HEAD OVER HEELS FOR SHOE CLUBS

The concept isn't a new one but we're used to seeing it with books or wine. It seems the model has taken a fascinating turn with women's Shoe of the Month clubs hotting it up in the USA.

They all work the same way. You start by responding to a short survey, which purportedly allows the club's style maestros to identify your likes and style. Then, at the beginning of each month, you are presented with a selection of shoes designed to your taste from which to pick in your inbox. Choose a pair and they are sent post-haste with free shipping (only in the US). If nothing takes your fancy you are given a small window at the start of each month to decline to participate that month.

From the bargain-basement, no-frills eShoeClub (which offers a remarkable two pairs for $29.95) to the Kim Kardashian co-founded Shoedazzle and the other equally as large Just Fabulous (offering one pair a month for $39.95) to Sole Society Inc. (offering shoes at $49.95 a month) to the highest price tag of the Rachel Bilson backed ShoeMint (coming in at a much higher price point of $79.98).

All of these clubs make similar claims to being on-trend and fashion-forward and all create custom shoes, not shoes you can buy in stores. Most have some kind of celebrity endorsement and claim to have professional style consultants that match designs to the taste of their customers.

The advantage to the online store is obvious, a locked-in database and projected sales. And this market isn't a puny one, according to the Los Angeles Times, Just Fabulous has four million members and Sole Society half a million. Shoedazzle, co founded by reality TV heavyweight Kim Kardashian, has $60 million in investors. JustFabulous projects sales of 2.5 to 3 million pair next year. That's a whole lot of shoes!

While I applaud the merits of shoe clubs I do like to touch feel and experience the thrill of the chase so I'm not sure it's for me. Call me old fashioned.


@traceygillinder would like to apologize for cheating on Shoe Addict readers. Forgive me? Then check out the new Brisbane Times Plus One Column!

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DION BOASTS 3,000 PAIRS OF SHOES

Say what you will about Celine Dion but I have to tip my trilby to the woman, who has confessed she owns about 3,000 pairs of shoes.

The 43-year-old singer has told the Daily Telegraph she is obsessed with footwear and has admitted to being unable to resist adding to her collection, but she doesn't feel guilty because it's her only real vice.

“If you have, let's say, 600 pairs of shoes, you're considered a freak? I have about 3,000 pairs. Look, some people do drugs, and I buy shoes,” the Daily Telegraph quoted her as saying.

The ever glamorous singer is not gloating too freely though and says she feels very lucky to be able to buy expensive shoes and other luxuries and admits the spending power she now has and the lavish Florida estate she lives at with her husband Rene Angelil and their children - 10-year-old son Rene-Charles and 13-month-old twins Eddy and Nelson – is very different to the house she was raised in.

"My fans bought me my house. They bought my records … I'm very fortunate, and people have bought my albums year after year, and they come to see the shows, and it's expensive, and they still come," she added.

This is precisely why I don't count my shoes. Bless her.


(Image Credit: wmagazine.com)

@traceygillinder would like to apologize for cheating on Shoe Addict readers. Forgive me? Then check out the new Brisbane Times Plus One Column!

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IT'S A WRAP - BABES GET SPANISH

This knees-up has earned its place as the most celebrated end-of-year corporate event and the 2011 installment did not disappoint, with several hundred members of Brisbane’s premier networking organisation Babes in Business hosting clients and colleagues at a stylish long Spanish lunch.

Want more? Go to Brisbane Time's Plus One for the full piece and social pics.

@traceygillinder would like to apologize for cheating on Shoe Addict readers. Forgive me? Then check out the new Brisbane Times Plus One Column!

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Follow Tracey on Twitter @ http://twitter.com/traceygillinder