A few months back, I asked my husband to drop something off at The Shoe Hive for me, or maybe it was change light bulbs. Whatever it was, upon his return, he said, “You know, The Shoe Hive doesn’t seem like much of a shoe store these days.”

Ouch! It hurt, but it was true. To keep our doors open, we had to change what we were for a bit. Due to the pandemic’s pause on social events and business meetings, it was basically impossible to sell shoes for 12 months. But it is time to get back to who we were as a store. I mean, the word “shoe” is in our name!

I will admit as much as him saying it cut like a knife, I had called my sister the week before and told her the same thing. I love sneakers, but something was missing from our shelves. We needed some fashion back in the store.

The first call I made was to Rupert Sanderson in England. I had carried the line 15 years ago and loved it. Then 2008 happened, and well, nobody was buying shoes then either - but for purely economic angst. I just remember unpacking the beautiful boxes and smiling the entire time. It was time for Rupert to return. And returned it has. We have just received fall (a little late, we know), and Resort should be coming soon (crossing our fingers,) and I can’t wait. I think I actually ordered every single pair for myself, which is just ridiculous. I was just so excited to have fancy shoes again.

Not many people know about Rupert. He is a British designer who started his line in 2001 after working for Bruno Magli and Sergio Rossi. He had just 15 styles and quickly received the British Fashion Council’s Accessory Designer of the Year and Accessory Designer of the Year at the Elle Style Awards. In 2006 he purchased his own factory.

His shoes are gorgeous, well made, and timeless yet have their own unique look and appeal. So you might not need every pair like I think I do, but there is for certain a pair you can’t live without.