Oliver Sweeney – Footwear for the modern man

This week the British brand Oliver Sweeney present their Autumn/Winter 11/12 collection of footwear complimented by a range of accessories, outerwear, luggage and leather goods.

In 1989 Oliver Sweeney launched his own business based on the ‘Anatomical Last’™.  A unique design created after years of intensive research. It is sculpted to give support to the arch, the instep points to the big toe, like the real foot. A gentle twist through its length simulates the natural shape of the foot, and helps reduce rolling to the outside of the foot. It is 20 years since the brand introduced their iconic Goodyear Storm Welted collection. They have selected a few of their favourites from the original 1991 “Walk of Art” collection, added to them, and given all the styles a modern update with new last shapes and on-trend colours.

Oliver Sweeney footwear retails at £125 to £350 for off shelf product and £995 for made to order product. The Oliver Sweeney team are extremely proud of their new “hand-coloured” range for autumn/winter 11/12. The tamponata technique of colouring shoes by hand is performed in the Italian factory by Simona, the factory owner’s rather talented daughter. Also notable is the whole-cut construction of this shoe – the upper is made from a single piece of fine calf leather. This approach requires particular skill of the shoemaker to shape the skin around the last. Whole-cut gives a superb clean line and for a final flourish on this style, a neat line of contrast piping outlines the top of the upper – a classic Oliver Sweeney embellishment.

Hiking Boots

Lamb Hiking Boots in Burgundy from Oliver Sweeney

There is a genuine 1960s vintage vibe about Oliver Sweeney’s hiking boots, which naturally have the original San Moritz sole unit from Gomas. This rugged short boot style gives proper support to the lower leg, while extra comfort is provided by the padded cuff just above the ankle. A fur lining will make this a satisfyingly warm boot and the practical combination of D-ring and hooked fastenings allow tight closure around the foot to maximise insulation – this classic design has been very well thought out.

City Shoe

Weaver City Shoe in Burgundy from Oliver Sweeney

Simple and understated with trademark kick out sole, the City shoe is an easy choice for the man who wants his style without fuss from his favourite shoe maker.

Funky Trainers

Luxury Trainers from Oliver Sweeney

This season, Oliver Sweeney have really pushed the boat out. Eel skin trainers in a range of colours that are rumoured to have been pre-ordered by Tinie Tempah no doubt. Funky, fashionable and great fitting, surely the only place you can get your hands on them is from Oliver Sweeney! Mavor Trainers,  £249 are available in red and blue.

Oliver Sweeney products are available through their online store and in four retail stores in the UK as well as a comprehensive wholesale business across the UK and Ireland.

Ugg Boots from Fleecy Boots

We haven’t had ugg boots all that long here in the UK. Australia however has not only had ugg boots but also dozens of popular brands of ugg boots. That’s right, you see the word ‘ugg boots’ actually refers to a style of boot rather than an individual brand. Over the past few years these alternative brands have began to offer their boots to the UK. This is good news to those of us that enjoy ugg boots during the colder days as there have only been a couple of options. You could either purchase very expensive UGG’s provided you got in line before they sold out or you could take the chance on a pair of fake synthetic knockoffs which besides being bad for the health of your feet are not actually warm and usually fall apart after a few wears.

Ugg boots have been popular in Australia for many years due to their incredible ability to keep your feet warm and comfortable in weather ranging from the extreme cold right through to hot weather. Not only do they have amazing thermogenic properties, they are also more and more becoming known as incredibly fashionable due to their warm tones and soft look.

Top rated Ugg Boots

Top rated Ugg boots from Whooga

Now that there are options available there have actually been a number of interesting comparisons and ‘ugg boot’ shootouts performed by prominent shoe fashionistas. To date the most comprehensive review was performed by  NYSHoeSpy.   The review featured EMU, Koolaburra, UGG Australia and Whooga.  Whooga was rated not only the most comfortable but also best value. While it might seem like an unusual topic to cover as we head towards warmer months now is actually the best time to snap up a pair. The supply of leathers used to manufacture ugg boots is quite scare and approached record high prices last Winter.

You’ll find your pick of styles as well as heavily discounted prices over the next few months. Sit them in the wardrobe until autumn and enjoy watching everyone else queue for theirs! And great news because, for the next two weeks enjoy 10% off a pair of Whooga with the following discount code:  101LADYM. Offer ends Monday June 6th. So what are you waiting for?

Yull Shoes

Sarah Watkinson-Yull, is an up and coming footwear designer who at the tender age of 21 has set up her own footwear brand, Yull Shoes. Hailing from the Cotswolds and having studied at Philip Green’s Fashion Retail Academy, since then she has taken the decision to combine her creative side and ardour for fashion with her business knowledge in the launching of her shoe brand Yull.

Sarah says that Yull is ‘style over fashion’, a break from the current trend-following flow of impracticable and ephemeral shoe brands. The brand is very patriotic and represents ‘Britishness’ incorporating the range with the English season’s needs for fashion footwear in sporting and cultural events.

Yull shoes takes classic designs, mixed with bright bold colours. They are available to buy at Free Love Boutique, Guernsey and online. All pairs are £65 and each one has a story behind them.

Influences

Each shoe label tells its own shoe story and Sarah has been influenced throughout her life, from spending a lot of time in Dubai, to the city with London fusion and the country with Costwolds twists. Mainly having events to attend with her parents such as the Dubai World Cup, Ascot and garden parties meant that Sarah always needed classic shoes, which she found hard to find, so she set up her own label.

The Collection

Ascot

Named after the famous racecourse and the even more famous Royal Ascot week. Attended by the Royal Family so the Royal blue shade with an open toe is a must. Royal Blue Eco-suede and White Eco-leather

Bloomsbury

Bloomsbury is home to the British Museum and these shoes embody the traditional atmosphere of the area and are made from the softest velvet.

Hoxton

Situated in London in the borough of Shoreditch – a trendy and lively area where City workers and artists gather. Just the place for a bright pink suede shoe. Pink Eco-suede and White Eco-leather.

Primrose

Named after Primrose Hill just north of Regents Park, London. This area has the best view of the whole city. Coloured two tone green to mirror the park, these shoes are to wear to one of the many summer picnics which frequently occur. Green, Navy Blue and White Eco-leather.

For more of the collection check out the shop at Yull.co.uk.   There’s a special discount code for LadyM Presents readers. Pick your favourite Yull Shoes from the collection, head to the checkout and use the discount code cotswolds2011 for a 10% discount, for one week only (expires sunday 10th april)

The Future

Sarah wants to start selling matching accessories to the shoes such as handbags and also wants to open the first Yull shop. There will be a special edition Christmas shoe later in the year which will raise money for the UK charity Shelter.

Cowboy boots and riding boots are always a firm favourite and ever since Ugg Australia brought us the comfy, warming but fashionable Ugg Boots, winter footwear has never been funkier. Now there is a new kid on the block – Whooga Ugg Boots.

Whooga Ugg Boots

Whooga is widely recognised as the world’s fastest growing boutique brand of ugg boots. The brand focuses on a great way to keep the cold away from your beautiful feet using Thermofleece to give added warmth and comfort to the boots. The brand which has been building its range for the past four years has been warming tens of thousands of toes every single day. They have a passion for fashion and creating what they deem “the world’s warmest boots”.

Whooga Ugg Boots - Warm & Stylish

“Whooga boots are made with the single purpose of being the warmest most luxurious sheepskin boots available, boutique luxury fashion without the boutique price tag”.

Whooga ugg boots warm your toes faster with lavishly thick thermofleece. Each pair of boots features luscious twin faced merino fleece, is double stitched for durability and shapes to the natural contours of your feet.

Whooga Ugg Boots - Thermofleece lining

Whooga – The Collection

Whooga ugg boots offer a variety of styles, the classic tall boot for women, the classic in a shorter version, minis and a menswear range. As well as the classic boot there is a premium boot with a gold metallic look for a stylish wear and a Weave for a more casual, different take on the traditional ugg boot.

If you are struggling to know what to wear with your Whooga ugg boots, LadyM recommends this season’s dark skinny jeans, khaki cargo style harem pants or your favourite pair of jeans. The team at Whooga think that “darker earthy colours will always compliment the rich texture of leathers and chic shape of ugg boots”, so why not follow their lead.

Whooga Ugg Boots - The Collection

Whooga ugg boots are constructed with 100% merino fleece, a fantastically warming material that will keep you snug and warm this winter, and in every way meet the requirements and definition of an authentic ugg boot “A boot made of sheepskin with the wool as the lining and the leather as the outside.”

Ugg Boots to Giveaway

Whooga have launched a giveaway on their site, as well as offering LadyM Presents readers 10% of their next order – just quote the code 893LADYM at the checkout to receive this treat. To enter the giveaway with Whooga, simply follow them on Twitter or sign up to their newsletter.

Gentlemen have been getting socks for Christmas for many years, normally a present of dread but this year, men, that pair of socks for Christmas could be from Tabio, a brand of socks you will want in your sock drawer. Ladies have their own dedicated Tabio range too and this ingenious Japanese label is the height of luxury in the footwear department.

Tabio – The history

Tabio is an online and instore Socks and Tights Speciality Store. The label was established as a premium store brand, and is now expanding worldwide. In July 2001 Tabio was established company in the UK and by March 2002 they opened flagship store on London’s Kings Road. Now their fabulous collections can be bought online at the Tabio website.

Tabio came about when the Founder Mr Ochi left his regular job in 1968 to start a wholesale trading house that specialized in socks, originally called Dan, many years Later Tabio is turning into a exciting new brand in the socks and tights industry. Tabio stands for “The Trend And the Basics In Order”. Tabio also means to travel around the world in Japanese and to evolve socks (old type of socks are called Tabi in Japan).

Mr Ochi’s thoughts on having a sound product to work upon. “A product should be a joy, bringing happiness equally to the manufacturer, seller, and purchaser. If the product makes the manufacturer and seller happy, but not the purchaser, your business has strayed from the honourable path.”

The LadyM Presents team had the delight and comfort of testing out some of the fabulous footwear available from Tabio; here’s an insight into this funky foot fashion company’s best pieces;

Tights

Tights come in all ranges of colours, styles and patterns. Get creative this winter with diamond patterned tights in a gorgeous navy. The tights are opaque and very comfortable. They have a lovely diamond pattern and a beautiful colour range so that they can go with any styles of fashion. The tights will look great with boots or pumps. Why not try the Flower tights, designed to look like flower ivy and give a delightful elegant appearance.

Tights from Tabio

Toe Socks

Fantastic toe-socks featuring rubber grips to reduce slip are the next best thing this winter, fun and functional, if not a bit silly. These T-Shirt striped toe socks from Tabio are cotton rich toe socks with a classic stripy pattern. They are 96% cotton and very comfortable. You can wear them with sandals or any kind of shoes and reap the benefits of wearing toe socks.

Toe Socks from Tabio

The benefits of wearing toe socks; “Associate Professor Adachi researched the effects of wearing toe socks. The results said toe socks improve circulation much more than normal socks. Also, after taking off toe socks, foot temperature drops only moderately compared to when removing normal socks.”

Sockettes/Footsies

Got a pair of amazing flats or wonderful wedges but want the extra comfort of a sock or stocking whilst wearing them? Why not try the Sockette – available strapless or with popular strap covers, these are specialised cushioned socks with low rise edges and toes, perfect for wearing inside your flats, wedges, or pumps. They are made of 80% cotton, provide a very soft touch and great comfort! They come in a variety of colours and styles to suit your footwear.

Sockettes from Tabio

Knee Socks

A LadyM Presents team favourite are the knee high and over the knee socks, in cotton or a merino wool mix, for extra warmth and in a variety of styles and colours. Don’t just wear black tights for the winter months, layer up with some fabulous knee high socks in sumptuous burgundy with an antique rose print design, ideal for wearing with dress or high heels. Those with a mixed merino wool will keep your legs warm in cold weather.

Knee Socks from Tabio

Leg Warmers

Think less of the 80′s and more of this season’s key accessory , these up to date leg warmers are fabulous for keeping your shins warm when you’ve got this seasons ankle boots on, or if you need a little something hip and trendy to add definition to your look. Whether its long fur or dark metallic, Tabio legwarmers are a great way to add depth and warmth to your winter wardrobe, they come in fringed, stirruped, striped, chunky knit and a variety of colours to team with your outfit.

Legwarmers from Tabio

Tabio also stock a mens range of toe socks, room socks, trainer socks and formal socks and have been worn by Keira Knightley British Vogue and have also been featured in Elle Magazine. Get your winter warmth from their website.

Elizabeth Dunn at Fashion Mavericks

At the Fashion Mavericks’ showcase at the Strand hotel, LadyM Presents arrived at the venue for the showing of Anya Wilkinson’s Spring/Summer 11 Collection. A firm favourite of the team, we eagerly awaited the start of the show and milled around the foyer with other fashion lovelies. The foyer was a great place to host some pop up stalls, among the champagne and canapés, of some other new designers to show case their work, in some cases their first collections. It was here that LadyM Presents came across the amazing new footwear designer Elizabeth Dunn.

Elizabeth Dunn - shoes to be seen in

Elizabeth Dunn – A Collection of Nature

LadyM interviews Elizabeth Dunn, the aspiring footwear designer about her inspirations, her introduction to the industry and where she wishes to fly to in this promising but cut-throat industry.

Q: When was the Elizabeth Dunn label created and what was the inspiration for setting up the label – how did you get into this type of business?

A: I have always been really creative growing up and once I discovered the design business I knew this is what I was going to do. I started out in Womenswear and then perfectly fell into Footwear and have been doing it ever since. I did a BA Honours in Footwear at Cordwainers College, at London College of Fashion. Where I received a thorough technical knowledge in footwear design and production.

“To me, designing shoes is an ever-changing art, in terms of trends and new technologies. Classic styles are ever inspirational in my designs atoning modern twists to classic designs”. Elizabeth Dunn

Footwear designer Elizabeth Dunn, modelling her own purple Flower shoes, a unique inventive concept.

Q: where do you source your materials from and how do you develop and create your collections?

A: I source most of my materials from London, always preferably somewhere in the UK. As for developing and creating my collections, everything I have done so far I have hand made myself, I love to get my hands dirty and getting stuck in, its the best way to truly understand what you are designing. As for the future I will go into production/manufacture just once I have a little more experience under my belt.

Q: Do you keep up with current fashion/footwear trends when creating your collections?

A: I try not to follow trends when designing my collections I prefer to produce more classic items that won’t go in and out of fashion. But as ever, I do get inspired from current trends and fashion forecasts.

Q: Who is your target audience and who would you love to see wearing pieces from your collection?

A: My target audience has quite a range, I like to design for women aged between 20-50+. My designs are more classic in style so they can appeal to a wide range of women. Within my collections I always design something a little unusual and striking that would appeal more to a younger customer.

Gorgeous cream leather shoes, with a soft, pleated upper that hails back to the 1940′s and fashion forward ladies of that time. The burgundy tassels add additional glamour to this pair of shoes that already have a distinct “wow factor” in an elegant manner.

Q: Where do you get your new ideas for new designs from?

A:I gain inspiration from anything and everything, the more unusual the topic the better, but I’m still hugely influenced by things throughout history, its always good to research into.

Q: What is your favourite piece in your collection?

A: I have two favourite pieces in my Autumn Winter collection; one is the purple ‘flower’ pair, as these can be worn in 3 ways depending on what occasion. They are so striking and textured, they are a big statement how you could not love them. The second pair I love would be the rabbit fur ankle boots. The fur is so soft and it is lined with the fur also, so once you put your foot in it feels really warm and soft. The contrasting dark brown suede with the light brown rabbit fur, highlighted with the purple, complements well.

The amazing “flower” shoes from Elizabeth Dunn. The purple flower can be taken off to have a plain Mary-Jane shoe, or the flower can be worn in three different ways to suit your look, outfit or occasion. Gorgeous colouring and a fun, inventive choice of footwear.

Rabbit Fur Ankle boots, combining dark brown suede with light brown rabbit fur. A fierce look for autumn/winter, keep warm and comfortable this season.

Q: Whats the most rewarding part of your work? What is your greatest accomplishment so far?

A: The most rewarding part of my work it when a collection comes together. Sometimes you can get lost in the production depending on the size. But once I’ve completed every pair of shoes all the effort pays off and the self satisfaction of knowing this is designed and hand made by myself, it’s a great feeling. My greatest accomplishment so far was showing my collection at London Fashion Week – Fashion Mavericks (where LadyM spotted Elizabeth), just two months after graduating, and been scouted for such an opportunity, I was over the moon and really enjoyed it.

Tanned brown court shoe with eyelet laces, gives the appearance of two shoes in one, with the elegant burgundy tassel. The lip opening of the upper at the front gives a modern edge to this regal looking shoe. Whilst the soft light rabbit fur covers the top of this elegant brown opened toed court, giving a great look for a smooth transition between autumn and winter. Wear with patterned rights in the winter months to give a funky look alongside this great shoe.

Q: What is next for Elizabeth Dunn? What are your goals for 2010/11?

A: I am currently making a side collection on shoe pieces/attachments which is very exciting, using a whole range of different materials and techniques, this will be going on sale soon. I am also designing my next Autumn Winter Collection for 2011-12. As well as interning for a footwear designer, helping me get the experience and knowledge I need to move further in my career. And for the future, ideally get in a big fashion footwear house and work my way up from the inside.

Elizabeth’s collection can be viewed here and she can be contacted via the website regarding stockist and sales of the collection.

Looking at my own shoe collection, I admit to only owning one pair of black shoes, and only two pairs of boots for the winter. I love to experiment with colour and design and often my outfits are made from the shoes up. That’s why it is essential to find the best looking (and often the brightest) shoes in the market and one label that is a leading edge in this is Esska.

Esska – comfortable, yet beautiful shoes

Esska was created in June 2006 following a feeling from owner, Souraya Karami, that there was a lack in the market for shoes that are comfortable and at the same time beautiful. Souraya used to be an architect and changed career to footwear design in 2004. She went to the renowned Cordwainers, London to study footwear design, with the aim of starting her own label.

When asked about her target audience Souraya explained, “Women who are searching for comfort and style. I love to see people wearing Esska on the tube, at a bus stop, pushing a pram on the street, or in the local pub! Regular women going about their lives”.

Inspiration

When it comes to sourcing materials and developing creations, Souraya goes to markets, shows and factories, as Souraya puts it “whatever I like, I use”. Souraya’s inspiration lies in the urban fabric around her: anything from streets, crossings and intersections to buildings and structures. The shapes she designs are loyal to the brand’s ethos of comfort: round and square toes, chunky heels and natural rubber soles. Souraya admits she is like a sponge:

“Everything inspires me and gives me ideas… I would say mainly the urban fabric around me… buildings, structures, streets… geometry, symmetry, or chaos”. Esska Owner, Souraya Karami

It takes a year in total from the concept of design through to the shoes hitting the shops. Souraya’s dream was to make shoes that are feminine, comfortable, and not over designed.  And this is exactly what defines Esska’s unique style: clean lines, dominant shapes, organic silhouettes and a bold use of colours.

“I believe in inner beauty and the concept of feeling good” says Souraya, “it’s the harmony with oneself that makes one look good”.

Winter Collection 10

One trend coming throughout the Esska Winter 10/11 Collection is that all the shoes and boots have the same sized heel. What I love in a fashion show is when the footwear is all the same, it gives consistency and some elegance to the collections that are being shown. Here, Esska are showing their brand off with a signature heel of 3 inches, but some amazingly varied pieces in their collection. The aims of the collections are not necessarily to be on trend but to be stylish and comfortable.

LadyM’s Top Picks:

Here are the team at LadyM Presents top picks of the Esska Winter Collection 10/11;

The Mini Boots, by Esska

Mini Boots, a cute leather boot with overlapping leather, on trend cut outs, zip fastening at the back and an elegant leather covered high heel.

Hope Court Shoe, by Esska

Hope 1940′s style court shoe in an array of amazing colours. Leather asymmetric shoe with velcro fastening on the strap, leather covered heel and covered platform.

Hit Court Shoe, by Esska

The three-tone Hit shoe is a gorgeous leather lace up shoe with covered platform and leather covered heel. Perfect for a strong look in the office or a 70′s feel to your party outfit.

The colourful Leaf shoe, by Esska

The Leaf is an elegant Mary-Jane style leather shoe, with velcro strap and piping detail. This style has the trade mark feminine conical heel. This comes in a collection of colours to brighten up any outfit.

The Mars shoe by Esska

The Mars, feminine strappy shoe with comfortable conical heel, has two crossover straps with adjustable buckle fastenings. The shoe is two tone and comes in four colours.

The Room Boot, by Esska

The Room boots are a perfect fix for the winter. Knee high leather boots with a 55mm comfortable heel and a leather covered front platform. This style also has elastic and fastens with a zip. Elegant for that lunchtime trip to the shops or a afternoons walk to the country pub.

The Tiga Bootie, by Esska

The Tiga bootie is a gorgeous dusting of colour to your wardrobe. Zip up ankle bootie with piping detail around the straps. There is an 80mm feminine covered heel and the top strap is adjustable. Go classic with the chocolate brown or jazz it up with a smartie coloured blue.

For a full list of stockists in the UK and around the world, check out the Esska website here.  Check out the rest of the collection via the website, and brighten up your winter footwear wardrobe.

Kindred Sole – bringing together footwear designers

Kindred Sole was launched October 2009 by Lizze Leary and Beth Widdowson. Both graduates of Fashion Retail Buying at De Montfort University, Leicester. The friends began working on ideas for Kindred Sole in 2006, during their first year of university. They continued to adapt, improve and seek out new ideas during their course and after graduation, Kindred Sole was launched.

Kindred Sole brings together ladies shoes from up and coming footwear designers, with established brands from around the world. They create shoe collections from the “best of the best” shoe designers to bring their customers truly unique collections, with an emphasis on great design, quality materials and gorgeous detail.

“Shoes are not an accessory they are a necessity after all!  We felt that the majority of the stores all offered the same styles of shoes with small variations. We wanted access to exciting designs! We knew that there was lots of great styles and designs that were not making it to the consumer and this encouraged us to seek out alternative, unique designers.”

The Aim

Kindred Sole aims to bring a fresh approach to shoe shopping online for designer shoes with customer service being our top priority. Lizze and Beth actively seek customers feedback through their blog, product reviews or social media pages on Twitter and Facebook.

The team have searched high and low for the diamonds of the footwear world, to bring their customers shoes from the most fabulous high heels to the embellished leather gem sandals. The aim is to provide a unique shopping experience for customers so that they can add shoes to their wardrobe that are “on trend yet versatile so will take you from season to season as investment buys.”

“When you think about it, you can have a totally lack lustre outfit and you pair that with a pair of amazing shoes and they transform the whole look! Shoes make people smile, they express your personality and hidden quirks, shoes to us are windows to the soul.”

Kindred Sole has noticed that in its three years of customer research that demand has shifted from cheap, impulsive buys to customers demanding investment pieces, that reflect style and quality rather than a quick fashion fix. This is reflected in the styles and quality that Kindred Sole offers its customers in its collections.

Inspiration

The Kindred Sole team begin each new season reviewing the key catwalk looks and creating trend and mood boards,  complete with fabrics and colour palettes to encourage their inspiration. These boards provide the original ideas for what they feel will be the key looks of the season, such as Clogs for Summer 10 which they responded to with Bloom Clog.

SailorShore - The Riviera Mood Board, by Kindred Sole

Key Collections

SailorShore – The Riviera

Kindred Sole is now in its second season and this is their first Summer collection

Beth’s favourites – “It would depend on my mood and outfit! But at the moment for me it would be between Denim Cuff Sandal and Herald Brogue“.

Denim Cuff Sandal, by Kindred Sole

Denim Cuff Sandal

Get in touch with this seasons Double Denim trend, with this slouchy Cuff Sandal – accessorise it up or wear is down. Comfortable, practical and on trend.

Herald Brogue, by Kindred Sole

Herald Brogue

Designed by Bronx, vintage inspired classic flat brogues in neutral white, perfect to team with this seasons pastels.

Polite Eccentrics

The Polite Eccentrics collection has ideas taken from a strong mood board, this collection features the latest high fashion ladies designer shoes from flat ballet pumps to high heel courts. Brands featured include United Nude, Velvet Bee and Ugly Duckling as well as new shoe designers Laura J London and Miss L Fire.

Polite Eccentrics Mood Board, by Kindred Sole

Block Pump Hi, by Kindred Sole

Block Pump Hi

Hitting this seasons colour blocking trend. With a unique styled 4.5 inch heel.

Alexa Cut Out, by Kindred Sole

Alexa Cut Out

Handmade platform heels inspired but this Spring/Summer’s Sport Luxe trend. They are limited edition with only 360 pairs made.

Lizze’s favourites – “Cup Buckle Sandal Hi is my favourite shoe of the SailorShore The Riviera collection they look FAB with socks that reflects one of the seasons key trends and it also looks fierce in the Boardroom!”

“Kindred Sole is a lifestyle choice and our shoes reflect this ethos. Kindred Sole is a online boutique for women who are fashion aware but not led by on trend styles. We focus on traditional silhouettes with modern interpretations, Kindred Sole’s shoes are timeless pieces of art that will seamlessly and effortlessly take you from season to season.”

Successes and the Future

The Kindred Sole team were shortlisted at the WOW Awards (Women On their Way) in the “Start Up” Category and were finalists in the Shell liveWIRE Grand Ideas Awards. These nominations are a huge achievement for such a new business, both Lizze and Beth are delighted and have big plans for Kindred Sole in the near future. The team are currently working on moving forward the create an own brand label in collaboration with Graduate footwear designers.

“We are constantly increasing the styles available and will continue to do so! Our goals for 2010 are to continue to grow, expand and impress our customers with the fantastic shoes that are available at Kindred Sole!”

Kindred Sole ship across the UK and Internationally, all items are despatched gift wrapped as standard whether it is a present for a loved one or a treat for yourself.

Kandee Shoes

Launched on the 1st February 2009 and recently featured on the Express website, Kandee Shoes has a tantalising “Created in Candyland” Collection featuring pastel coloured and candy themed shoes.

“If you’re looking to indulge your sweet tooth but want to do so without the sugar, look out for new label Kandee shoes. Its spring/summer collection is full of pretty pastel confections” www.express.co.uk 3rd June 2010

Kandee shoes was created by Josh Wayman on a quiet sunday afternoon.

“I was actually really bored and out of nowhere decided I would draw some shoes and come up with ideas of something new and refreshing, that I hadn’t seen too much of on either the high street or catwalks. I thought of what women would possibly like and what’s better than shoes and candy! Plus there are no problems with calories!”

At the age of 20, Josh with a background in hairdressing has always had a creative sole.   Having always been interested in women’s fashion, Josh decided to go with his gut instincts and passion for all things fashion and created the Kandee Shoes brand. “I feel that people would always assume you must go to college or university and study to do what you want, but i have never been one to follow the guidelines and i think if you have an idea and its viable you should go for it. Persistence is key!”.

Kandee Shoes

Created in Candyland Collection

Taking inspiration from childhood memories of entering the sublime sweet smelling world of the sweetie shop, to holidays abroad with the family. The collection is a bright, bold step into world of footwear. Josh feels inspired all the time, “Generally anytime I see candy, be it the texture, colour, shape or packaging, I think of a new shoe design.”

Soft and stylish Peppermint Creams Pump

Peppermint Creams Pump, by Kandee

These fab pumps will boost any floaty floral number or add a slice of colour to a on trend nude trouser suit at a wedding.  Kandee’s peppermint patent lambs leather pumps are simply divine with a 5 inch heel and half an inch platform with a comfy nude lambs leather insole.

Hitting the Colour Blocking trend on the head, is the Dolly Mix Wedge

Dolly Mix Wedge, by Kandee

Using Lilac and yellow diamond lambs leather, these wedges have a gorgeous 5 inch heel with a 2 inch platform. The shoes have a nude lambs leather insole with signature silver logo and rubber lilac coloured outer sole. They’re almost good enough to eat!

The Dippa Stick Ankle Boots are well tailored and slick

Dippa Stick Ankle Boots, by Kandee

Team with a pair of skinny jeans and rock chic jacket and you’ll be fitting in fabulous this festival season.  Kandee’s black oil patent leather ankle boots have an adventurously bold canary yellow 5 inch heel and zip feature on the back. These will set pulses racing.

Summer Hues with the Lemon Sherbet Pump

Lemon Sherbet Pumps, by Kandee

The Lemon Sherbet Pump is a great way to add colour to your summer office wardrobe in a subtle but majestic manner.  Kandee’s yellow diamond lambs leather pumps will add that special something to your outfit. with a fabulous 5 inch heel and those ever so comfy nude lambs leather insole with signature silver logo.

Kandee shoes will be launching more fabulous collections very soon including their Liquorice All Soles Collection. At present Kandee shoes are only available on line at the Candy Shop kandeeshoes.com.  However Josh is working on a worldwide range to be available in selective stores for spring/summer 2011.

Lady M Presents readers can get a fabulous 10 per cent off shoes by entering IWANTKANDEE at the checkout.

Don’t forget to follow Kandee Shoes on Twitter to get all the latest gossip and news from the sweet tasting brand.