CLAE Powell Shoe
Posted: May 8, 2013 Filed under: Footwear, Men, Shopping | Tags: anna finlayson, clae, denim, leather, powell, shoes 2 Comments »The very nice people at CLAE, a footwear brand, established in 2001, with a “commitment to innovation” and aim to produce a “distinct collection of smart essentials fit for the modern man”, gifted me these wonderful shoes, which I received this morning.
The Powell style “delivers classic elements of the saddle shoe and brogueing details to create a modern wingtip”, and is fully lined to ensure comfort. Being somewhat impatient, I had to give them a spin almost immediately. I slipped them on an hour or two after receiving them and wore them all day. They’re incredibly comfortable, look great, predominately due to the contrast of the dark navy leather next to the denim, and they’re perfectly versatile for the spring and summer months, looking great with both a pair of jeans or shorts. Plus, if you’re not completely in love with the deep navy style, they’re also available in caramel tan, smoke concrete and black, just to name a few of the many colour variations.
Shoes, €110.00, from CLAE
You can view and purchase the full range through the CLAE website.
Photography by Anna Finlayson
Images courtesy of Anna Finlayson
James Kearns Footwear 2013
Posted: April 8, 2013 Filed under: Film, Footwear, Men, Shopping | Tags: 2013, footwear, james kearns Leave a comment »In addition to yesterday’s piece about those great leather trainers from James Kearns‘ 2013 footwear collection, whilst flicking through James’ website, I found this video which presents a concise summary of the collection in its entity. The sheer quality and craftsmanship of the entire collection is phenomenal, and this video makes me want a pair even more!
Remember, you can view and purchase the full collection through James’ website.
Video courtesy of James Kearns
James Kearns Fold-down Trainers
Posted: April 7, 2013 Filed under: Footwear, Men, Shopping | Tags: james kearns, not just a label, trainers Leave a comment »London based designer James Kearns is a favourite of mine and I’ve fallen for these kooky black leather trainers, made from pig leather. Quality is definitely at the forefront of James’ work as he has “focussed on an artisan approach to design and manufacturing, taking the time to make each pair of shoes by hand”. Available in a variety of colour variations, these are definitely going on my wish list!
Trainers, £400.00, from James Kearns
You can view and purchase some of James’ other cool designs through Not Just A Label.
Images courtesy of James Kearns
Opening Ceremony Classic High-Top Sneaker
Posted: December 21, 2012 Filed under: Footwear, Men, Shopping | Tags: b store london, classic high-top sneaker, opening ceremony, umc, urban male clothing Leave a comment »I absolutely love this Classic High-Top Sneaker from Opening Ceremony, currently selling at b Store London. Featuring midnight blue calf leather, a front lace up fastening, leather panel heel guard, a padded opening and a contrasting white thick rubber sole, these shoes are a near necessity. They’re simple and flawless looking, and paired with a contrasting pair of dark blue or black jeans and a printed graphic T-shirt; I think they’d look great!
Shoes, £202.00, from Opening Ceremony
If you’re looking for some urban attire to pair with these sneakers, or any other pair of sneakers for that matter, be sure to take a look at Urban Male Clothing, or UMC if you’re a little more street than myself.
Images courtesy of b Store London
Lace-Up Boots by Zara
Posted: November 15, 2012 Filed under: Footwear, Men | Tags: lace-up boots, loake, number eight clothing, zara 2 Comments »There are two things I’m really into at the moment: Zara and boots. Zara because I’ve suddenly become obsessed with almost every piece or knitwear and every pair of boots or trousers on the Zara website, and boots because the weather is rapidly worsening and I’m therefore on the hunt for a durable pair of boots that will last the winter months.
I was flicking through Zara again yesterday and came across these Lace-Up Boots which I really like. They’re simple, dark brown, made from cow leather and feature a rubber sole. As far as men’s boots go they’re nothing spectacular but I can honestly say that I think they’re well worth their £79.99 price tag. I’d probably pair them with a pair of jeans and a casual sweater or a shirt. Either way, I’m sure they’d look great!
You can purchase these boots on the Zara website. Alternatively, if you’re looking for a slightly more classic men’s boot and are willing to pay that little bit extra, there are some similar styles available from brands such as Loake via Number Eight Clothing, a lifestyle fashion boutique based in the heart of Scotland.
Leather Ankle Boots by Zara
Posted: November 9, 2012 Filed under: Footwear, Men | Tags: boots, brantano, clarks, leather, zara 1 Comment »I came across these rather lovely men’s Leather Ankle Boots whilst flicking through Zara yesterday. I know that Zara is far from being an emerging brand but I’m afraid that the heart wants what the heart wants and when looking at these boots my heart is screaming at me, telling me that I need them and to buy them as soon as possible.
The boots are evidently black, made from 100% cow leather, including the lining, and feature a side zip to ensure ease when putting them on whilst also looking great and acting as a subtle detail on an otherwise simple pair of boots. Not to mention, the leather is beautifully textured, which makes me want them even more!
You can purchase these boots on the Zara website where you can also view numerous other pairs that are just as superb. In spite of that, if you’re looking for a pair of boots, or any shoes for that matter, but have a slightly smaller budget there are a number of similar styles available on Brantano where you can also see some fantastic women’s boots from brands such as Clarks.
Images courtesy of Zara
“Rogue” by Erïk Bjerkesjö
Posted: August 27, 2012 Filed under: Footwear, Men | Tags: erïk bjerkesjö, footwear, not just a label, rogue Leave a comment »I was having a flick through Not Just A Label yesterday when I came across this rather elegant “Rogue” shoe from Erïk Bjerkesjö’s current collection. This shoe is handmade in Tuscany using organic calf leather and features a velvet lace. According to the rather helpful ‘Designer Says’ paragraph on Not Just A Label, which gives you an insight into the inspiration behind the product or additional details on the product, “The inspiration of this shoe is a classic low ankle derby, worn by polo players and travelling aristocrats in the 1930′s.”
One aspect of Erïk’s work that I really admire is his use of subtle detail. This shoe in particular features a historic logotype from the Tuscany region that has been etched into the sole, which is said to “represent the traditional mastery of the local skills.”
You can view the full collection on the Erïk Bjerkesjö website and purchase the “Rogue” shoe via Not Just A Label, where you can also view additional images of the shoe.
Images courtesy of Erïk Bjerkesjö via Not Just A Label
Live Free, Ride Hard
Posted: February 5, 2012 Filed under: Footwear, Spring/Summer 2012, Women | Tags: 2012, elli egilsson, hrafnhildur hólmgeirsdóttir, isak freyr, live free, miista, ride hard, saga sig, spring, summer Leave a comment »I will be the first to admit that I’m not exactly a savvy shoe shopper, yet I won’t deny the fact that I know what I like, and can spot an admiral pair of shoes a mile off. Miista is a footwear brand which was founded by Laura Villasenin, and is based in Hackney, London. Even though I have been somewhat taken by the work of Laura Villasenin for a while now, I believe that this is the first time that I’ve posted about Miista. The reason for this is primarily due to the fact that the one feature which pushed me to do so this time is the more than wonderful “Live Free, Ride Hard” lookbook, which Laura made public just last week.
The “Live Free, Ride Hard” lookbook introduces us to something all out native and exciting, with bursts of colour in each and every image, and more roses and rose petals than one could count. In addition to the exuberant lookbook, the Spring/Summer 2012 designs are some of the best I’ve seen yet – with Laura’s seemingly basic approach and attention to detail when/where it is needed. The Miista about page states “Miista deliberately juxtaposes elements that would be at war without creative expertise”, and I couldn’t agree more. Despite the fact that Laura has a fairly simple approach when it comes to design, her somewhat exaggerated creative personality has made itself known throughout the “Live Free, Ride Hard” lookbook – presenting each and every one of us with something slightly odd weird, yet as always, admirable.
Photography: Saga Sig
Makeup artist: Isak Freyr
Model: Andrea / Eskimo
Styled by: Raven – Hrafnhildur Hólmgeirsdóttir
Backstage photography: Elli Egilsson
You can view the full lookbook here or alternatively here, via the Miista blog.
Images courtesy of Miista









