7 parts of a shoe you didn't know.....

Are there other parts of the shoe you have specific names for that are not here? We'd love to hear them, true or just funny.

Do you know your shoe styles?

Any surprises there? Or perhaps Anglicised alternative names that you use as colloquial names?

Famous shoe quote. ....very true too.

• The future’s got a million roads for you to choose, but you’ll walk a little taller in some high heel shoes.  Hairspray

Walk taller, more elegant and confident with PoppyBees uniquely sourced, handmade, Italian designer shoes.

Choose your colour, materials and heel height before we make an exact fitting shoe, made just for your foot.

There's nothing like them in Europe!

"Shoes are for life, not just for fashion!"

Get yours now. ONLY at www.poppybees.co.uk 

Designers to British Royalty.

Wedding shoes after the big day??

We all know that getting married isn't cheap, so it's important to make the most of every bit of your big day.  Wedding shoes can cost an arm and a leg, and with lots of brides opting for white or cream satin, let’s face it when will you wear them again? 

Practical tips to help transform your wedding shoes into a fabulous one-off pair of heels. Here’s some inspiration to help stimulate your creative juices...

1. White and cream shoes are the perfect base to dye to whatever colour you desire. This can be done at home but always check the dye you've bought is correct for the material of your shoes.

2. If your wedding shoes are a vibrant colour, why not transform them to classic black, perfect for all year round.

3. If you like the colour of your wedding shoes but would like to make them less wedding-like, shoe clips are a great option. They come in many shapes, sizes and designs and Elegant Steps stock a wide selection.

4. Get hold of a glue gun and add some pretty bows or ribbons edges - a simple and effective way to revive your shoes.

5. Flower corsages are another fab add-on (very Carrie Bradshaw) simply glue or stitch, for a big impact.

6. Lace, sequins or studs (a fashion favourite) are the perfect way to bring your shoes bang up to date.

7. Glitter- yes it's messy, but it is worth it! Get the glitter out and go crazy, but make sure you allow plenty drying time before taking your new-look shoes out on the town.

8. If you're the creative type, why not invest in some shoe pens and design your own exclusive art?

9. Paint the soles – very Louboutin - this can be done with spray paint. Carefully mask any areas on the shoe that you don’t want painted and get spraying - again leave lots of drying time before taking these babies outside.

10. MY FAVOURITE - "buy something with longevity. Beautiful, elegant classics that stand the test of time and quality to match.   Why pay a fortune for a pair of Wedding shoes you only wear once? Look for something that makes you feel special all year round. 

All our Berdini range come in a choice of colours, materials, heel heights and are hand made for you, not mass produced and collected from a dusty store room. 

Log in HERE for our latest catalogue, news, designs and offers OR message me HERE for help with your wedding shoe design!

STYLISH WEDDING SHOES YOU'LL WEAR AGAIN

Wedding shoes are a big decision, and often, quite an investment! We found 100's of pairs of the chicest wedding-worthy shoes that you'll get mileage out of even after you say "I do."

You've got the dress. You've got the venue, date, and invitations. The last thing you need to complete your wedding day? An amazing pair of shoes to wear as you walk down the aisle!

The right shoe can take your wedding day look to the next level. Plus, everyone wants that gorgeous shot of your shoes as you're getting dressed with your bridesmaids!

A wedding is one of the most epic days of a girl's life, so it's only natural that choosing a pair of shoes for your gown is a major decision, and often, quite an investment! Wouldn't it be nice to be able to wear them again after the big day is over? Fear not! We've got hundreds of pairs of the chicest wedding-worthy shoes that you'll get mileage out of post-nuptials and you can buy right now online.

The spring collections are full of beautiful, wedding-worthy options — from pale-mint pumps for the bride looking to make a subtle yet stylish statement to architectural Mary Jane heels fit for a flirty short dress. Engaged and loving some of fashion's latest trends? Rock the laced-up look in back and white sandals, or kick up your heels in ultra-sexy slingbacks, complete with blush metallic detail. For an ultra-stylish option, our beige suede and python-skin pumps are perfect for brides.

Click through to see (and shop!) the shoes we're loving for your wedding day. All of these finds channel the latest trends, while still being entirely timeless — and perfect to wear again and again. 

See the sample store  HERE  or sign in for full access HERE

The five things every bride needs to consider before saying 'I do' to her wedding shoes

 
1. Be practical
 
Pick shoes that will complement your dress - bear in mind the colour and cut of your gown, as well as where you will be getting married. Also, bear in mind where you're getting married; if you're planning to exchange vows outside, you run the risk of sinking into the grass. Which, trust us, gets very annoying very quickly (buy some heel cups! These little fella's just clip to be bottom of any heel and provide a wider weight bearing surface to stop you sinking in!). Also, those beautiful but totally impractical shoes you've fallen head-over-heels in love with? Forget them. Hobbling up the aisle is not attractive.
 
2. Give yourself time
 
Don't leave buying your wedding shoes until the last minute. Instead, start browsing early so you have an idea of the kind of heels and flats that you like and keep your eyes peeled for relevant sample sales and offers. Some stores may even let you pay in installments upfront and so spread the cost (WE DO! - ask about PoppyBees Diamonds club).
 
3. Something blue?
 
White is an obvious shade for your wedding shoes - but if you haven't settled on your 'something blue' yet, why not make it your shoes?Often you can find a perfect style for your wedding but not a perfect fit, colour or materials. Dont settle for second best on your big day. Give yourself time to shop around for that elusive, "perfect shoe" (or come to us for the perfect style, colour, material and fitting experience - FIRST TIME!). 
 
4. Just dance
 
Assuming you can walk comfortably in your wedding shoes (always a bonus...), see if you can dance in them. Don't forget to break your shoes in before the big day, too; wear them around your house to get your feet comfortable and familiar with them.
 
5. Finally... Check with your venue
 
It might sound unlikely but seriously - do this! If you're tying the knot in a historic venue, stilettos may be banned in order to keep the ancient wooden floors protected. But that's fine, because there are endless gorgeous pairs of flats and wedges out there for you to get shopping instead!

Remember - we can offer you the perfect shoe, first time every time, with every combination of style, colour, materials and heel height to suit you. And, as out shoes are made by Italian Designer to Princess Diana, not only are you getting one of Europes most uniques shoes, you are getting and timeless masterpiece that you can wear again and again. Classic, timeless elegance. 

Log in HERE to get our latest catalogue, news, designs and offers. 

If your already signed in give me a nudge HERE and we'd be delighted to help you with your big day shoes!

Helping you to find the perfect shoe for you!

Shoe "salesman" arrested for toe-sucking!

I was scanning the news for shoe related resources today and couldn't help but laugh when I stumbled upon this American news article.

Is it just me or could this only happen in America!?

I can assure you it has never happened at PoppyBees and never will!
...........................................

"A manhunt for the Wal-Mart toe-sucker ended Wednesday night when police in North Carolina arrested a man who allegedly posed as a shoe salesman and then sucked on the toes of the surprised woman customer.

When the horrified woman protested, he told her he was a podiatry student.

Police have had several complaints of incidents like that in both Kmart and Wal-Mart, according to local news reports.

Lincolnton Detective Dennis Harris told a local TV station that the man apparently tried the same thing Monday at another Walmart 15 miles away, where he told a woman he was conducting a survey on the feet of different races and nationalities.

The second woman also agreed to take off her shoes, but left when the suspect asked her to remove her socks.

Police in Lincolnton, N.C., a small town northwest of Charlotte, told WCNC TV they had arrested 31 year-old Michael Brown and charged him with assault on a female."

Original article here

Best Valentine's Day Gift Ever?

Best Valentine's Day Gift Ever? Now You Can Customise Your Own designer shoes with Daniele Berdini!

Is your boyfriend still asking you what you want for Valentine’s Day? Well, we have a fun suggestion: a custom pair of Daniele Berdini shoes — yes, the same shoe style that’s been seen on Amy Stewart, Rita Dalla Chiesa, Lorella Cuccarini and Princess Diana's bridesmaids. 

The celeb-loved shoe designer has a celebrated "XYZ = U" customisation program, which gives discerning ladies the luxury of 'designing' their own shoes. In sizes from 1 to 13, there are numerous different materials and colors to choose from ranging from camouflage to snake skins to lace. The best part? If the 4 inch heel is a bit too high for you, you tell us what height suits and voila, its yours!  As for the price point, the styles range anywhere from £225 to £575, so if you want your bf to pick up the bill, you better be splurging on him for Valentine’s Day as well.

With all the Italian and celeb support, this popular range has been selling out like mad.

The whole range is designed to be dressed up, or dressed down. “This particular shoe, you can’t put it on with a dowdy outfit. It’s for events and a dress. But there is nothing cooler than a gorgeous girl in tight jeans wearing a sandal like that.”

Head over to www.poppybees.co.uk  to design your own shoe, and then report back on which colors you’re loving!

Catch the new range released on 1st March. 

Not only is Christian Louboutin’s Spring 2014 collection dominating the red carpet but the goodies keep on coming! Enviable pieces are unveiled throughout the season and I wanted to share 4 fabulous styles that caught my eye:

Christian-Louboutin-Spring-2014-Farfamesh-Sandal Farfamesh sandal in multicolor raspberry, riviera blue & anis suede with semi-sheer mesh panels and 120mm heel

Christian-Louboutin-Spring-2014-Flamenqueen-Sandal Flamenqueen slingback 120mm sandal in black leather with a cage lace-up front and long leather laces

Christian-Louboutin-Spring-2014-Impera-Cut-Out-Pump
Impera white leather laser-cut pump, seen on the Marchesa runway with corset laces and 120mm heel

 Christian-Louboutin-Spring-2014-Mariniere-Sandal

Mariniere strappy multicolor sandal in natural python, black patent leather, anis suede, white leather, raspberry suede and neptune leather with a mirrored gold leather toe, 100mm heel and back-zip.

(original document here) 

So with the designs hitting the runway hard and fast keep your eyes peeled for the next release of the UK's ONLY selection of Daniele Berdini, out on the 1st of March! 

Unlike many famous brands the Berdini family have been perfecting their trade for five generations and were hand picked to design and make Princess Diana's bridesmaid shoes. Not an accolade that many can lay claim to!

Sign in here to ensure you get your Spring/Summer catalogue FIRST!