat too many selection boxes over Christmas I may try the bare leg look in the Spring.....

Have you found your perfect winter boots, how are you wearing yours this year? As always I would love to hear your thoughts and comments, until next time Frances xxx

*I was gifted the boots but under no obligation to blog about them - these exceeded my expectations.

The Black Ankle Boot Edit

Style Theory: Every year the same dilemma, I look for a black ankle boot that has everything; comfortable, flattering, soft leather, the right heel height and will go with every outfit from skinny jeans to dresses and take my feet cosily through the winter months.

In short I look for the perfect ankle boot, the question is 'is it out there?!' well, you know what, this year the high street have given it their all and I am pretty sure there is the perfect ankle boot out there for you..(and me)

First a few looks that have re-kindled my love and renewed my 'need' for the elusive perfect ankle boot..

Photos via Pinterest

Now to my favourites on the high street..starting with the dream pair..

Net A Porter Acne Jensen Boots £400

These are my dream black boots but sadly wayyy out of my price range. They are the perfect height, beautiful leather and I love the shape of the toe..so  on to the more affordable high street ones.

Office Imply Point Chelsea Boots £85

Not a bad 'homage' , these boots are definitely on my 'to buy' list. They will look good with 3/4 length skinny jeans (I always chop one pair of skinny jeans short so they sit slightly above the boot..it works for warmer Autumn days..not so good for the winter, that is when I wear them with longer skinny jeans) This style of boots can also work with black opaque tights and a little swing dress.

&Other Stories' boot game is strong this season, I cannot decide which ones I want to buy, here is my edit of my favourites..

&Other Stories Low Cut Leather Boots £79

The low cut of these boots will be extremely flattering when wearing these with skirts or dresses they will elongate your legs.

&Other Stories Anaconda Boots £165

These are stunning boots, I love the snakeskin look and the pointed toe. These would be great for an additional 'going out' pair of boots, fab with black skinny jeans and a pussybow/silk blouse for a rock chic look.

&Other Stories Low Cut Boots £105

Buckle boots are on trend this winter and these ones tick the trend without looking too clumpy or masculine.

&Other Stories Lace up Boots £145

I spotted these and was immediately obsessed, they are a fab 'tribute' to the Chloe lace up boots which I adore but at a much more palatable price.

Wear the boots the Parisienne way..

The navy pea coat looks great too..another item to add to the wish list..

Geox @John Lewis £130

I have a few pairs of Geox shoes and trainers and can almost guarantee these boots will be unbelievably comfortable. They will be perfect for everyday and the pointed heel makes them look stylish and delicate, really like the buckle and zip detail too.

Somerset by Alice Temperley at John Lewis £140

Do you see a theme here, I love a chelsea boot/pointed toe look in soft leather and this boot ticks all the boxes.

Somerset by Alice Temperley @John Lewis £150

These a little different but completely caught my eye, the mix and texture of the leather makes them look really expensive and again I really like the buckle detail.

Topshop Master Tortoiseshell Heels £85

The fashionista favourite, too high for me for all day but perfect for afternoon/evening out. They are tight on the ankle so perfect for under 3/4 length kick flare jeans..very 2015..

Sorel Major Low Boots @Travelling Bazaar £100

These are like wearing slippers, so comfortable and really flattering on your legs as they are low so sit on your ankle. I am wearing them in this photo below and I now have to invest in them, loving the leopard print detail at the back too.

They would be ideal for the schoolrun and everyday wear..they will go with all outfits..

Aigle @Travelling Bazaar £150

These are again super comfy and look delicate on. They are leather pony skin effect, so definitely not to be worn in the rain but kept for crisp, dry Autumn winter days.. I am wearing them in the photo below..

So there is my round up of the black ankle boots that have caught my eye so far this season, I will let you know which ones I buy!

My Style:

My outfits over the last few days..Sunday a day of running around after the kids, parties etc

Sweater: River Island
Jeans: Levis 501ct
Trainers: Stan Smith
Bag: M&S (old season)

Today for the schoolrun and a local meeting..

Sweater: Boden 
Coat: Zara (old Season)
Bag: Radley similar here
Jeans; Asos (old season)
Shoes; Russell & Bromley via ebayUk

Have you already bought your dream black ankle boots, would love to hear if you have found a comfortable, ideal pair, or do any of the boots above catch your eye?

As always I would love to hear your thoughts and comments, until next time Frances xxxx