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
The Well Shod Man
“The man whose feet are well shod fears no ways, but goes through thick and thin, foul or fair, stones or straws … while the barefooted man, or slenderly shoed, shrinks when he feels the wet, and shrieks when he lights on a sharp stone.” - William Gurnall
There are many adages about women and their shoes, and the fellows need to come into the light and understand, no, experience this obsession. A stylish shoe is ever so important, and can offer a glimpse into one’s personality. They instil confidence and panache, not to mention demonstrate your feet are both grounded and going places.
1: “Troop,” J Shoes. 2: Neck tie, Pierrpont Hicks. 3. “Smithson” bag, Wheelmen & Co. 4. “Watch,” Cydwoq.
love, heidi
It’s a Mad, Mad, Mad, Mad… Men.
Ever since Mad Men first aired in 2007, men and women alike have gone Mad for the show— the actors, the writing, and of course the costumes! Scientific studies* have shown that, since the show’s premiere 5 years ago, men in general have become approximately 41% more dapper.
If you are not among this 41%, or simply want to step your game up even further, check out some of our fashionable fixins!
May there be a little Don Draper in all of us (but please don’t take that the wrong way!)
xoxo,
Sally
(Clockwise from top left: wallet by Property Of, tie from Sovereign Beck, fedora by Goorin Bros., “Win” oxford by FLY London, “Classic” shoe by Cydwoq, selection of toiletries from Jack Black, all available at Manifesto.)
*Scientific = I made it up
Wedding Season: The Bride
The tasks of the modern bride seem never ending, so much planning prepping and pampering to get ready for that special day. One thing that seems to get less attention and often is an afterthought is the shoes.
To me this is the most offensive crime a bride could commit…well, maybe not the most offensive but it is definitely up there. The shoes should come second to the dress, for the sheer fact that they are shoes (and in my opinion the best or in some people’s case the worst part of any outfit.) These are the shoes that you will be wearing all day, and hopefully well into the night while you are dancing away in celebration of your new union.
Since comfort is crucial, by all means DO NOT, and I repeat DO NOT all of a sudden step out of your normal comfort zone and wear a heel height or shoe style that you would not normally wear. That is a recipe for misery and possibly you falling on your face (think Charlotte from Sex in the City when she wed Harry, luckily he caught her!)
A few helpful shopping tips:
- Bring a picture of your dress, or a fabric swatch with you when you shop so that you know they match.
- Practice walking and dancing in the shoes before you make your purchase.
- Comfort and style can coexist!
- A pop of color (your wedding colors or something that compliments the dress) is appropriate, fun and will add some fresh perspective to your wedding day look.
- Do not let anyone talk you into or out of a purchase. This is your day, you should pick your outfit!
Below are some perfect wedding shoes ideas:
Congrats and good luck!
-AJ
Date Night!
Being a single gal I go out just about every opportunity possible, lately I have been finding myself on many a first dates(yay… except you caught that right? Many first dates, they don’t seem to stick). Picky you say? Perhaps. In my defense, a gal has to have standards.
One of my dating pet peeves is when the other party does not take a the time to groom himself in a respectable manner (comb hair, polish shoes, iron clothes.) I am not saying go all out like it is prom, but geez, Homie, have some pride in your appearance! The worst offense is looking at said dude’s feet and his shoe game screams “UGLY” (Keens, Tevas, Sketchers, Vibrams, athletic shoes; these shoes have a place but not on a date, and especially not on a first date!)
So what should you wear? Well lemme tell ya! You should show up in a casual yet polished look. One can NEVER go wrong with jeans (no holes, hobo is not sexy!) a button down and beautiful shoes like the “Protect” by Cydwoq:
A good outfit will make all the difference with the pretty lady you are on a date with. Other advice: don’t act desperate or rude, please smell good, and be nice to the waitstaff!
These guys are getting a second date:
Happy dating
-AJ
Con-grad-ulations!
Whelp, it’s graduation season! Meaning you or someone you love is about to enter the cold, hard real world, and you couldn’t be more proud. Gettin’ a gift for someone can be a little tricky though.
First of all, practicality is always a winner. High school graduates could always use a messenger bag or backpack for their laptops, books and other collegiate accessories. Those college graduates are gonna have to have a new spiffy watch, to make sure they’re on time to their hopeful oncoming slew of job interviews. Or another, more sentimental touch for the ladies would be a charm necklace with an initial on it. Or a wishbone— as a good luck charm, get it?!
On the other hand, if you’re the one that’s the soon-to-be alumnus, you’re going to need some new shoes to make a good impression at your new job or internship. Shoes say a lot, and you’re gonna want your kicks to holler, “I’m proficient and sharp and awesome, you know you wanna gimme dat job!!” Transitioning to a more professional shoe may feel awkward, but you can stay fly with a smart oxford, or some chic (but comfy!) wedges or heels. Throw in a sleek Christopher Kon bag or a sturdy Dean laptop bag/suitcase, and you’ve got the polished, well-qualified look down!
Top row L-R: Wheelmen & Co. backpack; Baroni initial charm; Christopher Kon convertible tote
Middle row L-R: Fly London Win oxford; Tsubo Acrea heel
Bottom row L-R: Cydwoq Classic oxford; Dean laptop bag; D-Segno Brandy wedge
Rapture Survival Guide (this is only a test.)
Whelp, we either all survived The Rapture or there simply wasn’t one. Oh, oops, it’s actually in October, says Rasputin that same guy who said it was May 21. The good news is, now we have plenty of time to prepare before we embarrass ourselves like last time.
Surely those left on this here planet would appreciate the irony of a t-shirt proclaiming “I survived The Rapture and all I got was this crappy shirt,” but if you’d prefer to rock your own look, be sure and adapt it to the ways of the new world.
Comfort, of course, is the most important thing. And the ability to withstand the elements: scorching hot temperatures, zombies, who knows really? You gotta be prepared.
Here is a handy shortlist from someone who knows*:
Firstly, make sure you have a hat to protect yourself from the elements. Light scarves will also help in that respect: they can keep you warm, protect you from the sun, be used as bandages, ropes, blankets, or makeshift shelter. Who knows what the future holds? Could be the best $20 you ever spent!
I also recommend a sturdy bag (cross body is a must!) plus a watch so you know when to cast your eye to the sky (or afterwards, when the apocalypse has rendered cell phones useless and you need to know what time Glee is on.) And as fair warning, get yourself some post earrings, so the zombies have one less thing to grab on to.
And just to state the obvious, you ought to get yourself some comfy shoes, just in case you have to run for your life, or the spaceship, or… something. Remember those Heaven’s Gate people and their sweet new Nikes? They had the right idea!
If the armageddon has your style stumped, we’d love to help you out! Shoot an email to sally@pedxshoes.com!
Till next time (if there is one,)
Sally
* By which I mean, someone who has watched lots of apocalypse movies.
Top row, L-R: “Prodigy” fedora, Peter Grimm; “Miss Sara” cloche, Goorin Bros.; “Post” leather satchel, Cydwoq; “Serenity” shawl, Shiraleah; “Platform” leather watch, Tokyo Bay; SS and 14k post earrings, both Viv & Ingrid.
Bottom row, L-R: “Alex” leather sandal, Miz Mooz; “Plush Madras” ballet flat, Indigo by Clarks; “Jazzy Fab” canvas and leather oxford, J Shoes; “46376” leather mary jane, Camper. All available at Manifesto and/or pedX.
(via pedxshoes)
Every Man Needs a Good Shoe… (2)
As we’ve said before, every man deserves a good shoe, and that shoe should match his personality. We’ve taken it upon ourselves to wade though the men and the shoes (hey, it’s a hard job, but someone has to do it!) Let’s continue with another Prominent Portland Personality, shall we?
Species: The Portland Professional (Gainfully Empolyedicus)
Habitats: the office, downtown, rush hour, happy hour at Radio Room, Vintage Cocktail Lounge.
Prominent Markings: Windsor knot, Starbuck’s cup, iPad, umbrella, newspaper.
Demeanor: polite, overworked.
Shoe choices: Cydwoq, Tsubo.
(Shoes featured are “Classic 2” by Cydwoq, available at Manifesto and “Win” by Fly London, coming soon to Manifesto.)
More coming at you soon, I hope you are enjoying navigating Portland’s men with us!
xoxo,
Sally
Just in for the Mani Men: “Tibet” by Cydwoq. These versatile boots are designed to be worn up or folded over! Come check ‘em out!
New this week: Very strapping men’s shoes, courtesy of Cydwoq. All Cydwoq shoes are handcrafted in the US!
