White Wales - July reader shopping requests

It’s White Whales time again! The feature where I take reader shopping requests from the So Good chat and make like Ahab and FIND THEM. Loads of good ones this month, thank you very much for submitting. Let’s go.

Julie, never be sorry for knowing exactly what you want. We should all be so wise. The trainers you are describing sound like these, which are indeed no longer available:

I agree with you that a metallic trainer is really useful, and I doubly agree with you that they have to be a bit austere in every other way to work. If you can bear a slightly chunky white sole, which I do think works with a cropped jean or trouser (look at me saying jean in the singular!!!) then these from FitFlop look good, as do these from mother of the bride wedding outfit purveyor Phase Eight (on sale though, so v limited sizes).

I also really like a gum/tan coloured sole with the gold. These two pairs from Regarde Le Ciel and Brax (No, me neither) look cool and are reassuringly priced, yet also on sale.

If you are happy to play a longer game, set up Ebay and Vinted alerts/saved searched for the original pair. If I’m correct in the ones I think you mean, the model name and number is New balance 996 Gold Womens Trainers Shoes WR996EE. Wait long enough and someone will sell a pair in your size. It’s what fishing is all about, ARRRRR.

Emily, I can relate. I have been looking at the If Only If gauzy nightdresses for weeks, maybe as much as once a day during the heatwave. For those who are unfamiliar, If Only If make these beautiful, old fashioned cotton nighties that you can waft about in, doing wholesome things like collecting eggs from your chickens or making curd.