Manolo the Columnist
Manolo says, here is the Manolo’s latest column for the Express of the Washington Post.
Dear Manolo,
I recently moved to Arizona from a much colder state, and took a job in a corporate setting after twenty years in academia. Can you suggest a pair of shoes to wear with my casual Friday boot-cut jeans? I am a woman of a certain age, but I would like to maintain a hint of bohemianism without appearing to be a crazy old lady.
Shannon
Manolo says, there are so many things going on in this letter the Manolo does not even know where to start: the move from the cold of the north to the warmth of the south; the change from the mock-free-spiritedness of the academy to the more regimented setting of corporate employment; the desire to maintain one’s bohemianosity in the face of creeping bag-ladyism; the boot-cut jeans.
Actually, there is already the suitable model for Southwestern artistic bohemianism, involving prairie denim skirts, and excessive amounts of turquoise geegawery, and while the Manolo’s friend might not wish to head too far down this road, the few nods to tradition cannot hurt.
This is why the Manolo would recommend the Muchas Hojas Mule from Old Gringo. It is handsomely Southwestern without crossing the line into being costumey.
November 2nd, 2007 at 9:28 am
“mock-free-spiritedness of the academy”
Inspired characterization!
November 2nd, 2007 at 9:34 am
Good choice! She can wear the mules with skirts too. For today’s business casual look in New Mexico, I’m wearing western shoe boots, but I’d wear mules like those as an alternative!
November 2nd, 2007 at 11:50 am
I am the Shannon who asked this question, and I want to thank the Manolo for introducing these shoes into my life. This is also proof for the doubters that the Manolo is, indeed, superfantastic, because Zappos has only a size 8.5 left in stock — which is the size I wear.
Hail to the Manolo! Thank you!!
November 2nd, 2007 at 12:25 pm
Please don’t wear those.
November 2nd, 2007 at 12:44 pm
I like them!
November 2nd, 2007 at 3:08 pm
And let us not forget about the Arlo Guthrie-ish mane of gray hair that often goes with the turquoise jewlery (A look not confined to the Southwest.)
November 2nd, 2007 at 3:38 pm
Please do not wear those. There are so many other alternatives, such as a pointed rustic looking demi boot. If you want the “western boot” look, just wear a regular cowboy boot…you know the ones…the long ones that go up to mid calf(a pair in black or brown snake skin would be great). It makes more sense to wear the real thing, istead of a silly looking version like this. These are not even flattering to the foot. When I see ladies wearing these, their heel usually sticks out and hangs off of the back because of the nature of the shoe. This is a huge fashion “don’t.”
November 2nd, 2007 at 3:47 pm
Those are very pretty, I love the detailing. I’m sure if they are in the right size they will look great!
November 2nd, 2007 at 5:33 pm
I love that you said “geegawery.”
The Roz hearts the Manolo.
November 2nd, 2007 at 7:37 pm
Jillian my dear, it’s still way too hot in Arizona to be wearing regular boots. As a newbie to AZ, she’ll die in boots. Trust me. The mules are an acceptable substitute, especially if regular pedicures are done.
Oh and I agree that heels and/or toes hanging over shoe edges are a major “don’t.” Ewww, tacky.
November 2nd, 2007 at 11:52 pm
Please don’t wear these. As a transplant to Arizona myself I can honestly tell you that only people native to Arizona can get away with wearing anything vaguely cowboy bootish. You will be mocked behind your back as an impostor if you wear these shoes.
December 23rd, 2007 at 7:42 pm
I moved to Arizona 3 years ago from the Bay Area, which I would say, has great style. Bohemian and casual to high style with an artistic flair. Arizona is still basking in nouveau riche style, from their overly fluffy hair, to their copious amount of plastic surgery. Barbie dolls sitting in every restaurant and bar in town. I work in a corporate environment. These are the ugliest shoes I have set site on. They might work for a coyote dancer in a bar in Crown King. Style credentials - I’d really like to see yours!