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From stiletto to kitten-heel, a classic black pump is a true power wardrobe essential and go-to choice for professional women who take their morning fashion decisions as seriously as their coffee.
And like the little black dress or trench coat, the basic pump is a wardrobe staple for women who favor elegant office fashion--with a dash of chic and sexy. An iconic, graceful midnight-hued pump is truly the investment piece that requires no mirror time wondering, "Are these the right shoes?" Of course they are.
But in considering the purchase of the "perfect pump," there are several points (pun intended) to consider, including craftsmanship, quality of leather, toe shape, heel height and arch support. In our search, we also considered cost, shine, a delicate heel vs. a strong-looking one--and ultimately found our perfect match.
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What sets the Manolo Blahnik's Tuccio style apart from other pumps are its clever details. See how the trompe l'oeil design elongates the leg? Its curvaceous shape looks neither trendy nor dated. "You could have bought it five minutes ago or 10 years ago," says George Malkemus, president of Manolo Blahnik USA, which has stocked the Tuccio for a dozen years.
A mark of excellence can be found, surprisingly, not just in the look of the pump from above or the smoothness of the leather, but on the sole of the shoe. There, a single piece of leather lines the instep from pointed toe to the tip of the heel. In cheaper pumps, the heel is attached separately, or "spanked on" in shoe-speak. The single piece approach that strengthens the sole of the Tuccio is just one of the things that set the shoe above its many imitators.
The Tuccio pump is available in five heel heights--the second highest, at a bit over 4 inches, is featured in our photo--so you can be sure to walk confidently and comfortably no matter your fear of (heel) heights. And, depending on the store, you can find the Tuccio in a number of colors. This season's standards are black, red, purple, blue, green or gold, all in calf leather. You can also special-order a pair of the iconic pump in a hue that matches just about anything.
One more point--and we find this one genius: the toe shape, too, varies, depending this time on regional taste. A pair bought at the Manolo Blahnik boutique in New York has a slightly longer toe than one from, for example, Neiman Marcus in Dallas. Leave it to Manolo Blahnik to understand--and cater to--the needs of shoe-smart women across the map.
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