This sounds like a super idea. Puma and Yves Behar spent the last three years re-designing the shoe box. Being in the shoe business, I can tell you that the design and manufacturing of shoe boxes can be quite expensive and damaging to the environment.

It is very hard to imagine how else a shoe box can be re-created. I mean, a box is a box, right? But of course, these brilliant innovators have come up with something clever: A “clever little bag” that wraps around a skeleton like cardbaord interior. The impact:

“Puma estimates that the bag will slash water, energy, and fuel consumption during manufacturing alone by 60%–in one year, that comes to a savings of 8,500 tons of paper, 20 million mega joules of electricity, 264,000 gallons of fuel, … more …

Get your mind out of the gutter. I’m talking about shoes! A key footwear trend for spring/summer 2010 is the wedge. I’m not saying stash away your stilettos, but if you want to stay current, a wedge silhouette is a must have this season.

Some women think the wedge is not sexy, however wedge designs have come a long way. I recently purchased a simple black snake skin peep-toe wedge by House of Harlow 1960. The “banana” curve makes for a sexy line and to be honest, wedges are simply easier to strut in.

House of Harlow 1960 can be found at Freedman Shoes, $249.95

Sunny Shum, Your Industry Insider

*Related Articles: S/S 2010 Trend: Cut Outs

One trend you need to keep your eyes open for this spring/summer 2010 are interesting cut-outs. Cut-outs in your ensemble add a subtle sexiness to your look, covering just enough and leaving the rest to your imagination.

You’ll see this trend being used in all fashionable items, from dresses to shirts to leggings and shoes.  Since I am a shoe-gal, I have to talk about the latest addition to my shoe closet that best represents this trend.

My Luxury Rebel Kyra Open Toe Bootie.  The laser cut etching in this soft leather upper displays a striking geometric pattern. Add the splatter of studs and double metallic gold platform, I say you got yourself a perfect high-style shoe.

She’s smokin’ hot and can be found at Holt Renfrew.

Sunny Shum, Your Industry … more …

The role demands someone with vision, good taste, fashion knowledge, persistence and a talent for innovation.

• Plan, develop, source and select merchandise for assigned product category or brands to achieve or exceed sales and stock-turn objectives.
• Monitors business trends, evaluates competition and interacts with store personnel.
• Analyzes sales statistics, market trends, colors, styles and sizes as well as anticipates future trends to create appropriate product strategies.
• Negotiates lowest possible costs to meet quality standards, quantity and delivery according to schedules.
• Manages product replenishment and returns to vendors.
• Understands each store’s market in order to buy and allocate product to maximize profit and company image.
• Develop and manage procurement processes.
• Review product lines and source new suppliers.
• Ensure appropriate inventory lines and volume are purchased to meet demand according to different store profiles.
• Effective liaison with vendors, district supervisors and stores

… more …

Are you tired of your old boots and dying for a new pair but you’re tight on cash? 2 Bandits to the rescue and they have the perfect product to sass up your boots without putting a hole in your wallet.

The Riders ($70/pair) are cleverly designed leather and chain accessories for your boots. Simply harness these on your plain Jane booties and give them an instant face lift. They come available in brown, camel and black and you have a choice between gold or silver hardware.

Get a new look without having to drop $200+ on a new pairs of boots.

Sunny Shum, Your Industry Insider

*Related Articles: Biker Boots,  Take On Those Puddles