NORTHAMPTON – If you happened to come across my blog you might have read that I came up with its name when watching one of the episodes of Sex and the City, where Mr Big calls Carrie and hears her answering machine message “Hi, it’s Carrie. I’m shoe shopping”. That is exactly my message as well, except for the name of course. But that is not the only reason why I am shoe shopping most of the time. I live in a small town in the UK which goes by the name of Northampton. It once was and actually still is the capital of shoe making on the British Isles.
With names like Church’s and John Lobb Northampton it’s a great spot to experience the traditional shoe making process. It was the local trees that were used to form the soles, for which tradesmen and individuals were coming here from all over the world. If you ever watched Kinky Boots, a film about looking at a shoemaking business from a slightly controversial angle, you actually have experienced a revolution of… kinky footwear… for men.
Living up to the legend of a shoe-making town I make sure that my collection grows regularly, if you know what I mean. As a fashion blogger I most certainly follow the trends but also invest in classic pieces that will be feeling great on my feet in years, not just in the current season. I started blogging in September 2012, so I’m still quite new to the business but I know what I want to share with my readers. I do not only present what I’m wearing strolling through the streets of Northampton, but also share my inspirations. If only one person on this planet likes it, that’s good enough for me!
I guess coming to Northampton, the capital of great British shoes, was a fortunate coincidence. I only moved here 5 years ago to study and it turned out to be an inspirational place. I was not that much into fashion previously, but soaking into the British culture and quirky style has taught me a lesson. It’s not important where you’re from or what you do. Style is more about personality than about clothes. I still keep some part of my European heritage even though Britain is my home now. Finding the right balance between culture, clothes, style and individuality is crucial to feel comfortable in your clothes.
It would be great to live in a big city full of fashion events. But I do enjoy staying in a small town as well. Northampton is only an hour away from central London, which comes in handy when I want to attend a fashion week or explore the shops in order to invite ‘new members’ to my closet. Any trip to London is also an opportunity to test myself. It’s a more exciting place where people are more courageous when it comes to their outfits. Like any capital city, ours is filled with inspiring people, small cafes and hidden boutiques. Would I like to move there? I would definitely miss Northampton…
Eva – I am shoeshopping
