"Give a girl the right shoes, and she can conquer the world" - Marilyn Monroe
Fred Says…. By Amanda Mullen
Give a girl the right shoes, and she can conquer the world.
- Marilyn Monroe
Marilyn Monroe's famous quote, “Give a girl the right shoe, and she can conquer the world” has always been an inspiration for me. It's far more than a catchy phrase; it encapsulates the essence of female empowerment, self-expression, and ambition. It has always reminded me that women possess incredible strength, resilience, and determination to overcome obstacles and leave an indelible mark on the world.
Stepping onto the streets of New York City in 2009, I couldn't help but feel the electric energy pulsating through the air. It was a year of fashion and style, a time when New York City ‘to me’ seemed to be at the forefront of the sartorial world. With my camera in hand and an insatiable passion for fashion, I embarked on a thrilling adventure, capturing the essence of the city's vibrant style scene while sharing my observations on my style blog “Give a Girl a Shoe”.
Shoes have long been regarded as more than just items of clothing; they are symbols of self-expression. Just as each woman possesses unique style and personality, choice of footwear reflects individuality. The right pair of shoes can be a form of artistic expression, allowing women to communicate confidence, creativity, and personal flair to the world. When a woman feels comfortable and authentic in her shoes, it ignites a sense of empowerment that transcends mere fashion choices.
As a style blogger, my goal was to capture the authentic essence of New York City fashion. Street style became my obsession, and I reveled in finding inspiration in the unconventional, the unexpected. The city's sidewalks became my catwalk, and I delighted in the challenge of capturing the essence of a person's style in a single snapshot. From the bold accessories that added a pop of color to an otherwise monochromatic outfit to the eclectic layering that transcended seasonal norms, New Yorkers had an innate ability to effortlessly blend high-end fashion with streetwear, creating unique and memorable looks. The streets of NYC became my Vogue that offered an array of style inspiration that took me on an adventure of sharing my own style. In 2010 I started popping around NYC capturing my own personal style. I found myself immersed in a whirlwind of runway shows, store openings, fashion events and brand collaborations. The city was a hotbed of creativity, with emerging designers making their mark and established fashion houses presenting their latest collections. It was my mission to distill these trends and translate them into accessible, relatable content for my blog's readers. I offered tips on how to incorporate the season's must-have pieces into everyday wardrobes and showcased the work of local designers who were pushing boundaries and redefining New York City's fashion landscape. As blogs became obsolete I decided to end the writings of Give a Girl a Shoe. Today I am lucky enough to finally share my curated selections of clothing at Fred Black.
I have continued to honor Marilyn by featuring "Double X" print from Bert Stern's 1962 series "Lasting Sitting" from my private art collection. The “Last Sitting" was commissioned by Vogue around this time in 1962. Stern shot over 2,500 magic photos. The session took place over three days and sadly they were her last photographs ever taken. Marilyn passed away on August 4th, 1962.
Purchase the perfect gift for a Marilyn enthusiast - Taschen's Norman Mailer's Book, online (here) and stop by the store to shop the Fleur Du Mal x Marilyn Monroe pieces.
Learn more about the store artwork (here)
Enjoy some of the photos from my blog Give a Girl a Shoe circa 2012-2014.
