London Sole

Post taken from:

The official blog of Union Square San Francisco

BASICS AT THEIR BEST

London Sole ballet flats, a wardrobe essential for every SF girl.

Guest post by Jae Payne, Creative Manager of London Sole.

If you're a local you already know, and if you’re visiting you’ll quickly learn that San Francisco isn’t always heel friendly. Moving here from Los Angeles, I learned this lesson the hard way on my first weekend out with friends. First, I’ll admit that I completely lived up to my LA stereotype. I was too reliant on my car, my comfortable box with wheels equipped with a closet (a.k.a., my trunk). My first weekend out I had to walk over 15 blocks to a BART station, then get off and walk three blocks to the correct MUNI stop. Then, once I arrived to the right neighborhood I had to walk another ten blocks just to get to my friend’s house. After the first five blocks, I began to regret wearing my cute heeled boots and by the end of my commute I was ready to leap out of them. I was accustomed to my closet car, so of course I didn’t even think to bring a backup pair of shoes to store in my purse. When I arrived I thought, at least I made it, but that wasn’t even the end. Shortly after my friends said, “Let’s just walk to dinner, it’s not that far.” The phrase “It’s not that far” became a theme that night and many nights thereafter. Walking is a way of life in San Francisco and having shoes that won’t slow you down while still looking cute is a must.

Six years later and a closet full of “San Francisco-proof” shoes and clothing, I feel like I can confidently advise the un-expecting newcomer on the best clothes, shoes and accessories for this city. At the top of my list are London Sole ballet flats. Of course, being their Creative Manager may come off as a bit of a bias, but I truly cannot live without them! I don’t know how to word it in any other way, but there is a reason why I have worked here for over five years and my closet is packed full of London Soles. They are the best basic and they always meet the “Three C Rule” that I try to use when shopping; 1. Cute 2. Classic 3. Comfortable.

If you’ve been into a London Sole boutique or browsed the website you know that the repertoire of color, textiles, and adornments are far from just basic. New customers tend to get overwhelmed by the options and often don’t know where to begin when picking out their first pair. Thus, I’ve selected a few of London Sole’s most popular styles, a range of basics at their best, to help guide you through the seemingly endless assortment of ballet flats.

Pirouette is one of London Sole’s most popular French styles and coveted for being worn by Kate Middleton, The Duchess of Cambridge. It suits a narrow to medium width fitting with an elegant low vamp that reveals a little toe cleavage, has a quarter inch heel and is made with adjustable laces and durable elastomere soles.

Henrietta, like Pirouette also suits a narrow to medium width fitting with an elegant low vamp that reveals a little toe cleavage and has a quarter inch heel. It has a more round toe box, allowing room and comfort for those with slightly wider feet. Henrietta is made with adjustable laces and a variety of sole types. Our signature Henrietta is made from a hand-cut leather sole that is extremely comfortable as it molds to the shape of your foot. However, these soles are more delicate, so we suggest taking them over to Anthony’s Shoe repair to have a topy sole added. This will extend the life of your shoe and add traction needed to climb those big hills.

The Ballet Sneaker has become a legend in San Francisco. This shoe sits quietly on our shelves while the Henriettas and Pirouettes glitter and gleam in the spotlight. However, once you try these on you’ll be sold for life. Made with lightweight heat moulded rubber soles that mimic a true sneaker, these offer maximum comfort, combined with superb cushioning for flexibility and durability.

1. Pirouette Graphite Leather, $165.00. At London Sole we carry graphite, grey graphite, silver,

aluminum, gold, platine, rose gold, and bronze leather. That’s a lot of metallic to choose from so to help narrow a metallic choice I suggest going with a neutral metallic for your first pair. Graphite leather is a great basic because it can complement gold or silver accessories. It is has a subtle shine to it that looks great dressed down with jeans and a tee but it also can transition well into work or evening attire if needed.

2. Henrietta Leopard Ponyhair with Black Trim, $245. Leopard is a year-round basic. Currently we have leopard with red, hot pink, lime green and black trim. Personally, I could find a use for all of them but if you’re just choosing one then I definitely think that leopard with black trim is a basic at its best. Leopard goes with practically everything! It’s one of those bold prints like stripes and polka dots that can sneak its way into an outfit without being offensive and overbearing.

3. Ballet Sneaker Black Patent Leather, $245. This shoe is the perfect all day shoe for San Francisco. Throw it on with anything and you’ll look and feel like you can go anywhere. If it starts to drizzle or you step in a puddle you don’t have to worry, the strong rubber soles and patent leather make this shoe water resistant which a must have in this city.

4. Henrietta Beige Leather with Black Glitter Toe Cap, $245. Classic with a bit of whimsy, a perfect style for San Francisco. The traditional two-toned, toe-capped mixed with black glitter makes this another great all day shoe that is perfect for work and going out. You’ll never need to carry an extra pair of shoes in your purse.

5. Pirouette Black Glitter, $165. Add some sparkle to your step. Every girl needs a black flat, instead of plain black leather go for glitter to make your outfit pop. This shoe also is great for going out in SF. Walk, skip and dance the night away!

6. Pirouette Taupe Patent Croc, $165. Patent leather croc is one of the most popular materials at London Sole and comes in a range of colors that are all great basics. Taupe is a basic at its best because it will complement so many colors in your wardrobe. The subtle undertones in the material lend itself to whatever you are wearing making this shoe truly versatile.

7. Henrietta Black Patent Quilt, $245. Part of our Classic Collection, this style is the ultimate must have. Perfect for year-round wear, the Henrietta Black Patent Quilt suits the working San Francisco girl. Have nothing to wear? Slip on your favorite pair of black denim skinnies, button-up shirt and your Black Patent Quilts and you’ll be ready for the day.

8. Pirouette Beige Leather, $165. The perfect shoe to complete your summer wardrobe. Neutral enough to blend effortlessly with any outfit and as chic and buttery soft as can be, the Pirouette Beige Leather is the ultimate in Parisian style.

9. Pirouette Red Nubuck, $165. Every girl needs a red shoe, accessory and lipstick in her wardrobe. Adding a pop of red to your look gives you that "Très Chic, French flair". Nubuck is one of my favorite materials at London Sole, but if you're worried about damaging this delicate shoe we carry red in an array of materials.

Kick off your heels and climb the hills of SF in a pair of London Sole ballet flats.

Cheers!

Schedule an appointment with London Sole Wholesale

or stop by Booth #60602 - FN Platform

February 19th - 21st 2013

MAGIC - FN PLATFORM

http://www.magiconline.com/fn-platform

London Sole was established by British shoe designer Jane Winkworth. Described by VOGUE as the "Queen of Ballet Flats", Jane’s flat footwear has graced the pages of top fashion magazines. Members of The Royal Family, trend-setting celebrities such as Kate Moss and fashionistas the world over continually wear the signature London Sole look. The company made its mark by combining a classic ballet flat with never before seen colors, textiles, and materials. Jane’s quirky trims, toe-caps, adornments and detailing make for a highly anticipated line that is both unique and inspirational. London Sole Wholesale is happy to help you put together the perfect collection to suit your store. From basic to whimsical, your options are endless.

All London Sole products are handcrafted in Europe. Each shoe is made with care by third generation craftsmen who use only the finest of Italian leathers and skins. We ensure that London Sole’s original designs are unmatched in quality and style.

If you would like more information or would like to set up an appointment, please contact our Wholesale Manager, Maggie Katreva here.

You may also contact us at 001 310 255 0937

Cheers!

xx,

London Sole Wholesale Department

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