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Feature: Jenny Coggins
EVERYBODY has something that they love to buy, have pleasure
in buying, or are even addicted to buying, and for so many guilty
shoppers this is the shoe.
While the average wardrobe is not stuffed with as many shoes
as the queen of footwear, Imelda Marcus, there are definitely
shoe boxes in the double figures lurking in the quintessential
British closet.
The high street is capable of satisfying most shoe hunts, however,
the risk is run of seeing your kitten heels or pixie boots on
more than one pair of feet.
So, what to do when something that little bit different is required?
Try putting a little more soul into your shoe selection at French
Sole.
Steps away from the towering heel of stilettos, the ballet pumps
at French Sole offer a different kind of sexiness and sophistication.
Established almost 20 years ago, by shoe designer, Jane Winkworth,
the shop is no secret to fashion followers.
Yet, with the flexibility of the design seen in the shoes season
to season, they are capable of bringing themselves to a whole
new generation.
And don't be discouraged if you think that a pair of flats may
conflict with height issues.
These shoes are not just for tall ladies, petite women can wear
the pump too. Both Celebrity fans, Elle Mapherson (6ft ), and
Calista Flockheart (5ft 5), prove these are versatile shoes.
The main store is based on the quiet, but highly stylish, Ellis
Street, sharing a street name with Lulu Guinness, and just around
the corner from Chloe.
The interior takes the theme of 'French boutique', which it
firstly achieves through wall mirrors and a huge chandelier.
This feel is also realised through the small size.
Unable to fit a bustle of customers in at any one time, there
is a sense of a private boutique to the shop.
The armchairs are probably the best feature in the décor,
which are really comfortable to sit on and try the massive selection
of shoes.
Quite what the painted monkeys on the wall are doing is still
slightly baffling, but don't let that quirkiness put you off.
Service with a sincere smile
The staff are friendly and welcoming, but above all they are
relaxed. A warm 'Hello' greets everyone upon arrival at the shop.
While staff are attentive enough to initially ask if any help
is needed, they will let customers shoe gaze in peace wherever
it is desired.
If you do want to try something on, they will happily spend
time with you, making sure you get the best shoes and service.
When you leave the shop, you will get a genuine goodbye and
see you next time, making this a store that will be revisited.
There are no age boundaries when it comes to the shoes on offer
here, there really is something for everyone. It is all really
about foot type.
Only the most perfect and unharmed of feet can get away with
the Low Cat Ballet Pump. With neither a left or right foot, they
mould themselves to suit whatever foot they are on.
So, if your feet carry the scars of sinful shoe wearing, you
are best to look but not wear these beauties. Prices start at
£45.
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If your feet are less than perfect, you may want to try the Square
Toed shoes, which are suitable for broad feet.
Theses are great for anyone who has trouble fitting their feet
into the ridiculously pointed shoes so consistent in footwear
fashion. Prices start slightly higher for these, at £60,
but imagine all the pain they'll save you!
For everyday shoes, go for the pump that began it all: the Simple
Ballet Pumps. Due to this simplicity, this style is great to wear
with jeans.
This style is offered in the most colours and fabrics so is just
as good if you are looking for something to match a special outfit.
Expect to pay around £50 for these and as the choice is
so large this is a real bargain.
If there is a special occasion in mind, party pumps can be made
to order to fit this. Prices range from £65 - £125
and, for this, you will have a pair of shoes individual to you
alone.
This service requires a visit to the store, so the design can
be discussed exactly.
If after finding a sweet pair of pumps you are looking for a
cute bag then stay right where you are!
French Sole also has its own accessories range, much of which
is handmade; therefore, designs are exclusive and won't be carried
by 20 other people on the Tube.
This does come at a price, though, with bags starting at a higher
price than the some of the shoes: £80. Brooches and rings
outsparkle each other by the cashier desk, with prices at £75
upwards.
Room for Improvement?
One of the French Sole's downfalls is also one of its charms;
the size of the shop. With just a little bit of additional room
would come space for more shoes to be on display.
Basics
Opening hours are Mon-Sat, 10-6pm, but you won't find them open
on a Sunday. For Sabbath day shopping, visit the website at www.frenchsole.com
to which you will be greeted by music, which is either sweet or
sinister depending on your mood.
If your boots won't carry you there, you can order a catalogue
or shoes by calling: 0118 988 88 00.
Call the store on: 020 7303 3771.
Nearest Tube: Sloane Square.
Step out in Style
Other shoe shops worth a visit in the King's Road area, are...
R. Soles has been at its King's Road site now for almost
30 years, specialising in Cowboy boots for both men and women.
For the female they have a very pretty take on the cowboy boot,
with hand-painted detailing. You've probably seen their boots
before, lining the pages of fashion mags like Vogue and Tatler.
Prices range from £50 but can creep as high as £395,
as with their snakeskin boots. The men's range will suit all tastes,
offering flamboyant boots, conventional styles plus masculine
and very sexy biker boots.
You can call on 020 7351 5520. The opening hours are Mon-Sat,
10-7pm, Sun, 12-6pm.
Jane Shilton - London isn't the only place to have a Jane
Shilton; Manchester and Leeds are also privileged, but Londoners
are lucky enough to have their flagship store.
Selling fashionable, highly feminine shoes and Boots, prices
range from £65 - £170 and £25- £85 for
handbags.
Mrs Beckham is a fan of the shoes, as is Hollywood seductress,
Salma Hayek.
For a similar 'A' list effect, try the beautiful suede boots
with delicate but assertively sexy heels.
164 King's Road, London SW3 4UR Tel - 020 7352 9687
Opening hours are: Mon-Fri, 10-6pm, Sat - 10-6:30 and Sun 12-6pm.
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