February 26, 2012

Running In Heels


“Why yes boys, I run in heels.” 

Recently, while running to an unexpected and quickly called meeting, my shoes were called into question. How would I, in heels, ever keep up with the boys? All eyes quickly scanned to my Manolo Blahnik clad feet. For beautiful, well-crafted footwear that’s professional, I constantly turn to Manolo Blahnik. He knows how to make a gorgeous shoe that’s comfortable for long hectic days. It’s quicker to walk, when headed over to the east side in the middle of the day. Without going into further detail, I can only say that it’s difficult to believe that in the year 2012 a conversation was being had about my footwear. My response, “why yes, I run in heels.”



I love a beautiful heel, but movement and comfort are paramount. To be frank, I don’t have trouble running around in heels. I never have. In my opinion, there’s nothing worse then a woman struggling to walk in heels. A four-inch heel just feels manageable to me. Let it be known that I equally love flats.

I picked up these two pairs of shoes, from the Manolo Blahnik boutique, a couple of days before Fashion Week. I believe in investing in quality footwear. I always look forward to shopping at the Manolo Blahnik boutique- it’s an intimate space with a lovely terrace. The boutique is across the street from MOMA, which is always a wonderful way to while away an afternoon. The helpful staff makes a point to get to know your wardrobe and style. Growing up, my dad always said,  “you should feel good about how and where you spend your money,” which is such wonderful advice. 

My Personal Photos
The gray flannel pumps are exactly what I’ve been looking for, to punch up black. The leather piping adds an unexpected touch. As for the suede boots, my narrow feet and small calf muscles, make boot shopping arduous. There was just something about the fit and the asymmetrical fold at the top that won me over. I was slow to warm to chocolate brown, but sometimes (in the same vain as navy) it just looks a bit more luxurious and richer than black. In the age of the  “it shoe” I appreciate that Manolo Blahnik makes a beautiful shoe that’s timeless. 

Interestingly enough, news of a Manolo Blahnik/J.Crew collaboration dominated Fashion Week. Last month in this insightful interview* Manolo Blahnik made it clear that he wouldn’t do a mass-market product, if it meant polluting the brand. This particular collaboration seems a bit different. Manolo Blahnik’s iconic Bebe heel will be sold at J.Crew in exclusive prints and colors. Only time will tell, but I love what he’s doing with Lane Crawford here. Collaborating with brands that share his love of craftsmanship and artistry in an innovative and unique way.

*This interview is worth reading for the designer’s perspective on style. I find that I have very similar views in many aspects. 

** I will put together a post on shoe care and maintenance. For those who have asked about caring for Repettos, I have some tips here

32 comments:

  1. love your collection of shoe staples. i have to master the art of running of years...one day!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Joy- Thank you. I have very little time to peruse stores or even online lookbooks these days, but these two pairs seemed perfect and so comfortable.

      Oh you will master it:)

      Delete
  2. I hear you - boys who ask "how can you wear such tall shoes?!". My goodness, I'd feel a bit out of place if I couldn't wear heels!
    Also, I'm looking forward to a shoe care post. I'm OCD about my shoes being clean and shiny. And I'm curious to see what you use on them. Because I'm nosy like that :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Florina- I know, I know. I had to stop myself from rolling my eyes. I wouldn't feel like myself if I couldn't wear heels.

      I think a shoe care post is in order. I've found that my shoes really do last FOREVER. Granted I invest in serious footwear, but I also take really good care of them. I hear you about shoes being clean and shiny:)

      Delete
  3. I salute you! I can't even WALK in heels, let alone run in them...

    Your Manolos are gorgeous <3 Love your observation about how colors other than black can be just as (if not more) beautiful. Black is traditional, but sometimes I think tradition can be overrated.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. drifterqueen- Thank you!

      Since I have my basics covered, it's nice to have a few pairs that are versatile, but a bit different. I believe that a gorgeous shoe really can make an outfit.

      I agree with you. I love black, but sometimes it's nice to add other neutral colors in as well. I love tradition, but I agree sometimes in can be overrated.

      Delete
  4. Gorgeous heels, Lindsay! And pretty pics of them. ♥

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Tricia- Thank you!

      Oh that makes my day to hear that you liked the pics. You're the expert when it comes to taking pretty pics:)

      Delete
  5. love your manolos! i like how his design philosophy takes into consideration the real woman in mind, and appears to be the opposite of another certain skyscraper-heel shoe designer...

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. miss sophie- Thank you!

      I love his design philosophy. I find that when I keep comming back to a designer, it's not only because of craftsmanship, but the philosophy behind the design.

      You're exactly right, there's definately an understanding that real women with busy, full lives wear these shoes. I like that even though he'll do a high heel they're still balanced and comfortable. There's thought behind the construction.

      Delete
  6. Keeping up with the boys? Humphf! Gotta love your daily dose of misogyny, eh? Hat off to you for kicking butt in Manolos! And those shoes are stunning, truly. I´m more of a flats girl myself, and I envy women who can walk around in heels all day like it is second nature :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Maja H- I know. As far as we've come there's still a ways to go. It is rather fun to kick butt in Manolos and when people least expect it:)

      Thank you! I love a good pair of flats too. Perhaps I have a thing for extremes- hehe.

      Delete
  7. looking forward to the shoe care post! its been awhile since ive worn heels, I've had tons of knee problems but its been almost a year, I think it's time for me to start wearing them again haha

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Alice /// VESTIGIAL WINGS- A shoe care post is long overdue.

      I'm sorry to hear about your knee. I hope you're doing better. Health comes first.

      Delete
  8. Those are so elegant. That said, I confess I belong to that school of people who are amazed by a woman who can run in her heels - I can't! Physical grace doesn't come naturally to many of us, haha.

    And I agree, so many women wear look terrible in heels to me because the shoes are too high or badly designed, and it pains me to see them being hobbled by their shoes. So I respect anyone who doesn't fall into that trap.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. lin- Thank you.

      Wearing heels is second nature to me, so it's amusing to me that so many people are amazed by this. You're right, physical grace isn't the most natural thing.

      Yes, I'll never forget at my middle school commencement so many girls came out in towering heels not being able to move and my mom commenting on it. A flat would have been much chicer than hobbling.

      Delete
  9. You are so lucky, Lindsay! I think your wardrobe is wonderful...
    I do not wear heels often because I'm afraid of being ridiculous .. Also, I do not often find models with whom I have a crush.
    It does not matter, I love ballet flats (Repetto!!)

    By the way, I am SO excited for New-York! I saw on Twitter that you were going to Paris ; when?

    xx

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Camille S.- I replied to this earlier today but blogger is acting up:(

      Thank you! Those are such sweet words. I'm truly humbled.

      Oh, you could never look ridiculous. NEVER. I do love Repettos. They're the perfect flat.

      I'm so excited for your NY trip. It's always nice to see my city through fresh eyes. I'm suppose to be at Paris for the collections now, but it's too, too last minute. Will be back soon. I miss my little apartment.

      Delete
  10. I can easily imagine you in Manolos rather than Louboutins. You have an innate sense of elegance and sophistication which I admire. Ever since I left corporate work, my ability to work in heels seemed to disappear. I used to live in my Manolos. These days, I survive in ankle boots and repetto flats (which I own way too many).

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Chocolate, Cookies & Candies- You are too kind. I feel the same way about your style. You just make it seem so effortless.

      It's so interesting how much corporate work effects what we wear. I love your ankle boots. Ankle boots are such a good alternative to heels- they're nice and comfy but still look really polished. A good cost per wear investment. Oh it's hard not to collect Repetto flats, there are just too many lovely options. I'm completely overwhelmed at the Paris flagship.

      Delete
  11. I was giggling over that Manolo/J.Crew thing too - I love both pairs that you picked up, classic but with that little "twist". Lovely! And extra special that you got them at the MB boutique, I always love his stores.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Katherine- I know! There was a really pretty pair at the J.Crew preview and it was love (hehe). I just have confidence that he'll be able to pull it off.

      Thank you! You summed it up. Classic with a little twist. I always have to have something a bit subversive thrown in there;)

      Me too! All of his stores are really charming. I really like the staff at the New York store.

      Delete
  12. Lovely! D'orsays are my favorite style! So classy and sexy at the same time!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Emmy- Thank you. i love D'orsays too. They just work for so many different occasions. You're so right about that balance.

      Delete
  13. Totally agree about Manolo. His shoes are stylish, sexy and you can wear them all day. They really are an investment shoe.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Alice Olive- We share the love for Manolos. You summed it up perfectly. They're just designed so well with all of the little boxes checked off.

      Now I'm curious, are there any other brands you swear by when it comes to heels?

      Delete
  14. These are so beautiful. I have been wary of high heels lately, this new city has equally insane traffic, lots of walking, plus steep hills, and brick sidewalks. I always pass by the boutique, when I go home, but never step inside. Are the shoes really comfortable enough to walk up and down steep brick hills?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. La Copine- Thank you!

      I do lots of fast walking, which is the great thing about NYC. It's not unusual for me to walk 3-5 miles in a day. When in Paris, I easily walk much more than that. I like to reserve one pair of ballet flats each season just for running around town, commuting and mucking up.

      Manolos are super comfy though. I can tell the difference when it comes to the inner balance of the shoe.

      Delete
  15. In my city (York, UK) the pavements are all cobble stones! which is very scary to walk on in slim heels, eek! I always look for heels that are slightly thicker without taking away any of their elegance :) I will eagerly await your post about shoe care :) I try my best to look after my shoes but I always like to learn more :)

    Love, Vanilla

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Vanilla - Notes from my closet- Cobble Stone streets are beautiful, but can destroy heels. I know exactly what you mean about a slightly thicker heel that still maintains its' elegance. It depends on the proportions of an outfit, but I don't like a super chunky heel.

      Shoe care is so important. I'm always picking up tips from the cobbler:)

      Delete
  16. I just love reading your posts!! You are so eloquent!

    I, too, run in heels and hear that question many times. As my style has evolved, I also understand the need for quality shoes {my feet tell me so}. And your dad's advice - so true!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Samantha- Thank you! Thank you! That's the sweetest thing ever. I assure you, I'm not as eloquent IRL;)

      It's such a funny thing for people to ask. It's second nature! Oh yes, quality shoes are so important for happy feet.

      Yes, such good advice and my barometer for new purchases.

      Delete