It’s Christmas day. You know how it is. There are turkeys to be stuffed and children to be placated when they got the wrong sort of Elsa’s Ice Palace... (I’ve a feeling that will be me.) Perhaps there are 200 miles to drive or you’re celebrating Friendmas with disco dancing and then there’s the obligatory post lunch walk… Doing it all in heels? LOL. You know I’m a fan of the fancy flat and Christmas day is when this genre of shoe comes into it’s own. Fancy flats offer the perfect balance of glamour (you look like you made an effort) and comfort (because let’s face it, no one can nap during the Queen’s speech in a stiletto.)
Every Tuesday on Instagram (because SHOESday!) I share my edit of the freshest boots, sneakers, sandals and boots that are new in store and now, if you miss the Stories, you can find them here!
Although none of us need new shoes and we are all shopping responsibly (aren’t we?) I still wanted to flag my favourites in case you do happen to be considering a new purchase - or need some inspiration for second hand searches.
I’ve also added the ultimate item to wear with each piece, because working out which heel heights and hem lengths go together is something I’m always asked about… This should demystify the process of styling up your shoes - whether they’re new ones from my edit or existing pairs from your own wardrobe!
It’s the most disruptive footwear brand to appear in recent years. Since Allbirds launched in 2016, they’ve been adopted as the uniform of a globally cool, conscious and creative crowd. From Hollywood royalty like Leonardo diCaprio and Jennifer Garner through to Barack Obama - Allbirds' message of sustainable production and simple design, as well as their USP of ridiculous comfort was a breath of fresh air. When you know, you know.
Cinderella’s shoes were cute and all, but if my Fairy Godmother had flown down to deck me out for the party of the decade, I would have wanted some input in the design process. I freely admit to being a control freak when it comes to clothes (and shoes, bags and jewellery) and I know Cinders was just relieved to be out of her holey flats… But the chance to own a pair of bespoke shoes is the dream so why not have a say on their design too? While Sergio Rossi don’t actually harness the power of magic, the Italian brand’s exclusive customisation service does come pretty close.
Say goodbye to cold toes with Jimmy Choo’s innovative self-heating boot…
After a few false starts, this year’s mercurial weather seems to be settling into default British mode: grey, damp, chilly. Delightful. Winter is coming but I’ll cling onto bare ankles as long as possible because I’m stubborn like that.
Feet First: Victoria Magrath
In the fourth instalment of Feet First I meet Victoria Magrath, fashion blogger at InTheFrow.com and author of The New Fashion Rules.
If you had to choose five pairs of shoes that defined you, what would they be? The loafers that bagged you your dream job; sparkling sandals to walk up the aisle or fancy flats that gently broke a heart; career-defining public speaking stilettos or the freedom of flip-flops for your first solo travels… Feet First delves into the wardrobes of my trend-setting contemporaries and uncovers those top five shoes, sandals and boots that carry the most meaning, tap into the wildest stories and simply hold the most special place in our closets and hearts.
In the third instalment of Feet First I meet Lisa Potter-Dixon, best-selling author of Easy on The Eye, The Make-up Manual and Head Make-up Artist for Benefit Cosmetics.
Feet First is a series of interviews with like-minded women on the shoes that shaped them and the memories they evoke. Hearing my friends and colleagues talk about footwear, I’m always thrown by the raw emotion shoes can tap into. Voices falter as memories flood back, eyes glint and all the feelings sparked from one conversation spring back to life, triggered by shoes.
I packed my sandals away on September 1st, partly hoping to incite Murphy’s Law and bless us with an Indian Summer, but equally because I was eager to stop agonising whether I should go for a navy, charcoal or black pedicure and slip into my beloved collection of ankle boots instead of sandals.
During early Autumn, when we’re yet to be beset by ghastly weather, my go to outfit is bare legs (to show off the last of my tan) and a mini-skirt - always balanced with a chunky knit and fairly flat ankle boots. This season is no different.
In the second instalment of Feet First I meet Camilla Elphick.
Feet First is a series of interviews with like-minded women on the shoes that shaped them and the memories they evoke. Hearing my friends and colleagues talk about footwear, I’m always thrown by the raw emotion shoes can tap into. Voices falter as memories flood back, eyes glint and all the feelings sparked from one conversation spring back to life, triggered by shoes.
If you had to choose five pairs of shoes that defined you, what would they be? The loafers that bagged you your dream job; sparkling sandals to walk up the aisle or fancy flats that gently broke a heart; career-defining public speaking stilettos or the freedom of flip-flops for your first solo travels… Feet First delves into the wardrobes of my trend-setting contemporaries and uncovers those top five shoes, sandals and boots that carry the most meaning, tap into the wildest stories and simply hold the most special place in our closets and hearts.
Earlier this summer, I had an exclusive preview of M&S's new AW shoe collection and talked to the team behind the designs to get their take on the season's biggest trends. Now these treats are starting to arrive online and drop in store, watch the video to see how the team choose the trends to major in. Whether it's an essential loafer, go-anywhere ankle boot, must-have mule, statement slingback or wow feature heel, all of Autumn's boldest looks are there - as well as the classics you can't get enough of.
It started with a couple of breakout brands, especially in London, where new shoe labels were creating bold new shapes and putting sculptural heels in the spotlight... Now, as we head into a new season any shape other than basic block or simple stiletto will earn you style points.
Make sure you know your orb from your cone as the trend has spread to the high street, proving considered design doesn’t need to cost the earth.
If you’ve been following me on Instagram you’ll have seen my pick of Marks & Spencer's best shoes as part of #TheDailyShoe along with my outfit posts on how to style them (because dressing from the shoes up should be second nature!) but now I’ve styled each pair in an exclusive online editorial.
Come Summer it’s far too easy to fall into the flip-flop trap or slip on the same old sandals all season long. But spare a moment to prep for the long hot days - and nights - and shop from my definitive edit of Marks & Spencer’s essential hot weather footwear. This complete selection of Six key Summer shoes and sandals will ensure your feet look more than chic. It’s everything you need, for every occasion, from now ’til September.
Before the big press reveal of M&S's new AW designs, I got an exclusive preview of what we'll be seeing in store this Autumn, spending a day with the team behind the amazing footwear collections - which Vogue.co.uk dubbed "the best thing about M&S’s fashion offering." Talk about a dream come true... The buyers, designers and the woman nicknamed the Shoe Fairy revealed to me what goes into planning and executing the collections each season and why they love shoes!
Get ready for a new series appearing on The Daily Shoe, Feet First. Over the coming months I will be interviewing like-minded women on the shoes that shaped them and the memories they evoke. Hearing my friends and colleagues talk about footwear, I’m always thrown by the raw emotion shoes can tap into. Voices falter as memories flood back, eyes glint and all the feelings sparked from one conversation spring back to life, triggered by shoes.
While rumours flutter like confetti that Meghan Markle will wear Burberry - designed by Christopher Bailey - on her big day, I wonder what will lie beneath her dress… What about the shoes?
When I got married I specifically wanted a short dress to show off my shoes because I’m nothing if not dedicated to my cause! Protocol will require Meghan to wear a British designed dress and if she does choose Burberry, her footwear will likely be Burberry too. I’m in awe of her her elegant ankles, they are so slim, so I hope we get to see a glimpse of them on May 19th.
Sounding the personal PR klaxon: here I am on BBC World News talking all things Met Gala live from BBC Suffolk and wearing Enlist (a little papal purple lace dress to nod to the Catholic theme.)
This is the time of year when our minds are prepped for Spring.
Instead of super rich moisturisers we're ready for lightweight SPF50+... Lightly bronzed shoulders are slipping out of gauzy knits while we’re sipping rose spritzers and watching the sun set... We’re ready to feel the breeze between our (freshly painted) toes... But the weather says, "Dream on, hun." Don’t forget it’s Britain. While we may be treated to a freak heatwave this week (it’s glimmering on the horizon like a desert mirage) sandals feel a little premature. Basically it’s not that hot.
It’s my default choice of shop for a sandwich, new knickers, great cashmere, a statement coat and even a leather pencil skirt. Oh and a body scrub, birthday card, living room rug and cuddly toy. But Marks & Spencer has never been high on my list of must-stop shoe shops…
At school I had singing lessons. Not because I was so bad, they had to do something about my out of tune voice, but because I was deemed too petite to manage a sax and my parents vetoed carting a harp about (my first and second instrument choices.) Voice was my plan C. It was a rite of passage to do duets at local singing festivals and everyone ended up performing the ‘Red Shoe Blues’ - a show tune of dubious origin with amended lyrics name checking Topshop, Dotty Ps and Debenhams (Raf Simons eat your heart out.)
“We’re going to a shoe party,” sang my three-year old daughter most of the way to Sunbeam Studios in wild West London on Saturday morning. While new product launches and shoe parties are a fairly regular occurrence in my diary, I don’t often get to take my daughter. But this was the launch of Charlotte Olympia’s Incy collaboration with Crayola - and it was exactly what little girls (and mummy’s) dreams are made of.
If you’re looking for shoes that stop traffic and start conversations it’s likely you’ll find your heart's desires met by one of the new guard of British footwear brands. While classic Italian cobblers play it consistently safe and sexy, London is where the industry looks for experimentation and excitement. And none are as innovative as Nicholas Kirkwood, who’s signature sculptural shoe styles have won him a shelfie’s-worth of trophies - including the British Fashion Award’s Accessory Designer of the Year. Twice.)