Manolo the Columnist
Manolo says, here is the Manolo’s latest column for the Express of the Washington Post.
Dear Manolo,
I’ve been invited to an outdoor wedding in New Mexico later this summer, one that will be held in an “untrimmed meadow”. So I need a closed-toe shoe that can resist cacti and which can be worn with either dressy pants or a knee-length skirt. Also, I’m short, so I need a bit of a heel, and I dislike wedges. Please help!
Mary
Manolo says, when the Manolo thinks of meadow-based weddings he thinks of wildflowers, songbirds, and bubbling brooks, not cacti, coyotes, and kokopelli.
But, to each bride her own, and the Manolo is certain that this ceremony will be lovely, assuming that the guests do not fall down the canyon or stumble into the prickly pears patch.
As for the proper feetwear, the Manolo should probably recommend the stout cowboy boots and leather chaps, items suitable for wading through the Southwestern mesquite-and-cacti thickets. However, one must assume that the bride and groom have taken measures to minimize the danger from puncture wounds, snakebite, and rabid animals, thus the Manolo will suggest the chunky heeled, 7014 from Sigerson Morrison, available in the red and black patent leather finishes.
June 6th, 2008 at 9:03 am
That is a beautiful shoe — and like so many beautiful shoes, does not come in the Wide widths. Oh, well.
The Annalucia shares the trepidation of the Manolo regarding the “untrimmed meadow” in the Southwest, and she also hopes that the bridal couple has taken precautions to see to the comfort and security of their guests.
June 6th, 2008 at 1:02 pm
An outdoor wedding in New Mexico in the summer? Well, I guess they don’t have to be worried about it being rained out. My recommendations would be three pints of moisturizer and possibly a portable air conditioner. And also a snakebite kit, because you never know.
June 6th, 2008 at 7:55 pm
I don’t know what an “untrimmed meadow” in New Mexico looks like but perhaps the writer should play it safe and wear protective shoes to prevent snakebites.
But this a beautiful shoe that is also perfect for work.
June 7th, 2008 at 8:35 am
I think they would look lovely with a good pair of snake gaiters.
Once upon time I worked in a lighthouse. The brides all wanted to be married in this romantic setting. I always counseled these romantic women about the danger of this adventure because getting to the lighthouse involved walking 1/4 mile which isn’t bad in nice weather and if the wind is blowing the mosquitoes away. The brides all believed since it was THEIR wedding God would smile upon them and provide perfect weather. Needless to say it didn’t always work out in the brides favor.
One wedding that I recall had a fog issue … as it turned out on several levels. The wedding day arrived and the lighthouse was fogged in … thick as pea soup. Could only see about 3ft in front of you. The bride called about 3 zillion times checking on the weather and wanted me to make a decision about canceling the lighthouse wedding. I was hopping she would see the “light” and make other plans. She did have backup plan for a location where fog would not be an issue. As the day progressed the fog only thickened.
Finally she gave in when I mentioned elderly guests may have difficulty finding their way through the fog. No bride wants their elderly aunt to drown tragically at their wedding when they accidentally wonder into the bay. I was relieved she made the right decision.
However 2 hours later a well groomed man carrying a suit bag wonders in from the fog to the lighthouse. The bride in all her haste to change the nuptials location forgot to inform the groom.
The moral of this story; avoid weddings that depend on nature for success and who really needs the groom when you are getting married.
June 7th, 2008 at 8:49 am
oops
wonders=wanders
June 7th, 2008 at 11:34 am
I’m guessing this wedding will take place in northern New Mexico, which is mountainous and considerably cooler. Since the cities are in the south, the northern part is a well-kept secret.
So I’m betting it will be a beautiful spot, indeed. The main concern about weddings on any kind of natural surface is the heel sinking into the soft ground. These shoes will perform admirably in that regard, as well as protect the feet from “stickers”.
One good thing about being Catholic is that one is prevented from making the mistake of the outdoor wedding. The Church will, however, let you ruin your reception.
June 7th, 2008 at 11:26 pm
I’m not sure what your outfit will be like but I’ve seen another few options as well.
These are wedges but they’re trim and low. Plus, the metallic material and pointed toe would look good under pants -
http://www.simplysoles.com/product/521
The Terrys from Taryn Rose come in black and a very SW looking terracotta (although they are suede). They look safe and delicate - http://www.simplysoles.com/product/276
Just some thoughts.
Luv
Poochie