Avanti

I seem to be missing the feminine chip which oohs and aahhs and gushes over a pair of shoes. As long as I have got my Converse, I am fine. But unfortunately, Converse do not compliment every outfit. Sometimes, a pair of slightly smarter shoes are needed. (um, washed Converse?)
Bridge Road has Avanti for shoes. It is very popular. Personally, I find the shoes a little sophisticated for my taste, but I can see that it fulfills a market. They stock a brand called Hogl here, which I believe is an Austrian line. The shoes are all well made — no New Look style shoes for a tenner here. Because of the obvious craftsmanship they are not cheap — starting about £40, going up to £100. There is a range of ballet pumps, some with a slight heal, high heels, and boots, ranging from pixie to riding boot.
They also stock a line of leather handbags from Spain called Lupo. Again these are not cheap, but the bags are exquisitely well made, very well chosen pieces. I come in here to have a browse and to get a glimpse of the world where the shoes aren’t all called All Stars.