~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?