Would you consider having your shoes mended rather than buying new?

With the credit crunch hitting hard many of us are thinking twice before reaching for our plastic at the checkout.  However an economic depression isn’t going to stop the most dedicated shoe-lover from kicking up her heels.

In fact many of us are saying cobblers to the credit crunch and bringing about the rebirth of a dying trade.  Shoe menders throughout the country are experiencing renewed interest in their services as clients choose to repair shoes rather than buy new.  Seamstresses and tailors are also in demand.

However, as property prices plummet, the fashion-savvy are also looking for new places to invest money, with designer purchases proving a worthwhile alternative to bricks and mortar.  “Apparently shoes are a safer investment these days than stocks,” says Josh Shulman, Chief Exec at Jimmy Choo, who has seen sales of his brand continue to rise as shares in big businesses fall.

For the best return put your cash in to limited edition Uggs, must have de Havillands or, if you’re feeling brave, put your finger firmly to the fashion pulse and pick this season’s it-shoe from the pages of your favourite magazine to make your finances fabulous.

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Credit Crunch tips from Shudoo

Here are the next two great tips as promised…

1. Bid, baby, bid!
Dip your toe into the pond of online auctioneering, eBay is a wonderful world of bidding bliss, where you can purchase vintage designer shoes
It takes a bit more time, but online bidding wars can be great fun, and you never know, you may pick up the bargain of a lifetime.

2. Haggle like a pro
This approach takes a bit more guts but can really pay off. Ask to speak to the floor manager rather than the shop assistant because they have the power to offer any discounts.

Key things to ask for include matching the (cheaper) prices of the shop’s rivals, whether you can negotiate a discount on the more pricy items, and whether they’re willing to throw in any additional freebies, like boot polish or accessories.

But remember, this is totally down to the manager’s discretion. Don’t go in guns a-blazing expecting cheaper goods with free matching handbags, or you’ll find yourself removed by security.

Flutter some eyelashes, smile and be polite, it could save you money!

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Beat the credit crunch and be a thrifty shoe shopper - check back tomorrow for more great tips!

House prices are plummeting, the stock markets have crashed, and even though we might not have started to feel the pinch just yet, it makes sense to have a Thrifty Shoe Shopping contingency plan in place.

Here’s our two-pence worth, because we care:

1. Check for great online offers and giveaways
Online offers are a source of much joy to the discerning shopper. Most fashion websites will have entire sections devoted to bringing you oodles of discounts and special offers. In fact buying online is often cheaper with less hassle, and you’re likely to get the added bonus of free shipping and delivery.

Not that we want to blow our own trumpets, but Shudoo have fantastic offers and discounts. Sign up to the Newsletter for more info.

2. Scour the shelves
In the midst of all the current economic doom and gloom, shoppers in the UK can take some small comfort because the Christmas sales have started early! And this year the sales are serious.
So go on, hit the High Street and scour the shelves for some great bargains.

Check back tomorrow for more tips!

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Introducing ‘The 2 Bandits’ - the most gorgeous shoe accessory you will ever come across, would you buy these?

Trust Shudoo to come to the rescue once again when times are tight. We have only gone and discovered the most gorgeous shoe accessories to date…

Introducing ‘The 2 Bandits,’ the most stylish accessory your boots will ever see! They are a pair of well-crafted, adjustable fabric bands. An ingenious idea inspired by a love for music, fashion and dancing!

Erica Chan and Tamar Wider met in 2005 while both working in the jewelry industry in New York. Drawing inspiration from each others’ personal style, a love for music and fashion, they initially set about designing accessories to complement their own wardrobes in their free time.

The innovative idea behind Bandits was produced during an effort to prolong the life and versatility of any wardrobe, by dressing up your favourite boots. This is a god-send in times of economic crises, meaning your boots look great for longer!

Each pair of Bandits is handcrafted with the finest fabrics and brass details. They come in a range of stylish colours and designs, incorporating beautiful leaf, dragonfly and other novel ornaments. Bandits are designed to fit any size boots and slip on with ease, either to be worn loose at the foot of the boot or pulled up to top.

Shudoo love their fab designs and think they are so chic, what do you think? Would you buy these if Shudoo were the first UK stockist?

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New Westfield shopping centre in White City, London - opening today!

For those high end fashionistas eagerly awaiting the launch of the much-mentioned Westfield Shopping Centre in White City, London, there could be disappointment on the cards.

A spokesperson for the new centre has confirmed that Louis Vuitton – Westfield’s flagship store – will not be ready for launch on Thursday.  Terrible news for those of us hoping to slip in to a fabulous pair of LV patent Knightsbridge pumps.

In fact celebville’s favourite luggage retailer won’t be the only brand missing the long awaited opening, according to sources as many as half the stores simply won’t be ready in time thanks to ‘complicated store fits’.

While shoppers are in raptures at the news that designer labels such as Dior, Gucci and Prada will be lining up alongside the likes of high street matrons such as Marks and Spencer and House of Fraser, many will be left with their stockings a little deflated at Christmas.

With 265 stores slated the White City development may have a shop for every day of the year…just not for a while yet.

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Roxanne McKee, otherwise known as Louise Summers from Hollyoaks, is leaving the soap for good!

Roxanne McKee, Hollyoaks very own fashionista, rose to fame by winning ‘Hollyoaks on the Pull’ which was a channel 4 initiative to discover new talent for the much loved Chester soap, being cast as Louise Summers.

It has sadly been confirmed that Roxy will be leaving Hollyoaks around Christmas, much to the disappointment of fans, who are we gonna get our Hollyoaks fashion fix from now?  It hasn’t been revealed how she will leave, perhaps death by Jimmy Choo’s!

She is currently represented by ‘Models 1’ so maybe a modeling career is on the cards? Or possibly a future in the music industry as she recently appeared in Taio Cruz’s video ‘She’s Like A Star.’

She was seen last night leaving the Royal Albert Hall after the much anticipated National TV Awards in London. Looking sophisticated in a flowing black gown and tied back hair, a far cry from her usual figure hugging outfits.

The glimpse of laced up, patent heels add a touch of style that we have grown to expect from Miss McKee and made the simple black dress rather more edgy.

Will you be sad to see Roxy (Louise) leave Hollyoaks?

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Elle Macpherson - are you brave enough to wear over-the-knee boots?

Elle Macpherson, who is an Australian supermodel, is best known for her six cover appearances on ‘Sports Illustrated’ as well as her coverage in ‘Elle Magazine’ where she appeared in every issue for six straight years!

Miss Macpherson was seen yesterday getting picked up by her brother Ben in London. Elle seems to be getting away from the recent news, linking her romantically with Brian Burgess, British-born businessman, who was found guilty of drug trafficking in Australia in 1996. Brother Ben looks at have come to her rescue as they prepare for a family week away.

Elle is looking as flawless as ever, head to toe in black with a cute leopard-print silk scarf to set off the look. Animal prints are a big look this season so Elle is spot on as usual and her tasseled, biker-style boots certainly catch your eye.

These black over-the-knee boots are so hot right now; Frida Giannini paraded some sexy, show-off versions at Gucci. They look great teamed with paisley and jersey dresses adding a subtle yet sexy edge.

These boots help women feel strong, confident and sexy, so that’s Elle’s secret! They also help to elongate legs, now we know Miss Macpherson doesn’t need any help in that department!

If you feel brave enough to attempt this trend, try to steer away from teaming them with bare legs and hanging around on street corners! Instead, to pull this look off, pair with tight jeans or thick tights/leggings and keep the rest of the outfit simple.

For those of you on a recession budget, check out the High Street or online versions and be a true bargainista!

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Beyonce looking crazy in heels, her heels got her looking so crazy right now!

Beyonce Knowles first rose to fame in the late 1990’s as lead singer of girl group Destiny’s Child. Deciding to go it alone, Beyonce released her first solo album ‘Dangerously in Love’ in June 2003 which earned her five Grammy Awards in a single night!

Work on her third solo album started last December and is titled ‘I am…Sasha Fierce.’ It is due to be released on November 18th this year, so all you booty loving fans out there won’t have long to wait. If it’s anything like her previous albums you’re sure not to be disappointed! The first singles from the album were released to radio a few weeks ago, so you may have been lucky enough to have already heard some tantalising new tunes from the bootylicious diva.

In therapy, the goal would be to unite a split personality, but in music it seems to be all the rage to flaunt your alter ego, Beyonce is giving hers, Sasha Fierce, some serious attention in her new album. The two-disc special has part one as ‘I am…’ which showcases the singers more personal material, showing who she is away from the spotlight and under all the make-up, then disc two, ‘Sasha Fierce,’ is intended to contain the more daring dance tracks and the persona she exudes when she’s strutting her stuff on stage.

I’m guessing this is the Sasha Fierce side of her!

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A staggering 20,000 women a year end up in hospital due to falling off of their shoes - learn how to not be one of them!

The eight inch Louboutin heel is going to be with us soon ladies, and with the return of the super high heel comes the threat of high heel related injuries. Yes, we know, they are so worth it, but according to an NHS consultant podiatrist, aptly named Emma Supple, our love for skyscraper heels costs style conscious Brits a staggering £29million every year in corrective foot surgery. Foot surgery is far from glamorous – anyone for bunion or corn removal?

Emma says that our “Killer, statement, gladiatorial heels” aren’t so much glamorous and sexy, but that they are actually “warfare on your feet”. Well, they might take a bit of getting used to, but I’m not sure I’d go quite that far.

Four out of 10 women admit to having had shoe-related accidents, and some figures go as far as to say that an amazing 20,000 women a year end up in hospital due to falling off of their shoes.

So… how can you protect yourself against the curse of the killer heel, while still looking foxy in your Louboutins?

If you want to walk tall and not wobble, you can stop the feeling of unsteadiness in your ankles by pulling yourself in and reaching your chest towards the sky. This helps to counterbalance the shift in weight that you get when you wear high heels.

If you wear heels a lot, you might start to get stiffness in your knees – and this can lead to back problems over time. To prevent this, try engaging your abdominal muscles as you walk to give your lower back extra stability. Try to relax your thigh muscles too, rather than tensing them up – and glide rather than strutting along like a vixen.

That way you’ll be able to wear gorgeous heels for longer…

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