Late this summer we had a lot of change at the stores. Yellow Jacket closed, we opened P.S. The Hive in its space, and we merged The Shoe Hive into The Hive’s location. I must admit, it’s an emotional transition. I was doing okay until I walked by the empty Shoe Hive building and saw the sign sadly sitting on the floor in the courtyard. It’s the end of an era for sure. Despite writing about it for Alexandria Stylebook and in our own emails and social media, the word is not totally out yet.

I know that it may seem like we don’t have quite as many shoes over at 315 Cameron Street now, and we don’t have Sam Edelman or Marion Parke, but everything else remains the same. We have even started carrying more styles from the brands we do have. After 20 years, we’ve figured out what really works, and want to carry more of what people love. Thanks to Annette’s design we figured out how to keep the shoes right in the center of what we think is the heart of the store – the sitting area where people tend to congregate to chat and catch up while they try on their selections.

As sad as I am about leaving our magical space on South Fairfax, having all the merchandise in one space, and all of the team in one space as well, give me a little pep in my step when I walk in these days.

I’m sharing our shoe lookbook for fall so everyone can see that yes, we promise, we still have tons and tons of great shoes. I have my list already and am anxiously awaiting the arrival of some AGL pumps that I am confident will be life-changing. Here’s my Top Five picks, and, of course I will buy way more than just five, but these are must-haves:

1) Reelwind By Autry. I love sneakers and more than likely am wearing a pair most days. I love all the Autry, but a running shoe style is always my favorite. I am not sure if it’s my narrow feet or my love of Nikes in the early 80s that I was never allowed to buy.

2) Kilt Penny Loafer by Ann Mashburn.  I missed out on getting a pair of lug sole loafers and I am not going to make the same mistake twice.

3) Lenor Pump by AGL.  I am counting down the days for this pair. The last year I have really grown an appreciation for cream shoes. I think with most outfits a cream shoe will work and is oftentimes needed to lighten up a look.

4) Marie in Latte by Freda Salvador. This is the shoe that I will literally wear all the time. I have an old Tibi pair that really need to be tossed, but I hadn’t been able to bring myself to do it until I had a replacement.

5) Beth in Ash Snake Combo by Freda Salvador. This is the shoe that I had to order because I fell in love with it and I am hoping I wear it all the time. I ordered it and admit it’s a higher heel than I’m used to, but it’s just so cool I am going to make them work.

And here’s The Shoe Hive’s Fall 2024 Lookbook for you to peruse, too:

Come visit The Shoe Hive and The Hive now under one roof at 315 Cameron Street, we’d love to see you!

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