Dear Manolo: Metrosexual Brogues

| Print Post This | Like (0) | Comments (0)

DO YOU HAVE any suggestions for a young, super-queer college girl looking for nifty brogue shoes? I'd like them non-bulky and with lots of detailing to add to my small footwear collection. Unfortunately, the only brogues I can find for ladies tend to have towering heels attached. These, like almost all of the trappings of modern femininity, make me deeply uncomfortable in a place near my pancreas. — Anna

Manolo says, the Manolo's Sapphic friend probably does not read the fashion magazines (those pancreas-paining bastions of retrograde femininity), for if she had, she would know that we are currently in the middle of The Brogue Moment.

Indeed, the various street fashion blogs are replete with photos of waifish girls in mannish shoes and rolled-up jeans, androgynously going about their business.

And this is how fashion works. One minute you are the sensibly shod, butch girl, the next you are the leading edge of the fashion parade.

But, do not be disturbed by this. If fashion follows true to form, by next week they will be onto something else, like dainty ballet slippers or wooden clogs.

Here is the Elsbeth leather oxford from J. Crew ($225, Jcrew.com), the non-bulky brogues with beautiful cap-toe detailing.

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