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…

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.

 

 

WE'RE HIRING : MARKETING & PRODUCT MANAGEMENT INTERN

Marketing & Product Management Intern (French Speaking)

Shoes of Prey is a global online retail brand that allows women (including Carly Rae Jepsen!) to design their own shoes which we hand-make and deliver to them. We’re changing the way women shop for shoes and we’re on track to become a significant international retailer within the next 5 years. As our business continues to grow we're looking for a passionate Marketing and Product Management Intern to assist Todd, our Senior Product Manager improving our website conversion rate whilst also managing and propelling forward the Shoes of Prey presence in the French market.

Shoes of Prey has created one of the best shoe design experiences on the internet. With such a bright group of engineers, creatives and marketing specialists behind this website, there is much you can learn from an internship with us!

Shoes of Prey internships are full-time and based in Sydney, Australia. Internships typically last between 4 and 6 months. The internship is unpaid however, we do provide lunch daily and partial reimbursement for housing and/or travel expenses, depending on your relevant experience:

Your Key Responsibilities:

1. Manage French market presence, including website content updates, email marketing, social media management, blogger outreach, and public relations efforts. Seeking out prospects for effective business partners within the French market.


2. Assisting the product management team in the coordination of website development and technology initiatives. Including managing design life cycle by conduct brainstorms, prototyping, design reviews, user testing, etc. Writing functional specifications and mock website enhancements. Also, administering our JIRA project management platform.


3. Review marketing and website analytics, manage internal company dashboard reporting.


4. Attend weekly production meetings with Engineering, Creative, and Marketing teams.

What we're looking for:

• Applicants for this position should be fluent in both English and French. Working knowledge of Spanish or German are also appreciated. Candidates should have achieved or be pursuing a degree in business and/or engineering.


• Strong organisational and analytical skills with a persistent attention to detail.


• A great attitude and team player mentality.


• Time-management skills: multi-tasking, prioritising, organising and planning


• Technical aptitude:- you don't need to know how to code (although that would be an asset) but you must be able to convey complex, technical product requirements to engineers, and then translate these complicated details to non-technical colleagues


• Creativity and an enthusiasm for technology or e-commerce in the fashion sector


• An interest in marketing and social media

To apply for this role please email a cover letter and resume tojoinourteam@shoesofprey.com with the subject line "YOUR NAME - MARKETING AND PRODUCT MANAGEMENT INTERN". This is essential to ensure applications are reviewed by the correct department.

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

BEST SHOE PHOTOS OF SPRING 2016

Here are some best shoe photos we love for spring 2014. They are impressive illusions, created through inventive set design and careful composition.
They effectively caught your attention within seconds, and completed the mission of advertising successfully by making you want to look at them twice or even hang them on the wall.

Rupert Sanderson

Salvatore Ferragamo

Nicole Kidman for Jimmy Choo

TRIPLE THREAT: BLUE SUEDE SHOES

They’re the stuff of legend: blue suede shoes have been in the national consciousness since 1955 when Carl Perkins wrote a song about them and Elvis Presley turned it into amassive hit. So what’s the deal and why are they worthy of being serenaded? Well, if they’re derbies we’re talking about, it’s because a pair of blue suede shoes are some of the most versatile, wearable, and classically stylish footwear a man can have in his wardrobe. And the OGEAIRE, with a subtle wooden sole and perforated detail give it an unparalleled cool that take it to the next.

Think about it: blue derbies work in almost any setting you can think of (black tie notwithstanding). The silhouette is totally office-worthy, and while black and brown used to be the only shoe colours to wear, these days navy is perfect in a casual office environment (just don’t go crazy with the rest of your colours – we recommend keeping your outfit neutral, with a pair of dark pants and a crisp button-up shirt). For the weekend, there’s nothing cooler than a casual khaki-coloured suit and the laid-back feel of suede. And when it comes time to party? We love the idea of keeping it sharp with a tonal look, and a little bit of sheen in the suit. All three of these looks are just right with a no-sock sock, some exposed ankle, and a skinny tailored pant. Cuz it’s one for the money, two for the show, three to get ready now go, cat, go!

SHOUT OUT: SPRING 2015 STYLE ROUND UP

They love us (and we love them too)

Our favourite instafamous babes were spotted, showing the world how they’re sporting some of the best shoes and bags from our Spring Summer collection.  From high shaft gladiators to fringe cross bodies and show stopping pumps, here’s our roundup of our favourite looks so far, it’s hot and summer is just getting started!

FINAL TOUCH: THE UNSUNG SUMMER HERO

Espadrilles. They’ve been worn by soldiers, priests, miners, royalty, runway models, presidents, and artists. JFK and Salvador Dalí? Big fans. They’ve been worn, in fact, by sensible footwear aficionados for millennia. True story. Archaeologists once unearthed a primitive pair of espadrilles off a skeleton in a bat cave in Spain. The shoes were later estimated at 4,000 years old. Just think about that for a second. When people were referring to the wonders of the ancient world as “those crazy new buildings over there,” people were wearing espadrilles.

For a shoe style to not only endure – but thrive – for that long, it has to be doing something right. As it turns out, espadrilles do a whole lot of things right. Their original function – provide a well-made, comfortable shoe that contours to the feet – is still intact. Plus they look sharp, which never hurts. Slip-on espadrilles (worn sockless, natch) get it done in everything from sportier threads to informal work wear. They’re breezy and ultra-light, yet durable enough to withstand a little pavement pounding. Rock them at the office, at the beach, at that weekend deck party, or wherever your summer takes you. Sandals and flip-flops are over gentlemen. It’s espadrille season.

FINAL TOUCH: NEW HEIGHTS

In the world of toe-showing soles, footbeds determinedly stand out from a crowd of summer sandals. No one is ever left with a feeling of indifference at the sight of the vertically elevated stepper. In short, you either love them or loathe them. In order to fully grasp the platform silhouette that shaped any 90s’ kid fashion education, a little background info is needed. Growing up with style mentors such as the Spice Girls, anything with a footbed quickly went from boring to groundbreaking. Unfortunately, even with all the girl power of the ultimate all-female band of the 90s’, the innovative stunner couldn’t stand the test of time – until 20 years later.

With the arrival of the 2010s, the “ugly” shoe by excellence was back & more controversial than ever. As a matter of fact, the hipster era gave intellectual birth to the notion that “ugly” is the new rad. And, by all means, we couldn’t agree more. Case in point: we plan on wearing the jacked up thong sandal with a simple yet print-astic dress for a BBQ sesh with the fam. We are giving ourselves a little height without missing out on all the fun. Even though we can already anticipate our feet getting weird looks, we’respicing up our lives with funky footbeds.

CULTURE HACK: WAY-BACK PLAYBACK

Wearing your jelly sandals is just one way to revive the best activities from the ’90s.

From baby backpacks to crop tops and the Netflix Saved by the Bell reunion, our current obsession with the ’90s knows no bounds. You can even download a Tamagotchi for your Apple Watch. Clearly, there’s only one way to have fun this summer, and that’s by reliving the glory days, pre-Y2K style.

All ’90s fun starts at the mall, where you can play your favourite arcade games (Pac-Man! Mortal Kombat! Pin Ball!) and meet up with your friends in the food court for some Orbitz before catching the latest Freddie Prinz Jr. movie. If you want to chill in your ’hood, grab your Pogs, your boom box and your latest (or oldest) CDs (Backstreet’s back, alright?) and meet your posse outside for some serious hangs. Even a quarter of Girl’s Tyme, also known as Destiny’s Child, so basically Beyonce is in on this revival action. You can even see her taking a trip to a retro roller rink in the “Blow” video.

Being a ’90s child means straight up looking the part, so make sure you have the essentials on lock. A pair of denim overalls are legit the coolest (bonus points if they’re Tommy Hilfiger) along with a vintage T-shirt—think big, dead-stock logos like Hypercolor, Vuarnet or even No Fear. And when it comes to ’90s summer footwear, only two words matter: jelly sandals.

FINAL TOUCH: THAT ’70S TREND

Over the past few seasons, the ’70s have been giving the fashion industry major feels. And while you’ve probably put away your festival-worthy florals and bell-sleeved rompers by now, it’s no secret the trend is still going strong, as designers continued to draw on classic boho details for Fall/Winter 2015/2016, from suede and fringe to fitted turtlenecks and bell-bottom jeans.

The best way to work the boho look in cooler temps is with throwback cuts in luxe textures and toasty hues. Reach for wide-legged pants and double-breasted coats in rich shades such as navy, pumpkin and burgundy. Look for fancy fabrics like leather, silk and tweed wool while you’re at it for a ’70-inspired look that’s perfectly on point. Pull it all together with an almond-toe ankle boot featuring a tonal platform and chunky curved heel (a key shape this season) and a patchwork crossbody bag. Aside from the comfort factor, a stacked-heel boot in black or bordeaux will look equally chic with culottes as it will with a flared pant or tailored A-line skirt and tights. From back-to-back meetings to warming winter cocktails with the girls, you can flaunt that ’70s flair in your weather-appropriate ensemble all winter long.

FINAL TOUCH: ON POINT

Can we just take a minute to talk pants lengths? Most of us can agree that until kind of recently we were wearing our pant hems pretty long. And then a few seasons ago we collectively started to see things differently. Palazzo pants, cropped pants, ankle length hems: it’s part of a straight up fashion movement and as shoe lovers – ok, obsessives – we’re all over it! Coverage where you need it and skin where you don’t, plus an excuse to show off our amazing footwear? Don’t mind if we do.

There’s just one tiny thing about a shortened pant leg: it can potentially give the impression of a shorter leg. Of course, there’s an incredibly easy solve for this. First, a monochromatic look can help to balance that out. And second? Why, a heel of course! We love the idea of having a slightly surprising color at the foot – something that still works within your spectrum, but that brings with it a rich, sophisticated feel. For instance, doing an all-over orange look? Try something in camel. Wearing cognac hues? Do a Bordeaux in suede. Paired with a series of neutral tones, a Bordeaux is a warm welcome, like a glass of red wine by a crackling fire in the South of France. Except that while you’re watching the fire, everyone else will be watching you.

CARRY ON: THE FESTIVAL SET

Failsafe festival wear coming right up!

Much is made of festival fashion, and that’s because it’s awesome. Seriously – where else can you tap into your most unencumbered and creative self? Where else is it totally safe to let your fashion flag fly, to go all out and yet still be one of the crowd? And not to freak you out or anything, but it’s time to get to it because summer is nearly half over. Sorry to bum you out with harsh vibes, but it’s true.  So grab passes to whatever you can – Osheaga, OVO fest, Gathering of the Vibes, Austin Psych Fest, North coast Music Festival, or the myriad of other fests taking place this summer – and get going.

Looking for a failsafe festi-outfit? Since heels are obviously a rookie mistake (hello mud, oh hi there porta-potty) we suggest a gladiator sandal instead:  bold, sexy, and made for stomping around. Pair with cut-off shorts and almost anything on top. A printed envelope clutch adds a graphic element and also looks good as you wave it around. And since this is fest-fash we’re talking about, sunglasses, some beaded bracelets, and a long necklaceare practically mandatory – but they’ll also help pull your outfit together. Now go go go! Because you need to start having all the fun, like, right now.

FINAL TOUCH: LAYER SLAYER

Want to hone your personal style this fall? Show some restraint.

You probably know and admire––and possibly even resent?––someone who makes it all look so effortless. Fashion-wise, that is. In fact, you definitely know the type. These are the people who, ostensibly, wake up every day and slide into the perfect ensemble with breezy conviction. These unflappable sorts are not style mavens or especially clothes-obsessed; they just exude a cool self-assurance, and wear what feels comfortable, and, as it happens, what looks good.

Trust, however, that these folks put more forethought into their wardrobes than you think. They execute this bit of harmless sartorial deception thanks, in large part, to calculated simplicity and restraint. Layers, neutral colors, several carefully chosen items that mix and match well, a key accessory here and there; this is how you own casual fall weekends.

When it comes to autumn-appropriate wear, it so often starts with a classic sneaker: say,all-black low tops, for argument’s sake. Consider this a solid base to build on. Don’t hide those lace-ups either––cuffed skinny trousers or jeans, in black or dark grey, are the right move. Stick to the same color scheme on top, with a white tee thrown in for good measure, as you layer with light jumpers, cardigans, and sweaters. Remember: you don’t have to do much for your fall weekend wardrobe to be greater, and more versatile, than the sum of its parts.

FINAL TOUCH: STYLE BLUEPRINT

Play it cool in a pair of bold blue kicks

There will always be those anxious few who insist on wearing sandals before the last snow has melted and busting out the boots while the weather is still warm. After months of sporting the same stuff, it only makes sense to want to rush the new season, but there’s being ahead of the curve and then there’s #TooSoon. Thankfully, there is a way to shake things up while still living in the moment, sartorially speaking.

Take the shift from summer to fall: Why swap out your open-toe shoes for something clunky when you can keep the spring in your step with a stylish sneaker, especially one in an eye-catching colour like cobalt blue?

So much more than a weekend staple, a sporty shoe in a saturated hue is the perfect way to give your polished ensembles a cool and unexpected twist. From your commute to cocktails with friends, head-turning kicks will stand out in a sea of ho-hum soles while lending everything from office separates to ’70s-inspired suedes a modern look. Opting for a weather-appropriate shoe that’s fashionable and functional? Now that’s what we call a bright idea!

FINAL TOUCH: GO FOR GOLD

Go big or go home. With the 70s trend staying alive this fall, here’s how to rock wide-leg.

Don’t let the extra fabric fool you. While the bold look-at-me aesthetic of the wide-leg trouser seems incongruous with summer temperatures, the airy cut is far more breathable than the deceivingly-stuffy fit of skinny jeans and cigarette pants. With ‘70s throwback fashion still in full effect this coming fall after bursting onto the scene last season, the wide-leg is still the new-wave for designers who’ve resurrected their love affair with everything from Woodstock-worthy bell-bottoms and hip-hugging statement flares to billowing black jumpsuits and breezy satin palazzo pants.

There’s no better way to transition out of cut-offs and into the pre-fall street style than by investing in a high-waisted wide-leg trousers in a neutral tone like blue-grey. Opt for a pair with structured hemlines for a look that’s both sophisticated and laidback, especially when paired with a simple white t-shirt. Trendsetters like Amal Clooney, Olivia Palermo, Victoria Beckham, Sarah Jessica Parker, and Diane Kruger are all fans of the casual-chic vibe of an understated wide-leg trouser. Save the flashy throwback 70s flamboyance for your feet by tying on a pair of metallic gold flatforms with 2-inch bold white-soles. Top off the look with a vintage-inspired black fedora for a look that’s both on trend and timelessly versatile.

FINAL TOUCH: STYLE UPGRADE

Statement shoes. Shoes that grab your attention and say, hey, look down here, I’m kind of a big deal. You’re not going to wear them everyday, or for every occasion, but you need some in your closet. A funky sneaker, maybe, or a rugged pair of boots. Once in a while it’s good (and fun!) to go to extremes to punch up a look, or to smack your sense of style awake.

We concede that Cognac-colored penny loafers aren’t flashy, per se. But, and this is important, they do draw the eye. Regular black dress shoes can’t say the same. Now there’s a fine line between drawing the eye, and jarring the eye. But when a statement shoe, and a classic one at that, demands notice and is complemented by the right duds? That’s magic.

So what to wear with brown penny loafers? Pants-wise, it’s got to be slim-fit, and cuffed. Blue chinos, even denim, will do nicely. For a polished impact, class it up on top: a dress shirt with a narrow, tapered blazer rounds it all out. Think about your accessories’ color scheme–belt, necktie–and match them with those shoes. Boom, done. Preppy penny loafers: you can’t mess with them.

FINAL TOUCH: BOYS CLUB SHOE

Leave the shoulder pads and stilettos at home. The new power-suit is relaxed and pairs best with flats

Perhaps both the oxford and the pantsuit were originally designed with the gents in mind, but thanks to legendary style icons like Marlene Dietrich and Coco Chanel, they’ve long since become style staples in women’s wear too. That said, if pantsuits once required pumps to have sex appeal the way oxfords, likewise, once required a miniskirt to seem feminine, the old-school notion of the “sexy tomboy” has fortunately expired. The new face of androgyny in fashion has a more sophisticated grasp of gender fluidity and understands that unisex fashion isn’t necessarily devoid of sex appeal. In fact, there’s nothing quite as sexy as oxfords paired with a pantsuit, whether you’re Tilda Swinton or David Bowie.

With fall just around the corner, there’s no need to sacrifice cutting-edge style for practical wardrobe investment pieces. Start with a pantsuit in a four-season hue like royal blue and lighten the look by leaving the jacket unbuttoned and donning a ribbed white turtleneck underneath.  Opt for a casual chic and breathable pant-leg that’s cropped and cuffed well above the ankle—drawing attention to your patent silver oxfords. Whether you’re hitting the boardroom, the boardwalk, or band practice, go sockless to keep the focus on your feet, and top off the look by donning a black backpack with gold zipper details in lieu of a purse.