Belinda Blanchfield’s Issimo is a hip-as-all-hell independent footwear and accessory boutique in Merivale rocking slick sneakers, hot heels and everything in between.

My favourite brands right now are Ivylee from Copenhagen, producing simple Danish designs, and Kathryn Wilson, an Auckland-based designer who’s at the forefront of any season with her great styles and colour options.

The colours that are standing out are pastel pinks, lemons and navy blues with a little animal print.

For this season’s race day events and garden weddings block heels are popular, and out on the street sneakers have a real presence. Otherwise, it’s all about soft pastels, fun brights and a real mixture of colour palettes.

This year the sneaker has certainly become more of a staple wardrobe item, and not just your plain white ones.

I'm excited about platform sneakers (actually all sneakers), a good mule, and soft lemon-coloured heels and a good everyday block heeled sandal in tan. Birkenstocks are a stock standard summer item. Saben Lulu handbag is a great size for everyday use. 

In the accessories department, Saben has an extensive range of handbags and wallets that tie in with the colours of the season in clothing and footwear. There’s bright magenta and cobalt, as well as blacks, tans and crisp whites. High summer will introduce some soft metallics and pinks.

Everyone should have a good heel, block or stiletto - something that can take you through the day and night. Oxitaly have a great range.

A lot of brands now are very conscious and are working hard on having sustainable ideas coming through for the future, from the way they are packaged to the production process and the materials they use. We all have a part to play.

At Issimo, I want to make it as comfortable and welcoming as possible for people to shop here, it realistically is my home so I want to welcome people in and share the love I have for footwear. I am here to help you as much as I can to find that perfect shoe or handbag.

Wear what makes you happy. Everyone has their own taste, so fashion to me is what you love, not everyone else has to like it.

issimo.co.nz

Pastel pinks,lemons & navy blues with a little animal print still popular.