Dear Manolo: West Coast Cool

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I'VE ACCEPTED A JOB on the other side of the country. In honor of the move, I'm going to redo my image at the ripe age of 28. I want to be one of the cool kids. What do you recommend?
— Kristy

Manolo says, asking the Manolo to give advice on how to be cool is like asking Donald Trump for advice on how to be less vulgar. You may get the coherent answer, but you can be certain that its source is entirely theoretical.

Having said this, the Manolo notes that coolness is more about attitude than clothing, and, indeed, the coolest persons are often those whose dress is the most minimalistic. Consider Marlon Brando, who defined coolness dressed in nothing but the white T-shirt, Levi's 501s and Converse All-Stars. As you see, the leather motorcycle jacket, taken as the marker of the coolest of cats, is optional.

And here the Manolo must note that if you have to ask how to be cool, you've already lost. Coolness is the zen koan: He who wishes to be cool is not.

Look, here is the Reese ($469, Zappos.com) from Elizabeth and James, the suede bootie to go with your new all-black wardrobe.

Each week, Manolo the shoe blogger answers your pressing shoe questions. Ask the Manolo a question at manolo@shoeblogs.com. Visit the Manolo at shoeblogs.com.

Photo courtesy Zappos