Here at Jeffrey Campbell we rely heavily on the input of our clients for ideas, inspiration, concept and advice. Lori’s Shoes of Chicago (and on the web at www.lorisshoes.com) is one of those accounts. Rolling open in 1983 and quickly becoming the go-to store for Chicago styleites, LORI’S has now carved a name for herself on the web as well. While sticking to her motto of “People walk in in customers, and leave friends.” The LORI’S brand has grown, expanded and developed a huge clientele.
As Lori has grown her stores—her staff has also grown. Respected for their longevity as employees and customer service the staff has become as valued as the product when someone is shopping one of her stores. Staff member CORREE HAMILTON is no exception. She recently sat with Jeffrey Campbell brand specialist Ty McBride to discuss trend, dos donts, must haves and shoe addiction! Read the interview below as Hamilton and McBride serve up the gossip on the shoe tip—okay!
*The lovely Hamilton of LORI’S Chicago–shot here with Jeffrey Campbell JULIE in foreground.
TMC: What is your favorite trend this season?
CH: I am loving the “summer camp” trend. It’s retro and brings out the kid in you. Vibrant color, madras printed canvas, and huraches. I can see myself wearing a tank top, jeans and a pair of huraches everyday–or riding m bike to meet friends with a summer dress on. I like a modern update of this style like the JC Julie. (Pictured with Hamilton above)
TMC: If you could be any shoe which one would you be and why?
CH: I would be FREY JANE-14 in Redwood! I am hard on my shoes and bots. I need something that I can kick around in and still look cute.
TMC: What is your least favorite trend in footwear?
CH: Are UGG boots a trend? Living in Chicago, I get the warmth factor. However, I can ot a fan of wearng them in wet weather, or with cut off jean shorts!
TMC: Whad do you think has set LORI’S apart not on ly in the Chicago area, but now globally with your site.
CH: I would have to say our selection. Our mission is to make sure that we are finding merchandise with the best perceived calue. We pay attention to our customers and want to keep them “in the know” with fashion. It’s funny because we find ourselves one season ahead all the time. We are not maintianing trends–we set them! We also have a fantastic team that works really hard!
TMC: Do you have a favorite JC moment from working wit LORIS…DISH!!??
CH: “OK, the first time I met Jeffrey he was in our store scurrying around and lookint at everything before the store was even open. I was thinking “why is this man in our store before we are opened?” So–he starts asking me questions about what’s selling, what I like. Then I was thinking…”OMG I AM BEING TESTED!!” He asked about JC shoes, fit, style and I told him one style was running a full size big. He asked me to try it on so I did–then I pointed out if the boot was worn slouched that the bigger fit worked. He asked if he should correct it, or if we should keep it. I said keep it. Then I was like…I think I just designed a shoe!!”
