Seasonal Favourites with AllSole Buyer Sophie Greenwood

In a new monthly series, we sit down with members of the AllSole team to get the lowdown on what’s new at AllSole HQ, seasonal footwear highlights to lookout for, plus a general chinwag about all things shoes.

For our first instalment, we caught up with footwear buyer Sophie Greenwood in between a series of visits to London where she has been scouting out the best of Autumn/Winter ‘17’s footwear offering.

Quick Fire Round

The first shoes I distinctly remember are my Clarks Originals desert boots in pastel blue. My Nan actually used to work in the Clarks factory and made me my own unique pair, so they will always be pretty memorable.

A tough question for a footwear buyer, but for me it would have to be a pair of Christian Louboutin classic courts, either the skyscraper heel of ‘So Kate’ or the Pigalle court. I feel like every woman should have a pair of these in their wardrobe; their silhouette is quintessentially timeless, beautifully designed and instantly recognisable with the signature red sole—I don’t think this shoe will ever date!

Both yes and no… For me, quality is always much more important than quantity when it comes to shoes. I prefer to wait before each season, shop around and invest in a pair of shoes that will last me a full season and can be worn with a range of outfits and occasions rather than buying several pairs of shoes for different occasions.

A great shoe is something with a strong identity and its own unique heritage. You can wear it season after season and it never tires or gets old. Also, shoes with the wow factor. You could wear them with any outfit and they will always make a real statement.

The new XX album has grown on me a lot since it was released last month. It's probably my favourite album released to date, although I'm looking forward to Laura Marling's Semper Femina coming out next month.

1. Senso Women's Arna Leather Low Top Trainers - Ebony

Senso Women's Arna Leather Low Top Trainers - Ebony

Senso

I love how Senso always manage to take a classic silhouette we all have in our wardrobes and update it with a new, edgy design. A monochrome trainer is a spring/summer must-have and the ‘Arna’ edges it over most designs current out there thanks to Senso’s forward-looking, imaginative approach to design.

2. Novesta Star Master Mono Trainers - Beige

Novesta Star Master Mono Trainers - Beige

Novesta

Flitting from the park to the beach in the warmth of the sun, this season always requires a casual canvas sneaker with effortless elegance. Novesta’s ‘Star Master’ is now my go-to summer trainer; I love its vintage design, lightweight construction and its robust gum rubber sole will see you through to well past the summer months.

3. See By Chloé Women's Buckle Leather Heeled Sandals - Malt

See By Chloé Women's Buckle Leather Heeled Sandals - Malt

See By Chloé

I shouldn’t really have favourites, but if I did these would probably be hot pick for SS17. These sandals are crafted in Italy with textured leather uppers and burnished gold-tone buckles, you can see the craftsmanship of these sandals as soon as they are in your hands. The design is also endlessly versatile in summer and is perfect for transitioning from day to night.

4. Hudson London Women's Arianna Suede Loafers - Taupe

Hudson London Women's Arianna Suede Loafers - Taupe

Hudson London

Slip-on loafers are everywhere again this season and an essential style in every woman’s wardrobe. Suede is a beautiful material we’re not really able to make the most of during the winter in Britain, so be sure to discover the texture it can add to outfits during spring and summer. I enjoy the simple elegance and minimalist design of H by Hudson’s ‘Arianna’ loafers and these will be coming with me on my summer break.

5. Toga Pulla Women's Buckle Side Suede Heeled Ankle Boots - Black

Toga Pulla Women's Buckle Side Suede Heeled Ankle Boots - Black

Toga Pulla

I know I should be picking seasonal highlights, but I just cannot resist the temptation of Toga. Regardless of season, every woman needs a pair of statement boots in her wardrobe. Toga Pulla specialise in statement shoes, and these buckled boots ooze a rebellious attitude, confidence and power that every woman deserves.