Manolo’s Shoe Blog

Manolo says, it is Monday and you are back at your desk slaving away for The Man and his Minions, slowly breaking your spirit into tiny pieces on the keyboard of your workstation, as surely as the convict turns the big rocks into little rocks with his sledgehammer.

Oh, how you dream of freedom, fame, and great wealth, and of tall, bronzed, well-oiled men in tiny swimming trunks who bring you fruity drinks and peel plump grapes for your enjoyment.

But then, at the peak of this daydream, just as Fabio leans into view, briefly obscuring the warm Riviera sun, you remember that there people who depend upon you, the hard-working husband and the two kids in school, who need you and the mighty efforts you expend to make their lives better.

Yes, it is not glamorous, nor exciting, nor especially self-actualizing, this mundane reason for enduring the unsatisfying job, but it is, in its own way, noble. Serving those whom you love gives your life purpose and meaning, makes it possible to endure that which is difficult.

Of course, sometimes, at least in your mind, you must cut loose and let your inner Joan Collins rage. Clad in the bright red Dynasty power suit with giant shoulder pads, you would teach that biotchy regional manager the thing or two about eye-scratching, hair-pulling, and cat-fighting.

Ayyyy! Quick, we need happy-making shoes, and nothing makes the Manolo happier than shiny sandals from Pucci. Breathe deeply and enjoy the bliss.

Pucci makes the smiles!

Manolo says, despite rumors to the contrary, the Pope does not wear the Prada.

The pontiff has been hailed as a “style icon” since his election just over three years ago and speculation has been rife that he enjoys designer clothes. Attention has focused not only on his often elaborate headgear and fashionable sunglasses but also on his dainty red shoes, or moccasins, widely assumed to be made by Prada.

However L’Osservatore Romano, the Vatican newspaper, categorically denied reports today that the shoes were a Prada product, saying this was “of course false”.

According to Vatican sources the Pope’s shoes are made by a cobbler from Novara called Adriano Stefanelli, who makes them from calf or kid for the winter and nappa leather for the summer. Papal shoe repairs are carried out by Antonio Arellano, a Peruvian shoemaker in the Borgo, the medieval quarter next to St Peter’s. The article, on “Ratzinger’s Liturgical Vestments”, was written by Juan Manuel de Prada, the noted Spanish writer and author of The Tempest, who is not related to the fashion company. De Prada said that the image of the German-born Pope as concerned with “frivolity” was at odds with the truth, which was that he was a “simple and sober” man. Suggestions to the contrary were “stupid and banal”.

Well, excuse the Manolo, for being interested. So who does dress His Holiness, Señor de Prada?

“The Pope is not dressed by Prada but by Christ,” he said.

That certainly clears up any confusion.

Manolo says, here is the Manolo’s latest column from the Express of the Washington Post.

Dear Manolo,

The Fourth of July weekend is next week, and like most people I plan on spending it outdoors, at a picnic with my family and friends. Can you recommend some casual but chic, summery sandals?

Darcy

Manolo says, oh how the Manolo loves the Fourth of July! It is one of his favorite holidays; the magnificent patriotic festival of fireworks and freedom and frankfurters.

Indeed, how can one not be enthusiastic about any holiday that traditionally begins with the mass consumption of cheap hot dogs, warm lemonade, and Mom’s potato salad, and culminates in John Philip Souza and giant explosions?

To be American is to know the manifest joys of cherry bombs and whistling petes, of eating slightly-off coleslaw, and watching the home team lose to the Yankees in the ninth inning.

Truly we are blessed to live in the country where lawn chairs and giant coolers filled with Budweiser have not yet been outlawed, where we are free to get as mosquito-bitten, food-poisoned, and sunburned as we like in the celebration of our traditional liberties.

America! Long may she wave to us!

Here from Frye, which is appropriately the longest continually operated shoe company in America, is the Mary Harness Thong, the snappy sandal perfect the day of celebration.

Manolo says, Melania Trump, woman of hard face and gimlet eye, knows what suffering is.

Manolo asked, whose shoes?

Manolo answers, it is the Christina Aguilera!

Congratulations to the Manolo’s internet friend Kelly Keri who was the first to correctly guess the identity of this personage of dubious taste.

Manolo says, the Manolo’s friends at the Piperlime are having the giant sale this week, with price reductions of up to 40 percent!

Here are some of the Manolo’s favorite deals.

The beautiful strappy golden sandal from Jean-Michel Cazabat that has been reduced in price more than $200 of the American dollars.

The glamorous slingbacks from Delman reduced 40% from the usual price.

This exceedingly fun and funky wedge slides from Giuseppe Zanotti, on the sale at more than $300 off of the normal price.

Hurry now to see the other exceptional deals at Piperlime.

Manolo says, the Manolo’s internet friend Mizz Tissa has challenged us to Name That Shoe!

Manolo asks, whose shoes?

Manolo says, Mr Henry shares with us the manifest delights of London.

A sinuous, undulating woman with blond dredlocks danced erotically with a shiny hula hoop. Propriety prevented Mr. Henry from enjoying the full performance, however, propriety and a glance from Mrs. Henry.

You must go and read the whole thing.