Thursday 30 September 2010

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

Wednesday 22 September 2010

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

Wednesday 15 September 2010

We're 'In Vogue'


Along with the rain in the Autumn Winter season, comes the eagerly awaited new crop of fashion bibles. Whilst the women of the nation are overwhelmed with the sheer amount of garments and cuts and colours, the style mavens of the fashion world know exactly what's what.

At the beginning of every month (okay, so at least a fortnight before the month begins) these glossy-paged explosions of colour land on coffee tables across the land. Inside, the thousands of fashion ideas are narrowed down to the must-haves for the next few weeks.

We thought it was about time that Keith Scarrott Shoes was introduced to these hallowed pages and so you can see a small promotion in this month's issue of British Vogue (October 2010) with Cheryl Cole on the front cover. Despite it's discreet appearance, already a huge amount of interest has been generated in our stores. See the advert above.

The biggest winner, however, has been our online store with a massive increase in orders and enquiries. We've had a brilliant reception from the staff at Vogue UK themselves, with the girls in the publicity department really excited over all our boots!

News of Keith Scarrott has spread to other magazines, with Marie Claire having been in contact already; the website, blog and Facebook having created a big impression. So if you were searching for your winter footwear wardrobe, now's the time...before all the fashionistas get their perfect manicures to their keyboards!

Keith Scarrott Online Store: Here

Wednesday 8 September 2010

'Shoes' the Showstopper



Every enlightened woman knows that shoes can not only make an outfit, but they can also provide such spectacular, showstopping style that they can make a woman feel all kinds of fabulous. With the sheer variety and changing fashions over the years, women have not only been tempted by new shoes but also (probably) have been kept in a permanent state of sartorial-bliss.

Now to celebrate this, an irreverent and exciting new show has been created that will not only resonate with the hardened fashionista, but will also take the people-on-the-street on a musical journey. Based in Sadler's Wells Theatre, London, the highs and lows of footwear are revealed through a collection of toe-tapping song and dance numbers featuring dancers from the BBC's 'So You Think You Can Dance' among others.

The cast of 12 skip and dance along to a live band and singers through 32 numbers specially created by multi-award winning choreographer Stephen Mear; taking us from the style-highs of Louboutins to the lows of the Croc.

Promising to be an entertaining and fun-for-all evening out, this show comes highly recommended not just for the die-hard shopaholic, but for everyone who enjoys sheer entertainment.



For more information or to book tickets click here: 'Shoes' the show