Only in St Andrews: Elisabeth May Shoe Boutique Spring ‘Ladies Night’

Tonight was Elisabeth May Shoe Boutique’s ‘Spring Ladies Night’, the first of the St Andrews shoe emporium’s events I have been able to attend. The evening saw the thriving boutique launch three more brands in store: H by Hudson, Bourne and (some more) French Connection Jewellery. Cupcakes, pink champagne and shoes, what more could you want?! In a welcoming, relaxed atmosphere shoe lovers mingled, browsed the carefully selected new stock and received pedicures by So…Glamourous of Anstruther to show off their new purchases.

The evening was evidence of how the unique boutique is making its mark in St Andrews by creating a brand centred around the woman in the shoes. Elisabeth May shoe parties are key to making the boutique more than just a shop but a lifestyle experience. Owner Natalie is clearly passionate about her job and her energy and eye for style have created a unique shopping experience.

Firstly: the selection of beautiful heels. If you’ve got a ball or wedding to go to, then look no further than Elisabeth May. There’s a great selection of styles, from low and mid-heels to sculptural skyscrapers. Covering all the bases from minimal to glamorous embellished beauties there’s a shoe style to fit all tastes. Leg-lengthening peep-toe platforms are on trend for this season’s ’70s obsession with the platform/ flatform. My favourites were the delectable Moda in Pelle suede platform heels. I was finding it impossible to choose between the romantic pale pink or the coral brights, both are so right for this Spring/ Summer. For a sturdier heel, the Moda in Pelle wooden wedges are perfect for this season’s return to natural materials. Great for offsetting a voluminous maxi or this season’s palazzo pants.

If heels aren’t your thing then chic ballet pumps are available in neutral shades and playful leopard print as well as other hues. The H by Hudson brand which was launched in store tonight had some more retro designs – the slick black loafers caught my eye, or if you want to rock androgynous cool then their boyish brogues are perfection. Butter soft leather and quirky design, what more could you want in a flat? Wear them with girly florals and floaty chiffon to give an androgynous edge.

The French Connection Jewellery complemented the shoes with its understated glamour. There was an art deco vibe to some of the geometric pieces, my favourites were the square tassled earrings. French Connection offer quirky, quality designs and I am loving their new branding; I like fashion with a sense of humour that isn’t afraid to poke fun at itself.

I was looking forward to seeing the new Mischa Barton bags; I got a black patent slouchy handbag from the range a few years ago that I loved to bits (literally – the zip fell off on the street in London) and since then the brand had fallen off my radar. This range had a distinctly Mulberry-esque feel. They reflected the structured yet slouchy aesthetic and attention to detail, rendered at a much more wallet friendly price for an air of catwalk cool. The detailing was my favourite part: the studding, eyelets tassles and zips gave the classic designs an edge. From envelope style clutches to structured shoulder bags in neutral tones the range fit the stylish but timeless vibe of Elisabeth May.