Randy, baby

New spring shoes are already starting to trickle in at Manifesto, and this is my favorite of the first batch. Jeffrey Campbell’s “Randy” heel (only $125!)

This wedge-like heel will be perfect for wobbly girls like me, and the black and white pattern is so beautifully versatile. I can’t wait to wear this with red lipstick and nails!

xx, mica

Style Icon: Bert Fischer, Rushmore

Today, we pay tribute to an unsung hero. To an insightful, loving, fashionable and fictional father and barber: Bert Fischer from the (super amazing) film Rushmore. I know, who woulda thought, right? But the man has a look, and he sticks with it. And for that, he is Bert Fischer, Unexpected Style Icon.

Exhibit A: The man is not only rocking a plaid earflap hat way before it was cool (1998) but he has matched his hat to his thermos. That is super next level! Plus, he is really pulling off the monochrome look. It’s practical, yet stylish. Very now.
(photo source)

Exhibit B: You don’t need an Exhibit B, but here’s a breakdown of his outfit, including a few things you can pick up right here at Manifesto! Hat: Pistil, Boots: Clark Original, Wallets: Property Of.

Who’s your unlikely style icon? Let us know in the comments section!

xoxo | Sally 

Bombs Away!

Here’s my bottom line: everyone needs a good hat. It’s Portland, it’s cold, you have bad hair days, and it’s just a matter of finding the right hat (or five) for you. More often than not, hats do not work for me. In fact, it often seems like they go out of their way to make me look crazy and big-headed. It’s okay, me and hats have our fun. I recently picked up a little knit aviator cap (AKA pilot/bomber cap, or “the one like Amelia Earhart used to wear”) from the pedX sale loft that’s been treating me right (and there’s more!) Given the recent take off (pun intended) of the aviator/pilot/military trend, my lil cap has been getting a lot of love! Recently, we got some new goodies from Echo Design, and whaddya know? Included was their take on the bomber cap too!

And here’s a pic of my greasy mug in the aforementioned hat:

If my awesome face doesn’t convince you, here’s some photographic evidence of this awesome trend:

L to R: Prada FW 2011, OAK NYC Black Label, Jil Sander FW 2011.

Pretty fly, right?

xoxo|Sally Earhart 

Pert

New today from Jeffrey Campbell- along with a few others!
Pert, a delicious two tone wedge, $145 

Stay tuned for more!

xoxo | Sally 

I love suede and I’m not sorry.

Nope, never gonna give you up, never gonna let you down, suede! Never gonna run around and desert you, either. Suede is my kryponite, my downfall, and I make no apologies for it. People often scoff at me for this- we live in Portland, after all- or shy away from the suede shoes we have in the store, asking my how in the world I can manage to wear suede here. The short answer is, I can’t help it. But really, it’s more. My love of the soft stuff has forced me to evolve. Am i going to wear suede in a snow storm? No.* I do my darndest to wear suede on the dry days, but sometimes, well, it just starts raining. And that’s ok! I have hosed down each and every suede item I own with weather protectant. I spray my suede like it’s my job. I deserve a promotion! You should be doing this too, Portland! We’re gonna be alright!

Other items for suede care include:

• saddle soap
• a suede brush or buffer
•  more weather protectant!

Seriously. Take care of your shoes. They’re worth it! 
We sell a variety of leather care products that oughta do the job! The one that is good for suede is only $7.

Here’s a few reasons to love suede:

1. Mackenzie Faith by Indigo, 2. Julia by Camper, 3. Desert Boot by Clarks, 4. BV3166 by Biviel. All at Manifesto, all 25% at our boot sale!

A sure sign that you can have nice things if you’re willing to work for them- and have no fear!
Until next time, my suede sweeties.

xoxo|Sally 

*Maybe.

Meet the Team: Sarah Vale

Hallo!

My name is Sarah Vale and I just joined the SHOE CREW and couldn’t be happier!

I recently moved back to Portland after a few years abroad and immediately fell in love with Manifesto. I don’t know what I love more at this point, shoes or the amazing people I work with! I am so excited to be a part of the team and to work on cozy Mississippi Ave. 

My love affair with shoes started at age 8 with a pair of bright red John Fluevog Cowboy Boots, that I refused to take off, and since then shoes have always come first, even before clothes.  My current favourites at Manifesto are Gee WaWa, Corso Como, and anything Frye.

I also love sewing, reading, anything fashion and cats. A lot.

Happy new year: the not-so-casual casual

Hi! We’re back with another fun suggestion to kick of the new year with some pizzazz! In the event that you currently have no clue where you’re headed on new year’s eve, and may not know until the last minute, here’s an outfit suggestion for you. I dig this one because it’s classic, dressy without being fussy or over the top, and will basically work for almost any setting you may get into on this night.

Stick to a simple palate (black and white is always chic) and you cannot go wrong. Add some sassy boots that dress up and down, and a few pops of color (I chose the oh-so-now hot pink!) and you’re ready to get down!
Hat: Coal, necklace: Betsy + Iya, scarf: Echo Designs, bag: Latico (can also be worn as a clutch,) booties: Camper (and comfy enough for any adventure!)

Happy 2012, folks!
xoxo,
Sally 

Happy new year!

For those among us who consider what you end up wearing to celebrate new year’s eve as important (or more so) than what you do to celebrate, this one is for you. If you are heading to a fancy pants event to ring in 2012 (it sounds so futuristic, doesn’t it?) here’s a suggestion for ya:

Leather “Lauren” clutch by Hobo, metallic retro “Priscilla Renee” heels (also available in black) from Indigo, big ole’ chain necklace from Zoë Chicco, mixed metal dangly earrings by Betsy + Iya. 

This outfit is easily put together, so you can spend the night dancing and schmoozing instead of fussing. Now doesn’t that sound like an idea you can get behind? Let the clothes speak for themselves, and go dance the night away! 

Come back tomorrow for another stylish idea for the new year.
xoxo,
Sally