Desert boots

It seems like it's getting colder and colder by the day here in Melbourne and my converse just aren't cutting it. Just in time I found these cute desert boots from Hobes which should provide better Winter warmth and a bit more style. Still can't quite decide on black or beige. Or both. From Obus or online.

Cut out shoes

Cut out heels have been a big trend for the past year or so but I prefer flats mostly, so happy to find some cute examples like those above by Jeffrey Campbell. Reminds me very much of the 80s, but in a good way - reminiscent of a great pair of peach cut out pointy lace-up flats my sister had. Teamed with a taffeta skirt and top ensemble also in peach, I thought it was the coolest outfit. Nowadays I'm not so keen wearing pastels, but I'd be happy to own any of the following cut out style shoes. Not so good in the rain though!

Jeffrey Campbell


Office UK


....and check out this website I found on the many ways to lace a shoe.

Rocco's hand made shoes

Age 14 saw me obsessed with sixties rock bands and I tried my best to hone my 'hippie rock' look. First stop was Rocco's shoe store on Station street, East Malvern, Melbourne where my older sister's arty boyfriend took my to get some bespoke black suede pull on pointy boots.

Rocco Bufalo is an Italian-born shoemaker who has been hand making shoes and boots for around 40 years. Now in his early seventies, his son is learning the craft of shoemaking to carry on the tradtion. Bands and artists such as The Strokes (Albert Hammond Jr seen here wearing said boots), Bon Jovi, David Bowie have been known to put in their own orders.

His style is very much fifites and sixties rock & roll, but you can be as crazy or classic as you like. First step is to browse the shop and pick out some favourites from the display shelves. Choose one pair for the heel you like (flat, medium, cuban heel maybe?), another for the leather (leopard print perhaps!) another for the style (pull on boots, zip up mod style, flat lace ups.....). Finally, Mrs Bufalo will take your shoe size by placing foot on a sheet of A4 paper and tracing it.

In a few weeks, for around $200, you'll have your own bespoke boots. I'm planning a visit soon so I'll be sure to post the final result - stay tuned!

The ubiquitous el-cheapo chinese sandshoe

Why spend $80 on Converse when Big W sells these for $9.95? They'll probably fall apart within weeks but for now, I really like the way the laces thread through the eyelets on the ankles and they're surprisingly comfortable. The brand name is 'Casual expression' which is even better. I like the thought of casually expressing myself.....