Oki-Ni Shofolk suede shoes

Spring is finally here, which means it's time to put those boots away and slip on something lighter. If boat shoes and sandals aren't doing it for you, check out the The Alaric, by Folk Clothing's sister label Shofolk.

Handmade in Portugal, Shofolk's modern twist on the classic Oxford shoe is an elegant substitute for spring plimsolls when that warmer weather finally arrives. Comfort and a timeless tan colour come together for a clean look, featuring suede on the upper and off-white rubber sole, with a contrasting mid-brown leather heel tag providing a nice detail. 

The perfect partner for rolled-up chinos this spring and summer, the Alaric is exclusive to oki-ni, but is only available in limited numbers.

Priced at £125  www.oki-ni.com

Sperry - Re-building a classic

April is a confusing month for weather, a most un-profound statement to make i know but having mother natures movements for the week ahead thrust towards me via my morning television, i find it hard to believe we shall be faced once again with any permanent sunshine!?

However, turning the clocks back to embrace what should be Spring, i realise that the seasonal changing over of my winter wardrobe to lighter spring/summer options should not be viewed as a rushed step to far, as i am not the only one waving the flag for the warmer months, having spotted early deck shoe appearances around the feet and streets of London and now its time for a blog post announcing their arrival.

There have been a whole host of respectable options which have fallen into my inbox over the past month; from Lacoste and ASOS, classic Gucci in red and blue rubber, to a beautiful hybrid pair from Opening Ceremony, but the ones to catch my eye, if only for its 75 year heritage, arrive from Sperry Top-Sider.

The brand started when a certain Paul Sperry invented the first boat shoe in 1935 after observing his dog's ability to maintain sturdy and not "hit the deck" on the slippery surface! Mr Sperry incorporated the wave like groves found on the dog's paw which have continued to be the inspiration for the Sperry Top-Sider sole that we see today.

To celebrate, Sperry have released a limited edition 75th Anniversary collection consisting of 3 unique styles; the Double-Sole, the Seamate and CVO all reworked for 2010 and packaged in commemorative shoe boxes inspired by the original packaging.

Priced from £50

Available from www.oipolloi.com 

www.sperrytopsider.com 

Kurt Geiger "reboots" Sebago’s Dockside

Boat or deck shoes have been on trend for the last few seasons and their ship shows no sign of sailing anytime soon. However, fashionable landlubbers have generally been restricted to wearing them in calm conditions. 


Thankfully Kurt Geiger has collaborated with American brand Sebago of New England on an ankle-high "boat boot" version of the latter's classic Dockside. Named Manitou after JFK's yacht, it's perfect for navigating the choppy style waters of the spring/summer transition period here in rainy old England. Put Vampire Weekend's Contra on your iPod and pretend that it's a sunny day in Cape Cod.

Priced at £130
Available at http://www.kurtgeiger.com

The Desert Shoe? Oh Yes!

Dearest desert boot, how we love you so! But how we love you even more with the arrival of an innovative low-cut desert boot - so desert shoe maybe?! How the talented designer Hiroshi Takahashi must have gone about re-designing the best of British classic i will never know, but this show will work Croute Shoe will work with smart shorts, tailored of course, but without socks, obviously, and could even work with a a tapered legged jean or chino. I'm sure these Verginia Footwear shoes represent progress, some may disagree, and are a useful alternative to the desert boot. One thing for sure - it shows fashion can have many original evolutions!

Priced at £95, Available from http://www.oipolloi.com/oipolloi/shop/home.php

Yves Saint Lauren Personalised Shoe Fettish?

Yves Saint Laurent is holding two special nights this week, Thursday 1st and Friday 2nd October, to celebrate the new A/W 09 shoe collection. The store event is being held at 33 Old Bond Street and you will be able to design the colour and finish of your chosen pair of shoes as well as have your initials embossed onto the sole of the shoe. A Gentry must!

From 6:30pm - 9:00pm

Yves Saint Laurent
33, Old Bond Street, London, W1

http://www.ysl.com/

Hi-Time for NIKE

Nike Sportswear, it seems, has a constant product release program, with new hybrids of retro product hitting shelves every week acorss the globe. Its a brand which straddles the style stakes between urban dressing and true innovative sportswear with the occasional miss-hap which only true Nike obsessives buy into. But with most of the dominating sportswear brands, they always have something to offer the unaware consumer who shop in the upper-main stream style section.

This case is proved by Nike's new offering of the Dunk Hi Top AC TZ, made from premium canvas (surprisingly canvas can reach dizzy heights of premium), are subtle in colour- available in an all grey or an all black, have a slick looking vulcanised sole, which has to be said was the selling point for me as its not too fussy looking, and have the stockists to suit the style obsessed.

Released on the 12th September, I am told these will sell out by October...

The Nike Dunk Hi AC TZ will be available from 1948, Bateman's Row, London and Dover Street Market from 12thSeptember 2009.

www.nikesportswear.com

Marc Jacobs High Summer Boots

I'm not religious. I never have been, and probably never will be. Being told the story of Mary & Joseph, their night in the stable, a donkey and three curious wise men bearing gifts in the night was all to good to be true and believe them not to have been so wise at all.

These items were treasures in their time, indeed gold still is, but this this story never really rang true to me as no one i have ever met just gives away worldly treasures to a stranger?

as set and to be honest would be like giving away a pair of Marc jacobs boots to a random passer by who looked like they might find a use for this precious

In our modern time we have little use for frankin sense and mer and gold is a very personal gift which should be recieved from a love one, not a random gifting, the likelt hood of 3 wise anyones arriving at your stable door with

similar story similar story happened to me the other day, as an editor friend brought me only one gift three gifts as a thank you for

Marc Jacobs is one of the greatest designers around. His name should resound in your ears with the sounds of brilliant mens fashion and if it is failing to do so at present, then look no further than the offering of boots below.

He is a man who is awfully busy, designing clothing, accessories, and shoes for Louis Vuitton, his own Marc Jacobs collection, and his de-fusion line, Marc by Marc Jacobs.

COMME PLAY dress up with the all stars...

Comme des Garcons have teamed up with Converse for this mini-collection of Chuck Taylors. The collection features four different styles which come in black or off-white colours and are available in hi (£205) or lo (£190) from Dover Street Market. Each style features the iconic COMME des GARCONS PLAY Heart logo on the side, marking a simple luxx addition to your summer footwear attire.

www.doverstreetmarket.com