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…

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!

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.

Product Review: The Jay Butler Horsebit Loafer

A few months ago you were introduce to the brand, Jay Butler per a “Brands To Watch” feature. During the early phases, Jay Butler only released small leather goods like card cases, wallets, key ring and valets. Just over a month ago, the brand finally dropped its much awaited footwear collection. Consisting of leather & suede loafers (drivers, horse bit & moccasins), Jay Butler had its eyes on spring. 

I was able to grab a couple of pair of the Millbank Bit Loafer for review. 

Millbank Bit Loafer (Brown & Tan) – Jay Butler | Green & Blue Nautical Stripe Shirt – Gap | Denim Jacket – Asos | White Jeans – Uniqlo | Belt – Uniqlo | Tortoise Shell Sunglasses –Lookmatic 

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When loafers start popping up in every clothing brands advertisement, it’s a true sign of warm weather days to come. Being that loafers are my preferred style of shoe to wear almost all year, I decided to take a stab at the Millbank Bit Loafer from Jay Butler’s debut collection. Here’s a full run down of what I think about the shoes.

Pros

• The calf leather is soft, and yet, the construction is rigid. This rigidity gives the shoe some solid structure
• The arch support is surprisingly substantial
• They’re hand constructed and the sole are Blake Welted (you can have these kicks resoled)
• The horse bit provides enough metallic pop to break up the monotony of leather (or suede)
• They style perfectly with casual pieces like denim or chinos
• At $175, the price isn’t outrageous for the quality of the product (the Millbank Loafer is $175, prices vary for other items)

Cons

• The vamp of the is shorter than expected. The vamp is the top portion of shoe (from the toe box back). It measures 5 inches from the toe to the end of the vamp. With an extra .5 inch added the shoe would be damn near perfect. Not so much of your sock/foot would show, but, they’d still have a fair amount of breathing room.
• The heel stack is a little short. These shoes are advertised as a casual loafer, which is why the short heel stack is in place. With a .25 inch added to the heel, these shoes would hit perfection.

Final Grade

Based on the pros these shoes are deserving of an A grade, however; when you factor in two cons the final grade of the Millbank Bit Loafer by Jay Butler is a B. The two changes would make these already beautiful shoe a bit more aesthetically pleasing. 

Shop & Save

Now Through Friday, March 13th at 11:59pm, Save 10% on your purchase with the discount code “MSP10″ at checkout!

Like what you see or have questions about these shoes? Leave your comments below! Visit www.JayButler.com to check out the full collection.

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.

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

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.

GENTS CLUB: FIVE ALIVE

They aren’t just for the court anymore. They aren’t ragtag, grab and go afterthoughts either. Contemporary tennis sneakers, in case it wasn’t abundantly clear, are the total package, wardrobe-wise. Newsflash: you need these shoes in your life.

Retro leather trainers just get it done, period, with a modicum of fuss. When well cared for, they seamlessy complement a wide range of looks with chameleon-like ease. Spotlesswhite tennis sneakers? Worn sans socks, a natural match for a grey seersucker suit at the office or a semi-formal afternoon function. Conversely, dress up those black leather tennis sneakers with a dark, tailored suit and black fitted tee. At dinner or at the club, here’s a look guaranteed to win some respect. And bonus: both ensembles walk the line between casual and dressy. There’s enough flexibility here, in other words, to tone it down or take it to another level.

Colored tennis shoes are just as adaptable. Got some neutral jeans or tapered chinos in your closet? Perfect for burgundy, green or navy colored tennis shoes. Be sure to cuff that denim. Add a light jacket or crewneck sweater and you’re off to the races. Not literally of course. Today’s versatile tennis sneakers are much more about playing it cool than working up a sweat.