Category: Shoes
Twinkle, Twinkle Little Toes..
On Tuesday I went to the rather exclusive Westbury Hotel in Mayfair for the PFLM London Shoe Show where there were all sorts of stands offering tempting delicacies of the sole variety – See by Chloe, Jill Sander, Paco Herrero to name just a few…but there was only one label for me….Claire was there with Air and Grace..and most importantly her new designs, literally hot off the factory floor….Meet Woodstock, the sophisticated over-the-knee boot you’ve only dreamt of (see this post here) complete with block heel, super soft black suede, the perfect elasticated cling and an inspirational, funky fringe running the full, graceful length…pure genius.
(Woodstock will also be available in tantalising tan. I drool…)
The new Coachella’s are also a sight for sore eyes..
The leopard and snakeskin offerings are an exquisitely menacing set of shoes, primed and ready to strut street style..
And the pumps are all ready for the summer sun…the nude and stud combination should be an illegal high…
This was also the first chance to see the new Air & Grace sole..Claire’s trademark feather is now a cunning tread, with the potential for a starring role in any detective drama..
There are so many reasons to be excited about this label: A courageous, talented woman ready to take on the world and prove that art and commerce aren’t mutually exclusive, with a product that’s sassy and stylish and super-intelligently combined with the soft stuff of snug bedding beautifully translated into utter joy for feet…
I can hear mine sighing…
Laters, Kate x
Finery London x
There’s a new label on the cyber-street..Finery London, led by Caren Downe who’s high street pedigree and gene pool includes buying director at Top Shop and ASOS.
She left ASOS disillusioned with the emphasis on commerciality rather than creativity…and has returned to fill what she sees as the glaring gap in the market: Women that know their style and want something more considered in the £40 – £250 price bracket, that magical hybrid of excellent design and affordable prices – and she’s certainly talking my language…
It’s a range cleverly jigsawed together – there’s a sense of calm and knowing, rare in the heart of the retail storm, with warm, welcoming air that gently blows you across the threshold..
The shoes are incredible..
With a rich current of ideas running under simple shapes, that cunning mixture of cool statements and strong balls.
Forensically clear with a sense of attentive stillness, but still authentic and heartfelt..I’ll be following this story with interest..
Laters, Kate x
Treading Lightly..
Yesterday I went to see the lovely Claire from Air and Grace at her new pop-up store on the Kings Road to catch up on all her latest news and styles. Claire started her label after spotting a gap in the market – she wanted shoes made for women, designed by a woman who understood what we really want – the true concept of beauty: style and comfort. It’s that word comfort that gnaws at something primal..
Her shoes are gloriously re-thought and inventively told, the tone is juicy streetstyle: classics with more than a twist..These are the Coachella’s with their glorious tan souls and beautiful stacked heels..the perfect ankle boot that’s been a hole in my wardrobe for forever…dress up, dress down..they cover all the bases..
And they have to be the most comfortable boot I’ve ever tried on. It’s rare you can walk a shoe out of a shop and spend all day urbanly running in them..but that is the beauty of these babies..
It’s all to do with the quality of the leather, the clever design..and what goes on inside each shoe..the focus of quality engineering that give feet what they really need.
Her range is impressive..but there’s more to come – The long stretch boots of my dreams? She’s doing them! the Coachella in ox-bood? Yes! The Coachella in leopard? Yes, yes, YES! Claire has a waiting list already..and I’m not surprised.
Seductive talking, well-heeled shoes for walking..dancing..and living. Isn’t the identified love the most powerful of all?
If you get the chance, all I can say is pop down to Kth & Kin boutique at 330 Kings Road and see for yourself..
Laters, Kate x
Stella Zoe x
The UK series of Strictly has been over for nearly a month, but I’m still missing girl-crush, Zoe Ball. An absolute natural on the TV, who wears her heart on her heart – it’s surprisingly hard to find a decent photo that does her sartorial and character justice, but squish your eyes and you could believe she’s rolled in from a rollicking night on the tiles with lipstick on more than her collar..but always the supreme professional.
Believe me, Zoe’s got the glam rockster chic look down to a fine art. In the final she wore this witty little number by Stella McCartney – but threw out the rule book on clumsy flats and went sky-high..
(All photos Google.com)
That’s ma girl..
Laters, Kate x
Dear Santa..
Please could I have a left-handed calligraphy pen…(and possibly the Dummies Guide to go with it) so I can finally learn to write with heart swooning swirls…I think it would improve my quality of life considerably..
(And then next year, you can ask me to write something beautiful for my very own lazer-cut bracelet from this incredible Shop..(I’m happy to give you the chance to save up to wait till then..)it’ll be worth it)
(Although, I might have to be very fussy and ask for the gold version..I know, high-high..but gold is my colour..)
But until then..eye’d love to see these beauties in my ears stocking…
And with all things nineties being the spice of the moment, these Doc Martens would remind me of penny loafers past.. 
And to make me smile? This ipad case complete with teeth..open it up and hear me roar..
P.S. I’ve been good. (I think)
Laters, Kate x
Sneaky Blinders..
The weather here in London is like a PMT suffering raging beast..blue skies one minute..a cascading torrent the next, whipped up by strong winds and mashed up leaves. Coats and shoes are being seriously put to the test and any well worn with holes of love are the equivalent of leaky boats. Some emergency purchasing is required – and I’m thinking black leather skaters..a nod to the summer but with strong foundations for the autumn storms.
The white soles also have a surprising appeal..I remember looking at the AW14 catwalks thinking white soles? hmmmmm..but the appeal has chrystalised…mi piace..
Of course, I’ll buy them……and next week we’ll have snow….
Laters, Kate x
Making a Point..
Vans. Fail safe, classic and easy…but could there be room for change?
What about pointy Vans like these by Nicholas Kirkwood now viewed from above??
Sneakers with a heel and now sneakers with a point..who would’ve thought it. But this actually feels like a rather nostalgic nod to the once must-wear pointed flats of the eighties..and it’s always nice to find a forward moving mash…
Laters, Kate x
Cinderella Shoes..
On the lust list this autumn..the grace of a gazelle..the wit of the Edinburgh Fringe..
And the pocket pleasing price of £65…what’s not to love?
Laters, Kate x
S is for Studs..
Sometimes one is just driven by desire and dirty, pretty things like these spiked, snakeskin Laboutins..
Silhouette killer, attitude: Everything. Definitely one for glow getters ready to feel the heat on their feet…
Laters, Kate x
Ancient Greek Jellies..
The wonderfully iconic Ancient Greek Sandal’s are about to introduce their latest baby – their first ever jelly shoe made from 100% recyclable rubber. It’ll be available in 2 finishes (matt and glossy) and in a variety of colours at a designer-brand-pleasing-price of £70. Looks like next summer is sorted already….
Laters, Kate x
Maison Bentley Style 