Jimmy Choo

Jimmy Choo with ShoesieQ

A Shoefie (or should that be Choofie?!)

As you may know ShoesieQ likes to consider herself as something of an aspiring Shoe Siren. Well last night it would appear that her calls were answered, and then some, as she was lucky enough to be invited to attend an audience with Shoe Royalty, namely the extremely wonderful Professor Jimmy Choo at Jesus College, Cambridge.

Even better, Jimmy was being interviewed by a good friend, the equally wonderful Nicky Shepard, founder of Cambridge Style Week.

Nicky Shepard interviewing Professor Choo

In case you’re wondering what the great man had to say for himself, amongst many other facts Nicky managed to glean from Prof Choo were……

• The first shoes her ever made were for his mum (Awww!).
• Prof Choo’s view on success is if you have a name and make your parents, college and country proud it doesn’t really matter if you makes much money (Awww again!).
• Looking at new developments in the Shoeniverse, Prof Choo explained that 3-d printing is already used in China to manufacture some of the component parts of footwear, but humans still put the final product together. Although this will doubtless change, Prof C is old fashioned and will always want many parts of the shoe making process to be by human rather than computer. He also mentioned a machine has been invented that can accurately can scan feet – but he would personally still want to fit shoes by hand.
• His favourite pair were the last ones he made for Princess Diana. Sadly she died before could give them to her,so still has them to this day.
• His favourite designer is Giorgio Armani! Prof Choo rates him so highly as they share the same ethos, are both down to earth, his designs are simple, classic and very stylish, plus Mr A provides a lot of employment  for his native country Italy
• As you might imagine Jimmy has many pairs of shoes – not least because he’s often given them as gifts. However he passes most on to his friends after couple of months! But in his view everyone needs at least 4 or 5 pairs min as feet sweat, and shoes need to air. Which is also why he recommends you should always go for leather lined shoes as they breathe and mould to the foot better!

 

And in  case you’re wondering ShoesieQ managed to ask a question too! She had been warned that there would be a Q&A session at the end, so asked around for a killer question. There were loads of brilliant suggestions, but the one ShoesieQ plumped for was the brainchild of Alice Toby-Brant (aka Cambridge blogger The Middle Sister), namely:

“Would you design a truly decadent high heel specifically for a man and if so, which man would it be?”

This got a good laugh from the audience, not to mention Jimmy, which was an excellent start (thanks Alice!). His reply was that some men already wear his heels, especially in places like Hong Kong – but it’s almost always in the evening, say at a bar or nightclub. But he added that they needed to practice to wear stilettos – though tbh most of the audience knew that already………. 😉

 

FYI and last, but certainly not least: if this has whetted your appetite, Jimmy Choo has an exhibition on in town, Gems of the Silk Road. The show opened on February 2nd at new Cambridge International Art gallery on Jesus Lane and runs for a month.

 

Shoe Maths!

OK, OK, ShoesieQ admits that whilst this is not perhaps an Oxymoron, the words “Shoes” and “Maths” are not often found in the same sentence. Especially a 2 word one!

Mind you, now she thinks about it ShoesieQ isn’t even sure that Shoe Maths is even a true sentence. Isn’t there supposed to be a verb lurking around somewhere?  Hmmmmm, ShoesieQ is now starting to wonder if she dare show her face in her Cambridge shop ever again at this rate, as she has some seriously bright customers and is starting to feel seriously dense!

Anyway, we digress. Getting back on topic, ShoesieQ has a question of a vaguely equatiastical bent (and yes, she’s fully aware that to make matters even more random she’s starting to make words up).

So, my dearest and most patient reader, the question ShoesieQ is finally about to ask, is what do you get if you complete the following sum?

+

Well, dear shoeslover, in this particular case the answer is the most wonderful new range of boots by a new brand to Modish by Bueno that ShoesieQ stumbled across during her last but one trip to Milan. Tbh this rather rubbishy photo doesn’t really do these gorgeous boots justice. The colours are brighter for starters – plus you probably can’t tell just how soft the leather is, or indeed how comfy they are on! And you’ll definitely not have worked out is that the range starts at just £99.99 for the Chelsea boots, and tops out at a very reasonable £155 for the mid calf ones 🙂

What will probably come as less of a surprise is that these boots are proving rather popular, so if you fancy a fair we suggest you hot foot it down to Cambridge or Saffron Walden pronto!

Quite Great? More like Blimmin’ Marvellous!

Today ShoesieQ brings glad tidings: her shop Modish has been chosen to be featured as part of Quite Great’s Guide for tourists and shoppers coming to Cambridge – Cambridge Unwrapped!

The lovely people at Quite Great have taken it upon themselves to give visitors to our beautiful city a few inside tips on THE best places in Cambridge for a bit of shopping or a bite to eat. Pete Bassett, the boss of Quite Great, very kindly explained that all the shops and outlets chosen are examples of must go to Cambridge retailers who truly understand both the heartbeat of the city and the way to give shoppers a great experience.

The very slight downside is that this guide is via the medium of You Tube, and if you are indeed ShoesieQ that makes it a teensey weensey bit excruciating to watch.

But she has bitten the bullet (!) and added a link so you can see for yourself. In fact it’s such a great idea here’s the link to the whole thing!

Cambridge Unwrapped: Modish

Cambridge Unwrapped: All

 

Ladies and gentlemen, we present to you The Sliced Loaf!

If you are, in the immortal words of Ray Davies,  a dedicated follower of fashion, you won’t fail to have noticed a slightly surprising new trend that the likes of Alexa et al have been sporting over the last few weeks, namely the “Sliced Loaf”.

Now in case you were wondering about the sanity of said fashionistas, ShoesieQ needs to point out that women are NOT rushing down to Lidl (or even Waitrose) en masse, grabbing a large Mothers Pride White Toaster Loaf and strapping two slices onto their tootsies.

What they are doing instead is popping down to their local shoe shop and walking out with a pair of backless loafers. Now obviously “backless loafers” doesn’t sound anywhere fashion-y enough for the style cognoscenti , so some wag decided to sex things up by coming up with an alternative moniker for said shoes. But sadly they coined the frankly ludicrous Sliced Loaf. And even more sadly a load of credulous fashion journalists have adopted this ridiculous name!

Which is a pity as the shoe itself can actually be rather great. Obviously not the furry version that makes it look as though, with every step, you’re massacring a small family of chipmunks. The less said about those, the better! But hey, at least the women wearing them aren’t torturing themselves with every step, which makes a pleasant change from most fashion footwear eh? And worn with trousers of just about any length they look pretty cool.

What’s more, said shoes make ShoesieQ feel remarkably smug, as her shop Modish is somewhat (unusually!) ahead of the game as it has sold backless loafers by Geox for the past few years now. And indeed has them in stock as she types in case you wanted to give them a go 🙂

 

New shoes (and boots!) for Autumn

Well, as ShoesieQ writes, it seems that the summer is still hanging on. Which bearing in mind that its now pretty much the end of September (!) means just one thing: Strictly Come Dancing is back! Plus, perhaps more pertinently (at least as far as this blog is concerned) it’s time to think about buying some new shoes or, even better, BOOTS!

So, on the off chance that you, dear shoelover, are wondering what you need to look out for in the shops this season, here’s ShoesieQ’s Top 5 trends for AW16:

 

 1) Toes are having a bit of what fashionistas like to term a “moment” – so you’ll continue to see a few pointy shoes and boots, such as these gorgeous suede courts by Hogl and K&S. But if you look hard you may also spot there’s also a sub-trend of  squared off toes, particularly on biker boots.

2) Chelsea boots. Yes we know, not exactly high fashion, but as always oh so useful, so definitely worth a mention. As you can see from these fin examples by Fly London and Vagabond, this season’s Chelseas they’re a bit more grungy, with a platform and or a bit of a heel rather than the ladylike version we saw so much of last year.

 

3) Loafers and Lace Ups. These fab shoes by Vagabond, Tamaris and Lilimill respectively are proof, if proof were needed, that Androgeny rules!And as you can see from these pics the most fashionable Oxfords, brogues and lace ups are on a bit of a platform. Which leads us nicely on to……

4) Platforms. Elegant wedges have all but disappeared to be replaced by the resurgence of the Platforms of all depths and sizes, from barely there to full-on 1970s in your face (though there are still plenty of wedge platforms about too – phew!). FYI these utterly gorgeous boots are by Fly London

and then last, but very much NOT least…………

 

5) Pewter. This is the main trend you’ll see everywhere! Hip Hip Hooray – pewter is very much a Modish favourite! Mainly because it incorporate two things we love more than anything – a bit of subtle shiny-shiny, along with the chameleon-like ability to go with just about any colour under the sun. What’s not to love! NB It’s only fair ro warn you that the Black and Pewter boots above by Fly London are selling like hotcakes, so if you fancy a pair you’ll need to get your skates on!

So, ladies and gentlemen, the great news about Autumn 2016, at least in terms of what we’ll be wearing on our feet, is that there’s something for pretty much everyone. And as doubtless this lovely warm weather will be buggering off shortly, ShoesieQ suggests that you head off and treat yourself to a lovely new pair of shoes or boots ASAP!

Geox Nebula sneakers: So what’s the biggie?!

You’ll have to be blind to have missed the publicity surrounding Geox’s latest shoe launch: for the Nebula sneaker. But ShoesieQ must admit to some trepidation when she first heard about them. After all trainers are everywhere these days. Just what could Geox do that’s so special?

Well once ShoesieQ tried on some of the early samples about 6 months ago she thought she’d give them a go at her shop Modish, as they really are fabulous.

Incredibly lightweight, flexible, ultra-cushioned and supportive and fully breathable, plus, crucially, they look really neat on the feet. ShoesieQ has had shoe shops for over 8 years now and she’s never come across anything quite like it. Sure other brands can come up trumps with one of two of these benefits: but she’s never come across anything that does all of them!

Geox describe it like walking on clouds, and they’re not far wrong.

In fact she was so impressed she bought them in 6 colours! Which bearing in mind she’s only ever stock 3 colours in any one shoe max shows how good they are!

If you’re sceptical (and ShoesieQ can understand if you are, she was too!), just pop into Modish and try a pair to see for yourself! Or if you’d rather just take a look online here’s a pic of one not moving around at, followed by a link to all the colours we’re selling at Modish

http://www.modishonline.co.uk/?searchStr=nebula&x=0&y=0

 

Cambridge Style Week 2016 has arrived!

ShoesieQ won’t blather on too much today, doubtless to the relief of many 😉 But she did just want to quickly mention that the rather wonderful Cambridge Style Week is upon us once more. And her shop Modish was delighted to be invited to pair up with our Green Street neighbours OSKA. We hit the catwalk last night and here’s how it went!

PS If you’re quick and at a loose end tonight it looks like there may be one or two tickets left. Here’s the link you need if you fancy going: cambridgestyleweek.com/events

#CSWStyle

 

 

Spring Shoes – the 3 trends that will last!

Now ShoesieQ is sure the more shoe-obsessed amongst you will have doubtless noticed that the shops are starting to fill up with gorgeous spring shoes and sandals. But what to buy? Fret not my lovelies, as ShoesieQ is in the fortunate position of being in the middle of buying her collection for Autumn Winter 16, and she’s spotted 3 trends that will take you through the rest of the year in style 🙂

The 1970s

This is probably making some of you wince, but the 1970s trend is surprisingly wearable! All it really means is you’ll be seeing plenty of:

• Blocky heels and platforms
• The colour tan (in suede and leather)
• Cowboy boots (especially the ankle version)

and

• Lots and lots of fringing!

These ankle boots by Manas fit the bill beautifully. £125

Sneakers

Not entirely sure this counts as a trend tbh, but the growth of activewear in clothing is more than matched by the number of trainers and sneakers in the shops. If you’re not entirely sure this is for you but want to dip your toe in, give these low wedge trainers by Geox a go.

Persephone by Geox, £90

Pewter

Well, strictly speaking it’s the colour silver that’s making the Fash Pack go weak at the knees. But ShoesieQ rekons you’d be much better off giving pewter a go. It’s a little softer, a little darker and much less bacofoil-y than silver 😉 Plus the fact that they’ve got a reflective surface means that, chameleon-like, pewter shoes tend to pick up the colours from the rest of your outfit, so they literally go with everything. Clever huh?!

Ok, so you’ll not be wearing these in December, but they’re too pretty not to include! Tamaris £39.99

Best way to beat the Bag charge!

ShoesieQ was lucky enough to stumble across this rather lovely stall when she was walking through Cambridge the other week.  Just goes to show how much attention she pays when she ambles around Cambridge – according to the stall owner, the rather charming Dave, he’s been manning said stand for over 40 years!

So ShoesieQ must have walked past it many many times without paying it any heed whatsoever. Mind you, the design of their fab new shopper is impossible to ignore – even for dreamboats like yours truly. Especially for those of us who take a keen interest in anything footwear related……….

Anyway it seems that shoppers are having a bit of a moment, if the numbers turning up at ShoesieQ’s shops are anything to go by. And the recently introduced carrier bag tax can only encourage such an admirable trend!  So if you fancy giving one a spin, Dave can be  found in Cambridge market most days (usually just opposite Gap). Fraid ShoesieQ can’t remember exactly how much they cost, other than it was definitely under £20. Bargain, eh?

WARNING: Cambridge Art Fair is Upon us!

To the uninitiated it may seem slightly odd that this blog starts with a warning. But trust us – The Cambridge Art Fair has the potential to be life changing!

ShoesieQ came to last year’s Cambridge Art Fair she had NO IDEA that she was about to come face to face with the love of her life. A good friend invited her along thinking it would be interesting, plus that ShoesieQ might meet a couple of new people. So there she was, happily wandering around, large glass of wine in hand when it happened. ShoesieQ looked along one of the corridors, and right at the end taking pride of place on the stage was The One. A painting so beautiful she stopped dead in her tracks, mouth agape.

Now ShoesieQ had no intention of buying anything, and a discrete enquiry about the price confirmed that this work of art was somewhat out of her (paltry) budget. So, with many longing backwards glances she walked away.

But ShoesieQ spent the weekend thinking about little else, so on Monday morning she called the gallery to check if it had sold – and it hadn’t! And to cut a long story short ‘The Lake’ by Tess Recordon now has pride of place at the end of ShoesieQ’s bed, as you can see from this pic:

And if you want get a proper look at just what could inspire an old cynic like ShoesieQ fall in love at first sight, her shop Modish is devoting the window of her Cambridge store to the painting, which will take centre stage for the duration of the Fair ie Thursday October 1^st until Sunday 4^th. Plus prints and cards of the utterly gorgeous ‘The Lake’ will be available for sale too, as ShoesieQ has more than a sneaking suspicion that there are going to me more than a few other people who are about to fall in love with it too 😉

Even more excitingly ShoesieQ is working with the wonderful Ruth Brown from 10:AM Design to make this window the best one Modish has ever seen – it really is going to be going to be more than a bit special.  Here’s a sneaky peak/little clue-ette to give you an idea as to how we (well, Ruth really!) is translating a gorgeous painting onto a gorgeous window………..

 

And finally, if you think your financial resolve is strong enough, or even better, that your bank acoount is healthy enough, you can find out more info and get tickets for this wonderful Fair from http://www.cambridgeartfair.com