Freak Weather Wimbledon

Well, well, well, what a damp squib of a Summer we've been having! What was once the default small talk du jour of polite society has of ate become a legitimate talking point across the spectrum- we mean of course the weather. In a week where the met office has forecast a months rain in just 48 hours, we've been left with not only a broccoli crisis; but also something of a conundrum when it comes to what you ought to have on your feet.

You might well be wondering what on earth to wear on your feet (aside from going about barefoot and hoping for accelerated Darwinism to leave you emerging webbed by the weekend....anyway we digress) since, despite the weather this season seems packed with events that are both inside and out. We've a had a little look at some weird and wonderful solutions to avoiding wet pinkies across the Summer (whilst remaining presentable of course).

Creep home and dry.

Why not glide through puddles in this seasons conveniently-on-trend Brothel Creeper? The added height might help you to stay above the groundwater- allowing you safe passage along marginally flooded pavement (don't forget to protect the suede though!) Here at Tinfish we've got four great colourways in these creepers by Bronx that you can choose from, cute with skater skirts or skinny jeans- they're just perfect in anticipation of the inevitable preppy looks that will be sneaking out for the 'back to school' season this fall.

Although the creeper look does lend itself nicely to a mannish look- if you're after something a wee bit more feminine, you might want to try these Lilac versions, a nice pastel twist on a retro classic.

Slightly form over function our heads were turned by the Lazy Oaf and Jeffrey Campbell creeper selection, these sky scraping heels would even pass as an onto the ark shoe for Noah, their 'Trotter'style will allow you to do just that, despite the rising tides. To browse their blog on this, click here.

Under Canvas?

If you haven't been deterred by the experience of festival goers at the Isle of Wight last week and are wondering how you'll survive the festival season without spending your weekend with your feet encased in a pair of Dunlops, why not take a peek at our selection of Crocs? No longer just an array of khaki coloured clogs for happy campers, this seasons selection of Crocs have blended style with classic Crocs practicality.

Our run away winner has been without a doubt the crocband flat shoe, available in red and navy blue, with elastic inserts for a fantastic fit and a cute mid-sole stripe that gives these cheeky nautical shoes a great sporty fit. A lovely shoe for camping- and beach holidays you can kick these on and off whenever you need.

Something for the fellas

If you're after something to hop into this summer why not take a look at our selection of Superga? Now, granted these are a canvas shoe, but unlike Converse they've got a tougher upper and a great vulcanized rubber sole, making them a good choice for light showers. This classic styling goes well with a range of outfits- and in classic shades like dark bordo and ultramarine- can easily pass for a smart casual shoe.

New School Monarchists- a blog for him

Its a right royal time to be buying new footwear. It's not just your granny who'll be glued to the TV for next week's jubilee celebrations. So, get ready and release your inner-royalist, as Tinfish shoes takes you on a tour-de-force of our best red white and blue shoes,as well as some British design classics - a great way to support British fashion and manufacturing.

Blues Suede.....Boots- H by Hudson Barbla Navy.
Not quite the quintessential Elvis Classic, but still, with Prince Charles and Prince Harry toting blue suede footwear in their recent diplomatic visits, If it's good enough for a future king, step on in, say we! Classic meets edgy in this Chukka boot from H by Hudson. A deconstructed Chukka boot with added attitude in the shape of a lightweight, yet hardwearing white sole unit. For anoter lightweight Summer option from H by Hudson, why not take a peep at H by Hudson Belafonte in Navy mesh? An easy, breezy style for the warm weather.

A British classic........Loakes Bedale
Perhaps even more spiffing than a cucumber sandwich and a glass of Pimms; these great brogue boots from Loakes are a real treat. All eyes on the international stage have been on brit styling of late, and Loakes haven't disappoitned us. Still handfinishing each and evey one of their fabulous shoes at their Northampton factory, you can take ehart that in a pair of these you're really supporting british manufacturing. This classic Brogue style ankle boot on a heavy sole is a fabulous wardrobe investment for any dedicated follower of fashion, but also any fan of top quality footwear. With top celebs also supporting Loakes, from Suggs to Kevin Spacey a pair of oakes ins a great investment.

Laid Back Bank Holidaying........TOMS espadrilles.
Social enterprise at its best, Blake Mycoskie's One For One movement has really taken off in the last couple of years. A pair of TOMS is a real must for anyone planning a relaxing BBQ or picnic this Jublilee day. Our Navy and red Freetown classics are a great twist on the regular TOMS espadrille we know and love. Still with their latex arch support and soft suede insole; but refreshed and updated by the addition of an espadrille style sole unit and with an upper made from cooling, perforated canvas.

Ding Dong- wedding shoes for the best dressed guest

Ding Dong! 

Seems like all us Fishettes have been invited to an endless stream of nuptials at the present time- an all day leviathan of meeting, greeting, eating and drinking- not to mention cutting the inevitable rug on the dance floor! 
So, for our newest bout of seasonal favourites, we'll be focusing on show-stopping, bouquet grabbing and dance-floor scorching, shoes and sandals to get you through the wedding season with aplomb whether you'll be chasing an eligible bachelor, your little ones or your new Mr. around for the day.
The Rural Wedding

Irregular Choice Patty: these charming chintzy fabric court shoes by Irregular Choice are a real must-have for a lazy hazy country wedding. In blue spotty fabric or floral print, these slip on courts are a really flattering foot shape. With a range of soft pastels at work in the shoe, they'll make a great partner to a range of different fabric and finishes- lovely with a full-skirt that echoes 1950s chic!
The City Bash

Think slick and chic, a pencil dress perhaps or a maxi in neutral tones that taps into the sports chic and clean lines in fashion at the moment. Why not try a pair of Camper Laura, available in three lovely colourways- or if you'll be on your feet all day, loose none of the height you're after and gain bags of urban cool by opting for the Fly London Parol sandal; a rug leather sandal available in Smog or Dark Brown.
The Overseas Knees-Up

For a wedding in the sun, we've included a flat and a heeled shoe in our selection. If you're keeping it flat, but want a hint of glamour why not try Irregular Choice ‘Quack Quack’ a lovely beaded sandal that’s opulent without the effort of a high heel. For a sandal with some height and a whole heap of attitude, look no further than Blowfish Ricky and Blowfish Tulsa. Both of these wedge heeled sandals would look fantastic with a maxi dress, a perfect combination for a wedding celebration in the Sunshine.
The Vintage Gathering

Looks of yester-year are bang on trend right now, and that includes weddings - just look at K-Mid's Grace-Kelly echoing wedding gown of last year. So if you want to look back for a new look this wedding season, try Miss L Fire Gabriella- available in striking Red, beautiful Blue and rich Green. These bejeweled ankle strap shoes on an easy to wear mid-heel are a real feast for the eyes.

Who gives a chuck?!

Indeed who does give a chuck? The good folks here at Tinfish for one. The most intrepid Mr.Mellor and Miss W. are heading over to Birmingham this morning to check out the latest crop of everyones' favourite sneaker. Geeking a go-go we've had a little look into the history of the best-selling basketball shoe of all time. Another person who most certainly gave a chuck, was the great Mr.Taylor of course, after whom converse hi-tops are named. Despite being their namesake, Taylor did not in fact design the shoes. However, having worn them as a college basketball player he was to suggest the key modifications to the design that make them what they are today. Because of his sheer enthusiasm and commitment to his brand, Taylor became known as something of a sales evangelist. Earning a salary but no commission on the 600 million pairs of cons with his name on: Taylor spent a deal of his working life cruising the US with a boot full of sneakers and living out of a storage unit. Of course converse are now a little more than a simple sports shoe- being the look of choice for any aspiring indie star/let and festival-goers everywhere. Although getting hold of a new pair, I have to say I have a worrying tendency to become over-attached to mine. I went to great pains to extend the shelf life of my beloved Sailor Jerry Special editions, beer mats, old debit cars and duct tape all provided a temporary sole of sorts- beyond the stage when they couldn't be passed on to anything but the gaping mouth of a black bin liner (they are needless to say sadly missed) Currently the most tempting replacements seem to be the heroes and villains DC specials, justice league on one, their nemeses on t'other.

Anyhow, on to evangelising of another kind. Seems the Fishettes have become most keen on miss Kate Garey! For those of you who are unfamiliar, her kitschy designs have been popping up in the staffroom in the form of new accessories so often that the powers that be have been persuaded to stock her lovely things! hooray! We've got a whole bunch of her lovely stuff landing n store for next season, be prepared for appliqued, time for tea owls and stripes! Fearne Cotton has already been spotted toting her coffee casual bag. And we can't wait to get her thing in stock.

On the bag front, this week's big Wednesday has seen the spotlight fall on our Nica Aretha slouch bag. A great holiday option, with enough room for bikinis sunscreen and a towel as well as your battered phrasebook and some audaciously large shades. We lovely its vintage abstract floral patters and lovely lining. So much so we've taken 25% off this style to make it easier for you to get your mitts on it!

Right that's just about it for now, next time: we'll fill you in on what treats we've got in store post-converse buying, and anything else we can think of!

Grandaddys of style

Hello again! If you've ever racially stereotyped the dutch as simple lovers of good hash cakes and finely tuned bicycles, then shame on you!

Did you know they also make great sneakers? The good people at Goliath have been producing precision engineered sneakers since the opoening of hteir first factory in Tillburg, the Netherlands in 1925. Oringinally producing football boots in winter and cricket shoes in summer they have since expanded their style ranges, keeping the classic vintage sportswear look and adding a 21st century twist. This week we've applied our Big Wednesday 20% to Goliaths mighty Boycott sneakers in a lovely yellow/grey and navy/khaki colour-combo.

One of the things we love about this shoe is its slight grandad chic. As a proud lover of my grandparents cast-offs, I seem to get most of my style from somewhere between old slacks from my Gramps and deliciously hideous blouses from my Nanna. That being the case, its pretty fortunate that vintage clothes are in something of a boom at the moment. Here in Leicester (where we are) the latest fairs in the sumtuous surroundings of the cathederal caused a real boom!

On the grandad trail, none other than Mr. Robbie Williams has decided to name his forthcoming men's fashion lable Farrell. No, this is not after cheeky-chappy and all round Irish hearthrob Colin, or well known american hip-hop ledgend Farrell Wiliams; but in fact, after his grand-daddy-o Jack. Ah, how sweet! The collection should be appearing in House of Fraser this coming Autumn.

Now then ladies, don't think we've forgotten you! This week blink Lyric in both Dark Brown and Bronze have been given that 20% touch too. These beaded, all-leather sandals with a heel zip are a lovely option for anoyone wanting to head down the easy-glamour maxi-skirt route this season. Super-flats seem to be all over the place this season, whether the un-assuming ballet pump or the centurian-esq gladiator sandal, its look like comfort might be key for this summer look.

Here at Tinfish we've been getting very excited about Independant Retailers Month, this coming July, and especially, Independant Retailers Day, on July 4th. A lovely day aimed to encourage consumers to buy at least one thing from their local indie retailer. You can find out a little bit more about it here. If you've got any ideas how we can celebrate down here in shoe-land then please leave your comments below!

Thats about all for this Friday's speedy blog,

Next Time: another Big Wednesday dealio, another update on plans for independant retailers day, and possibly a touch more shoe-history

Tinfish
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