Fresh Feet

After this past long weekend of beautiful warm and sunny weather, it's 100% officially barefoot season in Saint John! Yahoo! Time to forget about your sock drawer for the summer and tell your tights, you'll see them in the Fall!


Our favourite type of footwear for Spring are ballet flats - they look light and seasonal but, keep your toes covered for those cool nights when the temperature still drops quite significantly once the sun goes down. There's something so cute, feminine and stylish about ballet flats paired with a sundress or capris. We love them!


Let's be honest though.....ballets flats with bare feet on a warm day can make for a damp situation inside your shoes. And, perspiring feet in an enclosed shoe can start to be unfresh pretty quickly. If you've ever hunted for a solution to keep your feet dry and fresh while going barefoot in your favourite Spring flats, look no further than these 2 products by Tana. We highly recommend both!


Tana "Barefoot Insoles"
A unique terry cloth top layer helps keep your feet dry, while antibacterial agents and tiny perforations for breathability keep your feet fresh. This insole is padded and has impact absorbing latex foam cushioning for extra comfort in your ballet flats, deck shoes and Spring walking shoes. 1 pair per pack - can be machine washed on a gentle cycle and air dried. $9.95

Tana Barefoot Insoles

Tana "Fresh-Ins"
Ultra thin insoles that you can barely feel inside your shoes. These insoles have a very light, fresh fragrance (they smell similar to a laundry static sheet - like fresh clothing from a dryer!). These insoles will wick away light moisture and ensure your feet smell fresh after your shoes are taken off - like deodorant for your feet! You'll receive 6 pairs in one pack, as they're meant to be disposable after a few weeks depending on how frequently you wear them. $10.50

Tana Fresh'Ins Insoles

Shoe of the Week - Dansko "Thea"

A new arrival from Dansko landed last week at the store....and we're in love! Meet "Thea"!

Dansko Thea in Green, Brown & Black

With a chunky rounded toe, studded detail along the sole and hollowed heel - this shoe is so funky! In case you haven't ever tried on a pair of Dansko's, they're remarkably comfortable and supportive! Thea is available in a beautiful grass green and bold red leather (although, the red in person looks more like coral or a burnt orange shade - either way, it's stunning!).

We think Thea would look amazing with a pair of wide-leg denim pants or a bohemian inspired, casual flowing skirt. Or, styled as shown above with a cute pair of skinny crop pants!

Treat your feet to an indulgent level of comfort and style - $175.

Dansko Thea in Green - Saint John

Dansko Thea in Red - Saint John

Shoe of the Week - Anne Klein "Orria" Lace Up Wedge

We love Anne Klein's shoe collections for so many reasons! The AK collection is always fashion forward and on-trend but, designed in a way that is accessible for the everyday woman, both by design and price. Anne Klein shoes range from sophisticated to casual but always come with a level of comfort that our customers can count on. Every season.

We've selected a cute and summer inspired lace up wedge as this week's Shoe of the Week. This Anne Klein style is called Orria and features a 3" wedge heel. The jute rope wrapped heel makes this sandal casual and light looking for the summer months ahead. This sandal is available in tan only, as shown. Because this sandal has a lace up feature, it is a great fit for a narrow or wide foot.

Stop by and take a peak at Anne Klein's Orria wedge sandal!    $140

Anne Klein Orria Sandal in Tan

Mother's Day Handbag Sale

Checked your calendar lately? Mother's Day is in 2 weeks! Wowzer, time to start thinking about a gift to say "thanks for all you do, Mom"!

We think it's perfect timing to put our handbags on sale! Enjoy tax-free shopping on ALL purses in the store! This includes cute clutches to large totes - we're sure you can find the perfect gift (or hey, let's be honest, even a special little Spring treat for yourself!)

Shop early for best selection....with handbags, we often only buy 1 or 2 of each style to ensure your handbag is unique and not like everyone else's purse when out and about in Uptown Saint John!

Happy Shopping and Happy Mother's Day!

Here's just a very small sample of some of the bright and colourful handbags we currently have at the store!

Nine West

Fossil

Anne Klein

Fossil

Joanel

Fossil

Marc Fisher

Fossil

Nine West

Shoe Of The Week - Franco Sarto "Vaya" Peep Toe Wedge

A feminine and perfect Spring choice for this week's shoe of the week! We've picked "Vaya" by Franco Sarto!

Available in nude patent and black patent, this peep toe wedge is ultra sophisticated and simple looking. Pair this wedge with a pair of crop pants or dress it up with cute dress or skirt. We think Vaya is a great choice for those gals who want a comfortable work shoe that easily transitions to evening for a night on the town!

One feature we love is the peep toe which allows you to show off your summer pedicure and look feminine, while still getting the support and comfort of a full shoe.

Stop by and see Franco Sarto's Vaya, you'll love this wedge! $125

Franco Sarto Vaya in Black Patent - Saint John

Franco Sarto Vaya in Nude Patent - Saint John

Meet Our New Neighbour - Made You Blush Beauty Boutique!

If you haven't already heard "the big news", we are SO thrilled to have recently welcomed our new next door neighbour in Market Square.....Made You Blush Beauty Boutique!

Made You Blush opened their doors last week, on Tuesday April 10th! It's been so exciting to see our customers and the gals of Saint John go gaga over their beautiful pink and girly shop!

Made You Blush Saint John - Pink Everywhere!

We wanted to take the time to properly introduce our new neighbour to you, and what better way to do so than to have a chat with the owner of Made You Blush, Suzanne DeLong. We asked Suzanne to answer some questions about her business and new store....enjoy!


1. For anyone who hasn't heard of Made You Blush, how do you describe what your boutique is all about?

Made You Blush is all about feeling confident. If you look good, you feel good. We offer makeup applications and makeup lessons. Sit down mini tutorials for whatever product you were searching for that day. We offer over 40 different beauty lines and most are exclusive to Made You Blush (aka MYB). We carry the best in skin care, body care and cosmetics! We all have extensive knowledge about our products so we are able to recommend the right product for you!

2. What made you want to open up your own business?

 I wanted to open my own business ever since I was little. I just had the drive to do it. I love a challenge and we both know that owning your own business is challenging :)

3. Why Saint John for your 3rd Made You Blush location? (Suzanne already has a boutique in her hometown of Woodstock and a store in downtown Fredericton!)

 I LOVE SAINT JOHN! The people are wonderful! It was a breeze opening my 3rd location here! Everyone was so helpful!

4. What are your personal favourite 3 products that Made You Blush sells?

My fav 3 products are Bumble and Bumble Surf Spray, LaLicious Body Scrubs and Face Atelier Foundation.

5. Do your personal favourite products differ from your customers? If so, what are some other popular favourites that Made You Blush sells?

Everyone has their favourite product from MYB. I'm glad it's all different because people will recommend products that you maybe haven't even tried yet. So it keeps people coming back. The most popular product in MYB history would be the LaLicious Body Scrubs. Hands down the best scrub you'll ever put on your body!

6. Does Made You Blush offer makeup classes or lessons?

Yes we do....we offer makeup applications and makeup lessons. Our lessons are very one-on-one and catered to the client.....so every lesson is different.


7. Are you having a Grand Opening party? If so, what are the details?

Made You Blush SJ is planning on having a grand opening the end of May. We are planning a huge celebration so make sure you are there! Stay tuned for details!

8. What's something that makes Made You Blush unique that people may not know about?

In addition to our 3 retail locations, we also have an online store which we ship all over Canada and the US. www.madeyoublush.com

9. With your new Saint John store now open, who are the fresh faces we can expect to see at your boutique?

Jessica, Morgan, Chelsea, Rachel and I!

10. Lastly, being in the shoe business, we can't help but ask....does Made You Blush have any products that cater specifically to showing your feet some loving?

Yes! Farmhouse Fresh Honey Heel Glaze, Cake Triplemint Foot Creme and Principessa Foot Balm. The honey heel glaze is amazing!

Details on Farmhouse Fresh Honey Heel Glaze from their website: A scrumptious bottle of love for heels and toes. This divine honey-based moisture serum seals in moisture and brings rich color back to tired feet. It's been called the Instant Pedicure. Simply brush on and rub into feet for chalkless bliss - no more white ashy look! (We've been told it's fabulous on cracked knuckles too!) This golden jar is a true guilty pleasure from the first moment you let it breathe - fragranced with velvety cinnamon notes, sweet cloves and actual honey. The finest of moisturizing elements have been incorporated from genuine honey, and aloe leaf juice to pineapple and papaya fruit extracts. Honey Heel Glaze is ultra-smooth, non-greasy, and addictive in every way. Includes application brush in a darling carrying box to delight your gift recipients. 96.2% natural and like all FarmHouse Fresh products, Honey Heel Glaze is Paraben & Sulfate free.

Details on Cake Triplemint Foot Creme from their website: A fresh, rich foot creme packed with nourishing butters and oils. Formulated to soothe, cool and nourish rough and tired feet while locking in moisture and instantly gives feet (and legs) a lasting nourished look and feel. Thoroughly massage this superb blend into rough, tired feet and enjoy the ultimate "ahh" moment.

Details on Principessa Pretty Piede Foot Balm from their website: Treat your feet to this delightfully refreshing and nourishing balm that softens like nobody’s business with natural fruit acids, shea butter, vitamin E and many organic indulgent extracts. Works amazing as a hand & body balm too and is scented with belloccia. Pamper your tootsies for results that will leave you feeling like you just had a pedicure at the spa. Use daily for best results and you'll soon be admiring your pretty feet!

Thanks Suzanne for answering our questions! And once again, WELCOME to Uptown Saint John and Market Square! Cheers to your 3rd location!

Find Made You Blush on Facebook - www.facebook.com/MadeYouBlushSJ 

Market Square Shopping Spree!

Whoa, it's back! Market Square's amazing Mother's Day promotion!

Watch for these ballots when making a purchase at Market Square!

Win a $500 shopping spree!

With any purchase at a Market Square shop between now and mid-May, you'll receive a ballot to get your name into the draw! If you're the lucky winner, you'll receive 5 x $100 Gift Certificates to spend at your 5 favourite shops or restaurants in Market Square!

A&W (food court)
Cougar's Lounge
Element5 Spa
Envy Clothing
Grannan's Seafood
Lanie's Place (food court)
Lemongrass Thai Fare / Pepper's Pub
Made You Blush Makeup Boutique
Manchester Shoe Salon
Market News
NB Museum Gift Shop
Saint John Ale House
Samuel & Co Clothing
Stylin Mama Baby & Tot
Tackles Souvenirs
Tim Horton's (food court)
Walsh Luggage
W.H Hayward Gift Shop

Which 5 would you choose? Good luck!

Shoe of the Week - Rockport "Coralee" Lace Up

Rockport has come a long way in recent years. Their cuts, colours, technology and overall style have become much more main stream, fresh and trendy over the past few seasons. Rockport is still the footwear authority for comfort and support but, now with the twist of looking better on your feet than ever before! This makes us very happy!

Our shoe of the week is Rockport's "Coralee" lace up sneaker. Available in grey leather and chocolate leather, this walking shoe features a rubber sole for great traction and stability. Our favourite feature of Coralee is the ultra comfortable footbed with "adiPRENE" technology by Adidas. This means you're getting amazing cushioning and shock absorbency under the ball and heel of your foot - hello happy feet!

Rockport Coralee in Grey Leather

This light sneaker would be great for everyday walking and the perfect addition in your suitcase if you're doing any travelling this Spring. Much more stylish and fun looking than a traditional athletic sneaker.

Stop by Manchester Shoe Salon and give Coralee a try, you'll love how they look and more importantly how they feel - $120.

Rockport Coralee available in Chocolate and Grey (as shown)

Shoe of the Week - Dansko "Sophie" Sandal

We've got a comfy one this week! A darling style from Dansko - meet "Sophie"!

Sophie features a 2" heel and close to a 1" platform. The pillow-like foot bed cradles and supports the foot in all the right places to make this sandal a great option for all day wear. Both straps are fully adjustable for those gals with need to secure this style on a narrow foot, or for those gals who need some extra width on a wider foot.


We love the fun and fresh colours that Sophie is available in this season - ocean blue, key lime green, soft natural and bold black patent! Another great feature we love is the printed sole that looks like wood grain!


Stop by and give Dansko's Sophie sandal a try! We bet your first words after slipping it on will be "Ahhhhh....so comfy".


See you soon - Dansko Sophie $145.

Dansko Sophie Black Patent

Dansko Sophie Ocean Blue

Dansko Sophie Key Lime Green

Dansko Sophie Natural Beige

FCSJ Presents "Fashion On Top" Spring Fashion Show

We love Spring in Uptown Saint John! Here's another exciting fashion event that Manchester Shoe Salon will be a part of next month....we hope to see you!

Tickets on sale now at Manchester Shoe Salon in Market Square and Urban Shoe Myth on King Street! Here's the details! 

Fashion Council Saint John (FCSJ) are very excited to announce their first annual fashion event "Fashion On Top" will be on Wednesday, May 16, 2012 at the ‘Top of the Town’ Howard Johnson Hotel! This fashion show event will feature the Spring Collection of an emerging Saint John fashion designer, Monique Theriault, as well as the Spring Collections of local fashion boutiques.

Participating retailers include:

Je Suis Prest Boutique
Silver Daisy Designs
Rowena's
Belly Beautiful Maternity
Colwell's Ladies
Colwell's Mens
Collectables
The Butterfly Shoppe
Urban Shoe Myth
Manchester Shoe Salon


WHAT: "Fashion On Top" Fashion Show
WHEN: Wednesday, May 16, 2012
WHERE: Top of the Town (Howard Johnson Hotel)
COST: $30, your ticket includes 1 complimentary beverage.
TIME: Doors open at 7pm, fashion show starts at 8pm

*** Limited tickets available! Get yours now at Manchester Shoe Salon or Urban Shoe Myth! ***


What is FCSJ? Fashion Council Saint John (FCSJ) is a not-for-profit association dedicated to growing the local fashion industry of Saint John and surrounding areas by showcasing our design talent, fashion retailers and businesses through various media, fashion events & couture shows.  Fashion Council Saint John aims to be the voice for fashion in our City, while raising awareness of local charities. Fashion Council Saint John is committed to support our fashion industry through strong relationships with our designers and retail businesses and celebrating the strengths of our existing community.

www.facebook.com/FCSJNB
www.twitter.com/FCSJNB

Shoe of the Week - Lindsay Phillips "Gwen" Snap Thong Sandal

You may remember reading our blog post last Spring, when we launched a new brand at Manchester Shoe Salon - a fun, US based brand called Lindsay Phillips (click here to read up). 

Lindsay's shoe and sandal brand has truly exploded in the past year with her unique and extremely popular "snap" innovation.....all of her styles come with a top snap decor that is interchangeable! This Spring, we've expanded our Lindsay Phillips collection to include a ballet flat ("Liz") and a new wedge thong sandal called "Gwen" which is our shoe of the week!


Gwen features an ever-so-slight cork wedge and thong style straps. Available in Nude patent and Black patent for $60. The top snap decoration shown here is the standard snap style that the sandal comes with. You can purchase any additional "snap" set for $15 to completely change the look of your sandals in an instant! We have over 15 snap styles to choose from.

Lindsay Phillips Gwen Sandal in Nude

Lindsay Phillips Gwen Sandal in Black

Spring 2012 Giveaway!

There's something about SPRING that just makes us smile and puts a little extra bounce in our steps. How about you? How about an added reason to smile with the announcement of a fun giveaway to kick off the new fashion season?!


How does a new pair of Steve Madden "Swindlee" sandals sound? (An amazingly cute, nautical inspired style!) And, pair those new sandals with a custom designed, matching necklace from local Saint John artisan, Emma Barlow from "Darling Dilemma"!

Sounds like fun!


Step 1 - Let's meet Emma from Darling Dilemma and the beautiful necklace she has designed for the giveaway!


Born in Ontario, but now living in (and loving!) Saint John, Emma has 2 fine art diplomas and a love for beads, jewelry design, fashion and expressing funky creativity. In getting to know Emma over the past year as a customer at our store, we'd best describe her as a gal who likes to "colour outside the lines"....a confident woman who isn't afraid to be unique with her style!

Emma, the designer behind Darling Dilemma!

Turning a personal hobby of creating unique jewelry pieces for herself, Emma started selling her designs to others when she opened her online shop on Etsy.com in 2010.

What makes Emma's designs so unique and special is that she never makes the same piece of jewelry twice! Her creations are completely one-of-a-kind, made just for you. You can request a special piece based on your favourite colours or, you can shop her one-of-a-kind pre-designed pieces on her Etsy shop. Whichever way you purchase a Darling Dilemma piece, you can be assured no other gal in Saint John will be wearing it! How amazing is that!


Here's a sampling of some of Emma's work....we love the colours, especially for pairing with bright Spring outfits!

Earrings and Necklaces designed by Darling Dilemma

Now the best part, here's a preview of the beautiful necklace Emma has designed to match the giveaway sandals! Oh la la! SO cute! Gold links, white lava stones, a dark porcelain bead and our favourite part - white ribbon around the neck, finished with bows! 

Emma's custom creation for the giveaway!

Step 2 - Let's meet the "Swindlee" sandal by Steve Madden!


Swindlee is a fun and casual thong style sandal that recently landed at Manchester Shoe Salon as part of our Spring 2012 Collection. White patent leather and shiny gold loops creates a nautical look that screams summer and warm, sunny temperatures!


The styling possibilities are endless with Swindlee - a sun dress, crop pants, shorts, swim suit....we can see this sandal poolside or strolling the streets of Uptown Saint John!

Steve Madden Swindlee in White Patent

Step 3 - Let's explain how you can WIN!


This Spring giveaway is officially launching in-person at Manchester Shoe Salon during Uptown Saint John's Fashion Forward shopping event on Thursday, April 5th (TODAY). Between 6-9pm, stop by and fill out a ballot for an entry into the giveway! (And, see Swindlee and the Darling Dilemma necklace up close!)


The giveaway then shifts to Facebook and Twitter for 2 weeks following Fashion Forward!

• SHARE the Manchester Shoe Salon Facebook post about this giveaway for an additional entry.

• SHARE the Darling Dilemma Facebook post about this giveaway for an additional entry.

• TWEET about this giveaway for an additional entry (be sure to include @ManchesterShoes and @DarlingDilemma)

The entries will be tallied and the winner announced the evening of Thursday, April 19th! 


Happy Spring and of course, Good Luck! 


https://www.facebook.com/DarlingDilemma
http://www.etsy.com/shop/darlingdilemma (Pssst! As a little extra perk, Emma is offering 20% off her entire collection on her Etsy shop! At checkout, just use the promo code "SPRING"!)

Shoe of the Week - Mam'Zelle "Elf" - Sport Chic!

Mam'Zelle is a fun footwear brand that can be best described as chic and sporty! We've selected a Mam'Zelle style called "Elf" as this week's Shoe of the Week!

France-based Mam'Zelle is chic & sporty!

It's all in the details for this France-based footwear brand. "Elf" features a sturdy rubber outer sole for all-day walking and a double leather lined upper for comfort and durability. The hardware on the strap adds a level of uniqueness that can't be matched by any other shoe we have this Spring. The mix of black and pewter metallic leather creates a style that can be easily dressed up or kept casual for outfit styling.


Stop by Manchester Shoe Salon to give Mam'Zelle "Elf" a try! $150

Mam'Zelle Elf in Black/Pewter - Manchester Shoe Salon - Saint John, NB

A Day In Her Shoes - Upcoming on May 9, 2012!

It's that time of year again! Get out your calendars ladies.....we're partnering again this year with the CMHA for an upcoming fashion event for a great cause that you won't want to miss! 


Canadian Mental Health Association Saint John Branch is proud to announce that they will be hosting 'A Day in Her Shoes' on Wednesday, May 9, 2012, during Mental Health Week, in the Market Square Atrium with special guest speaker, Elizabeth Manley!

Day In Her Shoes - Spring 2012 - Uptown Saint John

Elizabeth Manley, “Canada’s Sweetheart” won a Silver Medal in Figure Skating at the 1988 Olympic Winter Games in Calgary, as well as representing Canada at several World Skating Championships. Elizabeth has suffered from depression since childhood and now speaks about her struggles, the impact it has had on her life and her journey to become a healthier and happier person.  It will be an inspirational night!

Elizabeth Manley, Today

Elizabeth Manley, 1988

A Day in Her Shoes in May 2011 was a huge success with a large, enthusiastic crowd gathered in the Market Square Atrium to hear the delightful Valerie Pringle speak passionately about mental health issues in Canada. Read our Blog post from May 2011, recapping the event!


This year, we will again enjoy light refreshments from Market Square restaurants and a fabulous array of spring fashions from Manchester Shoe Salon, Samuel & Co. and Envy. A silent auction and door prizes will add to the entertainment during the event and Elizabeth, as the keynote speaker will round out what is sure to be an informative and enlightening evening.


Tickets are $40 and available at the CMHA Saint John Branch office (15th floor, City Hall) and at Manchester Shoe Salon. They are sure to sell out like last year!


It is our hope that, with your support, the Canadian Mental Health Association Saint John Branch, can continue to provide education programs and community presentations to provide the greater Saint John area with much needed assistance regarding mental illness, and achieving balance in life. Whether it's balancing work and home life, or managing stress, or depression and anxiety disorders, to grieving and feeling angry - they are available to help women in our community who need support. 


Look forward to seeing you on May 9th to support this important local association and cause!