After being at Open Runway for a week, I’ve learned a lot of new terminology revolving around shoes. So today I am going to share with you some of what I’ve learned (complete with visuals) because seriously, shoes are complicated.

Firstly a shoe is made on a last, which is like a fake wooden or plastic foot. The last changes depending on the heel height, the toe shape and the size of the shoe, so a 4 inch heel height on a size 7 shoe will be made on a different last than a 3.5 inch heel height, size 9 shoe. Basically to make a full range of shoes you need a lot of lasts!

Plastic Shoe Lasts

Image Courtesy of GCBooster

There are many parts of a shoe, you probably already know about the heel and the insole, but did you know the front of a shoe is called a vamp and the back is called the counter! In this example the shoe is peep toed but if it were a closed toed pump the front would be called a toe box.

I wasn’t kidding when I said shoes were complicated! Thankfully knowing all these terms is not necessary to create a pair of shoes using our design studio. I have spent a lot of time designing shoes and handbags on the site and it is so fun; I can’t wait until all of you get to experience the joy that is openrunway.com! Get excited for our site launch at the end of the month!

Open Runway Love,

Andrea

Do you love shoes as much as we do?

Tell us about your favorite pair for a chance to win $100!

A guest blog post by Personal Wardrobe Stylist, Mahjuba

Revamp your black pump to a Platform pump

Fall 2010 brings us a luxe color palette on Footwear. Many designers are using muted colors of black, gray, dark blue, light purple and beige.  Exquisite trimmings on Footwear are the highlights of this season. We are seeing details such as lace up, feathers, fur trim, leopard and zebra prints.

There are 3 particular trends that I am insanely mad about.  These trends can instantly update your wardrobe essentials and help you stand out.  The first being a Flat over the knee boot. This is a great look for walking around town shopping on a casual day.  For a more fashion forward look, choose a high boot with fur trim. Last but not least, revamp your black pump to a Platform pump.

Some of the other styles seen on the runway for fall are extreme height, corrugated soles, booties, and leather and metal finishing’s.

Zebra prints are hot on the runway

Soon you will be able to design your own shoe on Open Runway. Go for trims and textures that represent your style. Choose a style that will bring your wardrobe to the next level. The best part of designing your own shoe is the individuality and thought you have put into your design. When building a shoe wardrobe I start with the classics. I then will add pieces that are right on trend and current. Building a shoe wardrobe is essential and takes time. At times choosing a fabulous stand out shoe is just as fun as choosing a fabulous piece of jewelry. It goes hand and hand.

Make the most of designing your own shoe and most of all have fun doing it.

Learn more about Personal Wardrobe and Fashion Stylist Mahjuba

These days it seems like every celebrity has their own fashion line.  Everyone from Jessica Simpson all the way to P. Diddy is jumping on the fashion bandwagon and designing lines that express their style so why can’t you? It’s not like these celebrities are more qualified fashion experts by any stretch of the imagination (see: Jersey Shore’s JWoww debut her Filthy Couture line).

So what’s stopping you from designing your own style? With more and more online retailers offering co-created and custom-made apparel, the answer is nothing!

Open Runway is just one of many fashion companies embracing the co-creation trend. We’re revolutionizing the way women shop for fashion by empowering both shoppers and emerging designers  to design and purchase their own dream shoes.

Here are some others you should know about:

Styleshake lets women design a wide variety of apparel. If you are looking to design your own dress, shirt, top or accessory, StyleShake is the place to be.

How it works: Shoppers  can mix and match a large assortment of patterns, specify the color and fabric, and have the choice of ordering their design in a standard size or paying a little extra for their made-to-measure service. Receive it in 10 days or less.

Price: Dresses start at $97

Why we like it: We all need that special dress for a special occasion and the ability to design your own dress can really make an occassion that much more memorable.

Blank-Label provides a platform to design your own men’s dress shirts.

How it works: Customize the fabric, collar, cuff, placket, pockets, shoulders, buttons and more on your personalized dress shirt. Receive your shirt in 3 weeks or if you’re in a hurry get it 10 days using their express service.

Price: Dress shirts start at $45

Why we like it: Men’s dress shirts are normally pretty simple, so the ability to mix things up with different color collars, buttons, and shoulder straps can really help you stand out from the crowd.

The Boston Connection: Talking with Fan Bi (@lifeofbi) is always an awesome experience. Check out his blog to hear the latest. He and the team relocated to Shanghai for the summer for a number of different reasons – check it out. Danny Wong (@dannywong1190), Blank Label’s lead evangelist, is knocking Blank-Label’s PR out of the park.

Gemvara is an online jewelry retailer that lets you customize each piece to your liking. They offer a wide variety of jewelry from pendants to engagement rings.

How it works: Find a style you like and customize it by choosing your gemstone and precious metal. Receive your design in 3 weeks or less.

Price: Price varies depending on piece

Why we like it: With thousands of bling to choose from, you  can save yourself hundreds of hours combing through stores looking for something unique and perfect for your sweetie. At Gemvara you can design a perfect engagement ring that truly expresses your love.

The Boston Connection: Matt Lauzon (@mattlauzon) , Gemvara’s founder, is a great asset to the Boston start-up community. We’ve met Matt a number of times and had the pleasure of  speaking on a Gemvara (known as Paragon Lake at the time) sponsored Mass Customization Panel titled “How Mass Customization Can Create Value & Profit.” at the end of 2009.

IndiDenim offers made to measure jeans designed by you.

How it works: Through their online Jean Builder you can choose your fabric as well as features such as the rise, fly, hem stlyes and more AND have them custom made to fit your exact dimensions and. They offer both Men’s and Women’s jeans.

Price: Jeans start at $145

Why we like it: If you’re anything like me, you spend hours trying to find that perfect pair of jeans. With the ability to create the perfect pair of jeans, it almost seems silly to waste time going to the store.

The DYO revolution is upon us. It’s time for your voice in fashion to be heard!