Shoehound (n.) someone who obsessively purchases shoes (UrbanDictionary.com)
As any girl knows, the right pair of shoes can make an entire outfit—and now there’s a perfect place to find that perfect pair. While Eagle’s boutique scene has prospered for years, shoe lovers have had to look outside the city for high quality, high fashion footwear. But now ShoeHound owner Aimee Ricci has given residents yet another reason to shop local.
“I like to refer to myself as a shoehound,” Aimee laughed when I visited her shop and fell instantly in love with a stylish and reasonably priced pair of metallic hand-woven Bernie Mev wedges, which Aimee swears are just as comfortable as they look. For Aimee, shoes are a passion, and ShoeHound is the culmination of a years-long dream to own a boutique. “My husband is the force behind this. He encouraged me to follow my dream, and here I am!” she said.
The light, bright store, tucked away on Aikens street in central downtown Eagle, opened in December 2013. Aimee has already forged partnerships with other local businesses. “They refer customers to me for the perfect shoe for that perfect day,” Aimee said. “I love how supportive the local business community is here in Eagle. It’s been incredible how many people have stopped in because another business referred them to me, and of course, I’m happy to refer my customers as well.”
Aimee has lived nearly everywhere from Cape Cod to Portland. That exposure to a wide range of styles helped to hone her unique fashion sense. She sources her shoes on both the East Coast and Los Angeles. Styles range from fun and comfortable black quilted slip on shoes that look like their $300 cousins but at a fraction of the price to the quintessential ruby red heels, guaranteed to turn any girl into a princess for a night. ShoeHound sells socks too, including a lovely knee-high pair decorated with cherry blossoms. “I think 2015 will be the Year of the Sock,” Aimee told me. And now I know where to purchase my favorite spring fashion accessories: toe rings and ankle bracelets. “Basically, if it’s foot related, and fashionable, we carry it,” Aimee said.
With so many choices, it’s hard to go wrong. ShoeHound carries styles that fit any budget. Everything in the store is good quality, but not overpriced. Aimee wants her customers to feel good about their experience.
When I asked about popular spring styles, Aimee told me that “wearability and ease” will be very popular this year. “You’ll see a lot of block heels and flatforms,” she said. “And lace-up styles will be popular.” For spring gardeners, Aimee carries Converse-style rain booties that have already proven to be bestsellers.
Aimee is glad that she can pursue her dream while filling a need in the retail community. “I live my life here in Eagle,” she said. “There are so many great places to shop. But before ShoeHound, no one was all shoes. I’m so glad to be part of what makes this community such a great place, and to be able to connect exceptional shoppers to shoes they will love!”
