Friday, February 25, 2011

Shoeaholic confessions - Nine West, Corso Como and Bernardo

So, are you a shoeaholic?  I have a confession.  Last weekend I was in Moncton to meet with a distributor.  I was viewing the fall 2011 line. (beautiful, I must say)  One of my best girlfriends lives in Moncton, so I decided that I would stay the night in Moncton.  We'd do a little shopping, go out for a nice supper, and enjoy some vino.  A much needed break from the craziness of setting up the shop.  So, after my meeting we did a little shopping.  And of course, I have to go to every shoe store and scope it out. (I call it research)  There in one of the stores was a gorgeous pair of over-the-knee flat, buttery-soft leather boots.  Oh, and they were 70% off.  So, I couldn't help myself, and tried them on.  They fit like a glove, and were BEAUTIFUL!!  Oh, I ho hummed about these boots for quite some time, wearing them around the store, and debating to myself if I should buy them or not.  Should I, or not?  Well, in the end I decided not - seeing I'm opening up my own shoe store in a couple of weeks.  I'm going to have tons of shoes to choose from!  I can just imagine the look on my hubby's face if I would of brought those boots home.  He would of thought I was crazy - or maybe I should say that it would of confirmed this! :)

Ready for a few more brands we'll be carrying?

Nine West is a brand that you can always depend on having a great pair of shoes for a great price. www.ninewest.com  Established in 1978, this brand got its name from its location - 9 West 57th Street in NY.  This brand provides women with designs which come right off the runway.  Fabulous!!



Nine West Arzytoo in Black

Corso Como is another new brand to Saint John. http://www.corsocomo.com.br/site/content/home/ This brand is based on the principals of comfort, design and social-environmental work.  Hand-assembled in boutique factories, these shoes are composed of the finest materials available in the marketplace.  These shoes offer flexible soles and soft leather lining, allowing the foot to "breath". 

Corso Como Delicious Pump in Nude

Looking for that perfect summer sandal?  Look no longer - come in and see Bernardo sandals.  http://www.bernardofootwear.com/  These sandals are stunning!  This brand was started in 1946 in Florence Italy.  A favorite of celebs, Jackie O even owned the Bernardo Miami sandal in all 16 colors back in the late 50's/early 60's.




Bernardo Mojo Sandal in Black

So, I was to be leaving on a jet plane to Toronto tomorrow morning for the Toronto Shoe Show.  But thanks to Mother Nature, that flight was cancelled!! So, I am now leaving early Sunday morning from Moncton.  Maybe on the way I'll stop and get those boots!!

Shelley

Sunday, February 20, 2011

2 weeks until opening!! - BCBGMaxAzria, Seychelles, and Born!!

2 weeks until opening day.  2 weeks!  This number is somewhat frightening to me.  There seems to be so much left to do, and only 2 weeks to do it!  Even though looking at our schedule for construction, everything seems to be on track and on time, I somewhat start to panic when I hear the 2 week timeline.  Probably the same thing that a lot of people experience come mid December, with Christmas rolling right around the corner.  You have to finish that last minute shopping, wrap everything, decorate, Christmas cookies, and still put on a festive cheer at all those Christmas parties.  The next couple of weeks will be hectic, with a three day buying trip in Toronto, setting up the store, and attending a couple of events.  But like Christmas, when I wake up that opening day, I can't wait for the day to start, and realize that everything that it took to get to that day was worth it, and that I would do it again in a heart beat!

Time to introduce you to a few more of the brands we will have at the store:

A few of you are probably already familiar with the brand BCBGeneration, but meet her big sister BCBGMaxAzria.  http://www.bcbg.com/family/index.jsp?categoryId=2769059&cp=4213681.4372846  This is the sister-who-moved-to-the-big-city line of footwear.  Named for the French phrase "bon chic, bon genre," a Parisian slang meaning "good style, good attitude," the brand embodies a true combination of European sophistication and American spirit.  This brand has also been a staple at the New York Fashion Week since 1996. 

BCBGMaxAzria Ballet Pump

Are you a girl who loves a little touch of vintage?  If so, Seychelles is a brand for you!  Seychelles is a brand a lot of you probably haven't heard of before.  http://www.seychellesfootwear.com/  This brand takes the vintage elements and adds them to a modern design.   Sweet AND sassy!!


Seychelles Cream of the Crop in pewter

You want to wear the high heals? You want to be comfortable all day?  You can't get both of these?  WRONG!!  Meet Born - the brand of footwear that makes you feel like you're walking on clouds.  Seriously!!  http://www.bornshoes.com/  For more than a decade, born has been making super comfy and cute footwear. Their combination of handcrafted styles, premium leathers and fine details have attracted an intensely loyal following.


Born Maybelle in Tiramisu



Have a great week everyone!

Shelley

Monday, February 14, 2011

Shoe Love - Michael Kors, Minnetonka and Miz Mooz

Happy Valentine's Day everyone!  I say this while I sip on my cup of tea, here alone in my kitchen.  Sad sounding valentine's day, you say?  Where is my hubby?  How dare he be out without me on V-day?  Well, he is currently at the store painting the walls and getting things ready for opening day.  Without him, I probably wouldn't be here writing you this blog post.  I have talked about opening this store now for years, but without his encouragement and help, I may not of ever gotten to this point.  So, him painting away at the store tonight after working all day....the best valentine's day present he could ever give me!

Now, onto a few of the other brands that we'll be carrying at the store!

Michael Kors - um, need I say any more?  This line of shoes is probably one of my ultimate favorites.  http://www.michaelkors.com/.  Their mission statement says: " our mission is to bring our vision of a jet-set, luxury lifestyle to women and men around the globe", and that they do.  You can't help but feel luxurious when you slip on a pair of Michael Kors shoes - whether its sky-high stiletto sandals or a cute pair of loafers. 

Michael Kors Mesh Bootie in white

One of the biggest trends seen over the last couple of years has been the moccasin - Minnetonka Moccasins in particular.  http://minnetonkamoccasin.com/  Minnetonka is a mainstay of American style.  They can be seen everywhere...from the streets of New York to the mountains of Colorado. From the Opry in Nashville to the Santa Monica pier and from London to Tokyo. No matter the footprint, all are made with genuine "moccasin soul".
Minnetonka Moccasin Kilty Suede Moc

This next brand is probably new to most of you - Miz Mooz.  http://www.miz-mooz.com/ Miz Mooz was started in 2001 as a private label brand, carried exclusively in a small chain of stores in NY and San Fransisco.  These shoes are designed in New York City, and each pair is handmade. Miz Mooz shoes are fun, funky, and cute!!  They carry a cool downtown vibe.

Miz Mooz "Symphony"

So, that is the shoe-lovin for tonight!  

Shelley


Friday, February 11, 2011

We're looking to hire someone fabulous!!!

Hey everyone, we're looking for someone fabulous to work with moi at The Urban Shoe Myth!  Do you love fashion?  Do you have a penchant for shoes?  Are you outgoing and love working with people?  Do you like the thought of working in Uptown Saint John? Then this could be the perfect job for you!

We're looking for someone who:
 - loves shoes and fashion
 - is outgoing and personable
 - loves working in a customer service environment
 - is excited to help make The Urban Shoe Myth grow
 - has experience in retail or customer service (this is an asset but not a requirement!)

The job would entail:
 - providing our customers with fantastic customer service and assist them with finding that perfect pair of shoes
 - gaining knowledge on the brands of shoes we carry and educate the customer on the brands
 - opening and/or closing the store
 - being available to work days, evenings and Saturdays
 - keeping the store tidy and light cleaning
 - working 30+ hours a week.

We will be carrying the lastest brands and styles of women's shoes and boots.  Also to complement the footwear, we will have a selection of fantastic handbags!

For those of you interested in applying, please forward your resume to shelley@theurbanshoemyth.com.  If you know of someone perfect for the store, then pass this blog posting onto them.  Only those being approached for an interview will be contacted.  References are a must!

I am soo excited for the store to open, and can't wait to have someone share in this excitement with me! 

Shelley

Sunday, February 6, 2011

Calvin Klein, Hunter and Rosegold - yay!

Ok, ok, so I know 98% of you are watching the Super Bowl game right now, but I just can't do it!  I did catch the second part of the half time show, but as soon as that was over, I was back to watching a rerun of Glee.  Much to my hubby's detriment, I am NOT a sports fan.  Usually watching sports with him consists of he watching the game on TV, while I sit in the room with him but read my latest magazine.  At least it's time together, right?! :)

So tonight I thought while the rest of the world watches the game, I would tell you all about a few more of the brands that we will be carrying at The Urban Shoe Myth.

Calvin Klein - one of the world's leading design firms and most well known names in fashion.  http://www.calvinkleininc.com/.  The company was founded in 1968 by Calvin Klein.  Classic, minimalist, and chic are just a few words to describe the CK brand, and it is no different in the footwear line.  Whether your looking for that perfect pump for work (which are fantastic - hidden rubber sole and padded insole) or that stunning evening sandal, the Calvin Klein line delivers it all.

Calvin Klein "Sasha" Pump


Ok people, so we live in the Maritimes, right?  That means some nasty weather at times, and lots and lots of rain and slush!  Well, just in time for spring, you'll be able to get a pair of Hunter boots to keep your feet dry and warm.  http://www.hunter-boot.com/  The Hunter company was founded in 1856 by Henry Lee Norris in Scotland.  Today, Hunter remains the preferred welly brand for those who like to work hard and play hard - there's a great range of boots to suit welly wearers all over the world - from the Royal Family to festival-goers, working farmers and landed gentry alike.  PS.  We'll also have the "Welly Socks" to keep your tootsies warm and cosy in your Hunters.


Hunter Original Gloss in Black


The Rosegold line of footwear will be new for most people in Saint John. In fact, we are the only store in New Brunswick to carry this line of footwear.  www.shopmodernvintage.com/product_list.asp?s_lev=2&s_vid=600  Rosegold  is called a modern vintage and has been since their introduction in 2003 where they began in Europe. Every shoe has some type of ornament, adornment or hardware and is comprised of vintage leather that is bought from around the world and are hand stitched. This company makes many different unique styles of shoes from ankle booties to sandals, pumps, boots, platforms and wedges.

Rosegold "Cira" Wedge


Well there you go.  A few more of the brands of footwear we will be carrying at the store.  Hope everyone enjoys their evening!

Shelley