Hoarding: F-troupers, the ballad of leopard vs dalmation print, aka shoe-porn.

What: You might remember my plum coloured patent leather bow-booties by F-troupe I posted about back in November... Well, seeing how friendly we got together, I decided to avoid the hazard of getting too attached to a shoe just to find out its tragic death at the most unexpected moment; I went to the store, picked two of the craziest pairs they had and took them home to join the ever-growing family of odd looking shoes. Considering we're fast approaching SS12, these AW11/12 shoes were massively discounted. Which is what? A win win!

Why: Because shoes have a life of their own and thus can add 'liveliness' to the most unimaginative ensembles.
The dalmation print pair will look great with light blue scruffy jeans and a faded red/ or neon loose-knit sweater or a beige t-shirt and a utility green parka on top; or with a black leather skirt and tights with an oversized casual t-shirt; or with black trousers and a blazer for a more sophisticated look, or with an LBD... But I think the pair will work particularly well with bare legs, nude/pink coloured dress and a denim jacket. Can't wait to show you!
The leopard print pair is a more standard choice and goes with everything we've all been wearing for the past 2 years- skinny jeans of all sorts, mini skirts, maxi dresses, black, cream, green, gold, red, denim, lace... and everything else, aside from any other 'animal' related references. Really. It's almost a safe choice.
While I understand how these might be 'a little bit' too much for some, for me they epitomise just the right mix of practical, eccentric and over-the-top ingredients for a perfect shoe. What do you guys think, would you ever wear something like these?

New in: F-troupe booties

What is this? Comfortable, all leather (including soles) student-budget-friendly, funky boots by F-troupe. To me, it's a whimsical remake of Victorian footwear. Shiny plum leather, bows all over the front and a clever zip at the back is an unbeatable combination, even if made in China. Which they are. 

The store is breathtaking, I wanted to take the whole thing home. It's 'part Dickensian Curiosity shop with an eclectic mix of Victorian bric-a-brac.' Inside, they've got odd things like taxidermy animals, antique dolls, shoes and jewelry, imagery of circus sideshow acts (including a bearded woman) and of course, great shoes. Check it out if you're in town.

Why did I buy them? I like crazy shoes and I don't like heels. These make me think of grown up ladies shoes from Victorian England, dark magic, long velvet skirts, elaborate jewelry that represents something (think hair bracelets, perfume buttons, heavy sterling lockets, index finger serpent rings, seed pearls, immortalized insects, stuffed animals), big houses with low ceilings, small windows, beams and squeaky floors. Monstrous spiders, bonfires, smoke, fog, crunchy leaves and bad food by candle light.

They also make me think of little girls shoes from whenever, Luella (RIP!) and Vivetta. And bow-ties. And English gentlemen. I guess it's clear by now that pretty much everything makes me think of English gentlemen...