something with a little less height

I am a NOTORIOUS heel wearer. No matter the weather or garment, I WEAR HEELS and not only that but the HIGHER THE BETTER.

However, that was until I fell literally head of heels for this amazing little black leather sandal by Fiel. 

It’s like a little black dress for your feet OR the perfect heel alternative. It looks fantastic laced up the ankle with skirts and shorts and absolutely adorable with ankle-skimming jeans. I honestly cannot wait to wear them to beach and not to have to worry about sinking in the sand or throwing my heels in my bag and going barefoot. 

xx- svr

(beach babes and background via weheartit, ocean waves via google images, fiel sandal available at manifesto shoes)

All Gussied Up

I have a question for ya: Why is it so much easier for me to get dressed up in the colder months? Is it because we have so many more of them? Anywho, with all these fun spring and summer events on the horizon- including wedding season!- I think what works best for me is to pick a fabulous pair of shoes- unique, but not trendy- and pick something fantastic to pair them with. Yup, sounds perfect to me, and a lot less work than poring over my closet every time I have to gussy up. 

So spectacular dress + jawdropping shoes + simple but striking earrings = getting dressed up will never give me a headache again— now there’s an equation for success! 
The key is to pick something that you feel comfortable in. I picked this shift shape because it’s a shapeshifter; you can wear it loose, belt it, tie a sash. And it’s a long-sleeved mini, so you can pair it with a blazer or cardigan, or tights… So versatile! Don’t let bright prints scare you! Plus, the beauty of the proportions insure that you’re never showing too much. 

Add a shoe in a contrasting color (we’re over our fear of bright colors, right?) and some classic, eye-catching earrings (I call them “quiet storms.” Is that a thing?) and you’re in biz! This outfit can take you from one occasion to the next without a second thought, all you gotta do is say bye bye to black!

xoxo, 
Sally 

(Shoes by Neosens, earrings by Minoux.)

(dress source)

dapper dudes need versatile shoes

Hey dudes! It’s getting warmer out, and you know what that means… wedding season. You’re gonna have to start dressing up! Whether you’re the groom or guest, a new pair of kicks might be in order. But fear not! We have lots of good choices for you at Manifesto.

(1: Cydwoq “Watch”, 2: J Shoes “Monarch”, 3: Neosens “S830”, 4: Bronx “In The End”)

If you have multiple soirées to attend, versatility is key. Any of these numbers would look great formal or casual, with either a dashing suit or some smart dark denim. And above all, they’re all incredibly comfortable, so you can show off your best moves while gettin’ wiggly on that dance floor!

xx, Mica

How to get invited back

Though I hope your parents have already instilled this in you, I would just like to reiterate the importance of a certain long-lost art: The host/ess gift. Much like real-life phone calls and handwritten thank you notes, the host/ess gift might now be viewed as “quaint.” I, however, would consider it “necessary.” Tis the season of vacations, barbecues, and couch surfing, and the surest way to show your gratitude (and get invited back) is with a small token of appreciation. Booze is often appropriate (ahem, if you know for a fact that your host/ess drinks!) but consider these sweet favors from Izola:

1/ Set of 4 “Guest” bamboo toothbrushes.
2/ Just some good booze.
3/ “Salut!” 3oz. flask (for the booze!)
4/ Lavender candle

We have lots of goodies from Izola in stock now, these are just my favorites (good bourbon, too!) So come check them out before your next guest spot!

xoxo,
Sally 

Add a Little Texture!

When I saw these Nino Bossi purses I knew I was in handbag heaven. They are just that delicious! 

The texture is what speaks to me the most, I am a sucker for textured leather bags as I am sure some of you are as well!

The small size is perfect for a dainty little wallet.  Like the textured Iris or Lucy wallet from Hobo.

Betsy and Iya also makes some lovely geometric earrings that would be the perfect compliment to these tooled leather bags, dontcha think?

Stay EXCITING Portland,

Marika!

love high and summer sick

there are many things i love in this life. in fact, the list would be endless not to mention take ages to complete. so in the efforts to keep things short and simple, and to celebrate the changing season i will leave you with two…..

sun on my face and wedges.

(photo courtesy of blondegotblues, alll shoes available at manifesto shoes)

xx- svr

Summer Essentials: Just add picnic.

What is that heated orb in the sky?! Did you see that? Looks familiar… like a little sneak peek of summer! In preparation, as always, our summery shoes start trickling in very early, and this men’s shoe from Neosens is surely a highlight, amirite?
The lightweight, chocolatey oxford will treat you right on those long summer days and when styled correctly, will take you right back to the office the next morning (if you can’t call out due to extreme sunshine, that is.) For a cheeky summer option, try pairing this prepsters with some pitch-perfect seersucker shorts, a comfy band tee, and your favorite messenger bag. Add a sturdy belt to break it up, and if you’re heading out into the open, sneak a little flask into your back pocket— all the better to spike your lemonade with, my dear.

(Shoes- N719 by Neosens, Made in Spain; Messenger bag by Property Of; “Put some hair on your chest” 3 oz. flask by Izola.)

What are you waiting for? Get thee to the nearest park!
xoxo,
Sally