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

Dear Manolo:

I love print shoes, particularly Bettye Muller pumps. But they tend to cost a lot ($300 a pair, gosh), and are hard to match up with my outfits. Can you suggest a lower-priced print pump that’ll work with some holiday outfits —maybe a little black dress, some black tuxedo pants or even jeans? I don’t want any hoochie mama stuff, either – classy is best.

Zelda

Manolo says, it is always this way, when Non-Specific Winter Holiday Period of Festivities Formerly Known as Christmas rolls around, one wishes to find the clothing that properly expresses the joy that is inherent in the season.

Unfortunately, for most Americans this means getting the Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer sweater and red velour sweatpants out of the storage closets and onto the carcass without leaving the comfort of their mobility scooters.

But not for the Manolo’s true friends, who follow the older tradition of festive seasonal clothing, which for the men requires brocaded waistcoats, colorful mufflers, and top hats festooned with sprigs of holly. (The sort of outfits that would melt the Scroogeish heart of any district manager during your annual efficiency review.)

And for the ladies, the Manolo loves to see them dressed up in opulent patterns and the rich embroidery, the tasteful warm clothing that brings good cheer to all. Even the Mothers of Hoochie strutting by in their red-and-green, skin-tight pleather mini-dresses will stop when they see you, reconsider their outfits, and go home and put on something decent.

Look here is the Bettye Muller Round-Toe Tartan Pump on sale at Neiman Marcus for only $214!

Ayyy! It is the Holiday Miracle!