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

Dear Manolo,

I’ve just landed my first real post-college job, as a research assistant with a think tank. (I won’t say which one, I’ll just tell you that my male coworkers mostly wear bowties and quote Chesterton a lot.) As a
consequence, I need a new professional wardrobe, especially shoes. I need something traditional and not too expensive.

Emily

Manolo says, one of the things that has long amused and entertained the Manolo is how the various political tribes and sub-tribes of the Washington, D.C. identify themselves through their clothing and habits.

If you tell the Manolo that you are working at the thinking tank with the bowtie-wearing gentlemen of the Chestertonian persuasion, he will tell you that the conversation around the luncheon table involves the vigorous discussions of the Laffer curve marginal tax rates, fly-fishing in Montana, and the perfidious behavior of the tyrants at the Department of Energy.

If, however, you say that you are working at the place where everyone who is not driving the Prius to work, instead rides the recumbent bicycle, then the Manolo will tell you that you spend most of the day arguing about how best to bring the head of Exxon/Monsanto/Dick Cheney to justice in front of the tribunal of the people.

Sadly, despite what you may have heard, you can judge the book by its cover, especially if it is wearing the Birkenstocks on its feets, or the bowtie at its neck.

Here is the Braiden High Loafer from the Cole Haan in the attractive maple sugar suede finish with the little kiltie detail, exactly the sort of shoe of which Chesterton would have approved.

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

Dear Manolo,

After way too many years commuting from a far-flung suburb, I’m moving to downtown D.C. Well, almost…Mt. Pleasant. It’s a comfortable, 20-30 minute walk from my office downtown, and I’d like to stroll to work most days this summer. However, I don’t want to be one of those frumpistas who tromps to work in workout shoes or — the horror — flip flops! What do you suggest?

Nellie

Manolo says, ayyyyy! Walking in the city is one the Manolo’s favorite entertainments! Indeed, the Manolo spends the hour or two each afternoon strolling through the streets, tipping his hat to the ladies, saying good afternoon to the gentlemen, stopping occasionally at the sidewalk café for the cappuccino, or the tiny glass of Campari.

Walking is the civilized and civilizing activity. It forces us to slow down and consider our surroundings, to politely acknowledge the fellow humans with whom we share the sidewalks. Walkers do not suffer from the road rage, the particular scourge of the automotive commuters, the malady brought on by the confining and isolating nature of our cars.

Walking is to driving as the tipped hat is to the flipped bird.

Of the course, when the Washington summer finally and fully arrives, one may be tempted on the hottest and most humid days to retreat to the air-conditioned comfort of the car. Resist, dear friends, enjoy the season first hand by walking!

Here is the Cole Haan Air Cynthia Mid Sandal, the mid-heel espadrille that would keep you cool and comfortable on those pleasant strolls from Mt. Pleasant.

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

Dear Manolo,

I work in a congressional office on Capitol Hill, and I would like to know what shoes are work appropriate in the spring and summer. I love wedge sandals, but I always feel uncertain about wearing them to work. How about those gladiator style sandals? Any help is appreciated.

Meredith

Manolo says, from the casual observation of the C-Span, Internet gossip, and the police blotters, it is possible to say that the average congress being is the highly-strung, go-go-go, narcissistic, type-A lunatic with the poor impulse control and the outrageous demands.

“Ms. Smith, can you pick up my cleaning, notify the press that I’m available for comment, walk my dog, clean my gutters, and mark up that new interstate trucking bill? Oh, and when you’re done, I need you to come in here and pumice the calluses off of my feet. Chop, chop.”

Thus, the Manolo would recommend taking measures to avoid doing anything that might “angry up the blood” of the Congressmen and the Congressladies. Also, because professional appearance is to be highly valued in such situations, the bit of the peeping toes is probably about as far one would wish to go with the displays of feet skin.

It is best to save the stylish and sexy sandals for the after hours partying down.

Here is the Cole Haan Air Talia Open Toe Slingback in the palomino patent, the conservative, comfortable, and professional choice of congressional aides everywhere.