Merry Christmas Everyone - Have a gift!

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Our Christmas Present to You!

Well here it is; the last blog post before Christmas!

To say thank you for being so brilliant, as we have muddled our way through our first year of internet adventures, we'd like to give you something special.

Unfortunately we can't put it under your trees, but until January 31st we can offer

25% OFF everything on our online store HERE:

Keith Scarrott Shoes Store


Just enter this special discount code when you reach the checkout!:
TINSEL



Have a very Merry Christmas and a wonderful New Year
from all at Keith Scarrott Shoes x

www.keithscarrott.co.uk

Super Saturday!

It's the last Saturday and main shopping day before Christmas, ladies and gents. Hopefully this time next week, we'll be sitting down to an amazing lunchtime spread and looking forward to the festive repeats on the tv!

However, for those who've left it late and whose shopping isn't anywhere near done (yes, we're talking to you errant men) or who're looking for something special for yourself we have just the things to help you out at this busy time of the year at the Keith Scarrott website.

Pictures top - bottom:

Brown Stud Lace Up £179.95 SHOP HERE

Brown Croc Over-the-Knee Boot £399.95 SHOP HERE

Red Suede Platform Court £159.95 SHOP HERE

Black Metal Trim Over-the-Knee Boot £299.95 SHOP HERE

Christmas Gifts Ideas for the Harried Husband

If you're a gentlemen who's feeling the pressure at this point in the festive season, we have just the ticket to help you out! We know that it can be frustrating buying Christmas presents for your gorgeous other-half; after all, she might hint at what she'd like to under the tree come Christmas morning but it's hardly an instruction manual, is it?

So to help you guys out, we've put together this quick list of presents that will mean you can spend the rest of next year in the reflected glow of a job well done!

And ladies...if you're reading this, well, it's always worth printing it out for display isn't it?


Top picture: Vic Matie Grey Stud Heel Ankle Boots £299.95 SHOP HERE

Middle picture: Black Stud Slouch Bag £279.95 SHOP HERE

Bottom Picture: Brown Elastic Side Over the Knee Boot £169.95 SHOP HERE

Xmas Treats Made of Sugar and Style

Shoes and chocolates have always seem to inspire the same sort of longing in us girls; they're both delicious, attractive and receiving them as gifts only make them better! Well, if that's the case for you, then we've found the most wonderful online store just in time for Christmas.

Gayle's Chocolates is an American who create masterpieces in chocolate, fondants and glitter - all wrapped up in packages so beautiful, that they could be the present alone! Whilst browsing this sweetie wonderland we found our PERFECT treats. Gayle's chocolate shoes not only taste amazing but also have bags of style; if they were real, we'd be clamouring to wear them.

Detailed in edible metallic paints, satin bows and masses of glitter these heels are almost something which you wouldn't ever want to eat...almost! Beautifully presented in clear perspex purses they would make a stunning Christmas gift for your best girlfriends, female relatives or even just for yourself. After all, you've got to treat yourself after all that Christmas shopping that isn't for you, right?

Whilst they're not available to the UK yet, such is their popularity, that it's only a matter of time; so something to keep in mind, not just for next Christmas, but birthdays, bridal showers and girly favours.

We almost can't take our eyes off those beautiful shapes to even want to eat them... I'm sure we could, though.


Gayle's Chocolate Shoes here


Shop Keith Scarrott Shoes here

'Vogue' Boot Makes a Comeback

Our best-selling, classic over-the-knee boots are back in store!

After an appearance in British Vogue (above, top picture), these beautiful boots sold out instantaneously. But just in time for Christmas, we have managed to restock limited runs in both Tan (top) and Black leather (above, bottom picture).

They'd make the perfect Christmas gift for a loved one; or even something to inspire Christmas cheer for yourself!


Shop Tan leather HERE

Shop Black leather HERE



Side Buckle Over-the-Knee Boot £299.95

Keith Scarrott Store

BACK IN STORE: Platform Ankle Boots

Keith Scarrott's best selling ankle boot is now back in store! These beautiful platform, buckled boots flew out within days, when we first had them in back in September.

Now they're back in 3 gorgeous suede colours; black, brown and grey.

Get them before you miss out!

Shop Black Suede HERE

Shop Brown Suede HERE

Shop Grey Suede HERE


Platform ankle boot £179.95

Make a Statement

When it comes to the Christmas season, parties and nights out abound. Even here in the usually subdued and genteel Regency streets of Cheltenham, the restaurants and wine bars are buzzing. And it's not just office parties creating the festive atmosphere; now is the time to reconnect and enjoy life with friends and family.

They may be closer to you than your average work colleague, but this doesn't halt the need to impress - if anything it makes it stronger! I think we'd all be guilty of a bit of fibbing if we said that we'd never dressed for these get-togethers with the intention to 'wow' with a particular outfit.

Of course, an LBD with a fashionable winter coat is always a winner in the style stakes. Alternatively, fitted indigo-wash jeans and layered knits look contemporary and casual enough for day-into-night.

The finishing touch to these ensembles would traditionally be sky-high heels. But with the treacherous winter weather working against us, the stilettos, platforms and straps might be something of an overkill.

Enter: the statement boot. With the ability to dress up any outfit, whether for day or night-time outings - this boot can be teamed with just jeans and a simple t-shirt and you'll still look A-List ready for either dinner with the other half, or a girls' night out.

Fashion mavens Diane Kruger (third picture, above in Chanel) and Roisin Murphy (of the band Moloko-top picture above in Diesel) have embraced the statement boot trend - being led by designers such as Givenchy (for £930+). The thigh-boot/over-the-knee style is the hot pick of the moment; thick, stack heels and stud or zip-detailing underline the statement you want to make. The more obvious, the better in terms of fashionista-baiting boots!

Here at Keith Scarrott, we found a pair in Italy we loved so much (2nd picture and last picture above, £299.95) that we got them in every colour! And in each, there is enough va-va-voom to fuel even the most hesitant party-goer.

The longer-length extends the leg whilst the inner and outer zips add a designer, high-fashion twist. For those icy evenings, the stack heels are not only fashionable but a practical way of dressing it up, while you party it up!


Shop over-the-knee boots: here

Christmas Party Sparklers

The depths of winter are clearly upon us (we need only look out the window to see the evidence); with Christmas lights being strung out all over our streets. Not to mention, the explosion of spangles we scatter around our homes and workplaces. It can only mean that once we get past the weather, festive cheer will once more be upon us.

So what better excuse for a party? Whether you're just having dinner with family, drinks with friends or the infamous Office Christmas Party; knowing that your outfit is going to look fabulous and your evening is going to be comfortable gives you that spectacular seasonal glow and spirit that is guaranteed to make you the life and soul of the party.

The styles complimenting this year's ladylike prom dresses and lace-trimmed shifts are classic and elegant. Textured court shoes in suedes and nubucks, topped with embellishments are practical enough for winter, whilst being pretty enough for any items of part or occasion wear you'd want to team them with!

As always, monochromes and dark colours ground the styles in the season; look for a flash of glamour - whether in sparkle or studs. Amongst the designers that have driven this edge towards timeless, pretty designs have been Gucci and 'Juicy Couture for Selfridges' with their 'Stud pumps' (£365, bottom right) and 'Tessa' shoes (£190, top right) respectively.

Keith Scarrott have their own range of beautiful courts to fulfil your outfit needs. At a snip of the designer price, we have; our Jewel Buckle courts (£129.95, bottom left) and out beautiful nubuck All-Over Stud court (£199.95, top left).

We know what we're wearing for our Christmas party! Go on...add some glam and feel fabulous - 'tis the season after all!


Jewel Buckle Courts and All-Over Stud Court available: here

A Chelsea Triumph

Amongst the combats and the lace-ups, the shoe-boots and wader styles; an old favourite has made an understated reemergence onto the fashion stage.

The masculine-edged styling of the Chelsea boot can be see poking out from underneath bootcuts and skinnies and over leggings and tights, this Winter season. Even the current batch of mini and midi winter skirts and dresses are suited to the lighter, more feminine incarnation of the boot.

Fashionistas of the British scene, including Alexa Chung and Fearne Cotton, have led the fashion charge with this originally Victorian equine boot. Unusual as it may be for this 'country' staple to have become so popular - the renaissance of styles like this has a lot to do with comfort and practicality (displayed in the elastic trimmings for easy use) as well as style, in these troubled financial times.

Designers like Lanvin and Michael Kors have also seen the potential in the style, with their 'Jumbo boots' (3rd picture), £390, and 'Ankle boots at Neiman Marcus' (2nd picture), $725, respectively.

Keith Scarrott's Italian, calf-leather Chelsea boots have an elegant, continental-style almond toe for a more ladylike shape. Another fantastic feature is the unusual Cuban heel; not only is it a statement look, but also an extremely comfortable way to gain height!



Available in Dark Tan (above, top picture), Brown and Black (above, 3rd picture) £179.95

Shop HERE

Marie Claire Feature

Vogue isn't the only high-end fashion magazine to be interested in what Keith Scarrott's has to offer.

The glossy fashion monthly, Marie Claire was hot on their trail contacting us to enthuse over our winter boots. We did think the lovely girl on the phone was going to combust with excitement!

Which means that one of our best-selling styles went into the magazine's HOT LIST; listing everything which is a must-have for this season. The elegant hiker-inspired platform (shown above) sold out on our 1st run, but we will be getting more in.

The interest was amazing, and we wouldn't be surprised if those London-based stylistas were the ones to clear us out! 'Unique', 'beautiful' and 'stunning' were just some words we've heard from ladies at various publications over the past month. And they should know!

Shop online here.

Still In Fashion!

Once again, a little independent in the wilds of the Cotswold's has graced the pages of internationally renowned British Vogue.

Oh yes, it's us again and the response from out latest feature made us stutter with shock! And thankful that our wonderful independent factories could try and restock us in time for the first-frost surge.

Fashionistas from London, Scotland, Germany and even Prague have been spending in sprees on our online store and even ringing to ask for our expertise. It seems that beautiful, affordable Italian winter boots are on the top of everyone's wish list this year and with boots like the one above we're surprised Santa himself hasn't stopped by to stock up for the women of the world.

Though, judging by the interest, they got here first!

To start browsing for your own Christmas list, check out our online store HERE

Happy Hauntings

Halloween fever hit Keith Scarrott Shoes last week as we went all-out to celebrate. A favourite holiday for many on the team, Halloween was being channelled in every corner of the shop; from our otherworldly, ghostly window display, to our creepy-crawling spiders' nest. Not to mention the spiders and bugs waiting to attract your attention when you least expect it!

We all had great fun decorating, and the children who came in seemed to especially appreciate the effort. Having said that, their parents seemed to, too!

It was even agreed that Keith Scarrott Shoes won the inaugural Cheltenham Promenade Halloween Decoration contest; soundly beating out competition from neighbouring shops The London Camera Exchange and Hooper Bolton Jewellers!

See some of our pictures above. We can't wait for the next contest, you should come and have a look! Roll on Christmas.

Telegraph Magazine Shop Awards 2010: Independent Streak

For those of you who have stumbled across/settled down for/recorded religiously the BBC series 'Mary, Queen of Shops' you will be aware of flame-haired, no nonsense Mary Portas. The retail guru makes it her mission to revitalise and encourage growth in parts of the industry that find it toughest; namely, the independents.

Whilst popping into stores from Marks and Spencer to Karen Millen is easy, Portas knows that the only way to keep the unique identity of you and the town you live in, is to support the local businesses.

Which is why she's joined forces with the respected Telegraph Magazine awards and transformed this year's retail awards into a way to celebrate the little guy or, as Portas prefers to call them, 'those local heroes that pepper our retail landscape'.

Keith Scarrott Shoes has been one of the most successful independent retailers that we know of and, as still a very much family-run business, we like to think that we are a great representative of the 'heritage' of retailers that Portas wants to spotlight. Afterall, 35 years of happy customers can't be wrong!

So we would love it if you, our loyal customers, could let the nation know about our hard work and dedication to the shopper.


Vote for us as your favourite women's fashion retailer by clicking here.


You could see the team at Scarrott's have masterclasses with Mary herself and become known nationwide. We promise we look good in press photographs!

Thank you so much for your support.

Sophie Scarrott & Team.



Mary Portas Awards Articles: here.

The Lady and The Vamp

So we've covered Urban, combat and over-the-knee this season here at Scarrott's (whilst having a little bit of fun in between, of course!) but for some of you, we're probably barking up the wrong tree. Style-wise, we have a breadth of different tastes and opinions come through our doors and onto our website. And what we've been trending, well, doesn't it seem a bit...heavy?

For those glamazons of you out there, your prayers have been answered. The fashion world has heard the call of the Lady once again and 50s and 60s structure and shapes are winging their way from the catwalks, to the shops, to your wardrobes. This was particularly apparent in Paris, where tea-length skirts, simple shifts and fitted jackets sprung forth from such fêted and legendary fashion houses as Chanel and Givenchy.

The ongoing trend for faux-fur has not stopped at the young leopard-print Topshop version this season, either. Faux-mink trim and elbow-length gloves almost complete the look; the finishing touch has to be the footwear; something that can make or break the outfit. However the difficulty with these longer skirts and tailored looks is that the taller the person, the more streamlined the look.

As most of us don't have the dimensions of 5'10" Cindy Crawford, the obvious solution is to go with sky-high, vampy stilettos. Always the choice court shoe of the style-mavens and much beloved staple of Jimmy Choo and Christian Louboutin; a skyscraper heel doesn't have to mean torture. Now, with platform soles and balanced design, they can be amongst the most comfortable (and fabulous!) footwear you'll ever own.

Classic designs with almond toes always work best with any outfit and date spectacularly well. Gucci have released their Platform Pumps as a 'runway classic' for £365 (above middle picture). Yves Saint Laurent, always the purveyors of classic style, have joined the club with their 'Gaby' platform pumps for £485 (above top picture) .

Here at Keith Scarrott, we scoured shoe fairs, manufacturers and samples all over Europe to find the perfect pair - so that you don't have to!

These gorgeous Rebeca Sanver platforms, above , for £149.95, are perfectly balanced and so comfortable you'll forget their astounding height. Coming in Black Suede, Patent (above 2nd picture), Leather (above fourth picture) and even a splash of glam Scarlet (above bottom picture).

A couple of us even wear them for work, as they are guaranteed to rescue even the most haphazard ensemble and make it look chic! Together with this season's 50's skirts and Mad Men inspired, 60's shifts, you're guaranteed to wow this Winter.

Shop Rebeca Sanver: Here

It's a Style War

October...what does this mean to you? Halloween? Conkers? Half-term? The Cheltenham Literature Festival even?

It can depend entirely on your point of view, but a universal thought when presented with this month will alway be 'Winter'. It's been days since we've seen the sun and judging from what our customers from far and wide have been telling us, they have the same problem. Scarves are out and about and it's going be quite some time before we set foot outside the house without an umbrella again.

But with the weather worsening and the days drawing shorter, to a point where the the High Streets of the UK won't ever feel properly dry until next July, we've found the need for tough, comfortable, yet stylish all-weather boots to tackle the elements.

Thankfully (and very unusually) the high priests of fashion are leading the way, with designers at Chloe, Marc Jacobs and Belstaff coming out this season with combat boots. Such as these ones from Marc Jacobs (£580 - 2nd picture) and Acne (£410 - bottom picture).

With the military look steaming ahead in the fashion world this season, combat boots are an integral part of the overall look. Something of an indie fashion statement, combat boots are surprsingly versatile to wear everyday. It doesn't require any great condescension to trends.

Flat utility boots are a great alternative to Uggs; with leggings and a jumper dresses for a comfy, casual look or with a mini skirts and floral dresses for an outfit with a chic, eclectic personality.

Keith Scarrott have taken inspiration from Italian designs and have found the best combats for a styled overall look, without looking too trend-led. The beautiful stud boots (£159.95 - top picture) add a glamorous, slightly dangerous, rocky edge to any outfit. Whilst our classic combat style is made with a slender leg, for a feminine style and fit (£169.95 - third picture).


Keith Scarrott shoes website: here

Samaritans' Jazz Jaunt - Ruby Turner & Co.

Last Friday the staff at Keith Scarrott Shoes all ventured out on the town to support something a little bit different.

The Bacon Theatre, Cheltenham held a top-class blues evening on behalf on the charity Samaritans, to whom Keith Scarrott Shoes have long-standing ties. With star turns from two well known acts and a packed house, it was a superbly entertaining night for all ages.

Opened by Eddie Martin (bottom picture), the one-man blues band, described by What's On in London as "easily the best blues guitarist this country has produces since Clapton". The show got off to a rollicking start with Martin's unique mix of country-inspired blues and jazz. Echoes of old school Johnny Cash and New Orleans jazz among other diverse influences, were apparent at various points throughout the set; ensuring a mix to satisfy everyone in attendance. Showcasing his considerable talent on guitars, harmonicas and percussion, Martin got the crowd clapping and singing along in no time at all.

With the audience nicely warmed up, the inimitable Ruby Turner (top picture) and her band made their grand entrance. Immediately we were hit with Ruby's vivacious personality and wicked sense of humour, turning a large gathering into something much more intimate and special; the audience had no choice but to be swept along in the excitement. Launching into a collection of her own hits; ranging from the heavenly highs of her most recent gospel album to Motown-inspired R'n'B and good old-fashioned jazz, Ruby showed just why she's retained her popularity with fans such as Jools Holland.

After a storming set, Ruby and her band of ultra-talented musicians submitted to the demands of the rapturous audience - who gave her a standing ovation - and played a rousing encore.

It was a toe-tapping, blues-tinted fabulous night which all of us enjoyed and, more importantly, gave wonderful support to a worthwhile cause.


Keith Scarrott Shoes Website


For more information on the Samaritans visit their website here.


www.rubyturner.com
www.eddiemartin.com

In the Fashion Spotlight: Vic Matie

As our customers know, we're very hard to please when it comes to what we stock. Eschewing the majority of mainstream brands, we like to focus on the quality and styles that family-run independent factories can produce, rather than just a name.

Every so often, however, a branded manufacturer will come along that produces shoes and boots so fabulous that we fall in immediate lust with them! Step forward Vic Matie.

This amazing Italian designer produces spectacular boots that turn every day into an opportunity for a fashion statement. Whilst their small amount of shoes are just as stunning, inevitably it's for their boots they are well known. And in a country that rains almost 50 weeks of the year, I think we can all agree that the value of boots can't be underestimated!!

Founded almost 38 years ago the parent factory, Line Marche Spa, has a fashion pedigree and experience like no other. Seeing the lack of unique, vivacious and contemporary designs in women's boots, they formed women-only fashion line Vic Matie.

Being such big fans ourselves, we were hardly surprised to find that Vic Matie had such a big following on the continent, with flagship stores in Rome, Milan and Dusseldorf. But in the UK (as of yet) they are one of our greatest fashion secrets!

Keith Scarrott customers have come to know Vic Matie boots by name, due to the incredible impact they make. It's not unusual to hear murmurs of "They're so comfortable"
"Aren't they soft?!"
and "Wow, they're gorgeous" when a lady first tries them on. And always, when one woman models them, everyone else in the shop wants to try them too!

This season our collection of beautiful Vic Matie boots have flown out despite limited numbers. Trendy yet classic, designer yet affordable, Vic Matie are the epitome of what great footwear means to us at Keith Scarrott shoes.



Shop Vic Matie at the Keith Scarrott Shoes website: here