Figure Styling: Sole Service fulfills my “Shoe Fantasy”

I have been a follower of Sole Service for a year now. I’ve blogged about the business, posted previous ad campaigns and even gave away pairs for my birthday blog giveaway but believe it or not, I don’t have my own pair! I personally find the style of Sole Service as relaxed and easygoing and I am neither of those so I tried to wait for something different. Luckily, they came up with new styles more apt for people like me who don’t normally wear “soft” items. Read on to find more about their latest collection.

On the first take, I didn’t know that pattern was made up of shoes but I know I just had to view the whole photo. This young team of entrepreneurs is fond of patterns, as seen in an old ad campaign but did you notice what’s missing? There are NO MODELS! For this campaign, they wanted to focus more on the shoes than the styling. People are getting more and more adventurous now and it would be best not to box people in a style bubble by dictating which works best with their pairs. I’m sure Sole Service would agree. ;)

They ventured into more classic styles such as oxfords and lace-up boots in dark, basic colors perfect for pulling off a geek-chic vibe. I can just see guys pairing these oxfords with a shirt, cardigan and rolled up khakis— very preppy— but these are currently available for women sizes only. Sole Service may be into more structured pieces in tougher materials now but they still captivate the preppy market; the pieces are just seem wearable from work to dinner compared with their cotton espadrilles, which is very convenient for recessionistas.

They have different types of boots and I’m currently in love with all of them. I still can’t decide on which pair to get but I hope I can decide before the bazaar ends! *laughs* That’s the good thing about seeing Sole Service in a bazaar… it’ll be easier for you to decide which one to take because you get to see and touch all their on hand styles. Make sure you have control over your buying power, though, else you might end up taking all your choices. P.S. this is what I fear the most.

They still have stocks of Burlap Espadrilles in different colors. I think this is their trademark style especially during the outbreak of espadrilles!

From launching a website to jumping from one bazaar to another, Sole Service has one gone really far. They maintain the bright and fresh feel of their campaigns by working with pastel backgrounds with their latest, featuring kaleidoscopic images and a selection of styles that I love duplicated in one photo— this is the reason why I’d like to call this “Shoe Fantasy”.

(c) Fashion Firewoman

This is a press release
Photos courtesy of Sole Service Manila

2000th post: Elizabeth and James Spring 2011

I couldn’t decide which among my queued posts and drafts I should publish as my 2000th post but while on my daily rounds, I chanced upon this Spring 2011 lookbook. Known for trendsetting, fashion tag-team Ashley and Mary-Kate Olsen launched a line called Elizabeth and James which features downtown meets uptown pieces that send out androgynous messages. This line aims to breach the gap between couture and retail, something the twins are known for, and mission seems to be accomplished by this Spring 2011 lookbook alone. Here are a few of my favorites from the 25-paged digital lookbook.

You can see so much of the twins’ influence in the business they venture on which makes whatever they come up sell. The twins are never too polished just like how this look was styled— a tie front blouse paired with shorts wold have looked chic. Put on a ditressed blazer and yo take it to the next level called corporate chic. :)

I’m sorry; gray and black mixed with solids will never elicit negative feedback from me. *laughs* It’s VERY simple but this one’s TOO wanted.

Now this photo is just unfair— I’m a sucker for neutrals especially when put together. The blouse works well with the rolled-up trousers. The sophistication is diminished by the wedges which isn’t such a bad thing… the Olsens have mastered the art of toning down their grandeur. ;)

The styling on this particular photo has been done thousands of times by amateurs and professionals alike but that doesn’t make it overrated. An unbuttoned cardigan over a dress tied with a belt still looks pretty awesome to me. This is something you could have pulled off during summer with a light cardigan and a pair of sandals.

Have yo heard of “cullotes”? Cullotes are trousers which resemble a skirt such as the bottom part of this dress. I first heard of this term from my mother. Apparently, the Olsens looked back on the 80s for inspiration.

Upon reaching the last page of the lookbook, I couldn’t help but go back from the beginning to adore the styling; my guardian angel must have styled this for me. I was just watching a video of Liz Uy yesterday (you must be living under a rock if you don’t know who she is!), she was discussing how important and difficult fashion styling is. Props to stylists everywhere!

Aside from finding this lookbook, I also want to give myself a pat on the back for my 2000th post (mostly original!) and my season-ender giveaway which ends next week. Be sure to join and like my Facebook page, yes?

(c) Fashion Firewoman

Photos from Elizabeth and James via Facebook