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

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

'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

Heights of Style

As the savvy fashion follower will have noticed, this year's Autumn Winter trends seems to be all about turning your wardrobes to the traditional, and very British, sartorial ideas. From 50's tea-length skirts, to sheepskin jackets, to camel coats and Fair Isle knits; this is set to be a season that (unusually) focuses on comfort in high-fashion.

But one continental style trend has triumphed amongst this traditional renaissance. The over the knee boot, which is a trend that started last year, is back in a huge way. Such are the flattering qualities of the style, that ladies aren't waiting for the Winter season to start wearing their beloved boots in earnest. Walk down the street and take a look...odds are that despite it being only just September, the over-knee boot is in evidence on all ladies of fashion.

There was a time when over-knee boots were seen as risqué and you'd have been hard-pressed to find a woman that appreciated their leg-lengthening and slimming qualities. Now, though, with risks being taken more and more in the fashion arena, the secret is out!

Contrary to most women's thoughts, all ages can wear these beautiful long boots. The skill to wearing it is in the design. Stilletto heels and patent platforms are out, whereas subtle tones, flat well-shaped feet and textures can add barrels of class. As the heels have been getting lower the legs have also been getting higher; the over-the-knee shape that is the frontrunner this year is the 'wader'.

Intimidating as the title sounds, luxury brands such as Chloe, Fendi and Jimmy Choo have really hit the nail on the head with their wader style boots. Chloe's dark leather waders (top right, £865) really work the new season utility trend, Keith Scarrott Shoes have these fabulous winter-taupe waders for just £299.95 (top left) , which look amazing with shearling jackets.

Fendi have used the belt to great effect in their over the knee style (bottom right, £920). The same detail is used subtley in Keith Scarrott's show-stopping black studded pair for £299.95 (bottom left). So it seems whatever your signature style; from boho to classic chic to rock-chick, the new style is one to watch out for!




Taupe 2 Zip Over Knee Boots £299.95
Black Stud Side Belt Boot £299.95

Both available at www.keithscarrott.co.uk