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Super Chic, Super Cheap…Sandals

While Blueprint for Style does not particularly care for the gladiator shoe trend, there are many that have made a go of the Clash of the Titans toe tappers.  If you are one, it makes sense to do it as inexpensively as possible because I guarantee (no…I pray) that this fashion romp-in-the-hay will end soon. These silvertone, 2-buckle gladiators seem apropos for maxi dresses or saggy jeans….and right now they are only $24.50!

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Super Cheap, Super Chic Shoe

A winter white shoe is hard to come by, and even harder if you want it to POP and have some pizazz (without the look of your childhood Easter outfit…you remember?!) This Lorna shoe by Hive & Honey brings us one step closer to savvy and a huge leap closer toward spring, and all for just $89!  The color is called “makeup”: it has a 4-inch platform, an almond-shaped toe, and a reptile print!  For all of us in need of

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Easy Walk from Winter to Spring

These ASOS Mister Two-tone lace up brogues ($51.28) are an easy way to bring in spring — the navy color balances the white so you don’t look like Little Orphan Annie….but can remain stylish and weather appropriate. Two tone lace-up brogue style shoes Retro style design with contrast panels Lace-up front fastening, low block heel Also available in tan/off white

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….And Haute to Boot!

I am thinking this Lana Collar Thong Bootie by Dolce Vita is haute….and I’m not a bootie fan!  The different textures and the zips, snaps and folds make it standout without being too much.  Now the outfit can take a backseat and let your feet do the talkin‘.  At $298, it’s a little steep but an outfit-maker!! Just a little somethin’ to get you on the right footing for the weekend….

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Because Black is a Basic

I have been on the proverbial ‘hunt’ for a basic black flat shoe that would not look basic, could be worn across several occasions including everyday, wasn’t too plain that I got bored, but wasn’t too over-the-top that it lost the ‘basic’ feel, and didn’t cost a ton because undoubtedly next season I’d want something different…all to no avail until now! On Shoes.com, I found an adorable black flat shoe by Seychelles, the Petticoat for $62 ($82.65 less 25% using

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Shoes as Art…..

Name: Guillaume Hinfray Medium: Sexy and sculptured shoes Seen where: On pedicured and well-heeled feet across the land…. ( Now: at Gilt Groupe Why: 2010 should be about “investing” in style not blowing money on trendy fashions…and everyone knows art is a terrific investment so why not get excited with ‘every little step you take’?!  This is a former footwear designer for Bottega Veneta and Ferragamo…..how much more do we need to say? Price: $200 is the mean

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Absolutely Perfect Holiday Suit Shoes!

We were absolutely ecstatic when we saw this shoe/boot whip across our computer screen because it’s absolutely perfect!  For every Holiday occasion to come, you’ve got the answer and what really makes this perfect (besides the punch detail at the quarters)– the sole is made of moulded rubber (read: able to move from house to car in the snow without ruining the shoes or losing your grip!)

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Glad to be a Gladiator

I saw this picture…. And then decided I loved the Eden gladiator bootie by Michael Antonio….and it’s only $65 at flyjane.net.  The purple color is “it” this fall, the bootie is supposed to be ‘in fashion’ but, the entire outfit looks great!

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I’m Practicing Alliteration with This Shoe

I am adoring this sturdy, sparkly, studded, strappy and sexy Azzedine Alaia shoe!  What I am having a difficult time smiling about is the super high spend of $1895….but let’s just admire it for now and note our lofty aspirations! .

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Invest in a Driver or Slip-on

Style tip: invest in a pair of drivers or slip-ons!  Especially if you’re a frequent traveler, the easiest way to move through an already sticky and uncomfortable situation at security, is to be able to slip your shoes on and get out of there fast…consider something with color but that works with all color palettes like purple.  The most stylish men (Tom Ford, Bryan Atwood, etc) all have and wear drivers.  .

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“Dear Blueprint….Need Help”

Mystery: Summer’s over and I have lots of shoes that have the toe out.  When I click on certain sites, these are listed as “sandals”….I’m confused!  Can I wear toe-out shoes into fall and winter, or am I breaking some fashion rule?! Solved: Ask (and answer) these three questions…(1) Do I get cold easily?, (2) What is the occasion, and (3) What is my mode of transportation?  The easy answer is that you are not breaking any fashion rules by

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Now We all Have an Atwood!

Ladies have Brian Atwood — see the boots posted on Tuesday — and now the men have their Bryan Atwood too! Bally designer Bryan Atwood says “Put on a pair of bad shoes and it doesn’t matter how nice your suit is.”  And he says to start with brown “For dress shoes, I tend to stay away from black. I prefer colors like cognac or cigar; you can see the details of the shoe, and they go great with any

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The Shoe that Every Woman Covets

Yep — I’m talking about Christian Loutboutin’s (the red bottoms) and while they are not on sale right now, he will be doing a special shoe signing on October 24th, 1 pm to 4 pm at Neiman Marcus in Tysons Galleria!  WAIT — while you don’t have to, it’s recommended that you pre-order your shoes now (Tina can take your order but, won’t charge your card until October 23rd) and each customer can only have one pair signed no matter how many are

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Ted Baker Shoes

I’ve always noted Ted Baker London shoes for their quality construction and reliable sensibility but, this fall collection is FIERCE!  This picture highlights some of the must-haves for ANY stylish and sophisticated gentleman. [nggallery id = 25] *Note: prices are in pounds but once you’re in the website, you can make the conversion!.

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Too Haute, Don’t Touch!

Let’s dream a little…this Jimmy Choo Prosper leather sandal is at Outnet.com for $350 and while the price isn’t bad, the 5-inch heel isn’t for the faint-of-heart plus summer’s just about over. It’s a red and black leather peep-toe sandal with a gold zip fastening at the back and (look close) a wood effect! HAUTENESS!.

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Cole, Rood & Haan’s Archival Collection Debuts

Since the buzz started about six months ago, fashion folks have been waiting to get their ‘fix’ with the new collection by Cole Haan called Cole, Rood & Haan — after the three gentleman who started the company back in the 1920s.  Part of the line features men’s shoes that have a vintage and gently worn feel but, come from high quality Italian leather and suede.  Here’s a peek at a few that I love: Glad Rags, $375 Dapper $295

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Dear Blueprint…Need Help! Need Dressy Casual Heels that Work Now & into Fall

Mystery: I have 3 weddings to do across two days so, I need a nice, classy pump or heel that I can wear at an afternoon outdoor wedding, evening wedding, and indoor and slightly dressier wedding; plus one pair is better than three. I can’t spend a ton…as a matter of fact, my budget is $200 and that’s pushing it! Can you help? Solved: Dear “?” the right answer is an open-toe, flesh/neutral-colored or subdued metallic heel (preferably 3-inch minimum).  The height is

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How to Throw Fall Colors into Your Wardrobe & Maintain Your Manhood

The colors of the season are purple, grey and forest green and although Blueprint will be sharing several ideas about how to integrate these colors into your closet, I wanted to start us out right!  To get your splash of color without going too crazy and maintaining your ‘macho’ persona, try these forest green Clae Khan sneakers ($148).  You can scoop them online at Tobi and they are haute!!  What makes them so cool besides the color is the toe

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SHOE-bee-doo-bee-doo!

The title has nothing to do with the post….but it’s catchy isn’t it?! For our final day of Shoe Week, Blueprint thought it wise to leave on the ‘good foot’ (LOL!) so, wanted to provide the shoes that every stylish and sophisticated wardrobe should not be without.  Unlike yesterday’s shoes that were fun, and more trendy and whimsical, the following shoes are ones that should be purchased with a cobbler in mind, your credit card in hand, and a good friend

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SHOE-string Budget: Shoes Under $100

In an effort to be fiscally responsible which is, admittedly, not one of my favorite past-times and to offer some insight into remaining stylish amidst this economic crisis, today’s Shoe Week post is for those shoe finds under $100!!!  While they may not get you through every occasion, you’ll have about 75% of them cover….with a few extras for those special outfits! The most common sites (bookmark these!) include yesstyle.com, piperlime.gap.com, modcloth.com. revolveclothing.com, flyjane.net, heels.com, bakersshoes.com, and lorisshoes.com…let the games

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Shoe I Stay or Shoe I Go?!

Yesterday the ladies got to pine over some of my favorite shoes (now you know how I feel!) while the gentlemen got to take a look at the most expensive shoes for men — it almost makes it ok for the ladies to purchase more than 1 pair at any sale!  For some reason, I’m sure the experience of looking at shoes did not move any of the men the way it moved the ladies….again, blasphemy!!  Well today we continue on with Shoe

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10 of the Most Expensive Men’s Shoes in the World

In honor of Shoe Week, Blueprint researched some wonderfully made but, pricey shoes and thought it worthwhile to share.  Most men do not have the same love affair with shoes that women have; in fact, for fully 78% of men, shoes are a necessity rather than a luxury….blasphemy! What separates these shoes from the masses is not only the quality of the leather used but, the time, effort and craftsmanship put into every detail including the soles, stitching, fit and shaping,

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Kicking Off Shoe Week: Let Me Count the Ways in Which I Love Thee!

Recently I was golfing with a friend in Miami and had the good fortune to have great company and good conversation.  I had to purchase golf shoes for the outing and as I looked down at them on a lengthy Par 5 (the new Nike Women’s Air Summer Lite II happen to be the lightest and best ventilated shoe out!), I smiled inside and giggled on the outside….I loved my new golf shoes!!  During our conversation, we somehow got on

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Booties…with Cutout Design (Skip ‘Em)!

Ok- they are supposed to be chic and hip, and all the rage, and I am NOT a fan of these cutout designs.  Rather than achieving something edgy, they are teetering precariously toward ‘hooker-esque’ and for the people I see wearing them, they are not really helping the cause.

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