Festive Shopping and A Hotter Store Or Two

In the lead up to the big day towns and cities are transformed into a Winter wonderland with sparkly lights, festive trees and a jolly Santa or two! And what better way is there to enjoy them than in a pair of stylishly comfortable Hotter boots…

 

We asked some of our bloggers to visit their local store, choose the perfect pair and test them out amongst the Christmas delights.

 

 Say Hello To Nadine

Blog: Juggle Mum

Local Hotter Store: Leeds

 

How is your Christmas shopping going? I’m almost done – just a couple more bits to get but I did a good chunk of it last week in Leeds when I went shopping in my new Hotter boots!

It was a weekday afternoon – I’d arranged to have my afternoon school run covered so I could have a bit of time to shop and I went to the Hotter Leeds store to see their great new ranges for winter! I’ve got quite a few pairs of footwear from Hotter – they are so comfy and stylish – a real class act when it comes to their brand. Their footwear is perfect for people with busy lifestyles as I don’t have time for my feet to hurt or shoes to pinch when I’m busy getting things done. At Hotter, I can find on trend gems amongst their range and their stores are so welcoming and open with space to browse – plus their in store team are delightful. Very friendly and helpful and they just want you to find the perfect pair for you!

Their team, Jenny and Siobhan were on hand last week to help me select my new boots – the Pixie. I loved this soft and slouchy suede style – I chose black as it goes with everything. However this style comes in 8 colours including a beautiful aubergine which would have been my second choice! Whilst I was in store trying on, there were so many styles that caught my eye,  but I was so pleased with the Pixie Boot, with its tassle and boho vibe. As I was trying them on I commented how I felt like Kate Moss in them!

So boot shopping complete, I headed out into the busy Christmas crowds in my Pixie boots to pick up some bargains. Leeds has amazing shops, recent years have seen millions of pounds of investment in the city and a great mix of designer boutiques alongside cool, edgy street brands springing up. There is something for everyone in Leeds city centre, and the retailers go all out to decorate and create a festive atmosphere.

I must have walked for miles around Leeds – from the Kirkgate Christmas Market to the Victoria Quarter. I went to Trinity Leeds and Victoria Gate, and my cushioned soft boots kept me warm and comfortable all day. I chose the boots for their style but I love them for their comfort. It was like shopping in my slippers! After a busy afternoon, I went back to Hotter as I was meeting a blogger friend Fran, for a coffee and she was choosing a pair of boots too. Fran is an amazing fashion blogger from The Style Creative and always makes me smile.

When I met Fran it was at store closing time so the Hotter manager Jenny got out some lovely nibbles and something bubbly for us to turn our browsing into an occasion! They go the extra mile like this – this is why I love the staff in store! Now the store was ours, I set about styling up some flat lay photos of the Pixie boots and having some photography fun.

My afternoon with Hotter and shopping in Leeds really helped me to get into the Christmas spirit, and I am excited for the festive season ahead.

Christmas update: Thank you for sharing my story and I am still loving my Pixie Boots which I’m wearing on these wintry school runs!  Boots like this that are stylish and comfortable are worth their weight in gold!

 

 

Shop Pixie

 

Meet Sarah

Blog: Run Jump Scrap

Local Hotter Store: Solihull

 

The best part of the colder season for me is the new clothes. Knits, jeans and boots! Yes sandals and vest tops are lovely in the summer but you have to shave, moisturise and tan. When do I have time for all that? When I was contacted by Hotter Shoes to review some of their boots and co-incide that with a trip to the Solihull Christmas market I was sold.

What made this experience even better was I would be sharing it with Lucy from Real Mum Reviews and what made it EVEN better was that we would be kid-free. We rarely get any time together without our girls chattering away in our ears and interrupting us every 5 minutes.

We headed over to Hotter to choose some boots and get kitted out for some shopping and lunch in Solihull.

What Did I Choose?

I had been doing some browsing online and I was really after some comfortable boots to walk to and from work in, three days a week. Parking is not fabulous where I work and I am often on the road and have a little walk. It’s pretty cold at present and my Ugg boots are not cutting it when it is so damp.

I picked out these beautiful Belle boots in dark tan. They also come in plum and jet black and a wider leg fitting, to suit all leg shapes. What I also like is the boots have half sizes available, which is brilliant to ensure a more comfortable, snug fit.

What Did I Think?

I was amazed at how comfortable these boots were. I have to be honest I have never shopped at Hotter before but these boots combined style and real comfort. Sometimes you feel you have to break a new pair of shoes in; this is not the case with these Belle Boots. I loved how smooth the boots were and how easy they were to adjust to my legs.

I do have quite skinny calves but I could adjust the buckles on either side and they fit much better. I often find it a problem when buying boots, as they look too baggy around my calves, but not this brand. Lucy and I had a good wander around the market and my feet just felt great; supported, yet comfortable. There were no blisters starting, as there was no rubbing.

Overall Thoughts

I was really impressed with my boots. I’m not going to lie; I often put fashion over function and it always bites me on the bum. I end up cold, wet or with blisters.

These Belle Boots from Hotter really combine fashion, style with comfort and I think for the price, they are really worth it. I know I can team these boots up with jeans, my pinafore dress and some lovely chunky knits. I have already worn them a few times to work and they have been great.

I really think these will be a pair of boots that will last year after year.

 

 

Shop Belle

 

It’s Fran

Blog: The Style Creative

Local Hotter Store: Leeds

 

Walking in a winter shoe land…

So a few weeks ago, the lovely Nadine from Juggle Mum and myself were invited to join a lock-in of a different kind. Its been a while since I have been to a lock in, this one still involved alcohol (a nice glass of Prosecco, thank you very much) but this time it was all about discovering the perfect Winter boot for Christmas.

Nadine and I were lucky enought to be invited to visit the Hotter store in Leeds to choose the perfect pair of Winter boots. We had such a great time and felt like celebrities thanks to the warm hospitality of the Hotter staff. Jenny the store Manager and Siobhan even provided us with little heart shaped cookies for nibbles to go with our glass of fizz as we browsed. Nothing was too much trouble.

As a woman finding the right boots to suit your style can be a bit of a task. With so many styles, colours and boot designs too choose from, sometimes you feel like you just can’t find what you are looking for. I have gathered together some tips, along with the wisdom of the Hotter staff from the night to help you get happy feet this Winter.

1.  The design

Have you had that Cinderella moment—when you try on a pair of boots and sign ”YES these are the ones”? Whether it’s a pair of mod inspired Chelsea boot, a chunky 60s inspired heel or a pair of sumptuous knee high boots for some Winter warmth, the design and style of a boot can make or break your outfit. It is always important to stay true to your style and see your boots as a finishing statement to your outfits. It ‘s worth remembering these wise words from Coco Chanel as you shop “A woman with good shoes is never ugly” It may be about shoes but I think it applies just as well to a good pair of boots.

Chelsea Chelsea I believe when your dancing slowly… lala laaaa

2.  The comfort and fit

This is one thing I sometimes struggle with- getting the correct fit. I’m totally guilty of buying shoes that are a little smaller thinking they will “give” or just because they are in the sale. Apparently fitting however isn’t just about the size of your feet, it’s also about the shape. This takes in many things across the entire length of your foot, from the width of your heel to how much your toes wiggle.

Don’t get hung up on you shoe size, because almost every different shoe brand varies slightly in sizing.  All their boots are crafted from the finest leathers and featuring signature cushioned insoles- so no more aching feet!

3.  The material

Whether you opt for leather, suede or faux leather, getting a boot that is waterproof has got to be essential; well, we are living in the UK aren’t we! All of these materials can be treated to be water resistant; you just have to look for a mention on the label. As soon as I got home I treated my new suede boots to a waterproof spray. Perfect for Winter.

The Sienna Boots. I’m in love…

What type of Boots did I choose?

I ended up going with the 70s inspired Sienna boot Described online as “Retro inspired styling of our beautiful soft suede ankle boots. The round toe ensures there is extra wiggle room while pretty fringed detail and ornate hand-stitching completes the on-trend look”. Buy them whilst you still can!

My ever gorgeous, shopping companion Nadine went for some rather fab Pixie boots.

Oh and if you are thinking this store is only for those with traditional tastes, vintage fans think again. This British brand has heaps of awesome styles, including retro- inspired brogues and 70s knee highs, for you to browse and try on to your hearts content. Thanks again Hotter team, you’re awesome!