What's in a brand name?

Brand names rule the way in which we buy goods and services. Sometimes that's because we're enamoured with the style of a product; one which is so popular, or fashionable that you just have to be seen sporting the label of the moment. At other times, it's because the brand is one of quality and reliability. It's because a product by a particular manufacturer is meant to do its job well and more importantly, last for a lifetime.

The North Face footwear is one of those rare breeds that actually ticks all of these boxes. Its footwear is stylish, hard-wearing, made with quality products and is functional.

It is for these reasons that The North Face is so popular. It's a brand that has a reputation built trust after manufacturing quality goods for over four decades. However, there are many other reasons why it has become the unequivocal choice for climbers, mountaineers, skiers, snowboarders, hikers and endurance athletes the world over.

One of which is the company's use of top manufacturing materials. You'll always find The North Face invests in the warmest materials, the most hard-wearing, the most weatherproof and the most technologically-advanced. Brands like Gore-Tex for example fit in with The North Face products like butter does to bread. Both firms wouldn't side with each other if the other wasn't completely confident that they can make the most waterproof boots available.

The North Face is actually so confident in its own product range and technologies that it even offers a two-year warranty on all its goods. Furthermore, should you find defects on other aspects of the product - like a problem with Gore-Tex lining or even zippers - the company will take it off your hands. This is done via The North Face dealer, which will and inspect the goods for you.

It's not just about quality and guarantees though. The North Face is a brand that is big on style. It wants you to feel as good and as confident as the professionals who wear their products everyday in the harshest of conditions.

In the same way that a scent might attempt to make someone feel closer to a celebrity, The North Face want to empower its customers to feel the same. After all, the company was founded on the notion that the north face of a mountain is generally the coldest, iciest and most challenging route to climb.

Bearing these things in mind, it's quite plain to see why The North Face is an unbeatable leader in both outdoor function and fashion.

A flat approach: my case for the pump

I have a confession to make – I am addicted to pumps. I can’t help it; I just love their comfort and innate sense of style. Heels are all very well for a night out; a midi heel works wonders in the office but if I’m honest the shoe most likely to have me lusting is the ballerina pump. It’s the way they look cute paired with a dress; sporty in summer with shorts but best of all, classy and sophisticated with a pair of skinny jeans.

The pump v heels

I don’t want to take anything away from heels; they have their place. The problem is that a bit like a WAG in a body con dress and stilettos, they can look like the wearer is trying too hard. Dress two women in a pussy bow blouse and dark skinny jeans, then put one in killer heels and the other in delicate pumps. Granted option one will win hands down for a night out, but when it comes to day time attire, in my opinion the lady in heels will look a little desperate to impress, a little too ‘look at me, I’m so fashionable and sexy.’ Whereas the pumps lady will appear too cool to care, she knows she looks good and doesn’t have to totter around to prove it. Plus if an impromptu walk is suggested she can happily agree, which gives her that ‘girl next door, I can do anything you can do’ vibe. The girl in heels will have to decline and most probably miss out on feeding the ducks.

The flat rules

To give the right impression the pump needs to be smart. Nothing tattered or with a heel that’s been pushed down from weeks of wear. If such a thing exists as a pump collection, and it should, in every girl’s wardrobe, then it should contain five classic looks. The pointy pump – generally in black velvet or patent leather, it works for the office or smart days out. The playful pump – something either block colour or trendy print, for jazzing up jeans in a second. The sparkly pump – ladies, we all know that a little bit of glitz is essential now and again, why not add it with your shoes? The classic pump – a plain Jane style for everyday wear. And finally the jeweled pump – it might sound similar to the sparkly but it’s not, this is sophisticated bling, not playful sparkle, and it could even go with a dress for a night out.

It might be controversial, my favoritism towards flat, but I can’t deny it any longer. It doesn’t mean I don’t wear heels, I do, and regularly. But my mantra is simple – if you have to practice walking in them, or you have any doubt whether those three-inch front platforms look a little too tarty, then ditch the heel and embrace the pump. You feet and your fashion reputation will thank you.

If you’re after a pair of pumps to complete your collection then visit www.cafelamoda.co.uk. Cafe La Moda gathers all the latest fashion and beauty finds in one place so it’s your one stop online shop.