Sophia's Choice

As soon as I saw a pair of Sophia Webster shoes, I knew they were for me – bright, colourful with a witty, fun approach to design. I knew that if I were a shoe designer, I would create similar styles.

But I’m not a shoe designer – I’m a copywriter, so I settled for working hard, saving my wages and starting my own collection of Sophia Webster heels, these ones, so far:

Olivia

Jessica

As soon as I saw I saw the #Pimpmycoco competition, I knew I had to enter. Hosted on Instagram, Sophia Webster provided a blank template of her popular Coco style, for her loyal fans to customise. I printed off about 10 copies and got busy with my Sharpies and highlighters. A sneaky lunchbreak doodle at work, a scribble in front of the telly and before I knew it, I had amassed quite the collection! I posted all of them on Instagram but had a feeling when I did it that one pair stood out against the rest, my Neon Leopard design:

You can see my other designs over on Instagram.

I followed the competition avidly – there were so many amazing entries – Sophia's fans were really going to town. It was such a fun, creative outlet and I thought it was lovely how all the fans supported each other with comments and likes.

Then one day, my friend Becky texted me – she had seen on Snapchat that I had made it to the final of the competition. I was amazed, given the standard and sheer volume of entries (there were over 1000). Wow, that was exciting. But that was nothing compared to the day I was in an Uber home, after a long photoshoot and got an Instagram notification saying I had WON with a video you can watch here. 

There was no other feeling like it, and now I am excitedly awaiting the arrival of my very own pair of custom-made Neon Leopard heels, designed by me and made by the Sophia Webster studio.

Big love and thanks to everyone who supported me, I’ll show you all a photo of the shoes when they arrive.

Shoe Statement

I’m a walking cliché of a fashion lover but at least I've got some bloody nice shoes. This is the tip of the iceberg, but I CAN’T BEAR to be without any of them, even the ones I can't walk in. I'm not selling any on eBay, no matter how poor I am and that is the end of it. How big is your shoe collection? 

Brogues Ahoy!

Yay! I love brogues and Church's makes some of the nicest around.

http://fashion.telegraph.co.uk/news-features/TMG8669129/Churchs-chooses-London-to-open-its-first-ladies-store.html

The New Dior Shoe Boutique

Gemma Arterton opened the new Selfridges Shoe Galleries today which includes a gorgeous Dior boutique. The new styles are truly covetable, with many platform styles, much to my personal joy. I had my eye on a pair of lace and satin ankle boots with lacing up the backs and a more practical, flat pair of sawn-off riding boots. We sipped champagne and munched macaroons as we perused the new looks. A fetching pair of buckle sandals (amongst a few other pairs) were exclusive to Selfridges to 'boot.' If you haven't been yet, I would strongly suggest paying a visit soon, it's a must-go-to destination to the shoe obsessed.

Asos Access All Areas: The Shoes and Accessories

The ASOS.com shoes and accessories are cool and covetable for Spring '10. Check out my selection below; want it ALL!! I wasn't sure about clogs but I actually like these tan ones a lot.

Grind Date

This has been the briefest of all my love affairs. It started off so well – all the signs were there, the increased heart rate, light sweat and feelings of light-headedness. I felt intensely happy as I felt the adrenaline rush wash over me.

Then I took Grind Carvela to meet my friends. Unfortunately this is where our love went from ‘honeymoon’ to ‘honey: doomed.’

You know that feeling when you simply adore someone and want everyone else you care about to as well? I had every emotion in spades but when I reached for the cool metal ankle chain and pulled the first shoe from its brand-new-smelling box I realised something was amiss. “They’re hooker shoes” came the shrieks – if people could have done, they would have run for the hills. It didn’t end there. “You’d, you’d wear them for work?” Shocked silence followed. “But, what about their rock-chick-inspired beauty and appeal?” I desperately pleaded, “What about the lovely craftsmanship and distressed leather?” Surely the mega platform and six inch heel were worth at least a hint of envy? It seemed not. The overwhelming advice seemed to be that I should return them immediately and thank myself lucky I hadn’t worn them outside.

Not without a fight. I took them home prepared to keep them but found my affection sullied. With men this would have translated into thinking that maybe his nose was a bit too wide or his bottom not quite right. In Shoeland this meant that the buckle I had before considered as pleasantly chunky now seemed oversized and vulgar. The polished, angular heel I had loved so much began to appear hard and, strangely, slightly evil. The clincher? I cannot walk in these shoes to save my life. I went to show my housemate (“look how long my legs look!”) but alas lost my balance and fell onto his bed in a pile of patent heel and chain. Far from appearing impressed he queried my motives, questioning my financial (and mental) stability. He couldn’t believe anyone sane had said that they liked them and I later confessed I had lied to trick him into maybe saying he did.

So this is it for me and Carvela’s Grind model. At least I’ll always have the memories (and some money returned to my debit card).

Here are some model shots of him and some general snaps of our time together:

Mount Me

New 'Mount' street sandals by monsieur Christian Louboutin. I. Am. In. Lust.

Platform Palava vs. Louboutin Love

You know that feeling when your credit card is burning a small but distinctively plasticy hole in your pocket? That sixth sense of knowing that nothing, but nothing will deter you from shopping? I was sure that the next time I felt this urge to splurge it would be all over a brand new pair of Christian Louboutins. I wanted that red sole so badly I could taste it in the back of my throat. As soon as work was over I hot-footed it over to my local department store to see what was goods were on offer.

Better stick to the sale though. (I'm not that naughty!)

Like a junkie looking for a fix, I skidded about on my knees. I stared up at the racks of cut-price footwear, seeking that telltale glimpse of Louboutin crimson. There it was: one pair 40.5’s, ooh they were blue metallic. Wait, there was another, this time a pearlised and strappy green pair-there. Were. Loads. Of. Louboutins.

Fiercely I rid myself of my chunky, inadequate Mary Jane (almost knocking an old lady unconscious in the process!) and got busy. Ferociously jamming sandal-after-sandal on my long-suffering right foot, I searched. Fervently disregarding any flat or wedge that came to hand (what is the point? You can’t see the red sole!) I kept trying on the shoes. They were certainly the right size and most of them were beautiful but something was amiss: these were the most uncomfortable shoes I had ever encountered! I have become the victim of the platform and none of these babies had even a hint of one. I started to worry. The number of times I have scoffed at older (and richer) ladies complaining of Louboutin-discomfort. “Oh get over it” I scoffed jealously! A few years ago I even managed to relieve one of them of her red Louboutin dustbag in desperation (if you beg and plead long enough they eventually get the message-shame she didn’t want to part with her Pigalles!).

I am not giving up but I will not settle. I will bide my time until I have enough money for the new season platformed Louboutins. When I have them I will flash that red sole like the brazen hussy they will make me. I will dance around everyone who said ‘they pinch’ and pirouette on a pedestal cloud of red platformed happiness.