It may be hard to even think of Spring now that the weather is still cold and snowy but, as always, the time will once again come when we’re able to ditch those wooly socks and welly-boots in favor of peep toes, strappy sandals and dainty flats. To get you excited about Spring (as if you weren’t already) Kajal Ruia of Ruia, the SoHo-based luxury shoe boutique, offers her picks for the upcoming season’s best looks.
Originally from England, in the summer of 2009, while visiting New York for her then-job in finance, she had an epiphany. Though New York was one of her favorite places to shop, she felt there was a big gap in the NYC luxury shoe market where many of the European brands she adored were nowhere to be found. It was during this trip, the other shoe fell and Kajal made the decision to move to the Big Apple to pursue her childhood dream of a career in fashion, and thus, the concept of Ruia Shoe Boutique was born.
With her degree in International Business, training in managerial duties, and experience in accounting, she was able to lay the foundation of a well-planned business; Ruia Shoe Boutique at 65 Mercer Street is a 650-square foot space in the heart of SoHo that embodies the overall shopping experience Kajal had foreseen for her shoe loving clientele. Here, this shoe expert gives us a rundown of some of the hottest trends for the coming season.
Power Prints
Prints are big again this spring, from stripes to florals to animal prints. Check out these great graffiti-esque open toe sandals from Loriblu, killer Baldan heels with a sexy animal print heel and lace up detail on the front or Loriblu’s funky peep toes in moss green with beautiful abstract print.
Try Texture
Texture makes a big impact on shoes; think suedes, silks, ruffles, braiding, ruching and raffia. Missoni brings their signature patterns to their footwear collection while these Louis Onofre fringed sandals are a texture lover’s dream.
Looks to Follow
Color look to dominate footwear next season with many styles containing four, five, even six different vibrant shades. Laces, ribbons and ropes bring a fresh look to strappy heels while clogs are staging a revival with Hollywood’s A-Listers.
