Shoes & Footwear Archives | Blueprint for Style

Books

Stylish Reading: In My Shoes

In My Shoes, Tamara Mellon Solid read… I have MUCH respect for Tamara Mellon especially given her humble and pedestrian beginnings as she built Jimmy Choo. She’s a powerhouse and that’s exactly what you’ll learn in this book. When she first visioned her line, she wanted to make it truncate the time between showing a line and having those pieces available and she tried… Although it may not have 100% worked out in her favor, she’s trying to change things

2015/07/31

Accessories

Step Lightly into Spring: Flats (Part 3/5)

I now wear them more than I ever imagined but, for others they are the go-to so let’s plan to step into spring stylishly with fab toes. For spring, focus on adding color or texture but avoid jumping into the “warm weather” pool with both feet because it’s spring, not summer. So no sandals, no lightweight fabrics, or flip flops. Great picks for transitioning to spring are… [show_boutique_widget id=”243155″]

2015/04/28

Accessories

Step Lightly Into Spring: Wedges (Part 1/5)

Admittedly wedge heels are not my favorite….mostly because they create extra weight near the ankle and thus, can look clunky. The keys to wedge heels are to ensure that if you have a peep toe, it’s not too large or your toes push through; and that the heel grips well. That said, they can give you a bit of height and offer more comfort for some. Consider also that it’s spring [not summer] so you don’t want to look like

2015/04/14

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

Features & Series

Suede Rubber

I’m showing this on MANly Monday but this is a tool for anyone who owns suede! I’ve tried it and I’m a believer ~ Redecker suede rubber is EVERYTHING! Save a frustrating trip to the cobbler and get a bar of this to remove dirt and stains for your shoes, handbag, belt, even that vintage skirt….. Get it and make your 2015 go a lot smoother….having nice things is cool but taking care of what you have is just as

2015/01/05

Accessories

If Only Dorothy Had These Red Pumps

“When I think of home, I think of a place where there’s love overflowing. I wish I was home, I wish I was back there…” Click your heel three times… And then click once to scoop these red pumps! They aren’t leather but they are cute enough to be rocked at least a few times before you decide your toes are tingly too much.

2014/06/26

Accessories

Francesco Russo: A Fetishist to the Sole

Sergio Rossi. Costume National. Miu Miu. Yves Saint Laurent. Self-proclaimed “shoe fetishist”, Francesco Russo creates truly sexy footwear. Are you familiar with the iconic YSL “Tribute”? Well he designed that…. As the designer of women’s footwear for Dior, the 39-year-old launched his namesake label last September on Paris’ Rue de Valois. Having seen some of his renderings (see above), I am anxiously anticipating how I can scoop a pair of these new “classics” like the R026. “It looks like your

2014/04/04

Accessories

My Atlanta Travel Outfit

My sister is getting married, so I headed down to Atlanta for her bridal shower and a quick 24 hours of fun and laughs. To make the trip happen though, I had to plan for a big climate change (again) going from DC (30s) to Atlanta (high 50s), and I also wanted to make sure I was ready to hang out! The answer was in my fabulously stylish and comfy Tieks (thanks Tieks for sending me “caliente” which is what

2014/02/11

Accessories

ALL of These Jean Michel Cazabat Shoes Are Under $200

Weekend shoe porn….! All of these lovely, sexy, ogle-worthy shoes are by designer Jean Michel Cazabat, and all are under $200 – now at The Outnet. You don’t need any of these shoes likely but, at this price, the quality and styling make them a “winning” proposition. They compliment the leg by creating a a longer, leaner line, and the textures/colors employed are special enough to stand out but fabulously basic enough to wear with just about anything in your closet.

2014/02/08

Accessories

My Want List

My want list gets revised often and the latest rendition has me firmly in love with t-strap heels. They are all over the place so I’m not sure if I am in love with them because of the subliminal manipulation, or if it’s my own style ethos developing. Either way, they represent the perfect mix of vintage and modern-day styling that make them ideal for day to evening transition…..everywhere! The Schutz t-strap pictured is gorgeous but this one is my

2013/10/14

Accessories

New Shoe Obsessions

2013/06/18

Marshall's fab find wedge sandals for spring

Accessories

Dressing For Spring

I needed a little spring in my step today and got just what I wanted with my spring-y wedge sandals as part of the #GlamStyleSquad. In conjunction with Marshall’s, I was chosen to be part of @TheGlamNetwork’s spring team to showcase the #FabFound items that can help you create head-to-toe looks for spring at Marshalls. As part of my 2013 style resolutions, I am focused on integrating more prints into my everyday looks and these wedge heels pushed me in

2013/05/03

Accessories

We Saw, We Found…Metallic Top Cap Shoes

We spotted Olivia Palermo with a pair of metallic top cap heels {yes, she’s one of my style icons} and because spring is coming – I’m literally willing it to come – these shoes are idea to add a little pep in your step. BONUS: they are only $26….here! SPRING HAS SPRUNG!! Here are a few more looks at metallic shoes here and here.

2013/03/29

Accessories

Channeling My Inner Hef

Smoking slippers. They’ve become quite the rage in spite of Hugh Hefner rocking them for years. I succumb and purchased a medium blue velvet pair from ideeli. My life did not change. Nor was my closet or image miraculously transformed. However, I find them to be a weird, if not, comforting mix between a house slipper, a flat/loafer, and a sneaker. Isn’t there a mythical three-headed beast that slays men?! Here’s what I can share about the smoking slippers: They

2012/11/27

Accessories

Robert Clergerie Shoes: Redux

Gone are Roger Vivier and Charles Jourdan, but Robert Clergerie lives on…..tucked away in Romans-sur-Isere, France. The French shoemaker is known for his block heel and forties silhouettes — enter stage left is Roland Mouret to right the direction of the brand. When you buy a pair of shoes, what do you think of? I think about how sexy it will make my leg look and what’s would wear it with, of course. Well the task of making Robert Clergerie’s

2012/09/17

Accessories

Python Shoe Fetish

My go-to print has always been leopard but recently I’m digging everything python. These python-print pumps by Deena & Ozzy satisfy my python craving not to mention my need for color. Can you think of any outfit that wouldn’t be better off with these?!

2012/08/24

Accessories

Dress to Impress Saucy Shoe Craving

Designer: B Brian Atwood Name: Fontanna Colorblock Snakeskin Platform Pump Where: Neiman Marcus Why: with four different colors and prints (leopard print, red leopard print, teal leopard print, and a mulberry/purple color), it’s bound to set off any outfit including this most mundane LBD or jeans and tee combo. This is how you get to wear something “regular” and look fabulous without much fuss… Price: $350

2012/08/14

Accessories

Pumped About This Pump

I get lots of emails and when I saw two other blogs featuring this shoe, I had to get in on the game. It’s the Carly canvas platform pump by Ann Taylor ($115) and I’m loving it: espadrille-inspired sturdy heel leather sole (very important for comfort!) rounded toe And look how we styled it ~ Ann Taylor Carly pump, $114.99 Zara printed dress with gold piece, $29.99 Rochas two-tone leather pouch, $645 Topshop rose gold, large aviator sunglasses, $24

2012/07/13

Accessories

Handmade Haute Shoes

What I love about Kathryn Amberleigh‘s shoes: that they’re handmade means, unlike machine manufactured {which has their place as well}, they take into account the form of the foot and when worn, even the heels kinda cradle your foot just a littel extra… Stars love Kathryn Kim’s shoes: “Alexa Chung likes the 3113 stacked heel wedge. Miranda Kerr is partial to the 3152 linen bootie. Emmanuelle Alt can’t get enough of the 7124 thigh high.” They’re one-of-a-kind and handmade They cover

2012/05/03

Accessories

A Dirty Little Secret…

I have to confess something….from time to time, I find fabulous items and I don’t want to share them with you! Is that bad? am I supposed to share all of the cool stuff I find with you all….and then I see you and we’re wearing the same thing?! Do you even like what I like? Sometimes the items I snag are because I love them not because they’re inexpensive/”a steal” but simply because I saw it and “had to

2012/04/23

Accessories

Trend: Capped Toe Shoes

It could be a passing phase but I doubt it ~ toe capped shoes. Most designers have them including YSL, Stuart Weitzman, Louboutin, and the always-on-trend Topshop and Zara. You all know ~ I’m partial to a high heel and the toe cap adds just a bit of edge to the everyday heel….it’s the way to go from ladylike to luxe lady diva. They work the same way as your everyday heel but with added pizzaz! Which are your favorites?

2012/04/05

Furnishings

A Pocket Square Guide

Pocket squares are tricky. How do you fold them? Well Brooks Brothers did a terrific illustrative guide on pocket squares whether a puffed, square-ended, triangle, or multi-pointed fold. Bookmark it ~ illustrative guide to pocket squares

2012/03/02

Accessories

Some More Spring For Your Step

2012/02/06

Accessories

After-Work Political Mixer Look

It’s a question all of us have to answer especially in a city like DC, or anyone who dares to brave the next nine months of election hoopla. I love this look because it’s not too dressy or over-the-top but also not too casual (the kiss of death!). It takes basic black and adds a bit of metallic to add pop and polish! Every woman on the go should own a tuxedo jacket {MUST HAVE #4} like this one by Religion

2012/01/24

Accessories

Our Hautest, Cheapest, Most Complete Professional Look for $237

This outfit is for any woman who is just starting out and wants to look fabulous, or any woman who looks in her closet and can’t seem to find something chic yet professional to wear, or any woman who works in a business casual environment but needs to ‘flip the script’ real quick. Shopping List: top: pussybow short-sleeve blouse, $45 bottom: jersey pencil skirt, $15 shoes: patent heels, $45 handbag: tan/black shoulder bag, $63 coat: flare coat with faux fur

2012/01/23

Our Blog

News, Articles & More

Step Lightly into Spring: Flats (Part 3/5)

Step Lightly Into Spring: Wedges (Part 1/5)

The History of High Heels

Suede Rubber

If Only Dorothy Had These Red Pumps

Francesco Russo: A Fetishist to the Sole

My Atlanta Travel Outfit

ALL of These Jean Michel Cazabat Shoes Are Under $200

My Want List

New Shoe Obsessions

Dressing For Spring

We Saw, We Found…Metallic Top Cap Shoes

Channeling My Inner Hef

Robert Clergerie Shoes: Redux

Python Shoe Fetish

Dress to Impress Saucy Shoe Craving

Pumped About This Pump

Handmade Haute Shoes

A Dirty Little Secret…

Trend: Capped Toe Shoes

A Pocket Square Guide

Some More Spring For Your Step

After-Work Political Mixer Look

Our Hautest, Cheapest, Most Complete Professional Look for $237

Send us a message