Manolo Blahnik – Worth the Investment

 ~The store front of Manolo Blahnik’s in London on Old Church Street. Unfortunately, no photos were allowed to be taken while inside the store, so this is very my photo documentation ends, but oh, what a wonderful experience. ~

Friday I decided to venture out and look for the famed shoe designer extraordinaire Manolo Blahnik’s flagship store. Set with my tube map, street map and determination, I began to blindly forge the streets.

Knowing already that it was in a tucked away location, I found Old Church Street off of King’s Road and discovered a one lane road that was quiet and lined with flats, with very few businesses (maybe three including Manolo’s). If I hadn’t already known it was going to be something I’d have to look for and that it wouldn’t jump out at me, I might not have found it, but neatly folded into a brick exterior, with a small marble logo just above the windows with the petite font, was the boutique I was looking for.

Choosing to try on the Corlatura tweed pump with silk knots adorning the edges, I was propped up to at least 6’2” inches (I stand 5’11”). It was a delight, and Jamie, the salesman was quite cordial as I beamed like a child seeing what was under the dreamed Christmas tree.

“Corlatura”

Interestingly, I learned that Manolo Blahnik’s two collections each year (spring and fall) differ in their approach compared to other shoe designers. While many designers re-release many popular styles each season to appease their clients, Manolo only re-releases approximately three styles every season – the basic solid pump, an evening sandal and a pair of Mary Janes. With a total of 50-60 styles created for each season, this fall 2012 season is impressive (view the entire collection here). With baroque textures and ornamentation, as well as the ever-popular trend of polka dots, it is even more evidence that an outfit is not complete without the perfect pair of shoes. So what better investment?

Seeing Double!

 

What to wear, what to wear?  One of the most genuine and honest voices I have found through my time blogging is Kelly of Out of Colorado, and she again, has graciously bestowed upon Simply Luxurious not one, but TWO awards.  Upon accepting them, I was asked to share what I might wear if I had the opportunity to attend the “Blogger” Academy Awards.  Too many dresses, designers and styles to choose from, but I decided to stick with classics.  

The beautiful black Chanel gown worn by Penelope Cruz with a simple jeweled sandal by Manolo Blahnik and just a touch of diamond shimmer from Tiffany’s fabulous Jazz earrings. 

And my mode of transportation would be, in order to adhere to the theme, a 1956 Mercedez-Benz.

Thank you Kelly for so kindly including me on your list for the Trendy Blog Award and the Versatile Blogger.

The fabulous ladies I’d like to pass both of these awards on to are:

Pour L’Amour de Fashion

A Lovely Being

Everything Fabulous

Following Rabbits

La Dolce Vita

Couture Carrie

Simply pass the awards on to people you feel are deserving and share how you might arrive at a spectacular event such as the Oscars.  Congratulations!