Manolo’s Shoe Blog

Manolo says, this season, everyone is raving about the metallic shoes, and when one sees these silvery flat sandals from the Cynthia Vincent it is easy to understand why.

Manolo says, so beautiful, so costly, so perfect for the most splendid of occasions.

Manolo says, it is time once again to play Build the Outfit!

This time, the challenge is the opposite of the first week, which was then to build the outfit that would go with the exceedingly colorful and expensive shoes.

This week, the Manolo asks you to build the outfit to go with the more restrained and affordable shoe, the Lala from the Al-Amirah, the classic peep-toe, ballet flat.

The best part of this contest is the prize, the Laura Vanderhook the designer has graciously provided the gift certificate for one pair of the shoes from the Al-Amirah catalog.

So, rush off to the Manolo’s Super Fantastic Forums and post your outfit there. At the end of the week, the Manolo will award the prize to what he thinks is the best one.

Manolo says, here is the new and flippy little flat from the John Fluevog. Not only is it cute, but it also has the bizarre Fluevog details which so appeal to the odder of the Manolo’s internet friends. Look, here is the sole…

Still, despite the oddities, this fun little shoe is simple enough that it could be worn by even the most traditional of women.

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

Dear Manolo,

I walk one-half mile to and from the Metro daily to get to the office. I currently wear sneakers but am looking for something a little bit more fashionable. Flip-flops won’t cut it; I need something more age and position appropriate.

Marie

Manolo says, Yes, your lime-green Nike Shox Explodine with the springs in the heels and the orange “swoosh” are comfortable and have the high level of the “street cred”, but somehow, now that you are on the edge of making senior partner, they just no longer seem appropriate for your Chanel suit.

Who was that in the limo that just drove by? The prominent Senator on the finance committee whom your firm has been courting for the months now? Did he recognize you? What was that expression? Scorn? Ridicule? Pity?

Ayyyyy!

And this is why the Manolo does not fully approve of wearing the sneakers for the commute, because one never knows whom one may encounter. Better to look your best from the instant you leave the house, even if this means the men playing basketball in the schoolyard no longer glance approvingly at your feetwear.

Here is the Sevilla from Ecco, the open toe leather sandal that is reputedly comfortable and moderately stylish.

Manolo says, on the second afternoon on the yacht, Stavros decides that everyone has to go ashore on Aegina to visit the temple. Afterward there is this little taverna where they treat Stavros and his friends like Olympians, and the ouzo flows like ambrosia.

What will you wear?

Dear Manolo,
I am in eighth grade and recently bought a yellow dress for middle school graduation. My mother says that I am only allowed to get a new pair of shoes if they are flats because I have tons of heels. I would really appreciate it if you could give me a suggestion for a pair of super fantastic flats that are not too expensive as my feet are still growing.

Thanks a Ton,
Elena

P.S. Here’s a picture of the dress.

Congratulations to the Elena!

And now it is on to the High School, where your life will be ruled by the cliques of hormonally-ravaged adolescents. Such joy!

Look, here is the Nevada 2 from the Me Too, the very colorful pattern flat which will provide the playful contrast with the yellow dress of graduation.

Manolo says, here is the Starla from the Oscar by Oscar de la Renta, the attractive pointy-toed flat with the little bow and the contrast stitching which is currently on the sale, over 40% off of the regular price!

Manolo says, it is no secret that the Manolo intensely admires the casual shoes of the J.P. Tod’s, and this red patent leather shoe, the Jackie, only further increases the Manolo’s admiration.