Laser Cut Shoes

(Image sourced from paperblog,com)

Laser cut shoes are another popular trend for this spring summer which means your feet can look pretty while also being aerated in those oh so many hot summer days we get here (always the practical thinker, and optimist!). 

"When you want to spice up an outfit, opt for a pair of visually intriguing laser cut shoes. These statement-worthy pieces add a splash of pizazz to any ensemble, and make a simple outfit come to life." blogher.com

Here's our collection that made the cut this season:

Clarks Henderson Silk £50

White on white and metallic shimmer are perfect for the party season with comfort padded insoles and laser cut detail. 

Fitflop Flora £65

Fitflop Flora are bang on trend with their bright vibrant colours and laser cut detail to the upper.

Gabor 84.169 £75

Gabor have brought out these fun square laser cute pumps in a variety of colours that are key for this season completed with their hovercraft sole unit for all day comfort. 

Gabor 86.094 £75

A variation on Gabor's classic California moccasin updated in pastel tones with laser cut detailing to the tongue area.

Rieker 40078 £49.99

Rieker have added a bit of girly glamour to this basic blue loafer.

Rieker Z9415 £57

Pastel pink boot with stud detail and laser cut flower pattern perfect for the summer.

Van Dal Monteray £68

With an espadrille sole unit and laser cut flower uppers this Van Dal summer shoe is perfect for any occasion.

Van Dal Selma £65

A peep toe sling back with slight laser cut detail adds interest and glamour to this simply cut shoe.

Van Dal Tahoe £75

Metallic toe caps mix perfectly with the laser cut flower detail on these cute and feminine comfort padded ballet pumps.

Will you embrace the laser cut trend this season?

A Break Down of the Colour Trends : 1. Pastels

(Image sourced from http://stylefrizz.com/201309/sandals-youll-need-spring-summer-2014-burberry-ss14/)

Pastel shades are one of the first things that springs to mind when thinking of summery days, warm evenings and holidays. Although we expect many of you have pastel shades in your summer wardrobes from previous seasons if you want to update your selection without spending too much money add a pastel shoe and transform your summer look.

Here is what we have in the way of pastel shades for spring summer 2014 for the women:

Starting with this pale pink patent effect ballet pump from Clarks, this shade of pink is just bright enough to add depth to an outfit without being too garish or obvious. Perfect with white jeans, summer dresses and floaty skirts and at a fabulous price of £29.99. Buy here

Sticking with pink is this stunning HB suede and leather pump with baby blue piping detail and bow to the front. The addition of the pastel blue adds interest and elegance to this simple little pump, perfect for a dressy occasion where a heel just would not do. Buy here

On to a more casual affair with the spring pastel Converse available in mint green, pale purple and pastel spotted. Converse canvas lace ups suit all ages and are the perfect every day run around shoe, lightweight and comfortable. Buy here

Comfortable feet are important throughout the year but in the summer with the (potential) heat it feels even more so. This year Gabor have brought out a variation on their fantastically comfortable and popular moccasin (previous blog about them here) in pastel shades with cut out detail for decoration and to keep the feet nice and cool in the summer. Made on a slightly wider last to enable the feet to spread out and remain comfortable for the duration on the wear. Buy them here

A mixture of comfortable casual and smart in this Rieker heeled sandal, made on a plush padded sole unit to keep feel happy with a touch of sparkle to keep the eyes happy! Tonal pastel shading on the uppers adds interest and helps mate with a multitude of outfits and occasions. Available here 

Now moving on the the classic spring summer colour, BEIGE. Not much needs to be said about how versatile and classically pretty beige can be so we'll let the shoes do (most of) the talking:

Masculine yet pretty the Clarks Hamble Oak in nude.

A wooden effect sole unit ensures this fits into any occasion.  

Cut out detail brings this Clarks Henderson Silk pump to life while the comfort padded removable insole ensures comfy feet for those long summer BBQ's

Three dressy options from Gabor all for very different occasions; update your spring work wardrobe with the suede pointed toe heel above, be comfortable yet stylish at a wedding or summer party in the square toe patent option or opt for the suede heeled sandal for a lighter affair. 

 HB 353

HB 5756

Two variations on the classic moccasin from HB; textured leather adds a point of difference to both while the brogue detailing and tassel detail takes this loafer from pounding the streets of London to office chic with tailored trousers and a crisp white shirt. 

Peep toe - tick; sling back - tick; beige - tick; patent - tick. What more could you want from a summer heeled sandal apart from the addition of a patent and suede bow?! Buy now

An option on the pink ballet pump mentioned above if pink is just not your thing. The addition of green means this pump will easily take you into the colder months. 

A flat every day sandal for those ladies that love a bit of bling (and who doesn't?!)

Snake skin effect toughens up this girly ballet pump making the transition from spring summer to autumn winter that little bit easier! 

With inspiration from the loved smoking slipper this ballet pump come moccasin has an air of sophistication to it with the textured leather and elongated toe. Edging on the masculine side this shoe ticks all the boxes. 

Finishing on this stunning suede peep toe heel perfect for parties and weddings alike. Mix with certain shades and this heel takes on an almost lilacy tone, stick with white and it sits perfectly in the beige crowd but find the right material and you could almost believe this shoe belongs in the pink family. Treated with Van Dal's Iron Mask technology means this shoe is as happy in the rain as it is in the sunshine, unfortunately weather gods if you are listening we are not! Buy here

Pure London Spring Summer 2014

I always look forward to attending Pure London twice a year and make sure I get there to start off my visit with the WGSN trend forecast / catwalk. The trend forecast is really insightful and there is nothing quite like seeing those looks come to life down the catwalk – and I always fall in love with the clothes!

This year was no exception with the three very wearable macro trends being – New Digital Aesthetic (N.D.A), Next Nature and Living Design.

N.D.A

Here the focus is on bright colours – orange peel, hot pink and cobalt blue contrasted with layered shades of denim, amethyst and soft grey while luminous pastels take the place of neutrals to add freshness to the look.

For casual wear sport is the main influence with relaxed shapes with bold prints and distorted pattern detail. High shine finishes update classic sports shapes like the sweatshirt while spots, stripes and graphic geometrics bring the printed tee and polo shirt dress forward into this season. Perforated textures, sheer stripes on knits and futuristic block colours will give classic items a new sports luxe feel.

Occasion wear has a fantastical feel and features powerful angular tailoring

in strong primary colours – gloss coatings and metallic finishes to body-con dresses and contrast panelling and splicing to the pencil skirt reinvent both these looks making them feel exciting and new. Key dress shapes here are the sheer layered dress (a simple shift) in a subdued colour palette, the fit and flare dress and the shift dress with updates in terms of curved and sheer panels in contrasting fancy tweeds. Twist and ruffles will make a massive impact on tops and dress and a digital blur print in soft focus will add a dreamy feel to items. In addition to this Aztec, florals, checks and cartoon style large polka dots are prints to look out for this season. 

Next Nature

Here the focus is on plant life and how nature inspires shape, texture and graphics – the main colour palette used in this trend is a base of kelp, sea-foam, beetroot and plum accented by bright pinks and berry reds – the colours have a very rich and fresh feel to them.

Casual wear uses exotic and bright floral and leaf prints in a ‘carefree beach styling’ way using casual shapes and new cropped proportions to pre-exisiting staples such as the silky bomber jacket, the printer skinny jean, the skater skirt and the sweatshirt.

Tailoring is very important to this look but with a new sexy urban feel – the draped back sheath dress and the slim tapered trouser scream classic elegance while maintaining that sleek contemporary edge. Key styles that tie in with this trend are the fit and flare dress in a slightly longer below the knee length, ruched and twisted jersey dresses and racer front tops in sheer fabrics and block colours. In terms of accessories embellishment to shoes and bags will add to this look and multi-coloured weave soles will be seen everywhere.

Formal wear is also inspired by beachwear with a touch of 70’s boho styling – cut outs and sheer panels are strong looks on the body-con jersey dress while swimwear inspired detailing gives a sexy feel to the outfit. 

Living Designs

The final trend uses earthy tones of terracotta and henna punctuated by sharp reds, yellows and blues.

Casual wear uses basics such as the poncho, open-knit top and cargo sweatpants but updates them using textile contrasts and functional elements such as pockets and draw strings. Weathered textures and matt-shine are used in contrast on basics to portray an outdoorsy but luxe casual look. Key items to look out for are the sliced sheath fitted dress, long line blazers, boxy button shirts, asymmetric wrap skirts and loose and tapered trousers. Footwear takes on a minimalistic feel with simple slip on styles and cut out leather panels.

Formal wear takes inspiration from 1970’s styling and North African decoration – fluid shapes and billowy silks on items such as the halterneck dress and maxi kaftan's are enhanced by traditional mosaic prints, metallic Jacquards and shimmering beads and sequins. Tailoring takes on a new pared back look with contrasting layers of loose and tapered items. Sculptural splicing brings a modern feel to knee-length fitted dresses and leather panels rework long-line blazers and pencil skirts. Here accessories take on a Moroccan feel with natural and crafted leathers in footwear and ethnic touches of print in jewellery.

I think possibly my favourite trend is the Living Designs – I love wearing earthy tones in the summer with flowing maxi dresses – there is something about the freedom in them and the flowing material that makes me feel like I’m on holiday!

What is your favourite trend? Do you visit any of the trade shows? We would love to hear what you think!