Upper Street

I am one of those frustrating shoppers who goes out with an exact idea of what I'm looking for; not because I've seen it or heard about it, just because I've woken up with an idea of something I want. Now, I'm going to be honest with you- 9 out of 10 times I am disappointed and have to settle!

Upper Street Shoes

A couple of ladies, with people like me in mind, have come up with a solution to this problem! Hurrah, I hear you (possibly) say! Upper Street allows you to design your own shoes from scratch. Now, I've had a go at doing this and as well as being super fun (who doesn't want to play designer?!) the shoes look fabulous. Plus, there will never ever be that embarrassing scenario when you turn up somewhere and someone is wearing your shoes! The phrase 'I love your shoes', will mean so much more!

Just imagine, instead of traipsing around the high street shops trying to find something like your dream shoe...you can sit at home with a glass of wine, telly on in the background and make your own. EXACTLY the way you want them and have them delivered to your door!

There are seven steps to making your perfect pair of shoes:
1) Shoe Style; ranging from pump, stiletto, court shoe etc
2) Upper Shape; classic, curvy
3) Shoe Front: swarovski crystal, bow, buckle, flower etc
4) Shoe Back: plain or counter back
5) Strap: ankle, triple strap etc
6) Colour
7) Embellishments

My shoe designed by me!

After producing a paper pattern of your shoe, the material is hand cut. Diamantes, gems and studs are added by hand. Master shoe-makers hand-fit the uppers. Experienced cobblers attach the leather inners, the sole and the heel. Then your shoes are hand-finished, buffed and polished. Boom! Needless to say, your shoes will be good hands.

check out Upper street here: http://www.upperstreet.com/

Upper Street

Henrietta Ludgate; Afternoon Tea at LFW

                       

What better than a little afternoon tea amidst the hysteria that is London Fashion Week. Scottish, luxury womenswear designer Henrietta Ludgate hosted the Super-nova Spring/Summer 2013 afternoon tea party.  This interactive experience was one-of-a-kind (much like Henrie's pieces). China cups and sauces, wine and tea poured by beautiful people, a live band and models wearing the new collection, dancing, blowing bubbles and generally just having a great time.

 This was a show unlike any other I've been to. It was so relaxed and enjoyable. It's amazing how much difference it makes watching models wear their clothes in a natural habitat: dancing, socialising and laughing.

The atmosphere had a very Alice in Wonderland feel which was initially apparent by Henrie, dressed in pink with a matching top-hat, greeting members of the 'audience' at the door. Fairy lights, cup-cakes and large flowers also helped. It truly was an exciting and enticing way of viewing a collection.

Alex McDonald, Henrietta Ludgate, Chrystal Holgate

Henrietta has been awarded the 'Fashion Innovation Award' and 'Young Designer of the Year' as well as being a favourite with Livia Firth and Laura Bailey, who incidentally helped open up her new store in Whiteleys, Bayswater. Which was another fun evening.

Henrie's designs are always bold, elegant and exciting. Have a look for yourself here:
http://www.henriettaludgate.com/HENRIETTA_LUDGATE.html