Vein Wear Men's Shoe Review

Where have all the great shoes gone?

noreply@blogger.com (Chris McCallum) — Sun, 08 Nov 2009 02:13:00 +0000

Are you wearing watered down shoes?

Recently quite a few customers in the TCB Vein Store have been saying that there are no good shoes around (except in the Vein Store of course). In the city and the shopping centres all the shoes seem similar, bland, generic and of obviously poor quality. None of the stores anymore are offering interesting, attractive, original, well made shoes in good leathers. Why?

The answer lies in the principle that "Bad money drives out the good". It's a theory illustrated by economics Nobel Prize winner George Akerlof using watered down milk as an example. It's called Gresham's Law, after Sir Thomas Gresham, a sixteen-century merchant who persuaded Queen Elizabeth to restore the debased currency of England.

In the milk example honest, original-design, well crafted, high quality leathered, ethically made shoes are the
pure milk. Knock-off shoes made poorly and cheaply by unskilled workers of inferior and deceptive materials are the watered down milk. To the untrained naked eye, the pure shoes and the watered down shoes may look the same.

Imagine that a litre of high quality milk wholesales for $1.00, and a litre of watered down milk wholesales for
$0.60. An average buyer might willingly pay up to $0.80 for the watered down milk and up to $1.20 for the pure milk. In either case, mutual gains would be made from the transaction: Both the buyer and the seller know what he or she is getting, and both end up with what might be considered a fair deal.

But if the customer is unable to distinguish quality (and with shoes it is very difficulty for the average customer to distinguish quality), both grades of milk must sell for the same price - about $0.90.

Under this system, honest brokers of pure milk go bankrupt, while corrupt watered down milk sellers flourish. So, logically enough, soon all surviving merchants are watering down their milk and pocketing large profits, and consumers believe they are getting a bargain when in fact they are being ripped off.

The key factor is the knowledge gap between the buyer and the seller. The cheaper the goods, the harder retailers work to keep consumers from knowing the truth about them. And the more narrowly consumers focus on price, the easier they are to fool. Lately the trend is to fool customers about the product by using good design (knocked off) and good branding, imagery and store design. By using great photographers, models, knocked off good designs and clever branding, sellers are skillfully working very hard to not only keep consumers from knowing the truth about the products they sell...they are even preventing consumers from asking the hard questions at all.

If customers know the milk is watered down, there is no problem; they pay less for it and get precisely what they bargained for. Customers who prefer their milk without water can choose to pay a higher price. No one is cheated, no one is fooled. But when dishonest brokers add water to the milk and sell it for less without telling customers they have watered it, the unwitting public believes it is getting a great deal.

If enough dishonest merchants water their milk, more and more customers will forget what normal milk tastes like and buy only the cheaper watered down variety. Eventually honest brokers are forced to water their milk, too, or get pushed out of business. Pure milk becomes no longer available and even the price of watered milk goes up. Good money and good milk is driven out by the bad.

I've watched the same thing happen in the footwear industry. I see trusted brands selling PU (fake leather) shoes and labelling them genuine leather. I see them lining shoes in fabric instead of leather. I see them using the lowest grades of rubber on their soles...or worse, thin unsuitable leather soles. I see them making shoes in the poorest countries in the world by totally unskilled, contracted, per-piece workers that don't have the skills to make a pair of shoes themselves. I see them picking knock-off designs from factory catalogs and stamping their own logo on it. They've had to, or they will go out of business because the shop next door is deceptively selling watered down milk. And besides, it makes "good business sense" to sell watered down milk because the customer thinks they are getting a bargain but the seller makes more profit than selling pure milk honestly.

The result is, as explained in Akerlof's example, nearly all the merchants are selling watered down milk and many customers have forgotten the taste of pure milk. Those that have not yet forgotten the taste have been saying that there are no good shoes around (except in the Vein Store of course).

At Vein Wear, we only sell pure milk. How do we know? We milk the cows ourselves.

Pink Slips for Breast Cancer Foundation

noreply@blogger.com (Chris McCallum) — Fri, 23 Oct 2009 03:41:00 +0000

The Breast Cancer Foundation held their annual event in Brisbane this month. The highlight for everyone is the pink "Global Illumination" of the bridge which is stunning and raises awareness of Breast Cancer.

Breast Cancer affects 1 in 8 women. It is a disease that touches so many of us in one way or another. This year, in support of the Breast Cancer Month and the National Breast Cancer Foundation Vein Wear donated a pair of Pink Low Cut Lounge Slippers to the charity auction. Congratulations and thank you to the winning bidder.

In further support, I will donate $100 for any purchase of a pair of Pink Low Cut Lounge Slippers (8754-S1 Pink) until November 30, 2009, when you purchase online at VeinWear.com and use the discount code "Breast" in the checkout.

Special thanks also to Mark Lobo who donated his photographic services for the event. The fruits of his work are the above images. Check out more at his site http://www.marklobo.com.au/news/.

Tradies Killing It

noreply@blogger.com (Chris McCallum) — Fri, 23 Oct 2009 03:02:00 +0000

In another change of pace, the Vein Wear Brogue Wrap Laced Shoes are featured in Tradie Magazine. These are not work boots! haha... If anyone is wealthy in Australia it'll be a Tradie. So why not look good doing it?

This magazine is giving me very good memories of Benny Benassi's "Satisfaction".

These shoes are available currently in sizes 42-46 online at VeinWear.com.

Born In The USA Magazine

noreply@blogger.com (Chris McCallum) — Fri, 23 Oct 2009 02:47:00 +0000

Born In The USA Magazine is featuring a pair of the Vein Wear Canvas Slips in Red and White Stripes. I was a little surprised to see us in this magazine. And a little thrown off by the doughnuts and cheese burgers. Oh well, when in Rome...

There are only two sizes left in these shoes. 42 and 43. If that's your size, you can get them online now at VeinWear.com.

First Entrant in Shoe Design Competition

noreply@blogger.com (Chris McCallum) — Thu, 22 Oct 2009 06:04:00 +0000

The first entrant in the Vein Wear Men's Shoe Design Competition is Chris Worfold. Chris entered two designs, the Desert Court Boot and the Night Court Boot (both above).

Anyone can enter. It's easy and fun. All the designs will be voted for online from Jan 13, 2010 at the competition site. The 3 most popular designs will be graphically designed and voted on by our all-star judging panel. The winner will have a pair of their design custom made for themselves (or partner/friend), and the design will be featured in the Vein Store along with their bio. It will be available for purchase on a made-to-order basis.

Enter now at the competition site here: http://veincomp.blogspot.com

Brisbane News: You're So Vein

noreply@blogger.com (Chris McCallum) — Wed, 14 Oct 2009 07:23:00 +0000

by Lizzie Corser:

If you've dreamed of designing your very own shoe - and who hasn't? - now is your chance to make it a reality.

Local men's footwear brand Vein Wear has announced its 2010 footwear design competition, inviting shoe and fashion design students and members of the public to submit their dream men's shoe design.

Entries will be judged by Vein's design team, as well as the general public via an online ballot. In January 2010, three finalists will have their designs recreated digitally and, after judging, the winning design will be sold on a made-to order basis.

Shoe design and production is one of the most difficult design industries to crack locally, so this is a fantastic opportunity. Everyone can enter now.

To enter, go to http://veincomp.blogspot.com

It's all fine and dandy again

noreply@blogger.com (Chris McCallum) — Thu, 08 Oct 2009 05:41:00 +0000

This article appeared in The Courier Mail on Wednesday, October 7, 2009:

It’s all fine and dandy again

Five years ago, the world was introduced to the
metrosexual. Now, his dapper big brother - the
dandy is stealing the spotlight, with a contemporary
twist.
Hilary Board reports

FIRST spotted in London town during the late 1700s, dandies have always been a conspicuous bunch from the "more is more" mindset.

Getting creative with cravats was something of a dandy trademark in the 18th century, along with contrasting the colours of one's jacket and pants. The latter has continued to be favoured by famous Yankee Doodle dandies Tommy Hilfiger and Ralph Lauren, season after season.

For spring/summer 2009, Italian designers D&G and Dsquared2 also jumped on the dandy bandwagon, with bow ties, rounded spectacles and jackets with contrasting lapels featuring in both.

After parading exquisitely cut three-piece suits with fob chains, Dsquared2 took their dandy to a hiphop concert - throwing a baseball cap, red shorts, bright sneakers, striped "gym socks" and a chunky gold neck chain into the mix.

These quirky modern twists breathed new life into the traditional dandy look and undoubtedly struck a chord with style-savvy young gents everywhere.

Brisbane footwear designer Chris McCallum also responded to the trend at his Vein Wear boutique in bustling Fortitude Valley recently, naming a new shoe the Dandy Loafer.

"Traditionally, a dandy was a self made man imitating aristocrats, who expressed his fine intellect by manifesting his appearance and wearing beautiful, refined clothing and shoes," McCallum says.

"I think men have come back to appreciating fine fashion as an expression of intellect, breeding, stature and masculinity - and thus the Dandy Loafer was born.

"Essentially, however, we are not really aristocrats - it's a charade – and the cracks inevitably show through. This is why I opted to use a cracked patent leather."

Vein Wear's collection includes other dandy classics with contemporary twists, such as the tartan Low Cut Lounge Slipper and the two-tone Brogue with metallic highlights and unorthodox brogue lines.

"I imagined the young aristocrat retiring to the cigar room for brandies and talk of politics wearing tartan slippers . . . so I designed the luxe Lounge Slipper with that in mind, but substituted the fabric for a new printed leather."

Fellow Brisbane boutique The Cloakroom announced it had "increased quality across the board" in May this year. The tailor-made men's clothing and accessories specialist has further improved the level of finish and construction in its trousers, and now hand-fasten the shirt buttons in their Pistols at Dawn label.

Since opening in Brisbane two years ago, owners Andrew Byrne and Josh McPherson have "been very fortunate to have had the support and patronage of many" and the polished duo recently opened a second Cloakroom store in Sydney's Surry Hills despite the gloomy economic climate. But the fashion industry hasn't been the only one to cash in on the dandy, with MTV introducing the reality show From G's to Gents in July last year.

Produced by actor/singer Jamie Foxx, the show chronicles 14 gangsters (G's) on their journey towards becoming proper gentlemen (and vying for the grand prize of $ll4,000).

The final episode of the first season drew 3.9 million viewers - making the show No.1 in its time slot and transforming its host, Fonzworth Bentley, into an instant dandy icon.

Bentley (real name Derrick Watkins) grew up in Atlanta with Outkast singer and bona fide dandy Andre 3000. Inspired by the letter sweaters, varsity jackets and riding breeches worn by college kids in the 1930s, Andre launched his own dandified label - Benjamin Bixby - early last year.

"You had rough guys who played football, but they were always impeccably dressed:' Andre has says. "Now, if a guy wants to wash his face, they call him a 'metrosexual'. We need to get away from thinking that being well-dressed means that you're gay. Looking and feeling good is no indication of your sexuality. I wanted to create clothes that represented my and others' style."

Like Dsquared2 and Vein Wear, Benjamin Bixby offers quirky re-workings of traditional looks that are what have made this trend so engaging once again.

With talented designers such as Byrne, McPherson and McCallum about town, we can rest assured every modern dandy will have his day.

Vein Wear Men's Shoe Design Competition

noreply@blogger.com (Chris McCallum) — Wed, 07 Oct 2009 06:49:00 +0000

See http://veincomp.blogspot.com :

Download the full Competition Guidelines here: http://sites.google.com/a/veinwear.com/images/veincomp/HB-20091007_VeinCompDetails.pdf

Download the Design Templates here:
http://sites.google.com/a/veinwear.com/images/veincomp/CM-20091007_BlankSketchBinder.pdf

Email entries to vein@veinwear.com or post to Vein Wear, PO Box 2034 Ashgrove West, QLD 4060, Australia.

Brisbane-based footwear label, Vein Wear, is looking to uncover the next big thing in men's shoe design.

Open to budding shoe/fashion design students and footwear fanatics from the general public from Wednesday October 7 this year, the men's shoe design entries must be laid-up on one of nine Vein Wear templates. We are accepting entries from now until January 13, 2010.
All competition entries will initially be judged by Vein Wear's design team, students and the general public via a secret online and in-store ballot between January 13 and January 26, 2010.

The resulting three finalists will be announced on January 27, 2010 and they will then have their designs graphically reproduced by a professional Brisbane graphic designer and submitted to a second judging panel of approximately 10 local and national fashion editors, fashion educators and footwear industry experts on February 3, 2010.

The winner will be announced on February 24, 2010, and as part of their prize the winning design will be named after its designer; produced by master cobblers in Vein Wear's workshop; displayed next to a mini-biography of the winner in Vein Wear's boutique, and then sold on a made-to-order basis online and through the boutique. The winner will also have a custom hand-made pair of their design made for themselves (or their partner).

Competition Guidelines

-All entrants must be 18 years of age or over.

-Only men's shoe designs will be accepted.

-Each entrant can enter a minimum of one and a maximum of three designs.

-Entries are not restricted to a set theme or fabric/material, however, they must be laid up on one of the nine templates shown on the Vein Wear Fan Association page on Facebook. (Alternatively you can download the design templates here.)

-The shoe's sole must be either leather or rubber.

-Designs can be in black and white, however, entrants must provide a colour image or actual swatch of the fabric/material/leather they envision being used in the design. (If the design encompasses more than one fabric/material/leather, the entrant must point out where each one would be situated on their design.)

-Along with their design, entrants must submit a brief (max 300-word) personal bio and an (max 500-word) explanation of the reasoning behind their shoe design choices. If the entrant is entering more than one design they must submit (max 500-word) explanations for each additional design.

-Competition dates must be adhered to. Late entries will not be accepted.

-Competition guidelines must be adhered to. Failure to do so may result in disqualification.

Tips for Entrants

-While Vein appreciates and encourages creativity, the design(s) must have a consumer focus and be commercially viable. This is not a forum for overly expensive, fanciful creations that would be considered more costume than fashion.

-While Vein doesn't like to slavishly follow fashion trends, entrants are encouraged to give their design a modern look and feel that keeps national and international footwear trends in mind.

-Entrants are encouraged to familiarise themselves with Vein Wear's design style/ethos by visiting either the website at www.veinwear.com, or the boutique in the TCB Centre – on the Fortitude Valley Mall.

Important Dates to Remember

Entries open to public: 9am Wednesday, October 7, 2009

Entries close: 5pm Wednesday, January 13, 2010

Three finalists announced: 10am Wednesday, January 27, 2010

Three finalists' entries submitted to second judging panel: 10am Wednesday, February 3

Winner announced: 10am Wednesday, February 24, 2010

Second Stage Judging Panel

1) Men's Style Australia editor: Peter Holder

2) National Men's Magazine fashion editor: TBA

3) Courier-Mail shopping editor: Laura Stead

4) Sunday-Mail fashion and beauty editor: Kellie Aldermann

5) Style Magazines editor: Cassie Laffey

6) Brisbane News Fashion editor: Lizzie Corser

7) QUT Fashion Discipline leader: Wendy Armstrong

8) MSIT Fashion Education manager: Elizabeth Reynolds

9) Footwear expert: TBA

10) Vein Wear owner and footwear designer: Chris McCallum

Eskimo Joe Rocks Out in Vein

noreply@blogger.com (Chris McCallum) — Fri, 25 Sep 2009 00:45:00 +0000

Kav from Eskimo Joe was in Queensland last week to film their new clip, soon to be released. He popped into the store and picked himself up a pair of the Caped Ankle Boots.

This morning I saw him rocking them on the tube for the AFL Grand Final entertainment.

Well done guys, great show!

Picture:
Yahoo!7 Sunrise - Concerts Gallery
http://au.lifestyle.yahoo.com/sunrise/gallery/concerts/
Screen clipping taken: 25/09/2009, 10:36 AM

Zullo Loves the Vein Boots

noreply@blogger.com (Chris McCallum) — Thu, 17 Sep 2009 06:19:00 +0000

TCB: Fashion's Hub

noreply@blogger.com (Chris McCallum) — Thu, 17 Sep 2009 05:56:00 +0000

This article appeared in the City News lift-out feature on Fortitude Valley. I'm afraid it's bordering on false advertising/reporting. What I will say is that yes, in TCB you will find some awesome fashion, some very tasty food and some killer shoes.

TCB: "Boasting the flagship stores of some of Brisbane's top local designers, such as Gail Sorronda and Vein Wear Shoes."

Brisbane News Custom Grooms

noreply@blogger.com (Chris McCallum) — Thu, 17 Sep 2009 05:33:00 +0000

Recently married Daniel Newton customised the Vein Wear Winged Lacers for his special day. He had them made in a metallic perforated silver leather that both stood out and complemented his wedding attire.

It took 3 weeks to source the leather. The sourcing cost is $50. Then the special order took 8 weeks to produce. The shoes cost $389.00. So the total cost for his customised shoes was $439.00.

Vein Wear Knocked Out by Boxers

noreply@blogger.com (Chris McCallum) — Fri, 04 Sep 2009 01:19:00 +0000

In the Business Achievers Awards we were knocked out last night at the gala presentation event by FitClub Boxing Studio. Well done and congratulations to them! Both our records stand at 1:0.

You may be wondering why we were competing against a boxing club, given that last year we won the Fashion Retailer category. Me too. This year the categories were all mixed. Vein Wear was in a finalist pool with a childcare centre, boxing studio and others.

Thank you so much to everyone that nominated us. We will battle on to do you proud next year!

Berlin Shoot

noreply@blogger.com (Chris McCallum) — Fri, 28 Aug 2009 03:54:00 +0000

This shoot, titled "Berlin" was styled by Project Runway's Amber Renae and features the Vein Wear Unorthodox Brogue Ankle Boots (V3B-1). These are a very cool boot. Get a pair at veinwear.com now.

Fashion Journal Loves Vein Wear Shoes

noreply@blogger.com (Chris McCallum) — Fri, 28 Aug 2009 03:38:00 +0000

Fashion Journal loves the Vein Wear floral lazer-cut ankle boots. Looks like quite a few people agreed, because they are all sold out.

Guy Gear - Bride To Be

noreply@blogger.com (Chris McCallum) — Fri, 28 Aug 2009 03:19:00 +0000

In the aptly named Guy Gear section, Bride To Be magazine has featured the Vein Wear Bridge Loafers in Cream for Grooms. This shoe was made with an un-dyed vege-tan leather. Buy them online at veinwear.com. (I've only got sizes 44-46 left.)

I really encourage anyone planning their wedding to consider customised shoes. It is a great way to make yourself feel very special on your special day. I'll put some photos up soon from Daniel Newton's wedding. Daniel customised a pair of Vein shoes to get a dramatic look.

CNN Cover Story

noreply@blogger.com (Chris McCallum) — Fri, 28 Aug 2009 03:05:00 +0000

City North News' Grant Stockwell put together a stunning cover story photo shoot in the sunset behind the Eagle Farm horse racing track. Well done.

Style is in a man's shoes - Courier Mail

noreply@blogger.com (Chris McCallum) — Wed, 19 Aug 2009 03:54:00 +0000

What should a man consider when purchasing a pair of shoes?

Laura Stead had this to say in the Courier Mail:

Style is in a man’s shoes

WHEN men go to the wardrobe to get dressed, theoptions will likely consist of some kind of pants orjeans combination. Little wonder then, that mostwill choose to channel their creative expressioninto their shoes.

Admired is the man that will sport a well-chosenshoe to express his style, but there’s a fine linebetween fashion and frivolity, says shoe designerChris McCallum.

McCallum, who owns and designs Vein shoes, inthe TCB Arcade, Fortitude Valley, says the key toguys expressing themselves through their shoeslies in understanding their own style.

‘‘Girls look down at a man’s shoes and what yousee, you make judgments on and they’re oftenaccurate, because what a guy decides to wearreflects his personality. If he’s wearing the samenothing style, it shows he’s not really willing toextend himself and try new things, but if he goestoo far and make too much of a statement, that canbe a turn-off too,’’ McCallum says.

‘‘I think the key is to match the shoe to thepersonality of the person and to just push theirboundaries a tiny little bit.

‘‘That’s general because most guys could do witha tiny push out of their comfort zone and still feelcomfortable and confident.’’

Unlike women, who are more likely to buy shoeson a whim, there are two main purposes guys havein mind when shoe shopping, McCallum says.

‘‘One is purpose and then there’s fashion,’’ hesays. ‘‘There used to be a fair bit of talk about toeshapes and things, but the fashion cycle has spedup so much now, it’s like every three months itchanges, so I think it’s irrelevant to men.

‘‘If you feel comfortable in a slightly chiselledtoe, then great, but a boldish round toe is greatas well.’’

Quality should be high on a man’s list ofpriorities in a shoe, McCallum says.

‘‘There are guys who’ve come to the realisationthat buying something that is quality and originaland interesting does matter,’’ he says.

‘‘And original doesn’t mean it has to be far out oranything. If you wear something that’s goodquality and well made, you just feel differentin yourself.’’

Steve Austin met the guy who designed his shoes...

noreply@blogger.com (Chris McCallum) — Fri, 14 Aug 2009 03:07:00 +0000

http://blogs.abc.net.au/files/christopher-mccallum-blog.mp3

Radio host Steve Austin walked into the Vein Store in Brisbane last Sunday and I noticed he was wearing one of my first designs. He had looked after them beautifully. I assumed he knew, and that was why he was in my store. It turned out he had no idea they were Veins and was shocked to find out the truth about how and why he came about purchasing them.

So he invited me on to his show to have a chat and share the story. You can listen to that show above, or go to the radio blog and listen to it from there (http://blogs.abc.net.au/queensland/2009/08/entrepreneur-christopher-mccallum-footwear-designer.html).

Chris Worfold vs Vein Wear Look Book

noreply@blogger.com (Chris McCallum) — Thu, 13 Aug 2009 05:20:00 +0000

Chris Worfold has come out with some amazing paintings of the latest Vein Wear shoe collection in a series looks:

9 to 5 Fab Finds - Vein Wear Men's Shoes

noreply@blogger.com (Chris McCallum) — Thu, 13 Aug 2009 05:12:00 +0000

9 to 5 Magazine - Fab Finds by Prue Roberts:

Fab Finds

Men's shoes specialists Vein is the brand with the latest knock-out black styles, which are fundamentals of any man's wardrobe (as you
would know).

All six shoe types in the latest collection are made from the finest leather by five of the most qualified and respected cobblers in the industry, all specialising in their own specific aspect of
the shoe's construction.

The 3 Piece Loafer, $289, (pictured) consists of a beautiful chisel-toe, featuring a three panel upper design with rolled edges on each, giving a graceful, layered look.

All shoes from the range are made with a neutral non-allergenic full leather lining and individual velvet bags for dust and travel protection.

Visit: veinwear.com.

Australian Shoe Fair

noreply@blogger.com (Chris McCallum) — Mon, 10 Aug 2009 03:47:00 +0000

I see on the flyer for the upcoming Australian Shoe Fair that the only male shoe being promoted is a Vein Wear style. I just want to clarifiy that I am not exhibiting at the fair. If you want to stock Vein Wear shoes in your boutique, please contact me directly at chris@veinwear.com.

I will be travelling down to have a look at the show as a visitor. So if you want to meet up, please email me.

Brisbane Suburbs by Shoe

noreply@blogger.com (Chris McCallum) — Thu, 06 Aug 2009 02:43:00 +0000

Verica Jokic of cityhobo.com is rating Brisbane's suburbs by shoe. Have a read and see if you agree. It's quite accurate for me. I live at Bardon, wear designer slippers (Vein Wear of course), today I'm wearing black and I love good coffee (specifically U Gees at West End). Where do you wear your Veins?

Here's Verica Jokic's guide to Brisbane (by shoe type):

Bally/Lloyds: conservative area with plenty of upper-middle-class families and people over 50 who like napkins and classical music at dinner, and can probably use the six degrees of separation rule to establish a link to the Queen. (Ascot, Hamilton and Milton)

Birkenstock and Campers: a socially and environmentally aware, creative, arty, inner city suburb with a neighbourhood or village feel and an alternative bent. The "fair trade" coffee-sipping type. (Bulimba, Chelmer/Graceville, Milton, Paddington, Red Hill, St Lucia and Toowong)

Adidas: all is not as it seems, a mainstream-looking suburb with a bit of edge. A suburb in transition where arty types are slowly moving in. (Indooroopilly, Kelvin Grove and Toowong)

Aquila and black work shoes: a professional type suburb with confident people – some like to work hard and play hard. (Auchenflower, Bulimba, Fortitude Valley, Milton, New Farm, Red Hill, South Brisbane/South Bank and Teneriffe)

Canvas sneaker: a relaxed beachside suburb, mainstream, family oriented. (No suburbs, yet)

Christian Louboutin: a suburb that attracts highly paid professionals who understand art, uber designer clothes, like to party, have hundreds of gorgeous friends. (No suburbs, yet)

Colorado: a family-oriented, middle-class suburb with a mainstream bent and good access to parks, rivers, beaches, harbour etc, where kids can burn off their energy and save their parents from going psycho. (Bardon, Camp Hill, Chelmer, Graceville, Clayfield, Indooroopilly, Red Hill, Rosalie)

Converse: grungy, inner-city, gay-friendly suburb with a kaleidoscope of people, where creativity is king or, er, um, queen. (Fortitude Valley)

Country Road: a wealthy middle-class suburb with a bit of bling, 4WDs, big houses, and cafes full of yummy mummies. (Ascot, Hamilton, Clayfield)

Designer slippers: a wealthy, middle-class suburb with intellectual types who spend their money on art, wear black clothes, drink good coffee and tend to be libertarian in their politics. (Bardon, St Lucia)

Ferragamo: stylish conservative suburb with money and a lot of bling. Great for people over 50. Darrrling! (Ascot, Hamilton)

Flippers: a beach suburb full of happy people and families. (No suburbs, yet)

Flip Flops: see "thongs" below. A thong in Australia is not a G-string. It is a shoe. (No suburbs, yet)

Fluevog: super cool, creative, arty and cafe suburb that sets trends. (No suburbs, yet)

Gumboot: semi-rural. (No suburbs, yet)

Hush Puppies (old style): a down-to-earth, family type suburb with plenty of heart. (No suburbs, yet)

Jimmy Choo: Sex and the City sort of place. (No suburbs, yet)

Kenneth Cole: a suburb with plenty of fashion-savvy people but not so Sex and the City. (Paddington, South Brisbane/South Bank)

Loafers: A wealthy, upper-middle-class suburb with a bit of creativity. (No suburbs, yet) Nike: the 'burbs. (Mt Gravatt)

Nine West: mainstream area. (Auchenflower, Mt Gravatt)

Puma: an inner-city suburb with edge, students, alternative-type professionals, and public housing. (No suburbs, yet)

Sneakers and slip-ons: strong Asian presence. (No suburbs, yet)

Stilettos: an image-conscious suburb with plenty of well-paid professionals who don't really eat much but like spending money on goats' cheese, sugar cubes from France, expensive wine, and hanging out at hip bars with their fab, beautiful, friends. (New Farm, Teneriffe)

Strappy sandal: stylish, relaxed beachside suburb where the professional-to-hoon ratio is 10,000:1. (No suburbs, yet)

Thongs: beach suburb, yoga, surfing, health food, exercise, sunshine . . . (No suburbs, yet)

Vein Wear - New International Airmail Option

noreply@blogger.com (Chris McCallum) — Fri, 31 Jul 2009 05:01:00 +0000

(Picture adapted from http://iuoma-network.ning.com/)

International Airmail for all shoes purchased online at veinwear.com is now just AU$20.00. What a bargain.

It costs a lot to run my own delivery plane. It might be old, but she'll get there in 5-10 working days. Quicker to NZ. Boy is she thirsty for fuel.

There's tracking also. You just call the pilot on his satellite phone and tell him where is a good place to land ;)

All jokes aside, my non-Aussie friends, this means you can get a pair of original Australian-designer shoes where ever you are on the globe.

Buffed Tan Unorthodox Brogue Boots Released

noreply@blogger.com (Chris McCallum) — Fri, 31 Jul 2009 03:35:00 +0000

Released into store and online today are the Unorthodox Brogue Ankle Boots in Buffed Tan (V3B-1 A10 Tan Buff). The toe and heel have been hand buffed to give a vintage uneven feel to the shoes.

Follow the lines of this curved body. Features double zip entry and an interesting design of unorthodox brogues.

Soft and thick leather upper matched with padded full leather lining. The lining is neutral and non-allergenic.

The sole is rubber with a laser-cut silver foil.

Get a pair for yourself now at veinwear.com.