MY FAVOURITE SHOES ARE BACK IN STOCK!

OK, they’re not my ALL-TIME favourite shoes: that honour would have to go to Christian Louboutin’s ‘Pigalle’ pumps, which are maybe a little less “fun”, but which I would wear with absolutely everything if I possibly could.

These little polka dot peep toes, however, were definitely one of my favourite purchases of 2015, and any time I feature them on my blog or Instagram I get questions about where to buy them, so I figured some of my fellow ShoeperWomen might be pleased to know that ASOS have now re-released them! Just like last year, the shoes are available in both the polka dot print shown above, and a gold satin which I think would make wonderful wedding shoes for the bride on a budget (these are just £45), or, indeed, for anyone else – because we all know how versatile gold peep toes can be, don’t we?

Unfortunately for me, although I’ve had these shoes for over a year now, the weather last summer was so bad that I had very opportunities to wear them. The good news, however, is that thanks to all that rain, they’re still almost as good as new, so I’m crossing my fingers and toes for a warm spring, so I can take them out for a spin or three. If that dry weather actually arrives, it would also give me an excuse to buythese guys:

I’m a big fan of mint green, which I always associate with summer, but which I also hardly ever get to wear during it, because pale shoes and Scottish summer aren’t a particularly good mix. These, however, are just £34, so you wouldn’t have to be too precious with them, and the colour would be perfect with a pair of white trousers or a dress. I own both of those, so now I just need the weather: fingers crossed…

THREE PAIRS OF SHOES FIT FOR SHOEPERWOMEN

1 / 2 / 3

OK, does someone want to come over and block my access to the ASOS website? Like, you could set up some kind of password I’d never guess? (So, not ILOVEASOSSHOES, for instance, because I’d get that one in a hot second…) Because, the thing is, I’ve described these shoes as being fit for “shoeperwomen”, but what I really mean is that they’re fit for ShoeperWoman – er, that’s me, in case it wasn’t obvious.

And yes, they’re from ASOS. Again. I’m not even going to bother trying to apologise for my ASOS obsession at this point, because let’s face it: what Shoeperhero wouldn’t be just a little bit obsessed with a brand that consistently presents you with affordable footwear, in styles that make you feel like they just reached into your head, worked out exactly what you were looking for, and then put it into shoe form? So, the shoes…

The first pair I love because they’re gingham, and they’re baby blue: and even although I already own a pair of baby blue gimgham shoes, I STILL want these wants, because that’s the kind of power shoes have, isn’t it? The power to make you want them, even although you kinda sorta already have them. The thing is, though, my shoes are pumps, and these are slingbacks; mine have a bow, and these don’t. So they’re TOTALLY different, right? Regardless, these just scream “summer” to me, and would look awesome with a pair of white jeans or a cute sundress: SOLD.

The second pair, meanwhile, I love, because DOTS. And bows. I’m not so keen on the ankle strap, and I’d like them a whole lot better if they were pumps, rather than d’orsay cut, but I still wouldn’t kick them out of the shoe closet, knowwhatimean?

As for the third pair, meanwhile, well, when they appeared on my screen, I thought, “Oh, Ted Baker! So cute – but so totally out of my price range right now.” Then I looked again, and nope, they’re ASOS, and they’re £50. Which all of a sudden makes them a lot more dangerous…

MINI CAPSULE | CAPSULE WARDROBE CLASSICS FROM TOPSHOP

As I mentioned back at the start of the month, I’m aiming to create a new capsule wardrobe for every month. (“Aiming to” being the operative words here…)

Every so often, though, a retailer will release what I think of as a “mini capsule” – i.e. a small collection of clothes that all work so perfectly together that I just can’t resist throwing them all together and calling it a capsule wardrobe: or a “mini capsule”, really. I’ll be honest – most of these will probably be like this one: collections of classic items that never go out of style. I know that’s not to everyone’s taste, but it’s the style I’m most drawn to right now, and I also think it’s the style that best encapsulates the capsule wardrobe philosophy which, for many people, represents a shift in their shopping habits, and a move towards investing in timeless classics that never go out of style.

Anyway, this week Topshop was the retailer that somehow managed to peek inside my mind and create a small selection of clothing that I think would make for a perfect mini capsule wardrobe. And here it is:

INSIDE THE CAPSULE WARDROBE:

blue jeans; black jeans; trench; biker jacket; scarf

red skirt; black skirt; turtleneck; Breton

ankle boots; flats

These “mini capsules”, of course, aren’t comprehensive or varied enough to provide you with a huge amount of options, as you’d get from a “regular” capsule wardrobe. They are, however, handy for travel, or any other time when your closet space is very limited, and they can also be a useful starting point for people who’d like to create a capsule wardrobe of their own. I, for instance, will never switch to a TRUE capsule wardrobe, but I do like to create one from my clothes every season or so, and I then keep that “capsule” separate from everything else, so I know I always have “the basics” available, and I always have something to wear. That way I still get to wear and enjoy all of my other clothes, while still reaping the benefits that a capsule wardrobe can bring: works for me!

VALENTINE'S DAY: HOW TO DO IT RIGHT

 

Flowers die. Chocolate somehow disappears. Shoes are forever.

Celebrating Valentine's Day? The gift of shoes is a special one. A gift certificate for designing your own shoes will have the ladies swooning (and their men in the good books!). And if time is of the essence then don't worry. A few clicks of the mouse and our eGift Certificates will be sitting pretty in your Valentine's inbox. SHOP GIFT CERTIFICATES

Or forgo the fuss and treat yourself instead!

5 FASHION WEEK FAVOURITES: THINK PINK

BABY PINK IS ALL GROWN UP AND SHE'S READY FOR THE BIG CITY

What have we spied this season, but pretty pink walking down the runway! It’s the trend that has released the inner romantic in all of us. But it doesn’t have to be girly. It doesn’t have to be tacky. Baby pink is all grown up and she's ready for the big city.

There’s something so chic about pink - and there’s a way to make it work in your wardrobe.

PINK PEEPTOE PUMPS

A pink peeptoe pump in the park. How poetic. But more importantly, how gorgeous!? This is an entry-level hue for those babes who can't quite come at baby pink. And just a little secret between you and me... this material is actually a faded red leather! It's a delightful mix of earthy and feminine. Comfy and chic. Customise yours below.

 

 

WHEN PINK IS PRACTICAL

Soft and buttery and perfect for an office-and-errands kind of day, these 2½ inch round toe heels will take you from the front door to midweek family dinner. And that peek of pastel pink is just enough for you to know you're right up there with the runway, but not too girly for the office. This shoe will show itself to be a wardrobe is staple. Customise yours below.

 

 

BABY PINK BALLET FLATS

Jeans. A cute t-shirt. A takeaway cup of coffee from the cafe down the street. Your favourite mag tucked under your arm. Delicious snacks from the markets strategically hidden in your tote bag. Hello, weekend. And a special hello to you too, sweet pink ballet flats (made that bit more edgy with a bronze trim). Perfect for moseying through Saturday. Customise yours below.

 

 

STRAPPY + CHIC IN PINK

Perch yourself on your front steps and strap yourself in to these sexy sandals. The pink leather is so buttery-soft, so there's no need to compromise comfort for fashion. All ready for a Friday night, pair with a sweet dress, or your favourite denim. Customise yours below.

 

 

Ubiq x Converse #MadeByYou In Philly

An American classic brand Converse and their iconic Chuck Taylor All Star sneakers has teamed up with Philly sportswear hotspot Ubiq on the #MadeByYou campaign. This Friday, May 22nd from 6-10pm, join me along with Philly artists Martha Rich, Thom Lessner, Hawk Krall & Andrew who will be creating works of art out of your Converse kicks. It’s a celebration of art, footwear, music and Philly!

Come and let out your inner artist and give your Chucks some new life (or cop a new pair). Enjoy music by DJ Sammy Slice, food & drink. Below you’ll find the address to Ubiq:

Ubiq

1509 Walnut Street

Philadelphia, Pa, 19102

– Hope to see you all there

SHOE DESIGN SKETCHBOOK BY FASHIONARY

A sketchbook is not a just a book of blank pages. It’s a personal diary of your creative journey. A book of expressions, frustrations, and passions. It’s here where ideas get explored, developed, and possibly become actual products in the market place.

I love the feeling of filling up my sketchbook.  It does not happen often because publishers don’t really know the needs of a shoe designer.  Recently, I discovered Fashionarysketchbooks for shoe designers, and I’ve been in heaven. It’s been very easy to fill this book up with shoe doodles.

Fashionary has created a sketchbook which comes in thumbnail format. A template is already laid out for you in several heel heights, and all you have to do is connect the dots to a basic shoe form.  This feature allows you to focus on the design. With deadlines, and various projects, its great to be able to draw something quickly, and have it look proportional.

Other reasons why I like this sketchbook:

1. The paper is smooth to draw on.
2. Pencil erases easily.
3. Easy to take notes, and keep track of drawing dates.
4. A great way to draw mini collections.  I enjoy seeing my process, and ideas worked out.

5. Contains a shoe library of different constructions, a shoe glossary of footwear terminology, an international shoe size chart, and a spec sheet template.

Overall, I really like the Fashionary sketch book for shoe designers. It’s not only great for working designers, but also nice for those aspiring to get into  footwear design. They even have a shoe design book that has more expansive templates, and additional shoe design and trade information. You can find it here. I’m definitely going to buy this book, and look forward to using its more expansive templates.

SHOES AND ARCHITECTURE

Shoes and architecture are an obsession of mine. The lines and shapes of shoes and buildings have a strong correlation, and I enjoy exploring, and marrying them.

Recently, I came across Brasilian architect Oscar Niemeyer, and instantly became enamored with his abstract shapes and curves. He is known for his design of civic buildings for Brasília,a planned city that became Brazil’s capital in 1960, as well as his collaboration with other architects on the United Nations Headquarters in New York City. His exploration of the aesthetic possibilities of reinforced concrete was highly influential in the late 20th and early 21st centuries.

Niemeyer’s Cathedral of Brasília is the Roman Catholic cathedral serving Brasília, Brazil, and serves as the seat of the Archdiocese of Brasília. Inspired by the buildings shapes, I started to draw some shoes, and well, thought I would share my exploration here.

All sketches by me in Fashionary sketchbook.

THE EVOLVING BLOCK HEEL

I’m thrilled to see the block heel trend evolving. Pointy heels have been the “go to” work shoe for many decades. It has also been a stigma that in order to look feminine and sexy, you wear heels. As a working woman myself, comfort, and style are my two favorite words together. The block heel has brought a whole new element to fashion, and women. Brands, are now creating shoe designs with block heels than can be worn for a night out on the town, or a special event. Comfort is now spreading to everyday life, not just 9 to 5.

So far my favorite has been Miu Miu with their feminine block heel shapes, and various heights. As a brand they have always had the block heel shape in their collection. This isn’t anything new for them. Miu Miu offers an array of stylish, feminine patterns with lots of creative details.

Maryam Nassir Zadeh carries beautiful, simple block heel sandals, pumps, and even loafers that have a classic, vintage feel. I really love the Roberta’s as you see in my drawing above. They are also sold out almost everywhere.

Obsessed with this super block heel and pointed toe shape by Acne Studios. The high throat is also a nice touch. Charlotte Olympia also has a nice pointed toe block heel pump. I really love the mix of a heavy block heel with a feminine toe shape.

Can’t stop thinking about these Chloe’s.  Love the heel shape.

And, who said you can’t wear a block heel to a holiday party? These Delpozo are serious show stoppers!

Then there are the architectural block heels. One of my Spring 16 favorites are by Gucci. The scalloped heel is lovely!

Are you a fan of the evolving block heel trend? Do you still prefer this as a comfort or everyday type shoe, or do you like that its venturing into evening, and more fashion?

Illustration by me. Shoes are Maryam Nassir Zadeh and clutch by Clare Vivier.

8 BEST LEAF INSPIRED SHOE DESIGNS

Undoubtfully, floral & leaf inspired shoes have been catching our attention for several seasons and it continues to surprise us how the shoe designers integrating this nature inspired trend into their shoe collections. Here are 8 best shoe designs we favor in this trend.

Alexander Mcqueen sculptured leaf wedge, perfect ultimate indulgence for shoe lovers. We absolutely admire the details on the resin sculptured leaf wedges, and just could image how much work the shoe technicians have been putting into it to make them these perfect. It is a piece of art by itself. But don’t click your heels in these as the delicate leafs underneath might chip off.

Charlotte Olympia Eve Leaf bootie is a dynamic creation with laser cut leaf details, fun and quirky. But the lining under the upper seems unnecessary to us as laser cut could handle a perfect see through look.

Alexandre Birman cutout python sandal, a design combined everything which is hot for the season: leaf detailing cutouts, lace up ties and python print leather, plus a trendy feature from previous summer sandals – a front strap. This “Miss Perfect” is available atsaksfifthavenue.com at the price of US$795.

Jimmy Choo Kaci crystal suede leaf sandal, elegant leaf cutout details with rhinestone encrusted on top. Available at Neiman Marcus at the price of US$1595.

SNEAKERS THAT LIGHTEN UP YOUR WAY LITERALLY

Sneakers have been gaining attention like never before. While the heels are coming down from the platform height and hit the ground, the sneakers have made their way to Chanel Haute Couture. Karl Lagerfeld gave every brides-to-be a seal of approval if they want to wear sneakers on their weddings. Many have taken the inspiration and sporting around in their offices, at the parties and in the gym.
As if the lace, embroidery, sequin and rhinestone decorated sneakers are not enough, technology has taken it to the next level by lighting up the shoes with LED lights placed inside the rubber sole.

These Christmasy sneakers are designed with tennis shoe upper in white leather and pig hide lined inside. Semi-clear thick molded rubber sole at the bottom is the place where LED lights are hidden.
An USB battery charger is built inside the upper and covered by the tongue of the sneakers when it is not in use. A small switch is placed next to the charger to switch on and off the lights.
The producers claim that the lights can be on for about 9 to 12 hours per battery charge, and the sole is shockproof as well as waterproof.

For a night jogger like me, it’s not only a fashion statement, but also functional. These glowing in the dark lights work like a charm to help the joggers stand out against the background and get noticed by the drivers for their own safety.

So how it’s made? Intrigued by the idea and with the ambition of light up some high heels some day, we had a chance to take a look at how it’s built inside the sole, where you can find the key components of LED lights.
We also studied the quality differences of the cheap and expensive versions of these light up sneakers while we are at it.
Both cheap and expensive versions are built out of the same principle: place the LED lights and battery inside the sole and wire them to the switch and USB charger.
The outersole is about 3 cm thick, which got enough space for both LED lights and battery. Since the sole is semi-transparent, the lights are shining through the sole once they are switched on.