Autumn 2011
club On trend comfort - it has to be Hotter! o our Welcome t
excmflourtsCivlueb Co
member magazine
What’s your winter warmer?
Meet our Personal Shoppers
PETS... TO FALL IN LOVE WITH
HAT’S Welcome OFF FOR HOTTER
When I saw the photograph of our model Vikki kicking up the leaves in her Jade boots I thought it would be the perfect cover for the Autumn edition of Comfort Club.
With the style stakes high and comfortable shoes thin on the ground, there was no better place to shout about the stylish comfort of Hotter than at Royal Ascot’s Ladies Day.
What better way to shout about our British heritage – after all we’re forecast to make 1.6 m pairs of shoes in our factory this year - that’s one in every three pairs of shoes made in the UK. Amazing!
But how to get shoes on the lips of those suited, booted and hatted race goers? We turned to milliner to the stars Hayley Marsden to give us a head start. She created a hat covered in all things Hotter, and we know it created a stir because you called and wrote to tell us you’d seen it everywhere from Hello and Marie Claire to the BBC!
With lovely shoes, cosy boots and snug slippers, I honestly think that this is one of the most exciting Autumn ranges we’ve seen in some time – we really are spoilt for choice! Our design team have worked hard to bring in smart new designs, lots of colour and they’ve also kept us right up to date with on trend styling – find out more in our centre pages.
Modelled by our Online Marketing Manager, Sophie Gane.
For those of you who enjoy travel and flowers why not have a look at the exclusive offer especially for our
Comfort Club members from Page and Moy on Page 4 – I understand that the Floriade exhibition is a truly wonderful experience. As usual I’d encourage you to find us on Facebook where we keep you up to date with all the latest news – but I also enjoy receiving your letters and photos by post too, keep them coming and enjoy whatever you do this Autumn in style and comfort! All the best,
Melanie
Melanie KIllilea, Editor, Comfort Club Magazine
Find us on facebook
Love to shop with hotter.com We guarantee comfort and peace of mind when you shop with Hotter shoes, and we’re not just talking about our amazing products. Shopping online has never been easier – or more secure – at www.hotter.com, where you can browse through our complete collection. Go online if you want to zoom in close to the detail,read customer reviews, try a different shade or find your shoes by colour, size or even fitting. While Zoom to see products you’re there, remember to sign up to our Read reviews newsletter and we’ll keep you up to date Select by size or fit with all the latest news and offers.
COMPETITION One lucky person will win a pair of shoes by answering this simple question. How many hearts can you find on the Happy Guarantee page of our website (Entry details on back page).
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All shoes featured are available at www.hotter.com
Classic or Contemporary What’s your style? Comfort comes as standard in every pair of Hotter shoes, boots and slippers – but when it comes to style, that’s a personal choice. So are you a classic Hotter fan or do you like to indulge your contemporary side? Maybe you like to mix and match – is it all about the colour, the detail or the amount of space left in your wardrobe?! If you were pushed to decide, just three styles could take you through the season in comfort and style – a pair of casual shoes, some smart heels and cosy warm boots (although obviously we’d be more than happy if you decide on a few more!) Here’s our top tips for some new favourites in each collection – so what will you be...
Classic
Contemporary
Maya
Tapestry
Velvet
Valetta
Indulge
COMPETITION
Isla
Send in a photo of yourself at your classic or contemporary best – wearing Hotter shoes of course! We’ll select a favourite to win some comfy shoes.
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applicable and you will be informed of these at the time of booking.
Advertisement feature
Exclusive Comfort Club offer
SAVE £50 7 night river cruise with full-day at the
Floriade
2012 exhibition Departs 19th May, 13th Sept 2012, Tour ref: AS1R
Offer price starts from just £849 including your discount
Don’t miss the most
spectacular l
flowers
in the world
F
loriade 2012 is a fabulous showcase of nature’s wonders. For the first time in a decade this marvellous horticultural exhibition visits the Netherlands, it won’t be back for another 10 years so now is the time to experience this magnificent theatre of nature. The show features dazzling floral displays and a comprehensive showcase of nature’s wonders from plants and trees to vegetables and fruits. There is a varied cultural programme of music, dance, theatre, literature and visual art from all over the globe making this a delightful experience for all. The event is organised into five zones including the Relax and Heal zone following the theme of ‘organic shapes’ - fluid paths and grassy hillocks help to create a harmonious
landscape where you will feel tranquil and serene. Other zones include the Green Engine zone with industrial designs, machines and motors demonstrating the enormous resilience of nature. The Education and Innovation zone is designed to constantly present a different perspective, while greenery in cities and the creatures it attracts are highlighted in the Environment zone. In the World Show Stage zone, water the shared source of all life on earth plays a vital role. Join Page & Moy and travel to Venlo for the Floriade 2012 exhibition. Comfort Club readers will get £50 off the brochure price of our 7-night cruising holiday taking in Floriade and the Netherlands. Simply call us to book and quote reference FLORIADE 50 to claim your discount. MV Serenade I
Your holiday includes: O Embark MV Serenade I on the Rhine near to Dusseldorf. Ports of call include Arnhem, Roermond, Maastricht, Venlo (for Floriade 2012 exhibition), Nijmegen and Cologne O Experience Floriade 2012 with your full-day excursion which includes entrance to the event O A full-board 7 night cruise which includes breakfast, lunch and dinner, morning coffee and afternoon tea on each full-day O Plenty of free time to explore at your own pace and make your own discoveries along the way O Join the Captain’s Gala Dinner O Enjoy evenings in the panoramic lounge bar with entertainment on occasional evenings O Choose from a selection of comfortable cabins O Travel on the Eurostar to Brussels or fly to your destination from either Heathrow, Birmingham or Manchester (a supplement applies) O All transfers from the airport or train station to the ship are included O You will benefit from the services of two Page & Moy Cruise Representatives and the on-board cruise staff O Optional excursions: Battlefields of Arnhem, Maastricht city tour, Nijmegan city tour, Cologne city highlights walking tour
Call now to make your booking or for more information
0800 987 5085 quoting: FLORIADE 50
Lines are open Monday to Friday 9am – 8pm, Saturday 9am – 4pm, Sunday 10am – 3pm. Calls from mobiles may be charged. BOOK WITH CONFIDENCE
Page & Moy is part of the
Please note – additional fuel and flight supplements may be applicable and you will be informed of these at the time of booking. Prices are correct at time of print. Please refer to our Europe & Worldwide 2011/12 brochure for full terms and conditions.
A CAT-alogue of DOG-gone comfort! Tucker the three-month-old husky stole the scene at our recent Autumn photoshoot in Ireland. After talent spotting the tail wagger, the team asked his owners if he could join model Vikki on the beach for a close-up or two. When we saw how cute and adorable Tucker looked, it made us think that there must hundreds of prize pooches and marvellous moggies out there who would love to star in our Comfort Club magazine.
My owner Debbi e, who works in the call centre always knows where to fin d me, I’m usually snuggled up in her favourite Hotter shoes.
We looked close to home for some inspiration for you, here’s a selection of pets owned, and loved, by Hotter staff.
Jess, who works in our returns team, rescued me from the RSPCA and she thinks I’m the most loveable pet, I’ve got a cute name too, Bugsy!
My name’s Dopey and I love being cuddled - here I am with my owner s Danielle who work e. us in our wareho
uck lene and Ch Hi, we’re Jo t gh u ten ca and we’re of x otter shoebo H a in g hidin o h Kathryn w – sent in by r call centre. ou works in
My name’s Phoebe and I’m a goldendoodle. My owner, Nick caught me wearing my favourite pair of slippers, I love the cosy sheepskin lining of Shetland, they keep my paws very warm!
COMPETITION Leanne
So here’s a challenge for you, send in photos of your pet with something Hotter – it could be a catalogue, shoebox or even a pair of shoes! Our favourite will win a prize for your pet and one for you too. Entry details on back page.
All shoes featured are available at www.hotter.com
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Looking good, feeling f A few key seasonal pieces in your wardrobe is all you need to give you the confidence to know you look good and you’re on trend – make sure they’re Hotter and you’ll feel fabulous too. Each season our designers work hard to forecast high street trends so that you can mix and match your look. Everything from colours and textures, to material and shapes are taken into account - after all there’s no point buying teal coloured boots if every coat in the shop is bright red! To give you a head start in the fashion stakes we’ve quizzed our designers to get their views on what’s hot this Autumn. So whether your style is 40s vintage glamour, if you’re more everyday boho chic or if you simply love bright jewelled shades, there’s a hot new style and colour for you to try. Broa dway
MORE SHEEN THAN SHINE
Kim, Karen and Carolyn
Designer style
“Metallics are big story again this season – only they’ve moved on and they are much more muted,” said Carolyn. Valetta “Subtle sheens and soft satins are key: have a look at the trim on new Valetta or for a full on effect try heeled Broadway.“ Broadway
SO WHAT WILL OUR DESIGNERS BE WEARING THIS SEASON:
BUCKLE-UP!
Carolyn – I’ll be teaming the new Charisma boots and Cairo handbag with skinny jeans, jumper and warm sheepskin gilet – looking forward to Autumn walks!
“Trims and details are important to add interest – buckles are going to be big, literally!” added Kim. Is la “Try ankle boot Isla to get this key look or if you’re looking for casual smart, cute pump Darcey and knee length boot Autumn will be your best buys.”
Kim – Isla in Mushroom with a Munich bag will be perfect for casual comfort – and this great colour gives amazing versatility. Karen – the fringing on Faith with our Alaska bag are adorable, they’ll be taking me everywhere from trips with friends to an autumn staycation with my lovable dog Alfie.
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Darcey
fabulous all season long Get the look Each season we put together a ‘look book’ of our key shoes to tempt the fashionistas of the media to use our products in their magazines. This season our themes include bright and bold Berry Tones, the rich warmth of Spiced Earth and the moody hues of Stormy Skies. But what do those journalists really think about our selection?
Al aska
A utu mn
Alaska
Darcey
FRINGING AND FUR Handbag expert Karen has fallen in love with the fringing and fur that she said will be added to everything from bags to boots and shoes. “This lovely fringing detail adds movement when you walk, a real swoosh and a swing with every step,” she said. “You’ll find Hotter’s take on this high street trend in our Faith new sheepskin boot Charisma which is sooo cosy, in ankle boot Faith, pump Allegra and my personal favourite, our funky bag Alaska.”
JEWEL UP THE COLOUR OR MAKE ROOM FOR MUSHROOM!
Isla
Charisma
“Of course colour is always key to the Hotter collection,” added Carolyn, “and with this season’s focus on jewelled tones you’ll find shades such as Deep Teal and Loganberry across the high street and throughout our new collection. Summer’s trend of nude shades has moved on to become mushroom I forecast this will be big.”
Klosters
Julie Player of Take a Break said: “Hotter are once again bang on trend with their latest offering. I especially love the Mushroom tassled Alaska bag, perfect for the Autumn and a great colour which will look good with jeans and a Navajo style wrap”. Sally-Ann Carroll of Prima Baby added: “Every season Hotter goes from strength to strength! Comfort is very much key but the styling now appeals to all ages. Take, for example, the Isla boot – a fashion forward style that has the added benefits of the super-comfy Hotter sole and a width-adjusting ankle buckle. Style and comfort in one!”
All shoes featured are available at www.hotter.com
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It’s a bake off! If you love to bake and you’re looking for inspiration, don’t look any further! In the last edition we introduced you to Anne Garlick, from our quality team. Anne loves to bake and showed us some of the fantastic cakes she’s made. We challenged you to show us your baking talents and were amazed! We quizzed some of the entrants, including winner Eileen Jeffers, to find out more.
Winner! Eileen Jeffers, a member of the British Sugarcraft Guild, made this winning cake for a friend’s birthday. The bags, shoes, pearls, belt and beret, were all made from sugarpaste. We loved the detail on the shoes and handbags they look too good to eat.
This cake, made in just one day by Mrs Thompson from Leicester, who owns over 20 pairs of Hotter shoes, features Beatrix Potter character Mrs Tiggiwinkle made from sugarpaste. When she’s not baking Mrs Thompson enjoys church bell ringing, knitting and attending her local WI meetings.
watering when Our mouths were d this photo on Angela Moore poste Angela has . ge pa ok our Facebo g, making all the always loved bakin ’s birthdays. ily fam cakes for her
When Margaret Worthington, a fan of Hotter shoes for over 10 years, made this cake for a birthday, nobody could believe that it wasn’t a real beef burger. Margaret, who has two sons, has been baking for 57 years.
What’s your recipe for comfort? 8
dshire, has Gillian Field, from Staffor cakes for tion bra cele g kin been ma this one de over thirty years. She ma hday, 5 birt th 0 w’s n-la for her sister-i kept the she ted igh del so s wa o wh . sugar shoes as a memento
COMPETITION
Inspired by the cosy comfort of our lovely Hotter boot range, we would really love to see your favourite winter warming recipes. We’ll feature the best in the winter edition of Comfort Club magazine so make sure your recipe is tried and tested – and all your own. For this competition we’ll need your entries to us by the end of September – and our winner will be able to select a winter warming pair of Hotter boots as their prize.
SpicedEarth When discussing a theme for the Autumn edition of Comfort Club our wine writer Graham Gendall Norton was delighted to hear about the ‘Spiced Earth’ shades we were introducing – warm Sangria, rich Mustard and, of course, Mushroom. Here he explains why…
When wine writers ponder how to describe the ‘notes’ which come to the palate as they taste a wine, we have a whole host of terms to convey what is likely to be encountered - ‘spice’ and ‘earthy’ are used frequently, particularly for reds. ‘Earthy’ at first might seem to suggest the wine is unattractive. Far from it, what this word conveys is that the wine has echoes of the fresh smell that we sometimes encounter in the garden after a shower of rain. The sun comes out and up from the clean earth comes an attractive aroma. In wine this is often combined with a range of spicy hints, so Hotter is right to put those two together in its ‘Spiced Earth’ selection. Which grapes produce wines which sometimes delightfully enrich the pleasures on the palate with these tastes? France provides the best examples and, helpfully, they often pair very well with food.
Fa it h boots w ith
A la sk a bag
In this edition I sampled the Gamay grape, trying a Beaujolais Villages 2009 Château de laTerrière from the Rhône with a lady friend. I’d not clued her in about what to expect, but without prompting she said: “Not a lot on the nose, but there’s a faint earthy sort of smell.” Bingo! She went on to say that it came out again attractively on the first sip, followed by fruits, blackberries and blackcurrants. I could only agree, all in a light to medium and very refreshing body. I then looked for a grape likely to combine earth with spice. I came up trumps with a Syrah (Shiraz is the usual name for this grape outside France) from Languedoc, a Château La Dournie 2008 St. Chinian. Here, the spice soon made itself known to the palate. Light hints of nutmeg, black pepper and coffee beans, with the wet earth joining in at the finish. Finally, a Côtes du Rhône, the grapes Syrah and Grenache. I felt sure I’d be, er, on safe ground, as it is called ‘Les Galets’ which means ‘pebbles’ fresh rain on them and garden earth smells much the same! Sure enough, there they were, following the first sip soft spice, hand in hand in a splendidly smooth-bodied wine.
Darcey shoes wit h Munich bag
COMPETITION You could win two bottles of each of the wines featured if yours is the first correct answer selected from our postbag – see back page for details. Q: Would you be more likely to find Spiced Earth notes in a white wine or red wine?
All shoes featured are available at www.hotter.com
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L L A A BOUT S ’ T I T ot a team know we’ve g Did you
of experts here at
Hotter HQ re ady to We’d like to introduce you to four of the team, help find the perfect 34
Mark, Sue, Denise and Emma, who have years of experience at Hotter between them. Whether you need advice about fittings, looking after your shoes or are new to Hotter and want to ask us why our shoes really are oh so comfy, they’re here to help.
Firstly, let’s introduce Mark an avid Hotter wearer whose favourite style is lightweight Viking, which he finds comfortable even on rocky paths. Viki ng
Next up, it’s Sue who has worked at Hotter for 10 years and loves working with her friends every day. Her favourite style is Shake as they have plenty of wiggle room for toes. Then we have Denise, her favourite thing about working at Hotter is speaking to our customers and offering the help and advice they need. Denise’s favourite style is Mambo, because it’s “comfortable and fashionable.”
Shake
Ma mbo
Last, but not least there’s Emma, she loves shoes and handbags – so for her Hotter is like paradise! Active Emma walks two miles to work every day so loves her favourite style Sugar. Sug ar
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All shoes featured are available at www.hotter.com
We’re happy to help Our personal shoppers are here to help every day – and better than that you can call them for free on 0800 083 3083 and arrange a convenient time for them to call you back. Over the years they’ve probably answered every question you could imagine about Hotter Shoes from “how much does a shoe weigh” to “ my puppy chewed my slippers can you get me a new set of insoles?” Here’s the top six questions they are asked and, of course, their answers. Don’t forget you’ll find a comprehensive list of frequently asked questions at www.hotter.com
Q. Can you explain your EEE fit? Sue says: Hotter's EEE Fit allows up to an additional 6mm of space around the widest part of the foot compared with our EXTRA FIT. EEE Fit is now available in a selection of most popular styles. Q. What style would you recommend for a high instep? Denise says: It’s best to choose a style which is a lace up or has touch fastening straps as these styles will offer the best adjustability.
I
Shoes,
and I also love...
Q. What is the standard width fitting of Hotter footwear? Denise says: Our women's standard width fitting is D/E, women's EXTRA FIT is EE and we also offer a EEE fitting. Our men's generous fitting is F/G.
T I F HE
rs. oppe h S l a on ur Pers o – u o y r shoe fo Q. What is GORE-TEX® Technology? Mark says: The GORE-TEX® Footwear System allows us to manufacture guaranteed waterproof footwear. The technology includes breathability and climate control, so that moisture build up within the footwear can evaporate and feet are kept at a comfortable temperature, whatever the weather. Q. How do I clean marks off my new shoes? Emma says: The most important thing is to protect your shoes before you start wearing them. If you use the correct product and maintain the care of your shoes, they are less likely to mark or stain. Q. I’ve never bought shoes from www.hotter.com before, is it safe to use my credit card online? Mark says: We provide a safe and secure environment to protect your security and confidentiality online, including accreditation by ISIS ( Internet Shopping is Safe ) - you’ll find their logo at the bottom of every page on our website. Two thirds of online retailers are ISIS accredited, which means we trade in a manner that is ‘legal, decent, honest, truthful and fair’.
A chance meeting with an Olympic gold medal bobsledder lead to exciting opportunities for a Hotter customer. Lisa Monarski, of Delaware, USA, met Steve Mesler last Autumn and they began chatting about a foundation he was setting up to bring Olympians and Paralympians into highneed classrooms to serve as role models. Keen to use her skills for such a good cause, Lisa has been working with “Classroom Champions” ever since. “The program uses blogging, live video chats and other technology to increase students’ digital literacy,” explained Lisa. “They find out first hand from athletes the dedication, time and effort that is needed to train for events and how they keep themselves motivated.” Athletes come from a number of disciplines and
Steve Mesl er many have already competed in previous Olympic games and are looking ahead to London 2012. Lisa is a recent Hotter convert following another chance encounter; only this time it was the mailman delivering her neighbour’s Hotter catalogue to Lisa by mistake. Before passing it on, Lisa spied some shoes she thought would keep her comfy. In fact, have a look at our Facebook page and you’ll see Lisa has posted several photos of her Nirvana shoes on her travels!
If fit is the question …. we’ve got the answer! Find all the information you need to find your perfect Hotter fit by downloading our fitting guide at www.hotter.com. Our Personal Shoppers are not able to answer medical questions about your feet – for any foot health questions consult a podiatrist, you can find your nearest via www.feetforlife.org
Find out more at www.classroomchampions.org
Do you have a passion you’d like to share? Tell us more and we’ll spread the word! 11
Readers’ letters Permanently customised We think our shoe designers have got some competition! Shirley Bork from Yorkshire, sent us this photo of her revamped Sunrise, she couldn’t find anything in her wardrobe to match the colour she wanted so she customised her shoes with her very own design in permanent marker.
is way Walkeksth o ag I bought a pair of A few we g for a 10 Leanne as I was trainin Derian mile midnight walk for ice in sp Ho ’s House Children tell you uld wo I ht ug tho I Chorley. to. up what they can stand
with rain all On the walk it poured rs were ine tra the way and the er they had aft t bu gh ou thr soaked good as as dried out they were r. eve as fy com new and as e. Mrs Parr, Lancashir
In the pInk!
She’s a winner
Val Hardy, from Hull, was so excited when she won a Lyon handbag in a recent Hotter competition, she just had to send us a photo!
new stores for new shoes We’ve already had a Facebook fan suggest we are trying to conquer the world with our high street openings – of course that’s not the case, but we have opened a few more this summer. Peterborough, Stratford-upon-Avon and Glasgow now have Hotter stores, and by the end of
Customer Service: 0800 525 893 Personal Shoppers: 0800 083 3083
E: weloveshoes@hotter.com W: www.hotter.com Hotter Comfort Concept Shoes @hottershoes
The ladies of our Chichester store were in the pink in the Race For Life this summer. Sheila Newell, Ceri Ansen, Kelsey Deans and Charlotte Barnes raised £600 in the 5k race. Well done ladies!
September you’ll be able to buy Hotter shoes in Newcastle, Carlisle and Exeter. Happy Hotter shopping everyone - we’re aiming to have 26 stores opened nationwide by the end of 2011. Watch this space or keep up to date on our Facebook page and don’t forget to tell us what you think when you’ve visited.
Send in your stories, photos and competition entries to Melanie Killilea, Editor, Comfort Club, Hotter Shoes, 2 Peel Road, Skelmersdale, WN8 9PT or email weloveshoes@hotter.com. Any stories or photos sent to us may be used in future editions of Comfort Club or on our Facebook page. Unless otherwise stated, competitions in this edition will close on Monday 31st October – winners’ details will be printed in our online Comfort Club at www.hotter.com or contact the Editor for a full list.