Do the Holiday Hustle!

Wow wow wow. Sole Food has been busy helping people find gifts for this holiday season. Here's some news about what's been happening!

This past weekend we had our annual Smartwool promo, buy 3 pairs get a 4th pair free! This year we gave away well over 80 pairs of free Smartwool socks...these socks flew out the door! Don't worry, we still have a lot of Smartwool to choose from, but I wouldn't hesitate. :)

Other popular items this season include UGG slippers & boots, and Hunter rain boots. It looks like people want to stay cozy inside their home and dry outside in the rain. :D

The UGG Bailey Button boot is featured here in Atlantic, a dark blue-green color. This is available in children sizes. Soft sheep shearling will keep toes warm! I took this photo awhile back after Seattle's first snowstorm...we still have a few sizes left!

Two little girls came in and tried on some STONZ booties with the extra Sherpa liner. They loved them, and they are awfully cute! These soft booties provide great flexibility, and the elastic straps adjust for a custom fit. We have a lot of styles to choose from!

We just ordered a bunch of Pashmina scarves and now have a great selection to choose from! We have these pretty colors shown above, as well as red, black, silver, taupe and more! These scarves are a perfect little gift for anyone.

Holiday Gift Guide: For the Kids!

Sole Food has a wide variety of patent leather shoes that are perfect for those holiday photos and parties! Sizes vary per style, but you can find shoes for as small as toddlers all the way up to the big girls.

Acorn slippers keep little feet warm and cozy during those cold winter nights! Made with soft fleece and featured in fun patterns, these slippers also have non-slip, weatherproof outsoles, so wear them inside and outside!

Be prepared for another snowstorm with these Keen boots. The Bridger boot is completely waterproof and also has tough rubber outsoles that provide needed grip on the ground. A zipper and elastic lace makes it easy to put on, leaving more time for those snowball fights!

STONZ are fleece-lined, soft-soled booties with durable nylon outer shells that protect from wind and water. Adjustable toggles provide a custom fit! These booties are perfect for developing feet and for kids who are just learning to walk. Also available are Sherpa fleece liners for extra warmth and comfort!

Smartwool has socks for everyone, even the little newborns! This 2-pack of soft sock booties is available in 0-6 months and 6-12 months, with more selections for older kids in-store. They comes in a handy box that is gift-wrap ready!

Holiday Gift Guide: Women's Edition!

Sole Food specializes in beautiful & unique shoes & accessories. Want to amaze the ladies in your life with a great gift? You won't go wrong with these ideas from us!

Idea #1: Wallets and Clutches
If you're like me, my wallet is my life. It holds all of my necessities to venture out each day! Why not look good out in the the world with a nice accessory? Our wallets hail from boutique brands, including Tano and Latico.

Idea #2: Party Flats from Me Too & Gentle Souls
You don't need 4-inch heels for that holiday party; look great and be comfortable all night long with some pretty flats! A Sole Food favorite, the Lilyana flat, features a memory foam footbed and really soft leathers that feel like butter between your toes.

Want to add a kick of style to your outfit? The Bay Leaf Flat from Gentle Souls is a patent-leather beauty that will go with any wardrobe. A flax-seed memory foam footbed and soft deer-skin leathers makes this shoe one you never want to take off!

Idea #3: Smartwool Socks!

Our best-selling MUST HAVES are Smartwool! We have the best selection of Smartwool for everyone on your list. These socks are made with the finest wool that has been treated to take away all the itchiness. What you get are soft socks that look great!

Idea #4: UGG Boots and Booties!

Expecting a new arrival this winter? Welcome the new one with uber-cute, soft booties! Treat mom too with warm UGG boots; these boots slip on with ease and provide all-day comfort.

Holiday Gift Guide: Men's Edition!

'Tis the season for holiday cheer and lots of gifts! If you are looking for some guidance on what gifts to give for those special men in your life, we have some ideas for you.

Idea #1: UGG Slippers - The Ascot
These super comfortable slippers are ready for indoor and outdoor wear. Rubber treading on the bottom of the slippers gives traction and protects the sheepskin from wear and tear. A full sheepskin sock lines the inside of the slipper and keeps the foot warm and comfortable. The classic mocassin style also goes great with any outfit!

[Pictured: Courdoroy in Chestnut & Gray Suede]

Idea #2: Button-up shirts from 191 Unlimited

Starting with 191 bucks and a big dream, two best friends started a collection of comfortable, well-fitted clothing. These woven shirts are stylish, featuring innovative detailing and great patterns.

Idea #3: Smartwool Socks

Give the gift of comfort and style with Smartwool socks! Perfect stocking stuffers, these socks come in a variety of colors and styles. From cushioned socks to casual business socks, we have the right socks for all types of needs.

Idea #4: Hunter Boots

Perfect for the men who work hard and play hard. Hunter rubber wellies are well-constructed, waterproof and have a comfortable insole for all-day wear. Featured above, the Bormio boot, is a more stylish look that complements any urban look.

We have more exciting gifts in-store and online! Check us out in University Village, or on our website... http://www.shopsolefood.com/

Happy Holiday Shopping!

Meet the Staff: Annie!

Meet Annie, the bread and butter of Sole Food. She has been the buyer and store manager of Sole Food since the very beginning of the store! She works hard searching for the newest and greatest styles for you.

Name: Annie Kritsonis

Hometown: Yakima

Primary Role at Sole Food: Buyer and Store Manager

Favorite Brands at Sole Food: Frye and Gidigio

When I'm Not At Sole Food You Can Find Me At: The dog park with my puppy Riley

Favorite Restaurant in Seattle: 74th Ale House in Greenwood

Favorite Hobby: Playing Soccer!

Must Have Shoe: Frye Harness 12R Boot Plum

Our new website is up!

I am so proud to announce the launch of Sole Food's new website! Now you can shop our awesome selection of shoes and accessories from the comfort of your own home, office, library, wherever! Check it out now! visit www.shopsolefood.com

In Vog We Trust!

Hey there Sole Foodies,
It's Linda again, and I have a serious problem. (Ok, maybe not that serious.) I cannot stop thinking about Fluevogs! Ever since Sole Food started carrying more styles from John Fluevog last winter, I have been smitten. These shoes make a big statement! While some artists use canvas, photography or sculpture to express their art, John uses shoes:

“I’m an armchair philosopher, and artist and a style monger, my shoes and messages are quite simply a part of me.”

I like to think that I am a "Fluevoger," with my BBC Radio boots. I can't count how many times I have received compliments from these boots and was so glad to help out some ladies in the store with a pair of the same ones last weekend. I wear these with everything and even commute on my bike with them.

New styles just arrived...

The CBC Radio shoe, in an awesome plaid pattern (available for men only.). And guess what? These shoes are VEGAN. Not into the pattern? We also have CBC Radio shoes in black, brown, and even green leathers. A true Fluevog classic.

The BBC boots (just like my brown ones above) are a great compliment to any outfit. For men and woman both, this boot comes in brown, black and burgundy.

The Bartoli ankle boot. A heeled boot inspired by John Fluevog's Giulia boot (which is also have in the store!)

One of my new favorites, the Promise shoe is a fun shoe. It has a small heel, layered leathers and a stamped pattern on the main part of the shoe. I would definitely wear these with black tights and my dresses.

Also part of the Radio series, the RCI boot for men is ready to slip on and go. It is seen here in charcoal gray.

Annie is showing off the RTP Boot! Details include super soft leathers, a grey buckle and strap across the foot with a matching strip along the back of the boot shaft, and two zippers on each side.

This is only a taste of Fluevog at Sole Food. Come see more for yourself!

What's New: Pallie and Cut N' Paste!

Hey there Sole foodies, it's Anilyn and I'm very excited to introduce you to our two new handbag lines for our fall collection, both of which I'm already in love with because of their quality and functionality.

Pallie by Pallie Jones

"Defined by classic lines, quality and function, every pallie bag is chic and always fun to carry."

Featured in such publications as In Style, People, and Lucky, Pallie bags offer unique bags that can be worn from the office to a night out. Season after season, these bags will prove to be your "go-to" accessory because of it's clean lines and timeless design.

My Top Picks (modeled by our local beauty Bri)

Featured in Classic Black and Deep Purple these bags boast smooth leathers, metal hardware, two adjustable straps for cross-body and over the shoulder wear, and multiple pockets for organization.

Cut n' Paste

"From the back of the closet to the top of the shelf; CnP bags are aged to recreate the natural look, feel, character and comfort of a second generation product.Our aging process creates intentional variations in color and surface texture that renders each piece uniquely one of a kind."

Hailing from Los Angeles, California, Cut N' Paste offers vintage inspired pieces, soft pebbled leathers, and numerous pockets and zippers to help get you organized!

My Top Picks (modeled by our lovely Jen)

I like this black hobo because of it's size! Big enough to hold all of your necessities and more, this bag has bohemian flair and chic detailing.

Oooh...what's not to love about FRINGE? From it's cool grey color to it's choice of straps (one is a short chain linked strap and the other a long leather strap for cross-body wear), this bag is the epitome of hippie-chic cool.

So, if you find yourself needing something soft and durable to lug around, come over to Sole Food and try on one of our beautifully crafted bags.

Happy Halloween!

We love this time of the year. The leaves are golden, the air is crisp, and the pumpkin pies are delicious! Here’s a quick update on what we’ve been doing this October.

Trick or Treat!

Every year at Sole Food, our team participates in the annual Trick or Treating festivities. We get to see the cutest (and scariest) costumes out there: from storybook princesses to chilling goblins. To prove that we’re in the Halloween spirit, our store always participates in dressing up, this year we’re pieces from the game “Clue.” Our sister store, Kid's Club, dressed up as characters from Toy Story!

Spina Bifida

Sole Food and Kids Club has teamed up with the Spina Bifida Association to help raise money for those affected with this birth defect. October is National Spina Bifida Awareness Month. Spina Bifida occurs when the spinal cord doesn’t grow the way it should and thus protrudes outside the body, leading to complications such as paralysis, learning problems, and problems with bladder and bowel control. An estimate of 166,000 people in the United States lives with Spina Bifida. To do our part, Sole Food and Kids Club has sold “Ghosts” for a dollar each. 100% of the donation goes to the Spina Bifida Association, and as of right now our combined pull from both of our stores has raked in over $1500 dollars! Thank you so much for your donations and your support.

Come visit us from 4-6pm today to get your Trick or Treat on! Get some candy, share some laughs, and if you have some extra cash, donate a dollar to those in need. Happy Halloween Sole Foodies, see you soon!

Hunter Boots are here!

Welcome to Fall, Seattle. The rain, the wind, the cold...it's back. Whether you love the darker days or not, make sure you're prepared for whatever the weather will throw at you...and you know it could be anything! Hunter boots and accessories are back, with a much bigger selection that ever before!

The Lowdown
Hunter Boot Ltd. have been the preferred welly boot of Scotland and Europe since its inception in 1856. After a huge production boom that supplied boots for soldiers in WWI and WWII, Hunter became the official boot supplier for the Royal Households and earned a Royal Warrant from the Duke of Edinburgh in 1977. Today, Hunter is huge in popularity with people who wear it for function, fashion and much more. The 21st century has inspired Hunter to design boots of all styles to suit a global following. Hunter is here to stay.

We have Hunter boots for everyone. For men, the coolest boot this season is the Bormio Lace Boot. The lace-up system is great for getting the perfect fit as well as the look of a shoe. The black boot is contrasted with a great dark blue-green toe and outsole.

The Tall Original Boot, the classic Hunter welly, is back for women. Pick and choose from a plethora of colors. Sole Food has four colors in the Tall Original and five colors in the Tall Glossy Original (seen above).

New to Sole Food, the Hunter Kids First rain boots are too cute to handle. Available for those small feet, these boots fit better than any other rain boot out there. These are available in four colors: yellow, navy, green and fuchsia! For the older kiddies, the Hunter Original for kids is also available.

We also have a bunch of Hunter accessories in stock. Fleece welly liners go great with the Tall Originals and are available in many colors. We have these for women and kids. Keep your feet nice and warm this winter! Also available are care products for your Hunter boots. There you have it! Come in soon and get ready for the La Niña season...

Miz Mooz!

Lindsay here, and I just wanted to tell everyone a little bit about one of my favorite lines at Sole Food, Miz Mooz! Miz Mooz is fairly new to the shoe world, and started with humble beginnings in 2001 in an office basement. Although they’ve grown and expanded a bit since then, the team behind Miz Mooz remains “committed to the principle that fashion and comfort can happily coexist.” These are fun shoes that will make you stand out from the crowd, but your feet will still be happy!

Miz Mooz shoes are designed by a small team in New York. Their concept is sent to Italy, where a last (kind of like the skeleton for the shoe) is designed. Then, the shoes are handcrafted with the highest quality leathers and materials. Finally, the finished product ends up in our store, and hopefully your closet!

Here’s a few of my favorite styles that are currently at Sole Food!

Bonnie boot in green and black

This is the perfect boot for everyday autumn wear! The low wedge heel provides all day comfort, while the slouch detail provides just the right amount of style. A hidden zipper in the back makes this boot easy to get on and off.

From left to right: Angel Shoe, Simone Pump, and Sloan Strappy Heel

These versatile heels offer everything from casual daily wear to the perfect party shoe. The fun menswear style (and the awesome olive color!) of the Angel will make you the envy of all your friends. The lines of the Simone are incredibly flattering on the foot, and the grey color is hot for fall! Finally, the Sloan is my personal favorite for being the best night out shoe I have ever seen. It combines the caged shoe trend with a super comfortable heel so that you can dance all night!

http://www.miz-mooz.com/

Come check out these styles (and many more!) at Sole Food!

Soles4Souls: Changing the World One Pair at a Time

Hey Sole Foodies,

Have you heard of Soles4Souls? It’s a great charity that collects new and gently worn shoes and distributes them to people in need across the world. They’ve been doing this since 2005, and have given away more than 11 million pairs of shoes to people in over 125 countries! They’ve helped people affected by the tsunami in Southeast Asia, as well as Hurricanes Katrina and Rita.

Sole Food is proud to partner with this amazing organization so that you can donate shoes! If you have a pair of new or gently worn shoes that you just don’t ever wear, bring them to us! Sole Food is a designated donation site, so we are always happy to take your shoes and get them to Soles4Souls so they can be distributed around the world.

If you want to help people who need shoes and save on a brand new pair for yourself, you’re in luck! October 14^th-19^th we are doing a special promotion with Soles4Souls. If you bring in a pair to donate, you can take 20% off any one pair here! Come in this week and get a great deal while helping out those need.

http://www.soles4souls.org/

-Lindsay

Get smart with SMARTwool!

[For women, limited edition styles from the smARTwool gallery series, featuring artist Gina Triplett]

Sole Food is proud to have a huge collection of Smartwool socks for your choosing. We stand by these amazing socks for many reasons. Sometimes we will have a customer come into our store asking about Smartwool and what makes them so great. Below is a little FAQ about Smartwool's products...

Why is wool better than cotton or synthetic?

• Wool is anti-microbial, wicks away and evaporates moisture better than any other material. That means no odor- causing bacteria!
• Wool is a renewable resource; harvesting wool is much more energy efficient than making synthetic materials with fossil fuels.
• Wool is recyclable and biodegradable.
• Wool regulates temperature better than cotton. Your feet stay cool in the summer and warm in the winter.
• Fibers have tiny air pockets that “provide a buffering layer of natural climate control”.
• Wool is more breathable; sweat is wicked away from the skin in its immediate vapor state whereas synthetics don’t wick sweat away until it turns into a liquid. Your feet stay drier, longer in Smartwool!

[Men's Smartwool: "Double Insignia", "Herringbow Row" & "Diamond Jim"]

"But wool socks are itchy and shrink!"

• For a long time, that was the case. However, Smartwool pioneered a thinner, longer merino wool fiber that is incredibly comfortable without any itchiness.
• Wool is actually hypoallergenic, “allergies” are usually caused by lower quality wool that have lanolin, a coating applied to wool fiber.

Why does Smartwool cost more than other socks?

• Wool is a finite resource; sheep can only get a haircut once a year!
• Rather than shop around for the cheapest wool, Smartwool has made long term partnerships with merino growers in New Zealand who have the best animal welfare practices. When you buy Smartwool, you know that the sheep your socks came from are well treated.
• 

[There are lots of cute Smartwool for the kids! The "Bubble Stripe" sock is from Smartwool's "Kids4Kids" line, which features designs drawn by kids!]

So there you have it! To sum it up, Smartwool socks are good for your feet. At Sole Food, there is a wide selection of Smartwool for everyone. From casual wear, to more business, to athletic socks and to fun socks for kids, there is a lot to choose from. And now that fall is here and the weather is getting colder, it's a perfect time to stock up your collection.

Thanks to www.smartwool.com/woolology for the neat info!

ch-ch-ch-changes!

[The kids wall is packed with new stuff!]

Hey Sole Food lovers,

Linda here and I have just returned from a month long trip away. It feels good to be back in Seattle and at Sole Food again! What a huge difference four weeks makes in a small boutique like Sole Food. I did not recognize the store! It was quite overwhelming to see so many new shoes and a bunch of new accessories for fall. I am very excited to add new findings to my fall collection. After all, Autumn is my favorite season of all time. It is a perfect time to play with your wardrobe, especially with the dynamic changes in the weather that Seattle sees during this time.

I wanted to share just a smidgen of what's new in the store, especially those that first caught my

eye when I first got back.

[Mens Styles]

We've got some great styles in for the guys, including some new ones from Vans and J Shoes. The classic sneaker is always a favorite of mine and can be a bold detail in your outfit. It can compliment a fall wardrobe very nicely. As for other shoes in the store, the lace-up leather boot is another favorite, like J Shoes' Glen Boot.

Vans - 106 Vulcanized Shoe

J Shoes - Glen Boot

[Womens Styles]

I cannot even begin to describe my love for the fall lines we have. We have so much to ogle at, and a lot that you need to have in your wardrobe. The must-have shoes this season hail from Europe...Chie Mihara & Coclico from Spain, and Gidigio from Italy. Beautifully crafted, these shoes are pure eye candy, and feel great on your feet.

Chie Mihara - Jupi Oxford

Coclico - Oren Pump

Gidigio - Cresp Fume Flat

[Accessories]

So many pretty things! We have lots of new handbags and also welcome a new line of purses from Pallie! There are also lots of new wallets to choose from. For men, we have a special collection of shirts from 191 Unlimited. These Western-inspired button-ups are great. Also in the store we have lots of new knit hats from Pistil!

[191 Accessories - Western shirts for men!]

[Vin Baker Fall Purses]

There's too much to show here...you'll have to come in! See you!

- Linda