Shoes that stand the test of time

There are new shoe brands on the market every month, but established brands retain their appeal.

Shoes may be a big part of the fashion industry and the be-all and end-all for footwear obsessives, but the truth is that we all need access to good footwear and we can’t all afford to pay designer prices. Shoes are a necessity and whilst we may be able to get years of wear out of our favourite boots or trainers, we’ll always need to update our show wardrobe. That’s when we look not just for the new designers, but the brands we can rely on.

Shoes – brand appeal

When you’re buying new shoes, what do you look for? For some people, it’s the latest designer styles, or the latest trend – lined boots, branded trainers or hot colours. For others, however, it’s a trusted brand – one that’s been making shoes for years and still turns out great value, great looking shoes:

• Converse – Converse has been making its “All-Star” boot since the turn of the twentieth century and they’re still selling strong. Designed for basketball players but now worn by anybody and everybody, the simple styling and comfort appeals to a wide audience. Whether you buy the traditional black hi-tops or one of the funky new colours or designs, you know you’re getting great quality shoes.

• Dr Martens – once the preserve of the anti-establishment, and after a period of relative inactivity, Dr Martens are back with a vengeance. Adopted as the footwear of choice by a whole range of subcultures from Mods to Grunge fans, the original Dr Martens are still incredibly popular, largely because they are comfortable to wear and look great no matter what they’re teamed with. Dr Martens’ range of shoes has been extended recently with their trademark boots available in bright solid colours as well as appealing patterns.

Whilst brands like these have fans returning time after time for new shoes, there are up and coming designers and manufacturers who are capturing their own slice of the market. Top end high street designers such as Ted Baker, Evisu and Hugo Boss all provide their own range of shoes and some of those will be classics just as Converse and Dr Martens are today. Who knows which of today’s shoes, boots or trainers will stand the test of time and become modern-day classics? http://www.sneakerfreaker.com/

Shoes – a passion for footwear

Shoes, boots and trainers are essential wardrobe items, so what inspires the passion for footwear?

The UK market for footwear has grown over recent years as a wide range of retailers fight for the right to supply us with shoes. From specialist shoe shops to supermarkets, there’s certainly no shortage of places to shop. In addition, the availability of cheaper shoes from overseas that sport great designs as well as great prices has made the market competitive, which means that people who are passionate about shoes have plenty to choose from.

A girly obsession with shoes

Shoes have always been attractive to women because they decorate the feet, making them look and feel great. Shoes were once a sign of wealth and position – the more elaborate and finely-decorated your shoes, the higher up the social class you were. Today, we are more egalitarian and if you can afford a beautiful pair of shoes, they’re yours no matter who you are. Equally, if you can’t afford the very best, you can still find fantastic looking shoes at great prices. For girls who are obsessed with having a pair of shoes for every occasion, bargain footwear is a real blessing. Many celebrities have admitted to a shoe obsession, from Imelda Marcos to Kelly Osborne, but everyday women also have their shoe collections to be proud of. From simple black court shoes to cowboy boots and trainers, there are plenty of shoes out there to feed your passion.

Are men’s shoes catching up?

It’s easy to say that the shoe obsession is largely a female phenomenon, but just as the men’s fashion market has grown over recent years, so has the male shoe market. Designers create a wide range of shoes, boots and trainers for men, giving them far more choice than ever before when it comes to shoes for work and leisure. Younger men today are far more conscious about their footwear than they used to be; buying their shoes and trainers by designer or brand rather than just on how they look or how much they cost. Whilst there aren’t too many men that admit to having a passion for shoes, men are certainly paying more attention than ever before to the shoes they choose to wear.

This ongoing love of choice and style in footwear including shoes, boots and trainers means that retailers and designers will be competing to offer the best range of shoes at the best prices, which can only be good news for those who have a real obsession with shoes.

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Military fashion – will it last?

The last couple of years has seen military fashion hit a high point that it hasn’t seen for a long time. Military coats – often double brested with large buttons have been everywhere throughout the winter and army style shirts have been seen widely on men and women alike.

But is this trend going to last?

Well, fashion is a cyclical thing by definition. Trends come and go and this will be the case with military clothing, footwear and accessories. The best way not to get caught out is to use elements of military style as parts of your outfits, rather than go whole hog and end up looking like an unfashionable squaddie abandoned on a high street.

Wear a peaked army hat with jeans and a top, or a khaki shirt accessorised with a necklace or neckerchief to add colour and other elements to your look. This way you can keep your military wear in circulation whatever the current trends are. 

http://www.vogue.co.uk/fashion/trends/2007-08-autumn-winter/military-precision/gallery

Firetrap Jackets – Perfect for all Seasons

With the British climate being notoriously unpredictable, it is important to have a hardy jacket that can be worn year round. Firetrap jackets are amongst the most stylish and sought after on the market and the popularity of Firetrap jackets will continue apace in 2009.

Firetrap jackets really do span the gamut of styles and there is something to cater for every taste. Whether you’ve got your eye on a new leather jacket or a military style coat, you will find exactly what you are looking for from the Firetrap jackets collection. It is important for jackets not only to be comfortable but also offer a sense of style that reflects your own. This is the beauty of Firetrap jackets as they have such a diverse selection to choose from and you will no doubt be spoilt for choice when it comes to deciding which type of Firetrap jacket is right for you. The Firetrap brand is one of the most popular in the UK and their designer clothing offerings from Firetrap jeans to Firetrap jackets positively fly off the shelves each season and it really isn’t difficult to see why this is the case when you considered just how well designed they are and the attention to detail that goes into all Firetrap jackets and clothing.

Firetrap Jackets – From the High Street to the Office

The versatility that is inherent within Firetrap jackets means that they can be worn in all manner of situations, from sitting in the pub to turning up at the office each day. There are Firetrap jackets which are more casual in nature and those which are highly stylised and well suited to the office environment. Such is the adaptability of Firetrap jackets, however, they really can be worn for any occasion and will certainly turn heads with their excellent design principles and out of the ordinary attention to detail.

Firetrap Jackets – Hot to Trot

There are many great incarnations of Firetrap jackets to look forward to this spring and summer and just some of the most popular are like to include:

·         Firetrap Solder – One of the most striking Firetrap jackets, the Solder boasts four front pockets, diagonal button up front and an excellent fit. This is a first class example of what makes Firetrap jackets stand out.

• Firetrap Cutter – One of Firetrap jackets more casual offerings. This excellent wet-look nylon Firetrap jacket is perfect fare for the high street this spring and summer and many designer clothing fans will snap up this jacket in 2009.

Check out Sodamix UK for the latest year-round fashion.