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Job: Super hero!

It's a fact: Jack Bauer has retired from saving the universe, Jack Shepard has been buried on the island forever, and Noah Bennet seems to be having more trouble than ever. Is this any reason to wait for the next world disaster? Of course not. Guys, pay tribute to your TV heroes, take up your favourite adventures and get ready to explore unknown territories!

Put away your tracksuit, or worse, your Hawaiian print Bermuda shorts, and put on a pair of used jeans ... slightly torn if possible ( dare we say it, even a bit dirty), a fitted t-shirt to show off your manly muscles, and put on a pair of these walking shoes that will give you just the right touch of rebelliousness.

High Boots

Kickers - Model KickBuck

Palladium - Model Chico

Boots

Timberland - Model Euro Sprint

Caterpillar - Model Holton S3

Trainers

Merrell - Model Melee

Salomon - Model XT Hawk

And even if you don't succeed in saving the world, there's a big chance that girls will come knocking at your door ....


Final Markdowns

Once upon a time at Agatha Ruiz

Agatha-Ruiz-de-la-Prada.jpg

Agatha Ruiz de la Prada is a Spanish stylist who designs life like little moments of happiness. From her childlike illustrations and worry-free drawings, she reinvents established fashion and her designs can be found on clothing and shoes, in addition to furniture and decorative objects.

The Agatha Ruiz universe will take you on a trip to the imaginary, towards a creative world, that is both enchanting and colourful. The children's shoes that she designs seem to tell beautiful stories and are the perfect starting off point for extraordinary adventures.

Denim and daring

It's impossible to miss this season: denim is everywhere, and not just on our trousers! It seems to be the must-have fabric in our wardrobes, and it still has plenty of surprises in store for the fall.

While waiting this summer, denim is the perfect fabric to wear if you want to show off your fashionable taste in a low profile way. We'll say it again: clean or ripped, light or dark, denim is one of the easiest fabrics to wear and is found on many of our most loved basics.

An in-depth study of three very trendy silhouettes:

And what to wear on your feet?



I wedge heel .... therefore I am

We can't say it enough: to have the longest legs in the world, you have to wear high heels. Very good. Except one thing. Except that it is absolutely impossible for me to imagine wearing the heels seen in fashion magazines, perched upon 10 cm heels or more with only a few inches for my toes. I've tried, nothing works. Even when I succeed in putting them on, the act of putting one foot in front of the other doesn't bring to mind a sensual and feline walk.

I thought that my tall fashionista days were over, and I all but gave up on having miles of legs while wearing mini-shorts and skirts. I was resigned to a life of extra-flat flat shoes, city shoes with minuscule heels .... in short, I would never be any taller.

I wasn't counting on the return of the must-have model of the 1960s: the wedge heel! I couldn't be happier to rediscover this model, as sexy as they are (almost) easy to wear! Thanks to their often platform sole, I'm reaching new heights! And the solid heel ensures excellent stability, allowing me to elongate my legs without risking ankle injury.

Since I've rediscovered this model, you can easily imagine what my wardrobe looks like. No? Here's a little example ....

Fornarina - Model Greta

Ash - Model Bangkok

Café Noir - Model Foggia

Hush Puppies - Model Sarrola

Clarks - Model Deep Freeze

No Name - Model Geisha Pump

Camper - Model Rachael May

Vic Matié - Model Guaribas

Should I continue ...... ?

This summer, get tough with the gladiator!

This summer, there's no escaping the gladiator sandal. Heeled, flat, bohemian: they come in all sorts of styles on the feet of fashionistas worldwide. My preference? The casual gladiator sandal, worn with a cool pair of denim shorts. But I have to admit that I have a weakness for more rugged styles of gladiator sandals. Less casual yet more aggressive, very pretty yet often very creative, they give us a sexy warrior look in this modern times. However high heels: ouch ouch ouch! For those who can wear them, I say; go for it! I would just love to wear those high-heeled works of art (unfortunately for me, wearing heels is like climbing Mt.Kilimanjaro). To get back on track, with regards to gladiator sandals, what's great about them is that there is a style for everyone. Within the style, I love ....

The natural: the original style, the classic flat gladiator sandal



Model Hello, Tropéziennes & model Jaoli, Buffalo 

The sexy cousin : the femme fatale gladiator sandal



Model Selyna, Cosmo Paris & model Platform, New Rock

The smart girl : the casual gladiator sandal, simple as ever



Model Péplum, Kickers & model Luna, Le Temps des Cerises

The creative big sister : the arty gladiator sandal, with fashionable details



Model Angel, Patrick Cox & model Ropol, Regard

As for you, what's your favourite style of gladiator sandal?

The handbag mystery

A woman without a handbag is like a fashionista without a wardrobe: it doesn't exist! It's too bad, there's nothing we can do about it! As if it were that each one of us were born with a handbag or purse chromosome. It's one of life's biggest mysteries, at least in the eyes of men.

And therefore, especially for the men out there, I've decided to unlock the mysteries of the eternal question that you ask yourselves (yes, you do!): but what exactly do you carry from morning to night in your XXL handbag?


Ready? Ok, take notes:

- A oversized wallet containing 47 different loyalty cards at least (don't ask me why 47)

- A large water bottle to stay fresh all day long. It seems to help when it's 40° in the shade.

- A keyring with three keys and at least nine charms. Right away, you already have less space.

- Sunglasses. At least two pairs to handle the different brightness throughout the day.

- A make-up bag

- A pair of flat sandals. Yes, I know...but it's in case our 10cm wedge heels start to hurt our feet.

- All sorts of papers, so many that you wonder if it's not a portable trash bag.

- An agenda to schedule your meetings and your shopping wish-list

I'll stop there. Regarding my wish list, here's my handbag selections that are currently on sale:

Category - Oversize Bags :



Category - Pouches and handbags to wear in a relaxed fashion :



Category - Evening Clutches:



Category - Practical backpacks :


Masculine "it"-shoes: They Exsist!

What are the must have men's shoes for summer?

For women, shoes are not just a simple fashion accessory. They are a drug! We put them on, put them away, sell them, buy them again .... it's a cycle that never ends. But we have an enormous advantage over men: we know everything about them! The summer and winter must-haves are no secret to us. Outside of a few fans of men's fashion magazines, our guys still have some things to learn and tend to keep their old trainers forever. Ok ok, skate shoes and vintage trainers are nice, but there are other models more appropriate for the warm weather. Let's take a look at a few models for those who haven't yet sought the advice found in men's fashion magazines.





Elegant flip-flops = chic leather sandals





Tapurah (Buffalo) & Ramses (Birkenstock)
Preppy shoes = boat shoes





Gustava (Mellow Yellow) & Docksides (Sebago)
The versatile flat shoe = the trendy moccasin





Cloud Puff (Clarks) & Heritage Loafer (Timberland)
Gladiator sandals = men's sandals






Hic (Tropéziennes) & Pepito (Kickers)
Clogs = natural clogs





Chelsea (Vialis) & Boston (Birkenstock)


Girly espadrilles = casual espadrilles





Vp (Pare Gabia) & Cuigg (Gola)

To remember : In every case, notice that the masculine shoe is casual this summer! For trainer die-hards (No, I will not wear sandals, I'm not a maths teacher"- I also have noticed that maths teachers usually have a beard + sandals + a white shirt) here's a selection of CANVAS trainers!


from top to bottom Ctas Core Ox (Converse), 2750 (Superga), Fox (People's walk)

This summer, I'm all about the fringe

After having hesitated this winter to buy a pair of the famous Minnetonka boots, now we are faced with a heavy decision: should we adopt the Pocahontas look this summer? Far from the polar trends which, along with colder than usual weather this spring, allowed us to dress up as Indian princesses up to mid-June, it's now time for sandals and gladiator sandals to adopt the fringe as the latest fashion accessory. Perfect to carry on the style up until the end of September. Then you can start again with a pair of boots ..... who said that in fashion, what's old is new again?

What should I wear with these?

Unless you have been invited to a costume party, we wouldn't recommend that you wear the total Indian look unless you want to look like you stepped out of a Disney parade. You can opt for a neo-hippie look as so often do the Olsen sisters, or try a rock-bohemian mix à la Kate Moss. In the first case, play with fluid materials worn loose ; for the second, go for black and white with studded accessories.

High heeled Version

Minelli - Model F93 475/VEL

Xti - Model Veronica

Flat Version

IKKS - Model Carine

Fornarina - Model Nischa Woo

What do you think, fringes or no fringes?

Summer Sales: 3rd and Final Markdown!

Young is coooooool

What? Thirty-somethings refuse to grow up?

After the success of the Japan Expo, where weary thirty-somethings transformed into excited Narutos to forget their boring lives, the success of the Wii among 25-35 year olds and the return of coloured trainers, we have to admit: we just don't want to get old! Wearing flashy colours or going to themed parties like the famous "We Are '90s", is just a breath of fresh air in our adult lives (the daily grind ...). The fashion repercussions of this wave of nostalgia? Models that combine creativity and fantasy. Among the big names: Bambi court shoes from Jean-Charles de Castelbaljac, the updated backpack from Alexander Wang, and the entire Adidas Originals Collection by Jeremy Scott. Video game fans will love the Mario hoodie which can be found on the internet. For those who still like wearing Star Wars outfits, check out this C-3PO tie!

On our side, we love the timeless trainer, large jewellery, the shoulder-strap bag (the must-have for back to school) and bright colours. The Peter Pan syndrome still has some way to go!

Florescent attack:


Air Mogan, Nike 6.0
Reverse Jam, Rebook


Return of legendary models :



Forum, Adidas Originals
Air Force 1, Nike


The shoulder-bag :



Besace 1975, Upla (version 2010)
Polochon, Bensimon



The Creative back-pack :



Recess, DC Shoes
Madrid, Paquetage (the "casual " backpack )



*Source : Grazia

Thuong Dinh, the Vietnamese trainer!

Thuong-Dinh.jpg

Thuong Dinh is the latest brand of trainers to hit the market. However, they weren't just created yesterday, as their history is firmly anchored in that of Vietnam since 1957.

Originally, the brand was the official army supplier. Situated just outside of Hanoi, they were even bombarded by the American B-52's during the war. The factory workers came together to participate in their city's defence, creating trenches and designing an anti-aerial shield in the heart of the factory. In 1961, the brand designed their first trainers, which at the time were designed for badminton and Plumfoot, a local sport played with a shuttlecock and often host to acrobatic movements. 

Today, it's fashion fans who can't get enough of Thuong Dinh shoes!


Your Perfect Festival Wardrobe!

When you say summer, music festivals cannot be far behind. Glastonbury, Reading, Isle of Wight, outdoor concerts and other free spirited scenes are blooming throughout Europe. Whether you have planned for months or just recently decided to hang out in the grass listening to  your favourite group, it's a good idea to adopt the festival look this summer. 

The must-have styles are relatively simple: fluid and breezy materials, flowered prints or even liberty prints, soft pastel colours, and just the right amount of accessories without being "too much".


Ikks Women's Dress

Sunstreet Sunglasses

Antik Batik Amazon Scarf

Paquetage Cloud Handbag

Since the outfit is relatively simple (small, lightweight dress), play it up with accessories for a stylish look. For example, opt for a large straw woven handbag for a country touch, large tinted sunglasses for a haute couture look, a hippie-style colourful scarf and golden hoop earrings.

With these, you'll be ready to rock out at concert after concert, or at least breathe a breath of musical air into your wardrobe!

Summer Sales: 2nd Markdown!

Casual, but not sloppy!

Just because you are looking for a casual outfit doesn't mean you have to finish in a sloppy tracksuit. It goes without saying that, from time to time, even fashionistas like to hang up their stilettos and tight outfits and put on a pair of boyfriend jeans with trainers.

These days, there's no need to sacrifice your style for comfort, and you can easy adopt a sportswear outfit with elegance. To respond to this demand, the best names in fashion have invented the "sport-chic" movement, playing with the codes of sport style to make them fashion references.

Sport-chic.jpg

Vee Blanche Blazer

Gucci Sunglasses

G2 Lo Cut Springcourt Trainers

Bensimon Tote

We can therefore associate the majority of our wardrobes with a sportswear look, especially in intelligently accessorising our outfits with chic pieces and bling bling trends. 

A pair of mini jean shorts worn loose and a simple t-shirt for a casual look, a crested blazer for an old-school style, retro trainers and canvas bag for a sporty update, and to finish it off a pair of Gucci sunglasses for a VIP touch!

So, are you ready for sport chic?

Boots or no boots?

Work-wear style boots are back for the winter. After their success this winter, they continue to show up in summer collections, via studded sandals, decorated with multiple rock and roll style straps and accessories. The goal is to take inspiration from boot design, without having to actually wear them in the summer ( wearing low-boots in the summer sun is synonymous with olfactory danger). Therefore, to stay on trend, go for court shoes or sandals with a rock spirit, as opposed to romantic looks - this season's other trend. Sandals run wild with straps, leather straps, laces, and especially BUCKLES ....

No '70s style flowers, but rather various accessories to envelope and dress up your feet. However, being a fashion victim, if you still want to wear low-boots in the summer (fashion is often cruel), you can wear them in canvas, much lighter than leather. Also, peep-toe style low boots are a great alternative to let your feet breathe. Finally, if you just can't stand to wear anything else, take advantage of the summer sales to pick up this winter's trendiest boots at lower prices .... or just take out your trusty work boots! For the courageous among us, Doc Martens are incredibly fashionable when paired with a light dress (see Jessica Alba*, who knows what we are talking about). A lovely evening look for a rock and roll festival night ... Very fresh.




Flat version
Ezra, Ravel
 

High version
Stonebridge,Patrick Cox




Peep-toe version
Karima, Morgan
Teolia, New Rock




Low-boot version
this summer's must-have
Sylma, Buffalo
Lavanda, Vic Matié




Canvas version :
Timeless:
Aut, Pataugas
Pekelo, Palladium

For loyal fans of low-boots, here are the most stylish:




Gilberta, Mellow Yellow
Fresh, Air Step


*Photo Source : http://www.purepeople.com

Rock'n'Roll will never die!

No, rock is not dead! Even as pop (and even a touch of electro) has conquered the airwaves and stages recently with groups such as Sia, La Roux, Uffie, Scissor Sisters, and numerous others, let it be known that rock'n'roll is still as omnipresent as ever. Les Plasticines, BB Brunes, Artic Monkeys, Bloc Party and plenty of other groups are ready to take the lead to the delight of rockers both young and old, nostalgic for the 1960s. Without mentioning the grandpas (think of the Rolling Stones and Bob Dylan), who camp out joyfully at music festivals. But let us get to the point: music has always influenced fashion. You can't help but remember the hippie look of the 70s and even the disco look from the 80s.

So what influence has this revival had on the fashion world? 

It simply means the return of our favourite pieces that, admit it, you've kinda forgotten. For girls, take inspiration from Amy Winehouse (except for the haircut), for guys, draw inspiration from the Teddy Boys, even Fonzy (seriously!). Take out your aviator sunglasses, Bardot-style vichy prints, and slim jeans that are just a touch too short. As for shoes, take out your trusty Doc Martens (the grunge version you wore in secondary school -  you remember, the Nirvana years), preppy flat shoes for girls and of course creepers! If creepers seem like just a bit too much, why not try "Dandy" style derbies that are easier to wear ..... like Joan Jett said: I love rock and roll!

1914 Guitar Hero,
by Dr Martens

Gustava,
by Mellow Yellow

Creepers Sneakers,
by TUK


Chuck,
by IKKS



And you, what do you think about the rockabilly trend??

A chat with Chloe, our latest Facebook winner

Her name is Chloe and she has just won a gift voucher worth £50.00. How? By becoming the latest winner of one of our weekly games on Facebook. Here's what she has to say:



Lily: How did you hear about Spartoo.co.uk?
Chloe:  I heard about spartoo.co.uk through a friend

L : What do you like about the site?
C : I love all the different latest fashionable shoes on your site

L : What is/are your favourite shoe brand(s)?
C:  I love gladiator sandals at the moment




L : What made you want to participate in our game?
C: I enter facebook comps and really need some new shoes for the summer so entered your comp

L : How did you react when you learned that you won a gift voucher worth £50?
C: Was overjoyed and couldn't wait to get on the site to see what I could have!!!

L : If you were an accessory, you would be :
C: if I was a accessory I would be a Chloe Paddington bag ,just like my name, still cant afford to buy one yet though!

L : If you were a pair of shoes, you would be :
C: if I was a pair of shoes I would be a pair of high heel shoes ,as they are tall,sexy and glamorous

L : What's your biggest fashion secret?  :
C: biggest fashion secret ,invest in a wonderbra to give you more on top


Want to take a chance? Join us on Facebook and become a fan! 

So Romantic!

This summer has seen the return of sweetness and neo-romantic looks. On one hand, the very 1970s liberty print is in full bloom in the wardrobes of pretty fashionistas. On the other hand, we've seen the return of pastel and nude colours that were already a hit on the 2009 runways. Country beauty or boudoir spirit, the choice is yours! 

I'm voting for "Liberty", how should I wear it?

Don't hesitate to play up the country look: small dresses or light, outdoorsy skirts with clogs*, dark rolled-up denim jeans with shoes sprinkled with little flowers (especially espadrilles): everything is possible. You can even mix several prints together. Under one condition: don't forget your entire outfit. Too much is ... too much! To take it easy on the eyes, try to stay within the same colour palette.




Liberty Trainers, Bensimon

Lennox White, Birkenstock

*Lilly, Miss Sixty



I'm voting for "nude", which colours should I choose? 

A pinkish beige (the romantic nuance par excellence), white, beige, light brown, camel ... plenty of soft tints that beautify  your skin.  Attention ! Warning ! Achtung ! Whoever says « nude » says make-up! You can wear the total nude look for your clothing, however  a pinkish-beige outfit is not synonymous with nude make-up, unless you want to look like a ghost ....


Iris, Vic Matié

Vanity Glinc, Neosens




Laura, Camper

Summer Espadrilles

At first we thought the espadrille was out of date, or even in bad taste, in the image of an entire generation of vacation seekers who were always talking about the joys of camping. However, we didn't count on the unbelievable creativity of fashion and shoe designers. Today, the espadrille is  a far cry from the misshapen slipper that our parents and grand parents wore on the English beaches.

Even though the braided rope is still present, the morphology of this ex-has been has been profoundly modified. This season, we've been seeing more and more espadrilles transformed into sandals and designed with wedge heels of varying heights, and even platform soles to up the ante even more. 

Shown on every runway, straw rope has carved out a place among the must-haves of the moment, and we certainly want to stay on top of the trends this summer. Among the choices, opt for the updated flat shoe from Pare Gabia (1), to keep the traditional espadrille spirit, a braided-rope platform sandal from IKKS (2), to reach the fashion heights, or a court shoe with the heel covered in braided rope from Fornarina (3), for a stylish and chic look.

(1) Pare Gabia - Coulsonne Model
(2) IKKS - Beatriz Model
(3) Fornarina - Gypsy Model

And what do I wear with these?

To go with our new generation espadrilles, it's best to avoid a really outdoorsy look, as the total "country" look can be difficult to pull off at work. However, feel free to try a pair of mini-shorts in stone washed denim with an ethnic inspired shirt for a bohemian look that is perfectly on trend. You can also try a fluid dress in funky colours, or, for a more casual look, black linen pants to highlight the  pastoral look of the straw sole.

As for you, how will you wear your espadrilles this summer?

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