Using Manolo Blahnik's designs, learn what to look for (and not) in starting the perfect shoe collection. Find the classic heel, the trendy and fun sandals, the perfect evening stiletto and more!
Introduction to Manolo Blahnik
Manolo Blahnik is a famous Spanish shoe designer. He studied in Geneva and paris, and opened up his first shoe store in 1973 in Chelsea. Today, many know Manolo Blahnik's shoes (often stiletto-style heels) because of Sex and the City and Cary Bradshaw's obsession with his trendy yet elegant shoe designs.Manolo Blahnik isknown forhiscraftsmanship and attention to detail- equally impressive is his creativity and unwillingness to conform to standards.
My Fashion Philosophy
The look: elegant and classy yettrendy and sexy
Keep it simple: Buy simple clothes, and spice up your outfits with fun accessories. This includes shoes, handbags, jewelry and eyewear.
Be versatile: Find versatile pieces or accessoriesyou can dress-up or dress-down easily.
Make investments: Invest in classic, designer pieces you loveand take careof them. But keep in mind that you don't always have to buy designer products! I only make the designer product purchase when I know it's different or unique ormade considerably better than others.
Manolo Blahnik Favorites
Manolo Blahnik Black Slingbacks: Manolo has a pair of black alligator halter or slingback shoes. Simple black singbacks can be worn with pants, skirts, dresses, jeans... pretty much anything. Alligator products will immediately take you up into the thousands ($$$) range, so I'd definitely buy some other simple leather ones. ;-)
Manolo BlahnikBlack Heels and Brown Heels: These are pretty obvious, but you should have a classic pair of brown and black heels. If I find a style I like, I usually just buy it in different colors.
Manolo Blahnik Patent Leather: I love patent leather classics for the winter. They're classy, endure cold weather better than regular leather and are easier to clean! The Manolo Patent Leather d'Orsay is a great example of one to look for!
Manolo Blahnik Metallic Sandals:A pair of metallic sandals - whether gold, silver or pewter - will take you a long way. The Manolo Gold Metallic Sandal, Manolo Blahnik Rhinestone-Trim Sandal and Manolo Blahnik Metallic Lucite Slides are great examples.
Manolo Blahnik Black Sandals: When it gees to sandals, keep it really simple! Flats or heels, and open toe. It's a basic. If you're ready for more fun, try rhinestones and different colors!
Manolo Blahnik Ankle Boots: A classic black napa leather ankle boot is available this season for $790. It's simple, has a pointed toe and 4.5" stacked stilleto heel. The sides have elastic gored insets so it's easy to get your foot in and out of the boot.
Manolo Blahnik Tall Stretch Boots: I haven't seen any yet this season, but my suggestion is to find a pair of black leather knee-length boots (make sure they fit snug around your calves) and a pair of brown suede boots.
Thoughts on Manolo Blahnik and:
Colors: Blacks and browns are obviously classics, but you can also have fun with colors. You may also want to try beige heels, navy heels (especially if you wear lots of navy suits, skirtsand slacks), green (dark olive), dark purple or red.
Rhinestones: Rhinestones and crystals have been huge these last 1-2 years. Generally, I like the idea - but I think it's important not to 'overdo' it. Some rhinestones on your belt and/or shoes can make your outfit more fun.
Leopard-print: I wouldn't regemend it...
Strappy shoes: Straps can be quite sexy, but too many straps can make your legs look less long, particularly if you have a lot of straps around your ankle (and above).
Buckles: Personally, I'm a fan of very subtle buckles - nothing big and bulky. Otherwise, you may look like you're wearing elf shoes.
Bows: Bows can be cute, but this is another thing that I avoid. Because bows are cute, they limit you to one look and they're not as versatile. For example, Manolo Blahnik'sPatent Bow Slide isa good example of something less versatile. The one exception is if there's a very small bow on the front of a sandal/heel. Michael Kors actually made a great one last summer!
Manolo Blahnik Sizing
Manolo Blahnik sizing can vary from shoe to shoe. If possible, I regemend trying on the shoe at a shoe store before buying it online. I'm typically a size 7, but I've also worn size 7.5 Manolo Blahnik heels.
Manolo Blahnik and Designer Shoe Sellers on okay
Designer Fashions by Clarsanna
Coco's Closet
Masell
Only Moda
manoloshoestore
RJC Designer Fashions
More Manolo... books!
Manolo Blahnik Drawings
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