I love shoes. LOVE them. What woman doesn't? I have far too many pairs (maybe 80 ish... that's ok isn't it?) but the temptation to invest in more is always too overwhelming when faced with a beautiful pair of heels. Imagine being able to design your dream shoe, choosing your perfect shade, selecting exactly the right swatch of butter-soft leather, finishing it off with a bow, a flower, some blingy straps...
Let me introduce you to Upper Street, any shoe lover's fantasy. Established by sisters Katy and Julia, Upper Street was born from a love of shoes but a frustration of not being able to find exactly what they wanted. They put their heads together and came up with every woman's dream. Through the comprehensive design tools on the website or a personal consultation in the Islington studio, you too can create your perfect shoe.
Hours can (and will, trust me on this one) be wasted on Upper Street's amazing website designing and re-designing shoes a hundred times over. Materials include patent, metallic and normal leathers, satin, snakeskin and ponyskin. The eight basic shoe styles include a recently introduced ballet flat as well as pointed and round courts, peep toes and sandals - all with the option of an extra platforms. You can choose your heel height, add panelling, embellish with a number of extras - the possibilities are literally endless and there are over 4 million combinations possible.
The other great thing about Upper Street is their sizing, from a UK 2 to a 10, meaning it's the ideal solution for those who struggle to find elegant shoes to fit. I have friends with both size 2 and size 9 feet and I know the frustration they go through trying to locate feminine shoes that fit properly - it's a revelation. Different widths can also be accommodated for, as can different heel heights in each shoe if needed. They are so confident you will love your shoes, they even offer a full refund if you aren't 100% happy.
For a personal service, a consultation can be arranged in the studio, lined with row upon row of beautiful shoes for the ultimate inspiration. I defy you not to be seduced by the delicious swatch books of the most beautiful leathers - I completely fell in love with the limited edition two-tone glitter fuchsia pink suede due to be launched later this year as well as the coloured snakeskins introduced for summer 2012. Leathers are sourced in Hong Kong and the stunning range of satins are from Italy, where all the shoes are handmade before being lovingly shipped to you, wrapped in the brand's signature pink tissue paper. It's also the perfect place to head if your after a custom-made pair of bridal shoes, which can be customised with a dreamy blue lining embroidered with your wedding date. What's not to love?
In fact the only bad point about Upper Street is that designing shoes becomes a little addictive... good luck only choosing one pair!
For more information visit www.upperstreet.com
Love Laurel x
