Fat Frocks

These boots are made for walkin'...

By Gem - 15:01:00

13 Comments

Hotter Shoes - Cardiff

By Gem - 11:01:00

Hotter shoes invited me to their Cardiff store a couple of weeks ago to take a look around and get correctly fitted for a pair of shoes. I have to admit I only had a limited knowledge of the store before taking a look around.So if you are in the dark like I was here's a little background information on Hotter Shoes:

The company was set up in 1959 and identified a niche in the market for stylish shoes with comfort built in. The shoes are made here in the UK in their Lancashire factory. Every single pair of shoes are hand polished before they are meticulously wrapped in tissue and then placed in their box. Sounds great, right?

I had my feet measured by Emma and found out that I needed a E fitting because my feet are a little wide. Hotter shoes have a standard D/E fitting but also offer EE-EEE fitting in selected styles and colours for those who need a little extra room. Also my one foot is a 7.5 and the other is an 8 which I never knew before getting measured.

Hotter Shoes cater for all tastes which I wasn't really aware of before popping into the store. I know they made wide fitting shoes but they have a selection of stylish brogues, loafers and pumps which are all great for work and walking boots in different fittings. The perfect shop to head to for comfortable shoes.

I took home a pair of smart brogues (after they were sprayed by protector). My details were logged which means I can go back and get replacement laces and insoles if needed which would prolong the life of the shoes. The shoes are light, comfortable and I hope you agree, pretty cute.These shoes haven't needed wearing in at all and the leather is so soft. My wide feet mean that I normally get a lot pain when breaking in shoes but it was a pleasant surprise not to experience this with the Somerley brogues.

The very lovely Simon and Emma were absolutely wonderful and gave very friendly service in store. They made me feel very welcome and were knowledgeable about the products.

If you want to visit Hotter shoes in Cardiff they are located at 17 Cathedral Walk in the St David's Centre.

1 Comments

asos dress

Move Over Darling

By Gem - 18:24:00

14 Comments

Best of British

M&S Collection - Best of British

By Gem - 16:25:00

I don't know about you but I always like to try and buy British. The new Marks & Spencer collection celebrates British design, craftsmanship and manufacture so I'm pretty excited about the launch and can't wait to see it in stores. Best of British, has both womenswear and menswear lines, combining a rich heritage of traditionally made fabrics with chic, modern styling.

Here is a preview of some of the items in the range and a Q&A with the Head of Womenswear Design:

Best of British

Q&A with Head of Womenswear Design, Neil Hendy

Q: What is the Best of British Collection?

A: It’s a 34 piece collection celebrating the best in British design and manufacture. It’s made up of an edited selection of premium wardrobe classics and investment pieces inspired by our heritage but modern in both design and cut.

The clothing is complemented by a select edit of key accessories including brogues and Chelsea boots handcrafted by traditional British shoemakers, and oversized wool wraps made in soft, warm lambswool and finished in heritage checks.

Q: What were the inspirations behind the designs?
A: British heritage is very evident throughout the womenswear collection from the cloths used down to the pieces themselves. There’s also a distinct androgynous feel, with several pieces very much influenced by masculine styling. We were also inspired by quintessentially British pieces like the Peacoat, the Trenchcoat and the Chelsea boot and have created new takes on these wardrobe classics.

Q: How does this range differ in style and composition to M&S’ other ranges?
A: This collection is at the more premium end of our offering which has enabled us to use luxury fabrics and trims on our garments. The collection also has a very defined colour palette of neutral tones, monochrome with pops of hot pink which sets it apart from our other M&S collections.

Q: Tell me a bit about the manufacturers you used?
A: As we have so much home grown talent in Britain, we feel strongly about continuing to support and champion these manufacturers to ensure they will still be creating great clothing in the years to come. We have worked 6 British companies for the womenswear collection including Manchester based Cooper & Stollbrand, known for their quality of their hand crafted outerwear and painstaking attention to detail and NPS Shoes Ltd who have manufactured the brogues and Chelsea boots in the Best of British collection.

Q: Which are your favourite pieces and why?
A: Particular favourites of mine include the iconic tweed suit as I love the contrast between the rich, heritage fabric and the super slim, modern cut and the pink check cocoon coat which is the perfect statement winter coat.

Q: What’s the price range of the collection?
A: Prices range from £45 for a wool wrap and £349 for the pea coat and sizes range from 8 – 18.

Q: When is the collection available to buy?
A: It will be available in selected stores and online at marksandspencer.com from October 10th

0 Comments

These boots are made for walkin'...

Hotter Shoes - Cardiff

Move Over Darling

M&S Collection - Best of British

Best of British

Q&A with Head of Womenswear Design, Neil Hendy

About me

Follow

Instagram

Blog Archive