Tuesday 29 October 2013

On Trend....Cowboy Boots

Cowboy boots came back on to the catwalks in spring 2012 and have continued to a be hit through into winter 2013 (spoiler alert: keep yours for spring 2014 too!).

Now I imagine some of you are picturing checked shirts, ripped shorts and a cowboy hat a la Daisy Duke but cowboy boots can be a great addition to your wardrobe whatever your style. The chunky heel makes them comfortable to wear all day, the detail on a particular pair of boots could easily take them from day to evening wear with a pair of skinnies and a smart top. There are hundreds of ways to wear your cowboy boots and they're comfy too!

Here is our selection of Cowboy inspired boots, let us know what you think.



Clarks Moonlit Cool, £69.99 - all the cowboy feel without making too much of a statement; note the turned up toe, burnished detailing and thick heel.


Clarks Midnight Mist, £79.99 - zip detailing and tonal snake print to the back vamp up this cowboy boot and make it perfect for evening wear too - perfect with jeans or tea dresses - chunky cardigans and a big scarf for day time.

Josef Seibel Toni 01, £89.99 - sticking with the neutral colour and chunky heel but adding more of a country feel with buckle and stud detail across the instep (adjustable too!). 


Cara London Sabrina, £99 - taking inspiration from the cowboy trend but creating a more dressy boot with a higher heel and lacing detail - all of the fashion with none of the risk!



Josef Seibel Toni 07, £79.99 - taking the fashion stakes up a notch by adding colour, stitching detail and snake effect paneling however keeping to the tonal blue makes the boot incredibly versatile. 


Have you dipped into the cowboy trend? How do you style yours? We'd love to know!





Monday 28 October 2013

The Perfect Walking Boot for You

Below are the walking boots and shoes we stock and what the boots/shoes should be used for. It is important to have the correct fit and support when walking to reduce the risk of accidents or injury.






The Meindl Vitalis Mid is a wider fitting boot than the standard Meindl fit, made with nubuck and velour leather uppers, a waterproof and breathable Gore-Tex XCR lining and Meindl's Comfort Sport sole unit with Air Active Wellness Sport footbed for added comfortThe Meindl Air Active Wellness sport sole is perfect for those of you that are on your feet all day, the rounded shape of the insole supports and enhances the natural rolling movement of the foot while the soft cushioning ensures comfort.
Suitable for: Leisure time, daily use, travel, good paths, daily walks and parks.

Available for men or women for £145

The Meindl Philadelphia Lady is again a wider fitting than the standard Meindl fit, made with nubuck leather uppers and a waterproof and breathable Gore-Tex XCR lining. The Meindl Comfort Sport sole unit provides optimum heel-to-toe motion and the air Active Wellness Sport footbed gives additional comfort and support.
Suitable for: leisure time, daily use, travel, parks and daily walks.
£139

The Meindl Toronto boot has waxed nubuck leather uppers, a waterproof and breathable Gore-Tex lining and vibram* sole unit.
Suitable for: demanding hikes in low level mountains, easy trekking trips and parks and daily walks.
*Vibram is the world leader in high performance rubber soles targeted towards the outdoor, work, repair and orthopedic markets. £155


The Meindl Respond shoe/boot has velour leather and mesh uppers with
waterproof and breathable Gore-Tex XCR lining. Made with Meindl's Contagrip Trail sole unit for optimum grip and protection with a cupped heel stabiliser and toe protector. 

The Meindl Contagrip system protects the foot from below while allowing natural heel to toe walking motion. The non-slip sole construction allows optimum grip and prevents you from slipping. The lightweight feel and construction of this shoe make it perfect for every day wear and travelling purposes. 

Suitable for: leisure time, daily use, travel, parks and daily walks. £115



The Meindl Rapide is a wider fitting product compared to the standard Meindl fit; made with velour leather and mesh uppers and a waterproof and breathable Gore-Tex XCR lining. Made with Meindl's Comfort Sport sole unit which allows for optimum heel-to-toe motion and Meindl's air Active Wellness Sport footbed (see above for details) for added comfort


Suitable for: leisure time, daily use, travel, parks and daily walks. £120




The Women's Merrell Daria has coated suede, leather and mesh uppers with a Gore-Tex performance comfort lining that protects feet while keeping them dry. 

The M-Fresh lining naturally prevents odours while the EVA removable insole with build in arch shank supports the foot. The Merrell air-cushioning in the heel acts as a shock absorber and the M-select grip adds further traction to the outersole where you need it. 

Suitable for every day use; £100


The Merrell Men's Moab and Moab Mid 
have waterproof Dura Leather and mesh uppers with a high thick tongue to keep debris out. 

Made with a Gore-Tex lining that keeps feet dry and comfortable while the mesh lining allows feet to breathe. Treated with Merrell's M-Fresh lining which prevents odours before it starts. The moulded arch shank and air cushioning in the heel absorb shock and enable comfortable and supported feet all day. 

Made with a Vibram out sole; suitable for every day walking and hiking. £120 / £110

The Merrell Women's Calia Gore-Tex is a multi-sport multi-purpose shoe made with leather and mesh uppers and a bellows tongue that keeps out debris while walking. The strobel construction offers flexibility and support.

The Gore-Tex membrane along with the treated uppers repels water and prevents staining. Made again with Merrell's M-fresh lining to prevent odour and a removable EVA moulded footbed with nylon arch shank for support. 

Suitable for every day wear and hiking; £100.

This particular shoe is made with Merrell's Q-form technology which is based on the different type of support women need to men.


 "The specifically engineered mid-soles in our women's shoes provide the proper support, cushioning, and corrective positioning women need to make possible a more balanced, natural stride that ensures longer-lasting comfort and reduced wear for each shoe." 

All of the above information was sourced from the corresponding websites and information booklets we are provided with instore for training purposes.


  

Saturday 26 October 2013

Are your a member of our Loyalty Scheme?

Join our Loyalty Scheme and Save Money on Purchases


We have reviewed the terms of our Loyalty scheme in order to provide you with more rewards and special offers for your valued custom. The five main advantages for continuing in our Loyalty scheme are:
  • Every time you spend £50 on a pair of shoes you will receive a Hoads stamp, collect 5 stamps and get £25 worth of vouchers to shop with us!
  • Buy 2 pairs at a minimum price of £50.00 per pair and receive a 5% discount. Buy 3 or more pairs with a minimum price of £50.00 per pair and receive a 10% discount.
  • Invitations to the launch of the new season’s collections and to be the first to purchase sale goods in our new evening presentations.
  • Be the first to receive the latest promotions and offers via email or text messaging.
  • Free appointment service with James Hoad, for advice on fitting and foot related medical conditions.
  • Sign up to our Facebook, Instagram and Twitter accounts (Hoad Shoes) to be entered into prize draws, view details of new styles and be the first to know of special offers.
If you are interested in joining please complete the online form here

Wednesday 23 October 2013

Winter Wedding Guest Shoes

Stuck for what to wear on your feet to a wedding this winter? Not to worry - here are our picks available in-store or online. 



1. Gabor Renae, £79.99 in Cayenne 

This Gabor heel is the perfect pop of colour to add to any outfit - one of the key colours this season a rusty orange will match with navy, grey, black, cream, green and purple. Renae has a medium height  heel with all the comfort you expect from Gabor - leather uppers and linings to allow the feet to breath and a comfort padded leather insole for happy feet all day long. The heel is thick enough to make you feel stable but with the elegant cut to remain in keeping with a wedding outfit. Match the colour with a bag / hat or fascinator to keep the colour theme constant but not over powering. The bow and buckle detail on the front will not take away from detail on your outfit but also won't make the ensemble look too busy. 

Just what your looking for? Buy them here



2. Menbur Shoe and Bag Peacock Set, £79.99 in Saphire

This is one of our absolute favourite wedding sets - who doesn't like buying a their shoes and bag in one go? Two ticks off the list and extra time for a sit down and natter over coffee with friends! The lovely shade of blue is universal enough to go with any colour outfit but not too dark to look out of place at a wedding. The almond toe shape makes this shoe perfect for a dress/skirt or trousers and the thin elegant heel adds height without deflecting style. The peacock inspired detail on the toe of the shoe and top of the bag add sparkle and interest - would look simply beautiful with a lace dress and pearl earrings not other accessories needed. Leather lined for comfort with soft silky uppers make this the perfect shoe for a wedding - just don't forget the protective spray!

Order with free postage here

3. Van Dal Brancaster, £85 in Navy

For those of you with wide feet and struggle to find an elegant shoe in your width fitting these are the heels for you! EE width fitting with a deep toe box and comfort padded leather lined insole means that you can socialise to your hearts content without hiding your shoes under the table because they hurt too much! Soft suede uppers already treated with Van Dal's iron mask technology make them water and satin resistant so you don't have to worry if your caught in a rain storm or photographs are being held on the dewy lawn. A mid height thick cut square heel add to the appeal and comfort of the shoe while the front v cut provides extra toe space and looks elegant on the foot. Match with a black bag to pick up on the detail on the toe or a navy bag to keep the colour theme running through. 

Are these the shoes for you? Buy them here now 




4. Gabor 75.200 Vesta, £69.99 in Titan Grey

We very much believe that grey is an overlooked colour option - its as universal as black if not more so as it goes with your navies and browns where black might look too heavy or too close but not quite there. This classic court shoe by Gabor offers maximum comfort with the perfect kind of simplicity that brings out a pattern or fabric finish of an outfit like no other. 
Almond toe shape again suits trousers or skirts and dresses while the patent upper and high toe cut add to the glamour of an outfit. The marbled effect upper take these shoes out of plain Jane territory and add further interest to the ensemble. Grey goes perfectly with most colours - our favourite colour match is pink, they seem to be made for each other! 

These were made for me! Buy them here

So there we have it, our top four wedding shoe picks for a winter wedding guest. What do you look for in a wedding shoe? We'd love to know!




Monday 21 October 2013

HB Fashion Shoe Collection

In 1964 HB opened their first shoe shop in London's prestigious Bond Street - since then the brand has been known for its exquisitely designed and incredibly comfortable Italian shoes.

All of HB's moccasins and pumps are still made in the Tuscan Hills around Florence, where premium materials are selected to create each style. The unique look of HB's footwear comes from the combination of feature materials and trims chosen by the Tuscan craftsmen and always completed using their traditional shoe crafting methods.

Since its success HB have expanded their range to include a dressier and more fashion based collection from Spain. Two years ago we introduced HB into Hoads to add more interest to our collection - since its introduction HB shoes have sold out within weeks and therefore we thought we'd try something a little more daring this season so see how it goes. Below is our range from the fashion end of HB; we will however always offer a larger selection of their basics because everyone needs a comfortable basic mocc in their shoe collection!  



Now who doesn't love a bit of animal print?! Animal print should be a constant in your wardrobe as it never goes out of fashion, the key is how you style it that lends itself to continue through seasons upon season. This exquisite tassel front loafer mixes androgynous brogue styling with leopard print to take this shoe to the next level. Fully leather lined with leather and rubber mix soles and a slightly raised rubber heel - you can feel the wonderful craftsman ship as soon as you slip your foot in. The perfect trouser shoe can be dressed up or dressed down, used as a singular statement piece or to enhance another printed item such as a blouse or cardigan. Perfect for the office with 7/8ths trousers and a blazer or lunch with the girls in jeans and an over-sized coat. 
HB 5200 £127 Brown or Black 

If you're going for the full masculine look then what better way to complete your outfit than these gorgeous lace up suede, leather and leopard print mix lace ups. Enough coverage on the foot to avoid getting wet in the rain while just leaving enough upper foot and ankle to pull of the cropped and tailored trouser that is so big this season. Pair with thick tights and a dress for a more casual androgynous look or dress them up to the nines for office wear with a high neck shirt and statement necklace around the collar. Simply stunning and quite a statement.




The creeper - you either love it or you hate it but here at Hoads we are massive fans of this one in particular. Extremely light weight despite the heavy looking sole and fits like a glove - a twist on the classic loafer with slight height from the creeper sole. Along with adding a fashion element to your outfit the sole unit provides great grip and is light weight enough to throw in your bag at the last minute (ever the practical thinker!). Go for the black crocodile effect loafer for a more subtle take on the trend and wear to work and functions alike or go for the leopard print, tick off two trends in one shoe and really go to town! 

What do you think of our HB range? Do you like animal print fashion shoes or do you prefer to stick to the classics and make a statement with your clothing?





Thursday 17 October 2013

Current Promotions


15% off 15 men's and 15 women's styles for 15 days in-store and online!

Sevenoaks Spotlight; An Interview with James Hoad

Recently we were featured as retailer of the month in the magazine Footwear Today http://www.footweartoday.co.uk/, here is the interview James Hoad, Managing Director of Hoad Shoes completed with them. 



Name:  James Hoad

Shop(s): CF Hoad & Son Ltd – 4 branches

Brands: Gabor, Van Dal, Josef Seibel, Rieker, Clarks, Pedro Miralles, Barbour, Riva, Meindl, Merrell, Timberland, Dubarry, Barker, Sebago, Chatham, Sorel, Romika, Menbur, HB Shoes, Steptronic, Anatomic Gel, Ecco, Musto, Lelly Kelly, Ricosta, Vans, Converse, Start Rite 

Home town: Sevenoaks


How did you get into footwear? Tell us about your background and your current business?  

At the age of 17, I started an apprenticeship with my father. He gave me the opportunity to run our men’s department and I was responsible for merchandising, customer research, and forward order buying and planning. Obviously he was overseeing this to begin with, but he gave me a great deal of support and latitude when bringing new ideas into the Company. At the same time, I completed a 10 month course at the Society of Shoe fitters – I learnt so much on that course my favourite of which was learning about the bone structure in the feet.

By the age of 23 my father offered me the chance to manage our men’s and women’s store. He had cut down the number of days per week he was working but was still there for support and advice. A couple of years later I was given my Directorship and sole command of the men’s and women’s business.

Today, we have just completed a refit. We closed the store for a month while we ripped the entire store apart and rebuilt it with a more modern and contemporary look but with a warm and comfortable feel. All new lighting has been installed and the product we sell has suddenly been transformed and looks more desirable.

To keep the costs down, I built new displays and stud walls in my workshop at home, and brought in tradesman to carry out all electrical work. This has saved our business a lot of money but has been extremely hard work and at times stressful, but we completed this ahead of time and on budget.

So as not to lose too much revenue, we opened a “pop-up” shop, just a few doors away and used this as a “clearance store” to sell the rest of our Autumn / Winter product. This proved to be very successful

Business is tuff in this current economic climate, and it is even more important that business owners particularly on the High Street constantly look at new ways of keeping existing customers as well as attracting new. Choice of brands, latest fashion trends, social media and customer service are just a few of the ways in which we constantly re-evaluate. This has enabled us to maintain our customer base and keep the business flowing along at a constant level.

Where are your premises located and how many people do you employ?  

Our main two stores, the first ones that we opened are located on Sevenoaks High street; we also have a branch in Deal and one in Wandsworth, London. Overall we employ about 28 people over all four branches.

Tell us about your shop(s), the local area, your customers and their requirements? 

We are situated in Sevenoaks high-street which is a fairly affluent area and an incredibly friendly town, we have our regular customers from the local area but we also have customers that come to us from miles away, either who have moved away over the years and still come back or who have been recommended by family and/or friends. Our customers vary in their requirements but what doesn’t change is the fitting – the shoes have to fit incredibly well and we pride ourselves on that. All of our staff are trained in fitting shoes and orthotic insoles and have an extensive knowledge of the brands that we stock which is one of the reasons I believe customers keep coming back – our personalised one to one fitting service.

Do you have an online shop/website and do you use social networking for business?  

Last year we set up our online website www.hoadshoes.co.uk/shop which at the moment sells Men’s and Ladies shoes from our main branch in Sevenoaks however we are currently in the process of adding our Children’s range to the site. We use social networking for our business quite often now, we currently have Facebook (Hoad Shoes), Twitter (@hoadshoes) and Instagram (Hoad Shoes) accounts which have proved to be quite popular and our new blog!

How are you finding the footwear market currently? 

The Footwear market at the moment is economically tough for everyone although we have been lucky enough to see a 10% increase this year on the back of two previous very difficult years. I do however enjoy thriving on the challenge of making the business more successful than the year before and see it as a challenge rather than an obstacle.

What’s selling well? Any particular trends? Which are your best selling footwear brands – and why? 

A few years ago footwear trends were going in a completely different direction but now I have noticed that it has gone back to basics, the most popular products we have had this winter have been great looking quality leather boots and shoes. For Men I would say our best selling brand is Barker the classic city styles win every time along with the durability of the shoe. On the more casual side of things Josef Seibel and Steptronic are fantastic brands for us for their comfort and style. 

For women Gabor would probably be our best selling brand which again focuses on our main goal – comfort and fashion. We recently introduced the Irish brand Dubarry stocking a small selection of their footwear and clothing and I must say this has done extremely well for us – quality leather and waterproof shoes and boots with a country feel to them has been the biggest trend in 2012 coming into 2013 for us. Our most popular brand for children’s footwear has to be Clarks again for durability and comfort.

Does your shop sell other items besides footwear, bags, gloves, tights, socks, below the ankle products? 

We sell a range of socks and slipper socks as well as matching evening bags for particular shoes and a small selection of Gabor handbags. At the end of last year we introduced a small selection of Dubarry waterproof and insulated jackets and coats which we felt complimented our Footwear range and was the right move forward to update the business. This year we have introduced MUSTO into the mix with a selection of their lifestyle clothing - waterproof and fleece lined coats and jackets which have been received very well. 

Any tips on stock offers, novel ideas for clearing lines or advice for independent shoe retailers who might be feeling the pinch? 

My Advice for Independent shoe retailers who are feeling the pinch is don’t give up – talk to other retailers, it’s very important to communicated because it helps to understand how things are different in various parts of the country especially when times are tough. I find I gain confidence from talking to others and knowing they are in the same situation. I still firmly believe in two sales per year however I make sure that my discounts are more aggressive than 5 years ago, occasionally I will also introduce a temporary discount in certain areas as an introductory offer to a difficult season or for a new brand.
For the first time this year I opened a pop up shop for the month of February while I was refitting our premises on the high-street and it had a fantastic reaction, I would definitely consider doing it again in tough months of the year to clear sale stock.

How do you select your products – which criteria do you use / what are your customers looking for?  

“Footwear for all the family since 1898” is something that we have always stood for so I have this in the back of my mind when selecting products for the store. I try to introduce new brands every few seasons to keep up to date with the trends and to satisfy current customers and also draw in a few new ones. Customers come to us looking for shoes that not only look great but fit well which is incredibly important to us too. I do my research on particular colours and trends that are going to be popular but I also rely on my gut instinct. I get help from my staff – customer enquiries are noted down and I try to incorporate them in my next season buy. For example we have recently noticed an increase in demand for mother of the bride shoes therefore last season I brought in a small selection of shoes and matching bags that I felt met that description.

Which footwear/fashion shows do you attend, how do you rate them? 

I visit Pure and Moda twice a year; I really enjoy the atmosphere at these shows and it gives me an initial overview of what current brands that we stock are offering for the following season. I do my research before so I know what to expect and what I’m looking for but there is nothing quite like seeing all the aspects come together in the Fashion shows that are displayed. By going round these shows you get to see how the brands themselves believe they should be portrayed as they have their own area which they merchandise accordingly. I also enjoy the social side of it, catching up with retailers getting feedback on how their previous season went, what brands worked for them and what didn’t and comparing notes on the up and coming season.

 Do you have a favourite footwear agent? 

I would have to say my favourite footwear agent is Kevin Oregan who works for Josef Seibel. The whole company are willing to work with you which is important for any retailer to know that the brand want the lines you chose to work in your store just as much as you do. Kevin and Josef Seibel have always made the effort to get to know and understand our business and therefore do not give the hard sell when I am choosing my product range from them, they have an understanding of what will work for us which makes it a really enjoyable buying experience whenever I visit them.

Have you always had a passion for footwear? 

I wouldn’t say I have always had a passion for footwear, it was definitely something I grew into but I would say without a doubt I have a passion for it now. I have an appreciation for all parts of the footwear cycle from production, to buying to fitting the shoe for a customer. It is incredibly satisfying fitting a customer with a pair of suitable shoes when they believed they would never find a pair of comfortable shoes. 

How many pairs of shoes do you own? 

Not many! I own about 6 pairs of shoes - but I am definitely growing my collection due to the current progress in particular brands mixing comfort and style nicely.  

Do you have a favourite pair? 
Probably my Ecco walking boots because they are incredibly durable and comfortable.

Any famous customers? 

We serve Gloria Hunniford and her husband Steven Way every now and then as they live in the area. I have also served Gary Rhodes and David Milliband over the years.


And, the next step? Any plans for the future, new lines, retail systems/new technology, etc.?

We finished refitting our main store in Sevenoaks high-street in March to tie in with our 115th year of trading which we were really excited about. I did most of the work myself and the planning took almost two years but we are finally there! The feel of the shop has really been transformed and due to the massive increase in the lighting and the white shelving units the products on display really shine. It was great to give the shop a really fresh and modern feel to keep customers coming back and attracting new ones! Sometimes all it takes is a lick of paint and a move around with displays and the shop has a whole new feel, I don't recommend a refit to every it takes a lot of work!

To tie in with our new look we have introduced a few new fashion brands, two of those being Pedro Miralles a Spanish family run brand with an excellent eye for fashion products and Barbour the brand that needs no introduction well known for its clothing. We stock the Barbour footwear which is relatively new to the market but offers a great range of weather durable stylish boots and shoes. However we still stock our classic wide fitting comfort shoes as well. Plans for the future I would say are to expand our stores further , I would like to open a high end fashion branch of Hoads at some point but right now what is important to us is investing in what we have – focusing on our online store, in satisfying our customers and attracting new ones because after all that is why we are still here today after 115 years.




Tuesday 15 October 2013

The coat to build all outfits around....

Recently Hoads have collaborated on a fashion evening with the fantastic little clothing boutique on Dorset Street in Sevenoaks called devine run by our good friend Elaine. For our fashion event we put together three 'get the look' boards matching outfits with our footwear to create a casual, work and evening look based around this gorgeous Great Plains coat. 

Below is why we chose those items:

Get The Look: Casual Day Out


1. Great Plains Palace Tailored Coat, £130
2. Jackpot Chirava Cardigan, £90
3. Gabor Nikki Brogue Boot, £105
4.Nougat London Corduroy Trousers, £90
5. Gabor Maxi Satchel, £69.99

This stunning tailored slightly over sized classic coat in camel is a wardrobe staple this winter - smart enough to wear to the office but warm enough to wear on the weekends at the edge of a football pitch! This neutral colour matches well with this seasons palette so will fit into your wardrobe like a dream. The Jackpot knitted cardigan again in a neutral colour will go with jeans and skirts alike, throw it over a long sleeved dress with a chunky necklace and add a bit of pattern and colour to your winter wardrobe. The colours used through the pattern detail on the cardigan will carry you through to next season and can even double as a Christmas jumper! Corduroy skinnies are the new jean this winter and the evergreen colour remains key. The Gabor Nikki ankle boots in brown add a masculine feel to this outfit - lacing up the front and brogue detailing to the toe make this a real stand out piece while remaining comfortable and classic. The perfect boot to match with any trouser look and the deep chestnut brown looks great in a tonal combination or as a stand alone colour adding richness and depth to your ensemble. Tie it all together with a satchel across body bag following through from previous seasons as the go to bag, we have chosen our Gabor Maxi satchel keeping to the tonal browns and tans of the outerwear. No makeup or a swoosh of mascara and splash of blusher add the perfect girl about town look.


Get The Look: Day at the Office

1. Great Plains Palace Tailored Coat, £130
2. Great Plains Leopard Love V Neck Dress, £55
3. Gabor 71.639 Boot, £150

Here, the coat is just the right amount of tailoring to wear to the office and just the right length to keep you warm no matter the weather. The Leopard love v-neck dress has a flattering cut - nipping in at the waist and skimming over the hips flaring out to a knee length skirt. Greys and blacks suit a multitude of people and occasions but never look dull; the leopard print smartens up this dress while also being bang on trend in terms of detail this season. Paired here with a classic cut knee length plain black boot by Gabor for comfort all day and style where it matters. We, like lots of you, love to match our bag with our boots and have chosen the Classic Mulberry satchel to finish of the outfit - the perfect size to carry all the office essentials, with a tonal cream and grey ombre pashmina for those colder days. Throw on a blazer from the back of your wardrobe for meeting a new client or add a statement necklace and the heels you keep under your desk for the last minute drinks after work. Complete the outfit with a deep berry lipstick and stud earrings for an easy but polished look. 


Get The Look: Evening Out

1. Great Plains Palace Tailored Coat, £130
2. Darling Jenny Dress, £75
3. Pedro Miralles 7600 Antique Silver heels, £95
4. Pearl Jewellery, similar available at devine.

The Jenny dress - the perfect little black dress. Lace detailing with sheer sleeves and a sheer hem make this dress simply stunning on showing the perfect amount of skin and fitting like a dream. Make the dress the statement here with simple pearl drop earrings and a pearl cuff - classic and sophisticated pearls make the perfect addition to any outfit adding a vintage feel. The Pedro Miralles heels in antique silver finish the outfit off perfectly - the washed effect silver colouring add just the right amount of colour without drawing too much attention away from the statement dress. This perfect shade of silver matches well with this seasons colours and the thick but elegantly cut heel enables you to reaming comfortable all night. Cover up with the classic tailored coat and you are good to go! Smokey eyes with a hint of lip gloss and burgundy nails make this outfit complete. 

How would you style these outfits? What is your staple wardrobe piece that you build all outfits around?




Wednesday 9 October 2013

Step into Autumn with Cara London....

Cara London is a new fashion brand we have just started to represent at Hoads. Cara shoes and boots are made by an Italian company with factories in Europe enabling them to offer high quality fashion forward products at competitive prices -  the type of edge that makes other footwear brands aspire to be. 

"All our Italian shoes are built with British feet in mind. Gone are the days when Italian shoes meant narrow little killers." www.carashoes.co.uk

So here is our Cara London collection and what we love about it;

Cara Rusty - available in black and whiskey leather, £120. 

The detail on this ankle boot is divine; the leather button detail down the front adds a tougher military feel to the elegant cut of the boot while the brogue detailing to the toe hints at the androgynous trend. 


The chunky style heel makes this boot perfect for every day wear - adding a little height without feeling too dressy. 


These boots would be perfect to toughen up a tea dress or with skinny jeans and an over-sized button up coat. 








Cara Pippa - available in black suede or wine suede, £99.

This cute little ankle boot has a cowboy feel to the styling with the suede uppers, burnished toe detail and stacked block heel (in a contrasting colour on the wine boot). 


The wine option is bang on trend with this seasons colours and looks fantastic with a black skinny trouser or coated jean. Play matchy matchy with black on black or pair with a swing dress, chunky scarf and boyfriend fit cardy for the perfect "just threw this on" look!

Gold detailing this season is massive especially in the form of studs or zips - both of which you have here on one boot - saving you money if you want to keep up with both trends! This boot is the perfect accompaniment to any outfit adding a splash of colour if you choose the wine or becoming a staple in the wardrobe if black is the one for you.




Cara Berkely  - available in black or whiskey leather, £159


The Cara Berkley boot is made with gorgeously soft leather uppers with twin elastic panels down the back and a half zip on the inside leg. This boot fits like a glove - you might need to size down in the foot however as they are coming up quite long. 

This classic style has always been a favourite among fashion lovers and savvy shoppers alike down to the sophisticated cut and simplicity of the boot. 

Wear this boot with even the most casual of outfits and watch the look transform into a sleek and enviable ensemble. You cannot help but love this boot once it is on and you won't find a boot that fits and sculpts your calf quite like this one. Give it a try, we know you will love it!


Cara Sabrina - taupe suede, £99


This casual styled slightly slouched ankle boot is the perfect neutral taupe with a vintage appearance to the suede upper. 
Lacing up the front of the boot and a full inside zip make the fit on this boot perfect while the contrast block heel adds that slight lift that makes a comfortable day boot.

Paired with a dress or trousers this boot adds a masculine and country feel to any outfit. Although remaining neutral in its colour and simple in its styling this is no boot to be ignored. Once bought this boot could can easily become a daily staple for those of us that have a huge place in our heart for jeans and all that is casual and cosy. 

Wear with a plaid button up shirt and jeans for a daytime look that feels put together rather than thrown together or a maxi skirt and chiffon cami for those evenings by the fire in the local pub. Go against the grain and dress this gorgeous casual boot up with a delicate floral dress or black skinnies, blouse and statement necklace - its so versatile you can't go wrong with Sabrina in your footwear collection. 

How do you wear your boots? We'd love to know!




To view our full Cara collection visit our website http://www.hoadshoes.co.uk/shop/category/cara-london/
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