My time at work this week has been split pretty much 50/50 between Chelmsford and the City. It’s still unclear which of these two offices is supposed to be my main base (London, please!) but either way I seem to have spent each day in whichever office the guy I’m working for isn’t in. This hasn’t exactly helped with my induction and I’ve not really been able to get my teeth into anything yet.
As a result of all the to-ing and frow-ng I have done a lot of walking between train stations and platforms. I’m a dedicated heels-wearer at work but after a few months’ sabbatical I’d forgotten how ill suited they are for walking anywhere other than around the office carpet. By Thursday my feet were starting to hurt and so I excavated my Cocorose folding shoes from the back of my wardrobe.
{photos from Cocorose}
Cocorose make pretty ballet pumps that fold in half and zip up into a handy case. They fold up incredibly small and you can stick them in your handbag without feeling like you’re carting a joint of ham around with you. They are so thoughtfully designed that the case also contains a fabric tote in which to put your heels so that you can carry them easily when you’re wearing the pumps.
Cocorose founder Janan started selling her shoes in an East London market in 2007 and has become so successful that she is now distributing through exclusive outlets such as Fortnum & Mason and Babington House as well as through her website and other boutiques.
I’ve had my shoes for two years now and they’ve lasted extremely well. I thought that they would wear out quickly but they aren’t showing any signs of wear at all and I have walked a fair few miles in them. They are a great alternative to that ugly trainers-and-socks-with-work-clothes look and are perfect for any woman who doesn’t want to sacrifice style for the sake of comfort.
Um, those are adorable. I’m in love, with the name (reminds me of a weird band called CocoRosie), the darling little pouch, and the cute colors and little embellishments. They are amazing! I think they sell something similar to those here, but no where near as cute. Which ones do you have?
I’m jealous you’re a heels wearer! I can’t get the hang of them at all, and as a result I’ve defaulted to ballet flats or oxfords or boots.
Sorry you’ve been traveling back and forth all week, hopefully you’ll settle in soon and have loads to tell us about it! What is it that you’re doing, exactly? If you don’t me prying… And congrats on your first week back at work!!
Hey. Mine are black but for the spring (see, told you it would start) I think I’d like some of those pistachio green or the oyster ones, they’re so pretty!
I have to wear heels as my legs are stumpy! I’m making an exception for Prada pumps of course. Anyway, you look like you’re really tall anyway?
I’m working for an asset management company designing parts of a website for them. Which sounds interesting and creative but is not. And you? I’ve been wondering what you do too!
I am not familiar with these but they are adorable and super stylish. I love that they fold right up! Good discovery!
Thanks Johanna, they’re really comfy too! And Janan is the sweetest lady as well, the customer service is amazing.
Now, I definitely think it has to be the ‘city’. No offense to Chelmsford and it’s residents. C’mon, lovely boss of Annie. I hope you will read this and here I list for you the (very justified) reasons: Annie has just (not long ago) moved to London. It has inspired her no end (as you can read here on her blog). As a result she has inspired so many of her readers (which I happen to be one of them). I think you’ll find that Annie’s enthusiasm, gusto and love for her work will thrive right here in the capital. Furthermore, I plan to roll up on my vespa and take her out for ‘quick’ lunches. Fill her stomach with nutritious and real food so she can excel at her working day. You never know, as I am a true foodie, I might bring you back some goodies too. I believe in ‘happy employees’ with a healthy work/life balance. Go on, make her day, and ours!!! Feel free to contact me if you have any comments or need more ‘justified’ reasons.
Clearly you are unbiased and so I think your opinion should be taken very seriously indeed.
I love Tina’s response! I do need some of these – my friend is telling me to get Tieks (maybe what Erin is referring to as they are sold in the US), but they are also $250-300, so I will check these out first. I love and only wear heals, so I need something for all of my running back and forth to bus, train etc. It’s funny too because in the US “pumps” are shoes with high heels. These Cocorose shoes would be called ballet flats. I learn so much on your blog!
Wow that’s a lot of money isn’t it? Yes I’ve seen they’re called pumps in the US which has confused me before too. Pumps are what we used to call trainers/sneakers when we were in primary school too! x
I’m with Erin; I just can’t completely get the hang of heels. I can in fits and spurts, but not for the long haul. I envy you and Oh. My. GAWD. Those shoes are all sorts of awesome. Hopefully this week will bring you all your heart’s desires!
Thank you! We’ll see about that….
[...] Bird wrote a lovely feature about Cocorose London’s folding shoes in her Blog, Insideology… Annabel Bird shows us how to Cocorose It in [...]
These little gems are lovely, indeed! Like Erin and Lauren, I am a flat heeled kind of gal through and through. I have tried on versions of the folding flat, but they seemed uncomfortable. I’m guessing these beauties must be comfortable or you wouldn’t be able to put the mileage on them.
PS~Congrats on your shout-out from thee Cocorose. Good work, Annie!
Thanks Theresa
Gorgeous colours and gorgeous designs, what more could you want from a foldy pump?!
My feet also had a ‘heels shock’ when back in London over Christmas – they’ve been getting all complacent mooching around in flipflops in Cayman, think I may need a pair of these for Honkers… Thanks for the heads up!
Almost looks like crocs flower dance, both are flexible shoes. I do relly like this kind of shoes.