Party like a rock star!!

Hi everyone!  I've been really negligent of my blog lately.  Who knew running a business would be so busy!!??  :) 

A lot has been happening lately at The Urban Shoe Myth and three months has just flown by!  The response from all of you has been fantastic and encouraging!  I love my new job!!

Last week I attended the Live Life Uptown Awards Ceremonies.  I don't think Saint John has seen anything like this before!  When you walked into the White Room, it was breathtaking!  The dress code was black, white, metallic GLAM.  And it didn't disappoint.  Never a fan of black and white together, I am now converted!  I keep looking in my closet and trying to combine black and white pieces to make new outfits.  Here is a look at a couple of our local blogger's take on the event.  www.barbbarbbarb.com and www.maritimeshopaholic.com

Do you like shoes? (check) Do you like to party with a bunch of your girlfriends? (check) Do you like VIP treatment? (check)  Now you can have all of this here at The Urban Shoe Myth! 

We are now available to book for private parties.  How it works is the host (you) would get your girlfriends together and have your very own private party at The Urban Shoe Myth.  You provide the guest list (minimum 10), the wine and food.  We provide you with your own private shoe shopping experience closed to the public, along with an overview of current trends and styles available at the store.  There are special discounts for the guests and for the hostess.  Wine, cheese and shoes!!  You can call us at (506) 642-4222 to find out more information and to book a party. 

Shelley

Nudes - shoes, that is.

Hi everyone.  I know, I know, its been a long time since I've written a blog post.  Its been busy, and I've neglected it!  Last week was our Grand Opening, and it was fantastic!  Lots of shoes, treats, and even my handsome other half in a tux handing out champagne on the Friday night.  Thanks to everyone who made it out!

Ok, I get asked all the time "So, how many pairs of shoes have you bought so far?" and to that I respond, "You don't want to know!".  I have vowed to myself that I am going to purchase smart, and only what I really need.  So far, this hasn't happened.  Oops!  My next purchase is going to be a pair of nude pumps.  Ladies, if you are going to invest in one pair of shoes this season and one pair only, make it a nude pair. 

Angelina Jolie is chic in a nude peep-toe pump.

These are spring's version of the black pump.  For those of you who always seem to purchase that black pair of shoes because you know they will go with everything - think Nude!!  They go with everything, any color or pattern, and bonus - they elongate your legs! 

A nude shoe goes with any color and pattern.



And one of my favorite - the Seychelle Eye to Eye wedge, looks great with a pair of jeans!

So if you're looking for that one pair of shoes that will go with everything this season, think nude!!  

Bernardo nude wedge

Corso Como Nude pump

Rosegold nude cut-out pump

Steve Madden nude pump

Have a great long weekend everyone!

Shelley

Grand Opening!

Well, we just finished our 4th week!  I can't believe how fast the first month has flown by!  And what a ride it has been.  I have met so many great people.  I truly can say that I love my job!  On April 15th and 16th we will be hosting our Grand Opening event. There will be treats, specials, and draws for our customers.  Starting tomorrow, every purchase made at the store will enter your name into the draw.  What can you win??

1.  A pair of our super cute, super comfy Corso Como ballet flats.  Color of your choice.

2.  A beautiful handbag from Hobo International.

3.  A pair of Stuart Weitzman shoes - your choice of any of the styles we have in store!

The draw will be made at the end of the day on April 16th.  We hope to see you all there!

Shelley



Thank you, thank you, thank you!

Well, our first week open has passed.  I must say, I am completely overwhelmed and encouraged by all of the help we received getting to this point, and all of the great compliments we have gotten thus far.  This experience has truly surpassed my expectations, and only make me even more excited for what the future holds.

A lot of people enter our store and say "you've done a fantastic job on this place", and my response always is "it took a village".  Yes, it did take a small village to get to this point.  Many, many, many people had their hands on this project, directly and indirectly, and all deserve applause for helping us succeed.  I can't list everyone in this blog post, and I really am afraid I would forget someone!  But there are a few people that I want to give a shout out to. 

Kim, Heather and Becki from Design4Space - without their ability to take my vision (consisting of less than half a dozen words - I really didn't know what to say except that I wanted a Modern Vintage look, and that I like turquoise!!) and turning it into what they did, I may be sitting in a store with only 4 walls and a bunch of shoes.  Not only are they super talented, but such a fantastic and fun bunch of gals to work with.  I am really going to miss the witty email bantering back and forth!

Derek and his "group of gals" from Revolution Strategy, who created our logos.  They were able to take our vision for an upscale NY style of store with a vintage twist and apply that to our branding.  Again, a fantastic group of people to work with.

Keith Brideau, our landlord, and his group of guys for working hard on providing the manpower to get the space ready for use.

Tim Hunter and his guys from The Artizan Group who built the beautiful shelving, mirrors, and various other components.  Tim even sawed off my old shoe heels and made some cool hooks for the store.  He thought I was crazy, and sacrificed a couple of blades on his saw to complete them!

Local craftsman Steven Judge, who hand carved our beautiful sign hanging outside the store.

Chris English, cousin extraordinaire, who gave up many hours to help out with various tasks - wiring, painting etc.  Chris - we owe you BIG TIME!  (Emily - we owe you too!)

Benito Cerone, local craftsman, dedicated his garage to building our beautiful front desk, benches and tables. 

Joanne DeMerchant, mother-in-law extraordinaire, who did the wallpaper, painted, and made the comfy cushions upon which you will sit on. 

And of course, to all you wonderful business people in the Saint John area - thanks so much for all of your encouragement and support.  I am truly delighted to become a part of the Uptown Saint John business crowd.  What a fantastic group of individuals I get to work alongside every day.  This is what really excites and motivates me.

And thank you to everyone who came out our first week open.  I hope you all liked what you saw, and that we can bring to Saint John what you all want!

Shelley

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

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

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