It's time to put Stacey on the spot and make her answer some damn questions!
What inspired you to purchase Village Shoes in 2009?
I had already worked for the company
for many years. I had poured my blood, sweat, and tears (literally) into the
place. Since I was a young adult, I had wanted to own my own business, so when the
previous owner decided to sell Village Shoes, I wanted to buy it. It was a
business I knew very well, had been managing for years, and already doing the
buying for, so I had confidence that I could succeed and continue to make the
business grow.
How do you decide what new lines to
carry?
It all depends on what jumps off the
shelves when Halle and I are at market. When you are at a trade show, there is
so much to look at that it's easy to get overwhelmed. I have found through the
years, that my gut reaction to a shoe is always spot on. If Halle or I love it,
chances are that our customers will feel the same way. Working with the
customers on the sales floor helps me as a buyer to really understand what
people are looking for, what they like and don't like, and then each season we
can approach buying with a fresh perspective.
If you had to pick only one, which
brand would you wear for life? Why?
If I had to pick one, it would probably
be El Naturalista. Their shoes are so comfortable while still providing so much
style. They’re perfect for the Pacific Northwest gal. They’re durable in the
cold weather, and depending on your style you can still dress them up. They’re
very bohemian chic. I also love that they are eco-friendly with their veggie
tanned leather uppers, all recycled packaging, and more. Ashlanders really get
behind a product like this.
What is your favorite shoe of all
time and why?
That's a hard one, but I would have
to say Fidji. They are consistently beautiful with their styles and they
use amazing Italian leathers. I don't know how they do it, but they are also
incredibly comfortable, so it's really a great combination of things. I love it
when people try them on because they always sigh and look at me, and say,
"They're soooo comfortable!" They can't believe it and I always love
that. Plus, it's a shoe you know you’re going to have for many years and wear a
lot. They’re a good investment.
Looking back, do you have a pair of
shoes that you owned and loved that makes you shake your head in embarrassment
now?
The girls always made fun of me for my Kumfs that I wore for years. I never
thought they were that ugly, and I really loved how comfortable they were, but
I retired them a few years ago. I think they were a little too mature for me at
my age. My look is a bit more fun these days.
You and Halle just went on a buying
trip to Vegas. What trends do you think we’ll be seeing next Spring?
Suede for Spring. Lots of neons mixed with grey. Cobalt blues blended with
chartreuse. Lots of bold pops of color. Wedges are going to be still going
strong, and I'm happy to say that gladiator sandals are gone, baby! Fringe is
on its way out too, which is also a good thing. Spring 2013 is probably one of
the most exciting spring collections I've seen in years. I'm already
anticipating their arrival, and by February we'll be happy to see some color
and warmth coming into the store.
What is one trend that you wish we
wouldn’t be seeing next Spring?
The one trend I hate seeing on the runway is knee high gladiator sandals. I
hope that trend goes away very soon, but don't worry! You won't see them at
Village Shoes! They’re not a very practical choice for us here in Oregon.
post by Amanda
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