Fashion

Last week I went along to Hotter Shoes‘ store in Solihull to try out their Hotter Footprint™ scanner and take a look at the new spring styling.  When you step onto a special scanner, it then takes a 3D image of your feet. In an instant, the scanner is able to analysis your size, fit and arch type. Then taking these three dimensions into account it can make recommendations. It’s a great way to identify the perfect shoe for you.

If you’d like to see the process in action, I’ve got a video of me getting my feet scanned in the Hotter Shoes’ Solihull store.

As you can see it’s a really quick and easy process and you have a very visual representation on your foot and suitable styles to look at.  Armed with that knowledge you can shop for shoes in confidence.  But, obviously the Hotter Shoes’ staff will guide you through trying on your shoes and making sure you get the best and most comfortable fit possible.  One of the things I love about Hotter Shoes is that the staff are willing to take the time to help you and provide a service that’s way beyond just getting the right sized shoes from the store room.

So the big question is what sort of shoes am I looking for today?

I like to go out for a walk and pop into local cafes and pubs along the way.  The difficulty usually is whether to go for full on walking boots or make do with trainers.  Often though I’m not doing serious hill walking, just pottering down canal tow paths and the like.  To be honest, I wanted something in between that was practical, but still smart enough to go into those places without feeling out of place.  So how did I get on?

I did get tempted by the Hotter Sport Collection which has some great looking, but very practical styles for the leisure athlete.  They’d look great down the gym or in the park, but have the good looks you want for more social occasions too.  I decided though that I wanted something more geared up to walking and being outdoors in the countryside.

Hotter Shoes do a great range of walking trainers that are designed for just that sort of thing.  I quite liked the look of the Mist GTX® Shoes.  With Stability+ technology to supporting the heel and an energy-returning FreeSole, there’s plenty of support for my feet.  There’s also a dual-density OrthoLite ® foam insole which provides cushioning.  I love that the breathable GORE-TEX product technology, will keep me dry if I do get caught out in the rain. The Mist GTX also has a cushioned collar and tongue, padding at the ankle, and a breathable, waterproof textile lining.

The Mist GTX comes in four colours: Navy Multi, Khaki Multi, Rust Multi and Smokey Grey Multi.  I was tempted by the Navy because it would go with loads of things, but also because I loved the brighter blue stitching detailing.  The Rust was another contender because I loved the bright colour.  In the end though I decided the Khaki was the one for me because it would go with lots of clothes and it had a similar brighter stitching detail.

The Hotter Footprint™ scanner had me down as a standard fit and a size 6, but with the recommendation that for certain styles a 6.5 might be better.  The Mist GTX was one of those styles because of the cushioning, padding and linings.  The size 6 did fit, but I did think it might not work as well if I was wearing thicker socks. So I tried on the 6.5 size too and felt these were a slightly better fit for me.

I think they look great on.  Practical and stylish too.  What do you think?

I’ve been able to put them too the test since.  I took them out on a day out when I was on my feet for most of the day.  Some of it was town walking, but I also walked on footpaths in parks and in a forest.  What was really impressive was that they needed no wearing in, they were comfortable from the off and throughout the day.  I always felt confident that they were up to the conditions even on some muddy and steeper sections of track.  And I was happy to wear them into pubs and cafes.  I’m very happy with them.

Disclosure: I was given free shoes by Hotter for the purposes of this review.

Photo by Cornelia Ng on Unsplash

Eternity rings are a timeless and classic piece of jewellery that symbolizes never-ending love and commitment. Traditionally given to celebrate a significant milestone or occasion, such as a wedding anniversary or the birth of a child, eternity rings are a beautiful and meaningful way to commemorate a special moment in your life. In this blog post, we’ll discuss the tradition and meaning of eternity rings and provide tips on how to wear them.

Tradition and Meaning of Eternity Rings

Eternity rings have a rich history and have been given as a symbol of love and commitment for centuries. The circular shape of an eternity ring represents eternal love, and the continuous row of gemstones signifies an unbroken bond between two people.

The tradition of giving an eternity ring dates back to ancient Egypt, where couples exchanged rings made from woven reeds to symbolize their everlasting love. In modern times, eternity rings have become a popular gift for wedding anniversaries, with each gemstone representing a year of marriage.

How to Wear an Eternity Ring

Eternity rings are a beautiful and versatile piece of jewellery that can be worn in a variety of ways. Here are some tips on how to wear an eternity ring:

1. Wear it alone: An eternity ring is a stunning statement piece on its own, and wearing it solo allows it to take center stage. For a more understated look, opt for a simpler style with fewer gemstones. A single diamond eternity ring is a classic and timeless choice.
2. Stack it: Eternity rings look beautiful when stacked with other rings, particularly a wedding or engagement ring. When stacking rings, it’s important to consider the proportions and choose rings that complement each other. For example, a delicate eternity ring can be paired with a larger, statement ring for a balanced look or an eternity ring could be part of a set with matching wedding, engagement and eternity rings.
3. Mix metals: Don’t be afraid to mix and match metals when wearing an eternity ring. Mixing metals, such as gold and silver, can create a unique and modern look. When mixing metals, it’s essential to ensure that the metals complement each other and don’t clash.
4. Wear it daily: Eternity rings are a beautiful and meaningful piece of jewellery that can be worn every day. With their durable design, eternity rings are perfect for daily wear and will hold up to the wear and tear of everyday life.

In conclusion, eternity rings are a beautiful and meaningful way to celebrate a special moment in your life.  Such a ring is also a timeless and elegant piece of jewellery in its own right. With the right care and attention, your eternity ring can last a lifetime and be passed down through generations as a cherished family heirloom. By following these tips, you can confidently wear your eternity ring and enjoy its beauty for years to come.