AUG
2010
16

Dior Intrigante Over-the-Knee Boots for the Monday

Manolo says, it is Monday and you have only been at your desk for two hours and already it has been one of those sort of days. And the rest of the week does not look so good, what with the deadlines that are racing at you and your general sense that things are collapsing around you.

And then your boss comes in and drops the stack of files on your desk.

“Need it pronto. Like yesterday, if possible.”

“Arggggggggghhhhhh!”

Steven Slater, Hero of the Working Man

And suddenly you are looking around for the emergency exit chute. For if you could find that, together with the pair of beers, and access to the office public address system, your day would immediately be much, much better.

Well, such is the stuff of your Johnny Paycheck fantasies. Hey look! Reality television has come the knocking!!

According to website TMZ, Stone Entertainment, the company that has produced scores of reality TV such as The Mole for ABC and Tim Gunn’s Guide to Style for Bravo, has approached Slater’s attorney with an offer for Slater to appear in his own show.

[…] the show will feature Slater helping people quit their crummy jobs in as spectacular a manner as ever.

Well, this is certainly not the surprise. Perhaps you should give him the call so as to arrange your public exit.

Best case scenario? During the filming of your segment, your latent talent for improvisional humor will be revealed, prompting the producers to offer your own series on the Lifetime network, where it achieves the solid ratings. At which point you will get your revenge by returning to your old place of work, wearing these Dior Intigrante Over-the-Knee Suede and Leather Boots.

Dior Intigrante Over-the-Knee Suede and Leather Boots

Worst case scenario…???

AUG
2010
11

Carmen Steffens Boots! And the Contest!

Manolo says, tomorrow night, the fabulous Carmen Steffens with unveil their fall collection, which will contain these handsome boots…

Boots from Carmen Steffens

And to celebrate this auspicious event, and these beautiful shoes, Carmen Steffens is giving away the $500 shopping spree.

Hurry and register now! There is less than 24 hours remaining!

JUL
2010
22

Brian Atwood Leopard Ankle Boots For the Thursday

Brian Atwood Leopard-Print Ankle Boots

Manolo says, frankly, the Manolo is suffering from the summer doldrums, and has need to spice it up the bit with something fun, something like these calf-hair, leopard print, ankle boots from the Brian Atwood.

Is it perhaps too literal that the Manolo thinks of pairing these with something light khaki and safari-inspired? Hatari!

MAY
2010
26

Men’s Heels: Elevator Shoes For The Modern Age

Manolo says, from the Times of London

Something is afoot in men’s fashion. So steady yourselves, because high heels for the heftier sex are making a comeback.Darling, you look mahvalous.

Diminutive shoe aficionados including Karl Lagerfeld, Prince, Richard Hammond and Nicolas Sarkozy have long championed the discreet(ish) Cuban heel. Now, though, height-enhancing footwear has begun to permeate across a broader demographic. For the first time since Glam Rock peaked three decades ago, men of average height are discovering the delights of a few extra inches. Well-heeled shoes of all types, from craftily sized “status” shoes to 21st century platforms, are enjoying a new vogue.

[…]
Some male style mavens, however, do even go so far as to wear extremely feminine styles out and about. The street fashion photo blog of Peter Stigter shows one example of a young man outside the New York fashion week venue wearing strappy, open-toed stilettos — teamed with a fringed handbag. These camp, provocatively gender-skewing style statements are not the only way in which the man-heel is flourishing. A mariachi-meets-Keith Richards shoe shape — a pointed shoe or boot teamed with a silhouette-boosting heel — is proving popular among a more overtly masculine crowd. Dior Homme’s collection features a cool pointed suede ankle boot that gives about two inches of extra lift.

This is nothing new. The Manolo reported and commented upon the “Sarkozy Effect” more than two years ago!

Here is the Dior Homme 6.5 Boot…

(more…)

Christian Louboutin Ronfifi Corset Boots For the Monday

Manolo says, it is Monday and you are happy to report that your Mother’s Day was not unpleasant.

Your children took time out from their very busy schedule of digital communication to present you with the bouquet of flowers and the card, and to accompany you to the brunch at that Italian place you like. What was truly sweet, however, was that during your celebratory brunch, they had the great good courtesy to keep their cellphones in their laps. It was so wonderful! Whenever you looked down the table you could even pretend they were praying, their heads bowed, their thumbs furiously working at perhaps their rosaries.

Less satisfying, was the appearance of your mother-in-law, Blanche, and her “old man” Jimmy, who were also present at the meal.

Blanche is the wonderful mother-in-law, the sort who is sensible enough to help when needed, but also sensible enough to keep out of your business when not. However, what is troubling, is that she appears to have dealt with widowhood by joining the motorcycle gang.

“They’re not a motorcycle gang,” answers Gary when you mentioned your fears to him last night

“Yeah, but what about his beard?,” you snap back, “and those awful biker outfits?”

“Jimmy’s alright. The dude looks like Santa Claus.”

“I’m not sure. He seems a little rough to me.” The image of two, stout, elderly people in matching red leather jackets and chaps, eating eggs benedict, still lingers.

“He’s a retired endocrinologist,” says Gary, “They ride a Honda Goldwing for criminy’s sake.”

But you are not placated. You are worried for Blanche’s safety, and perhaps more than the little bit jealous that she seems to be having so much fun on the other side of seventy, heading off to Big Sur while you are still chained to your desk.

What is needed now are boots!

Christian Louboutin Ronfifi Corset Boot

Look! It is the Christian Louboutin Ronfifi Corset Boots!

The exact sort of boots you would wear on the back of the giant motorcycle being piloted down the scenic coastal highway by Gary, except in this fantasy, Gary looks exactly like the young Lorenzo Lamas.

Alexander McQueen on the Sale

Manolo says, the Manolo was doing his usual surfing through the online shoe stores (because that is the way the Manolo doth roll), when he came across these beautiful Alexander McQueen items, all of which are selling at more then the 50% off of the usual price.

Alexander McQueen Flat Sandals on Sale!

These flitilicious little black, flat sandals are selling for more than 55% off of the regular price.

Alexander McQueen High Heeled Sandals on Sale!

For the Manolo these creative high-heeled sandals, which are reduced over $700 from the regular price, are exactly what you might wear to your next semi-fancy evening soiree, where you would undoubtedly be the envy of all.

Alexander McQueen Over the Knee Boot on Sale!

The Manolo does not know if last season’s trend for the over-the-knee, flat piratical boot will continue, or not, however, if you are intent on following that trend (despite perhaps sensible advice to the contrary), these Alexander McQueen flat boots are on the sale for 56% off of the regular price, the savings of over $900 of the American dollars!

(more…)

MAR
2010
16

The Ugg Shuffle

Manolo says, accept no substitutes, even for your ridiculous Ugg boots.

But medical experts have warned that the trend for cheap Ugg boots is a price too high to pay.

They have said that knock-off versions of the designer boots are crippling a generation of young women, ‘literally breaking’ their feet.

With just six months of wear women could saddle themselves with a lifetime of foot deformities, backache and pain in their feet.

And a phrase has even been coined for the gait of devoted wearers – the Ugg ‘shuffle’ – which describes the lopsided, pigeon-toed way in which cheap versions of the boots force women to walk.
[…]

But low-cost imitations often provide inadequate foot support.

With each step the wearer’s feet slide around. This can cause the feet to splay which flattens the foot arch and leads to wear and tear on the joints in the feet, knees, hips and back.

As a result leading podiatrist and chiropodists have seen a stark rise in the number of women suffering toe deformities, backache and pain in their feet.

It is so true!

One minute you are shambling along in your fake Uggs…

Paris Hilton Shuffling Along in Uggs

And the next…

(more…)

FEB
2010
12

Manolo the Columnist: Tami from La Canadienne

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


Dear Manolo,

I very much empathize with your intent in posting cute and fun sandals in the middle of winter. Can I make a request, though? DC is on the middle of a massive snowstorm, and my plans for the weekend involve citywide snowball fights and frolics in the snow with a new beau. Can you suggest attractive boots that are still appropriate for Snowmageddon?

Amber

Manolo says, Ayyyyy! It is Snowmageddon! Snowpocalypse! Snowragnarok!

One minute you are having the normal sort of Washington winter, with the little bit of ice, the occasional dusting of snow, and the usual coolish temperatures, and the next, whammo! The Abominable Snow Beast has buried you under three feets of wintery white stuff, with more on the way, bub!

And the District of Columbia, which is not the most efficient governmental entity on the planet, simply throws up its hands and snuggles down by the fire with the warm cup of cocoa, while the citizens are left to their own devices.

Of the course, there is the upside to all of this snow, such as dozens of days off from your job at the Department of Homeland Phrenology, the giant hilarious snow ball fights with your neighbors, and the chance to finally meet Yukon Cornelius.

Look! Here is the Tami from La Canadienne. Perfect!

Tami from La Canadienne   Manolo Likes!  Click!

FEB
2010
10

Hunter Rain Boots for the College Girl

Manolo says, one of the Manolo’s internet friends has asked the Manolo the question.

Hello Manolo,

I’m a college student and in serious need of a pair of wellies…I had two pairs of J Crew rain boots (flamingos and anchors!) until they both cracked in the same month! I’m looking for a pair of rain boots that I can walk around campus all day and still look banging. I’m in love with the silver Hunter’s and have heard Hunter’s are the best quality rain boots. Do you know of any other brands, especially affordable ones, that won’t crack?

Can’t wait to go stylishly puddle stomping again!

Caitlin

Manolo says, the Manolo adores the Hunter rain boots, as does the Posse Manolo, at least one of whom has adopted the Hunter boots as part of her usual rainy day outfit. (This tall, elegant woman wears her Hunter Original boots with her designer jeans tucked into the tops, together with the Barbour coat, giving her the English country look that seems to impress the natives in the rainier parts of Southern California.)

And so, the Manolo says, although the Hunter rain boots are on the high side of affordable, they are none the less worth the price, as their durability is legendary.

Hunter Original Boots in Silver

The Hunter Original in the silver is some what difficult to come by, which is why one may wish to consider them in aubergine or the eponymous hunter green.

Hunter Original Rain Boots in AubergineHunter Original Boots in Green

Indeed, the Hunter boots fall under the category of all-time classic.

Ugg Believable

Manolo says, one of the Manolo’s internet friends has disagreed with the Manolo’s stance on the Ugg Boots.

Dear Manolo,

I came across your Ugg response to the mom. Can’t say I disagree more. I went to a recent award show where P. Diddy was honored (yes fab) He told this tear jerking story about how his mom worked 3 jobs to take care of her kids including caring for adults with cerebral palsy – getting only 3 hours of sleep a night. To think I had always judged Mama Combs so harshly for her red carpet fits which included cleavage and lots of fur. After hearing her story I say she can wear whatever she wants. Where do we get these silly ideas that women after a certain age can’t have fun anymore. Men continue to wear their silly shorts with their bony pale legs way into their sixties. Yet us girls must be age appropriate. I say ‘Mom” if you wanna wear some Uggs go for it, not with a mini skirt, but definitely with some non-mom jeans and a cute warm sweater. Hopefully you’re raising a great kid – so hey you deserve it.

Signed
30 year old Ugg wearer

The Manolo believes that just because one makes the bad fashion choices does not indicate that one is the bad person, indeed, there are beautifully tailored men and stylish women who are loathsome, just as there are kind, cheerful, and humane people dressed in outlandish or shabby costumes. One is not necessarily connected to the other.

The reason the Manolo singles out the Ugg boots usage among the older ladies is that such things send the wrong message (“Look at me! I’m trying desperately to be youthful!), and because it is the opportunity missed.

If you are the lady of the certain age, there are so many better things to put on your body. Indeed, it is more fun for the fully grown woman to get dressed up in something beautiful, surprising, flattering, and age-appropriate than it is to ape the childish and attention-getting fads of the teenagers. ( Tattoos of SpongeBob the Square Pants may be cute when you are 19 and stupid, but when you are 50, they are just sad.)

And so the Manolo objects to the Uggs because wearing them prevents one from dressing in better things, things that can indicate you are the person of sophistication, intelligence, and, yes, fun, such as this this, the Quinn from Donald J. Pliner

Quinn Boot from Donald J. Pliner   Manolo Likes!  Click!

JAN
2010
22

Manolo the Columnist: The Gissella from Ugg

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


Dear Manolo,

At Christmas, I broke down and bought my 16-year-old daughter a pair of Classic Ugg boots, and now she wears them everywhere. And I have to admit, she looks super cute in them. Which has got me to thinking, perhaps I should buy myself a pair, they look so warm and toasty. What’s your opinion?

Rachel

Manolo says, the Manolo’s opinion of the Classic Ugg boot has always been the same: if you are sixteen and super cute, then the Classic Uggs are “da bomb”. You may wear them everywhere (even with your sweat pants) and people will still think you are the cutesy cute cutey.

If , however, you are the forty-two year old woman of sophistication, then the Classic Ugg boots look silly with almost everything you try on.

Sweat pants? Sloppy!

Faded blue jeans? Trying too hard!

Shortish skirt? Trashy!

The truth is, the Ugg Classic boots, like the dirty ripped blue jeans and the whale-tail thong, are the young person’s fashion. They were designed by the youthful Australian surfers for wearing after the energetically youthful day at the beach, not for women of the certain age to slip on for the day on the town.

Happily, there are the Ugg models which can be worn by elegant ladies. For the example, here is the Gissella, the casual, wedge-heel ankle boot with the Aussie flair.

Gissella from Ugg    Manolo Likes, Even Though it is the Ugg!  Click!

JAN
2010
07

Fashion Rain Boots and The Däv

Manolo says, sometimes the shoe trends slip past the Manolo’s highly tuned shoe radar, such is the case with the rise and popularity of the Däv rain boot, which the Manolo only became aware of last week when dining with the friends.

“Manolo,” said the Manolo’s super fantastic friend, “I really want to get a pair of those fancy rain boots with the high heels. They look like fashion boots but are rubber.”

“Yes, yes, the Manolo loves the Pucci rubber boots with the wedge heels. Pucci makes the Smiles!”

Pucci Rubber Rain Boots!  Manolo Loves!  Click!

“No, no, Manolo,” she continued, “not those boots, the ones I want are less expensive, but still super fantastic. I can’t remember what they are called.”

“The Marc by Marc Jacobs with the pink hearts,” said the Manolo, “Those are on the sale at the moment.”

Marc by Marc Jacobs Rain Boots!  Manolo Likes!  Click!

“No, no, no. These are new, they have a funny name. Oh, oh, I can’t remember.”

“Funny name,” said the Manolo, “such as the Sporto

Sporto Rubber Boots   Manolo Likes! Click!

“or, perhaps the Kamik.”

Kamik Rubber Boots!

“No,” she said, “it’s got a funny name with an umlaut, sort of like Børn, but different.”

“?”

“Däv,” she shouted, “Däv! Däv! Däv!”

Dav Raindrop Boots - Bubblegum - WomenDav Victoria Boots - Scot - Women

“Ah,” said the Manolo, “those are very nice.”

“Nice! Those are really great. I want a pair!”

“Well,” said the Manolo, “chacun à son goût.”

And now, allow the Manolo to suggest to you, his dear readers, his own personal must-have favorite, the Sperry Top-Sider Sausalito, in the Cherry Red.

Sperry Top-Sider Sausalito in Cherry Red   Manolo Likes!  Click!

Super fantastic!