Dedicated to all MANOLO's owners... POST PICS!!!
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For those interested in heel shapes, here's what I've been able to figure out so far...
(And please please feel free to correct me on anything here! This is just what I've gathered from direct observation of my Manolo boxes and from general shoe-stalking research. I'm far from an expert -- it's just my OCD-ish need to delve and categorize!
)
PUX: stick-straight, square heel
Perhaps it's the clean lines and crisp angles that give this heel a fresh, modern look?
Here's my teal suede BB 105 with the PUX heel:
And, to illustrate what I said in an earlier post about the BB 105 bordeaux liquid patent at Neiman Marcus... On the left is what was available in 2013, with the PUX heel. On the right is what Neiman's offers now in 2014, with what I think is called the Tora heel (?):
They actually both look great, but I much prefer the more balanced dimensions of the PUX heel. The Tora, which I've likened to a martini glass, is lovely in its own way, but to me personally it seems rather top-heavy, and the stick of the heel (which, btw, is rounded, not squared) looks thinner than in the PUX version. Perhaps my bias is due to the fact that I'm only 5'3", and my calves are not slim, so I'm imagining that the top-heavy shape but delicate thinner stick of the Tora might look too "wobbly" and just won't fit my body type??? (Or maybe I'll completely change my mind if I actually try on a pair in person??) :wondering
PIN: slightly flared, with "squared" angles throughout the length of the heel
Here are three of mine with the PIN heel:
The first two are 90mm. The third one is my patent black BB 70. I love the PUX on the BB 105, but for the 90 or 70, I prefer the slightly flared PIN heel. (However, I've noticed that Saks and Barney's are now carrying BB 90 with the PUX, and it actually looks quite nice!)
BAG and VAL: more distinctly flared heels
My chartreuse Sedaraby has the BAG heel, and the merlot the VAL heel:
Both heels seem almost equally flared, and both have nicely rounded contours at the top. However, the BAG remains rounded from top to bottom, whereas the VAL starts to take on square-ish corners as it reaches the bottom -- just look at the heel lifts.
(to compare the VAL and PIN: the PIN is less flared, and has the squared angles almost throughout, top to bottom... I'm trying really hard to tame the nerd in me that wants to do a triple Venn diagram!!)
And there are so many other Manolo heel shapes that I'd love to explore if I had the time... would love to read what you can add!!
I've read somewhere that Mr. Blahnik still personally carves his own wooden lasts and heels when designing.
Anyway, sorry if I've bored you with all these trivial details. Thanks for indulging me!
(And please please feel free to correct me on anything here! This is just what I've gathered from direct observation of my Manolo boxes and from general shoe-stalking research. I'm far from an expert -- it's just my OCD-ish need to delve and categorize!
)PUX: stick-straight, square heel
Perhaps it's the clean lines and crisp angles that give this heel a fresh, modern look?
Here's my teal suede BB 105 with the PUX heel:
And, to illustrate what I said in an earlier post about the BB 105 bordeaux liquid patent at Neiman Marcus... On the left is what was available in 2013, with the PUX heel. On the right is what Neiman's offers now in 2014, with what I think is called the Tora heel (?):
They actually both look great, but I much prefer the more balanced dimensions of the PUX heel. The Tora, which I've likened to a martini glass, is lovely in its own way, but to me personally it seems rather top-heavy, and the stick of the heel (which, btw, is rounded, not squared) looks thinner than in the PUX version. Perhaps my bias is due to the fact that I'm only 5'3", and my calves are not slim, so I'm imagining that the top-heavy shape but delicate thinner stick of the Tora might look too "wobbly" and just won't fit my body type??? (Or maybe I'll completely change my mind if I actually try on a pair in person??) :wondering
PIN: slightly flared, with "squared" angles throughout the length of the heel
Here are three of mine with the PIN heel:
The first two are 90mm. The third one is my patent black BB 70. I love the PUX on the BB 105, but for the 90 or 70, I prefer the slightly flared PIN heel. (However, I've noticed that Saks and Barney's are now carrying BB 90 with the PUX, and it actually looks quite nice!)
BAG and VAL: more distinctly flared heels
My chartreuse Sedaraby has the BAG heel, and the merlot the VAL heel:
Both heels seem almost equally flared, and both have nicely rounded contours at the top. However, the BAG remains rounded from top to bottom, whereas the VAL starts to take on square-ish corners as it reaches the bottom -- just look at the heel lifts.
(to compare the VAL and PIN: the PIN is less flared, and has the squared angles almost throughout, top to bottom... I'm trying really hard to tame the nerd in me that wants to do a triple Venn diagram!!)
And there are so many other Manolo heel shapes that I'd love to explore if I had the time... would love to read what you can add!!
I've read somewhere that Mr. Blahnik still personally carves his own wooden lasts and heels when designing.
Anyway, sorry if I've bored you with all these trivial details. Thanks for indulging me!
Hi again, bougainvillier!Thanks Leafspark! My BB in bordeaux also shows as PUXI am curious, where do you mostly get your MBs? I found Nordstrom carries some good pairs from time to time, in my size, but that is about it. I rarely see anything in the online stores, like NAP.
Cobalt suede BB would be so divine! I want more leather/suede leather pairs as patent takes long to break in and I don't have the patience. LOL
I get my Manolos from a variety of places. Some are from Holt Renfrew, which is more or less the only department store in Canada that carries high-end designers -- and the Manolo selection there is nowhere near as varied as what American stores can offer. Unfortunately, Holt Renfrew hasn't finished developing its online retailing yet (it's supposed to be ready in a couple of years... ???). I'm lucky that I have a Holts in my city, but it's not always the most convenient to go shoe shopping at a glossy designer store with an adventurous toddler in tow!
So I get most of my Manolos online through American stores. I try to take advantage of sales at Neiman Marcus or Saks, especially when they have duty-free specials (the cost of importing into Canada can be a killer!). I just wish that Nordstrom and Barney's would offer duty-free every once in a while too! I hear that Nordstrom and Saks will soon be opening in Canada, but I have a terrible suspicion that the selection will still not be the same as in the States -- let's hope I'm wrong...
Another source is through eBay -- you can get some really amazing deals, especially for hard-to-find styles or sizes. You can refine your search for your specific shoe size, and get notified whenever items pop up. There are a lot of great, trustworthy eBay businesses that specialize in high-end consignment, designer samples, overstock, etc. And you definitely seem like a gal who knows how to spot for authenticity!
I envy your smaller shoe size: so often I've seen some absolutely gorgeous shoes on eBay that are in the smaller or larger size ranges, but not the mid-range like my 37.
On another note, I have to say that I can't stop visiting your collection of Louboutins! I don't have any CLs, being rather intimidated by the prevalence of platforms and fierce styles, but your tasteful yet fun selection is really making me change my mind! The pair that stands out for me the most is your Altadama in Perche Soleil Python -- WOW! WOW! WOW! Thanks for opening my eyes!
Hi, LavenderIce!
Gosh, I'd love to have a pair of orange BBs! That colour was on my mind throughout spring and summer... glad you're enjoying yours.
I just posted some more observations about the heel shapes. Now that I've taken a few more looks at the Tora heel, it's actually appealing to me more and more...
Thanks, Phiphi!
I'm actually quite tickled that I'm in contact with you on this forum. I've been a long-time reader of your blog -- great stuff! I love how you pair a lot of clean, classic pieces with fun and quirky items.
Until I joined tPF, I had never contributed to any other forum or blog, but I'm just loving this great community here!! I really am rather giddy.
Thanks, Phiphi!
I'm actually quite tickled that I'm in contact with you on this forum. I've been a long-time reader of your blog -- great stuff! I love how you pair a lot of clean, classic pieces with fun and quirky items.
Until I joined tPF, I had never contributed to any other forum or blog, but I'm just loving this great community here!! I really am rather giddy.
hi leafspark, that's just so sweet of you! i'm so happy you read and like my blog. it's a great honour to meet you here too! this is a great community and there are wonderful members here. they are a great resource and are amazing people.
thank you for your support!!
Hi, I'd like to know about Hangisi pump..
I try it and bought satin flat size 37.5 ( normally I wear 37) .
Do you think I should go for size 37.5 also for the high-heel?
Or should I stick with 37?
Does anyone have this both style? Do you wear the same size?
Thank you
I try it and bought satin flat size 37.5 ( normally I wear 37) .
Do you think I should go for size 37.5 also for the high-heel?
Or should I stick with 37?
Does anyone have this both style? Do you wear the same size?
Thank you
Hi, I'd like to know about Hangisi pump..
I try it and bought satin flat size 37.5 ( normally I wear 37) .
Do you think I should go for size 37.5 also for the high-heel?
Or should I stick with 37?
Does anyone have this both style? Do you wear the same size?
Thank you
I have both styles. I'm a true 38 and wear that size in both the flats and the heels. So maybe if you're a 37.5 in the flats you should go with the same size in the heel since they do seem to run consistent in sizing.
Oh , BTW here is my first Manolo shoes . I bought it a couple days ago , I'm so in love with the colors. It is saturated fuxia but the dark crystal on top can be easily matching to all of my closet.
Thanks for let me share
And I'm still looking forward to the new FW2014 version of 70mm Heels , it has white /clear crystal on top. I quickly tried it once , didn't have a chance to choose a size . The new version is also lovely.
Thanks for let me share
And I'm still looking forward to the new FW2014 version of 70mm Heels , it has white /clear crystal on top. I quickly tried it once , didn't have a chance to choose a size . The new version is also lovely.
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Oh , BTW here is my first Manolo shoes . I bought it a couple days ago , I'm so in love with the colors. It is saturated fuxia but the dark crystal on top can be easily matching to all of my closet.
Thanks for let me share
And I'm still looking forward to the new FW2014 version of 70mm Heels , it has white /clear crystal on top. I quickly tried it once , didn't have a chance to choose a size . The new version is also lovely.
Beautiful! I think the new whiter crystals are much more dressy. Something in a heel would be more versatile! You made the fabulous choice on your first MB
My first pair of Manolos! I've actually had these for a few months (and have worn them to death during this time). At first I thought they were sooo uncomfortable, but after I broke them in it was super easy to walk in them. I'm in love Definitely want to find a new color for the fall. Also, any suggestions on how to upkeep these shoes??
flickr.com/photos/amshames/14953930010/in/set-72157647224794532
Definitely want to find a new color for the fall. Also, any suggestions on how to upkeep these shoes??flickr.com/photos/amshames/14953930010/in/set-72157647224794532
My first pair of Manolos! I've actually had these for a few months (and have worn them to death during this time). At first I thought they were sooo uncomfortable, but after I broke them in it was super easy to walk in them. I'm in love
flickr.com/photos/amshames/14953930010/in/set-72157647224794532
Pretty pink!
Definitely put on rubber soles and spray meltonian water & stain protector since suede can get stained easily.