Former Essex schoolgirl and staff writer at England’s oldest women’s magazine, the Lady, Melonie Clarke is a vintage aficionado.

Here she shares her love of all things retro...

AS much as I love true vintage, reproduction clothing and shoes are a staple in my wardrobe.

When it comes to shoes there are a number of amazing reproduction companies, Remix and Miss L Fire being my two personal favourites.

But a new brand that I discovered late last year is Hotter.

Established in 1959 (their aim to make shoes as comfy as slippers), they aren’t made with the vintage enthusiast in mind but a number of their shoes do have that air of a bygone era.

I was lucky enough to go to the Spring/Summer 2016 press show earlier this month and see the new range. And ladies, you’re in for a treat!

My personal favourites were the Sandy Shoes in mustard; not only a gorgeous colour (mustard is so now!) but the heel height, style and comfy fit (all of their shoes have padded soles for the ultimate support and comfort) are perfect for a vintage look.

And as a lindy hopper, the padding is a god send for dancing until the small hours.

Hotter themselves admit that they tend to cater for the older lady, but by creating these vintage esque designs they’ve tapped into a whole new market.

And the best thing is there is now a store in Southend!

So get shopping!