footwear Archives | Blueprint for Style

Footwear

nice to meet you: skin tone-inclusive footwear

nice to meet you: Rebecca Allen, Salone Monet, and Kahmune, three black-owned footwear lines that carry skin tone-inclusive products!! Have you ever taken a pair of white pumps and painted them the color of your skin? The owner of Kahmune, Jamela A. Acheampong, did! It’s one of the first time I’ve seen any brands created with the entire diaspora in mind – and about time!! I’ve ordered my first pair of 90MM enugu-colored Becky pumps from Kahmune as well as

2020/08/20

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first-ever online sample sale for m.gemi

I love the M.Gemi brand! It’s evreything that is right about footwear ~ handmade, small quantities, quality craftsmanship, Italian leather….. And they are having their FIRST-EVER online sample sale and the BONUS: everything is in perfection condition! But it won’t last long….

2020/03/10

Footwear

my lust item: sexy heels!

I love a good heel ~ I mean one that adds that extra umph to your trunk and makes your legs look like they go for-ever!! I scooped these Brian Atwood heels [pictured above] and was giddy ~ and rocked them at my speech at WIPA DC’s meeting. If you want to be equally as sexy, you can get yours here or here….

2020/02/15

Footwear

Fall Must-Have #1: Leopard Print Shoes

You will see them everywhere and if you have a love for them (like a lot of us) then you probably have a few #leopardprint items. The shoes I love include Steve Madden‘s 4-inch heels (Nordstrom), more reasonable WHBM 2.5-in slingback heels (WHBM), Franco Sarto low-heeled mules (Macy’s), Coach sneakers, and even these a-dor-able baby slippers!!! Stay tuned for daily updates with your fall wardrobe items to have for 2018!

2018/10/24

Footwear

brightly colored footwear

Skip the over-utilized black pumps in favor of some brightly colored heels and footwear this spring. It’s the IN thing! I’m looking at a pair from Sam Edelman, Steve Madden, and Iris & Ink…. Here are a few that can add some pop to your outfit & pep to your step!

2018/03/14

Accessories

boot stompin’ in style

Not all winter boots that work are ugly…. We want form and fashion + function, right?! Case in point! I’ve been rocking my Timberland Mosley‘s for years now ~ thanks to Timberland for gifting them to me because they have been my savior through snowmaggedon and all of DCs other minor snow storms…. What do you rock when the snow/cold weather hits? Here are a few fashionable but functional options! BOOM!! [show_lookbook_widget id=”382518″]

2018/01/18

Accessories

rose gold – holiday heel?

Are you still searching for the ideal holiday heel? Well I’ve happened upon this rose gold gem and think it’s ideal not only for the holidays but also for any dress-up occasion. The color is versatile. The styling is feminine and creates a longer, leaner leg. The heel height is manageable…and it’s leather! BOOM! Now, let’s party!

2017/12/21

Accessories

What The Fashionable Are Wearing For Fashion Week!

I don’t often post about what others are wearing unless it makes sense…..like now! At this year’s Paris Couture Spring 2016 shows I peeped three trends that you’ll see a lot of: White/winter white coats Chunky mid-heel footwear Classic camel outerwear The one most likely to stick around: the classic camel coat which every woman should own anyway!!

2016/02/03

Footwear

Ready for the Weekend: In Fancy Flats

Everyone’s doing it! Those fancy lace-up flats are ubiquitous. While I may not love them (they are flats), they do a lot to add flair to even the most casual looks. The laces, when tied around the ankle, create a focal point and a touch of femininity. So score one for the ladies when you find them in denim…and under $50! Russian stylist Natasha Greenberg shows you how to take casual to a slightly higher level without any added drama.

2015/11/27

Footwear

Ready for the Weekend: Boot Out Bad Vibes

It’s time to kick the week to the curb! I don’t know about you but my week has been a menagerie of ups and downs, and quite a bit of nonsense sprinkled on top…. I’m tossing this week out with the trash with plans to start/read a book this weekend (my choice is by Pearl Cleage, Things I Should Have Told My Daughter) which is long overdue since she personalized autographed it almost a year and a half ago…..smh. It’ll

2015/11/13

Accessories

4 Perfect Pair for the Professional Woman

[show_lookbook_widget id=”242634″] Did you catch me on Good Morning Washington this morning dishing on the four pairs of shoes every professional woman should own?! As a professional woman, you could cull your footwear requirements down to four pairs of shoes [not that any of us wants to]. Power heel – the shoe that says you’re kicking a** and taking numbers! Polished, pointy toe flat – the casual Friday look that shows you can still do business and step with the

2015/10/06

Footwear

Work Pumps: Anything But Ordinary #ElevatedEssentials

[show_lookbook_widget id=”240942″] Work pumps don’t have to be boring. In fact, work pumps should signal you mean business and, in spite of your ability to ‘blend in’, you’ve got the goods to stand out…literally! Think sexy sophisticate. Think power professional. Think business bombshell. Think digital diva. Think savvy shogun. These are the shoes that can go with you from everyday meeting to girlfriend meetup at the Ritz to dinner at Rose’s Kitchen to date night at Mastro’s. Put them on

2015/09/30

Accessories

On The Road: A Shoe That Travels (On Its Own)

Tangier, Morocco. New York. southeastern Spain. Barcelona. Florence. Your Cobra Society footwear (for men & women) may be more well-traveled than you are but you can still own them! Betania textiles handweaved in Morocco. Leather sourced from Barcelona and Florence. All from a 28-year-old designer named Alex Davis. I don’t own them but I’m kinda jealous right now – I want to go to Morocco too!!

2015/09/23

Accessories

Shoe Designer: Francesco Russo

He’s been designing shoes for over 20 years Originally from Puglia (Italy) – born in 1974 He’s responsible for creating Yves Saint Laurent’s The Cherry and The Tribute His shoe line has a strong graphic and architectural component to them MY style notes Adding a pair or two to your shoe wardrobe equals the implementation of elevated essentials They are more than the norm but not inordinate…if you consider $500-600 an investment I’ve had a chance to try them out

2015/08/27

Accessories

Ready for the Weekend: Alaia Sandals

I’m feeling these Greek-inspired bronze sandals. I don’t wear shorts but I rock short dresses and full skirts all summer…and these seem like the ideal substitute to flip flops to add polish, finish and chicness. Alaia ~ I’m in heaven….

2015/05/15

Accessories

Step Lightly into Spring: After-hours Heels (Part 5/5)

This is clearly my favorite category because I’m a heels-girl but also because we’re talking about the shoes you sport to show your personality or to add that pep in your step. All bets are off here – the only danger is to steer clear of going headlong into summer (nights are still cool); and expect these to run a little more because you’re adding instant POW to your look. A few you could still rock to work but these

2015/05/12

Accessories

The History of High Heels

The fables are long and some even funny but, here’s the truth about high heels and how they came about. Ladies – high heels were actually made for men, worn by men, and had to be wrested away from men by women! Lots of women hate high heels because they’re uncomfortable and for some, they think it’s a man’s way of keeping them down (or up…..!). Men think they are sexy sometimes but also don’t understand the female fascination…. I love

2015/02/06

Accessories

Tall black boots

It’s winter. You need them. Get them. NOW! The options are ridiculously infinitesimal but let me share five rules for your go-to winter boots: 1- make sure they’re leather (or rubber) 2- opt for a rubber sole [slipping hurts] 3- simple and clean makes it more versatile 4- no matter the height, a skinnier heel means it dresses up easier 5- if you’re going with a flat option, stick with a pointer toe cap After that, have at it! Here

2014/12/11

Footwear

MANly Monday: A Lesson in Toe Caps

The shoe options are kinda endless for guys but the thing we see first is that toe cap…..as it peaks out from a pair of trousers or even denim. The shoe counts and the toe cap counts too… The October issue of Esquire showed the picture below and here’s what it means: pebbled texture – nice and likely costly varied patination – a bit more formal and still a hefty spend brogueing – more casual (depending on the sole) colored

2014/10/27

Accessories

BIG Little Tip to Wearing Heels Pain-Free

As I learn, you learn…. So, if you’ve ever worn your heels all night and got home to some ‘dogs that were kickin’ and screamin‘ then this styling tip is for you! Grab some medical tape and wrap the third and fourth toes together. Apparently, there is a nerve between those toes that can be aggravated and causes pain. Add this tidbit to your knowledge of how to walk in heels and… Done…now let’ rock those impossibly high heels we

2014/07/17

blonde salas, steve madden, slip on sneakers

Accessories

Foot Fetish of the Day

Metallic. Comfortable. Versatile. Detailed. Blonde Salad x Steve Madden NYC Slip-on Sneakers…

2014/04/09

Footwear

Monday MANifesto: Sock vs No Sock

That is the question… The answer? Do whatcha like…kinda. In reality though, socks for men are a must in the workplace. No self-respecting man will go into an office wearing a well-fitted suit and awesome shoes, and no socks. I don’t see it. Plus they offer an opportunity to get a little jiggy with your look. In addition to the self-respecting part, think about the weather. If it’s cold, rainy or snowing, it’s just dumb. Why freeze when you can

2014/03/31

Footwear

Monday MANifesto: Up Your Style Game For $8

Other than a pocket square maybe, what else can give you instant style and street cred for under $10….? It’s a rhetorical question because the answer is shoelaces! Yep pull out those God-forsaken tattered old brown ones you have and, in honor of decent weather (or just to force spring to show its face), pop in a pair of red, blue, grey, or navy laces. BOOM! Color. WINNING! $8. Check out hook + ALBERT. And they have tassels too!

2014/03/24

Accessories

Perfect Date Night Shoe

This shoe, available at Shopbop, is a Celine-inspired beaut! The colors make it as gorgeous with darks as with lighter neutrals. And the metallic ankle-strap is the finishing touch. Dare I say we’ve got the perfect date night shoe? It’s Friday night…!

2013/11/08

Accessories

Thanks Mizhattan for Leopard Print Shoes

While I love leopard print, this post is 100% inspired by a fellow style blogger, Mizhattan because it just made so much sense. Leopard print is a staple print and it’s coming back in a big way; and one of the easiest ways to integrate the print into your current closet is shoes. Flats are something that every woman should own and, yes, leopard print in small doses is just as essential. Think about it ~ have you ever just

2013/08/28

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nice to meet you: skin tone-inclusive footwear

first-ever online sample sale for m.gemi

my lust item: sexy heels!

Fall Must-Have #1: Leopard Print Shoes

brightly colored footwear

boot stompin’ in style

rose gold – holiday heel?

What The Fashionable Are Wearing For Fashion Week!

Ready for the Weekend: In Fancy Flats

Ready for the Weekend: Boot Out Bad Vibes

4 Perfect Pair for the Professional Woman

Work Pumps: Anything But Ordinary #ElevatedEssentials

On The Road: A Shoe That Travels (On Its Own)

Shoe Designer: Francesco Russo

Ready for the Weekend: Alaia Sandals

Step Lightly into Spring: After-hours Heels (Part 5/5)

The History of High Heels

Tall black boots

MANly Monday: A Lesson in Toe Caps

BIG Little Tip to Wearing Heels Pain-Free

Foot Fetish of the Day

Monday MANifesto: Sock vs No Sock

Monday MANifesto: Up Your Style Game For $8

Perfect Date Night Shoe

Thanks Mizhattan for Leopard Print Shoes

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