I got a pair of Manolos at a thrift store yesterday for $15 "as is." They are in great condition (just need to be resoled) but whatever was used to tie them across the front - I'm assuming a ribbon - is missing. I figured I could just get nice grosgrain or velvet ribbon, seal the ends with a bit of glue so they don't fray, and tie it in little bows.
Here they are:
The only ribbon I had was sparkly purple ribbon but with my amazing! Photoshop skills I managed to make it look sort of black so you can imagine what it would look like.
So 2 questions:
1. Will they look ok with grosgrain or velvet ribbon? I can't imagine what else is supposed to be there.
2. Should I keep them or replace the ribbon and sell them on ebay? They are a tiny bit big, although I could put pads in the toe and heels to help with that. I could use a pair of pointy black shoes but I could also use some money. Obviously I could get more than $15 for them on ebay but maybe not enough to make it worth giving them up.
KEEP! I think a velvet ribbon would be beautiful with them, especially since you could change them out between black and red/purple/blue/green whenever you wanted.
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keep them! They would be fun to mix up ribbons in them. I love the idea of satin, grosgrain, and velvet ribbon! I also think they would be cute with some blackwatch plaid ribbon.
Definitely keep! what a deal! I would go with a velvet ribbon too...dark green, or a burgundy, would be beautiful. I do agree that the bow should be a bit floppier. Nice score!
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"Good taste shouldn't have to cost anything extra." - Mickey Drexler
I also agree with a wide floppy satin ribbon - I like black but I also like the idea of something different too - maybe a deep charcoal grey or saturated emerald green...
I am also picturing a buckle - you can buy buckles at sewing shops - just sew down fabric or ribbon on one side of the buckle, loop the fabric or ribbon through the holes and buckle it (you may want to put dollops of glue where you want the holes, let it dry, then punch the holes out of the glue spot - leaving enough glue around the edge of the hole so it doesn't fray). I would also look into metal two piece buckes that latch in the center - you can secure the sides of the buckle to the holes with ribbon or fabric...
-- Edited by detroit at 12:01, 2005-10-03
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I guess it would be kind of crazy to sell them. I definitely want the bow to be floppier but that purple ribbon is the kind with wire in the edges. I do like the fact that I can change the ribbon to match whatever I'm wearing. And detroit I thought about buckles but I wasn't sure if it would work since the two straps are really close together when they lay flat. I can always go to the garment district to play around with different options and surely something will work.
absolutely! They are so pretty! I like the purple ribbon idea a lot. I also really liked the floppy satin ribbon - there are some kate spades and loubotins out now with a similar look.
i like the floppier black satin ribbon, or a garnet-ish dark red velvet would be pretty. you should def. keep them--i think you will find lots of things to wear them with, and the heel height looks really comfy.
So incredibly cute! I love them, definitely keep! The money is nice but the feeling of walking around in Manolos (for that cheap) is better! Do you mind me asking where you got them (I'm in NYC too and I'm looking for some good vintage stores but don't know where to start!)
For another ribbon idea, you could also thread the ribbon through the holes, criss-cross on the fore part of your foot, wrap once around your ankle and tie at the back like this:
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You HAVE to keep $15 Manolos. I don't think I could ever forgive you if you gave them up. Oh, and I like the idea of a big floppy satin bow. Maybe black, red, or some fun print?
kisa I really like your idea. And your drawing is so cute!
mandajeanie wrote: So incredibly cute! I love them, definitely keep! The money is nice but the feeling of walking around in Manolos (for that cheap) is better! Do you mind me asking where you got them (I'm in NYC too and I'm looking for some good vintage stores but don't know where to start!)
I bought them at the Housing Works thrift shop on E 77th off 3rd avenue. They have other locations as well (check housingworks.org) - I like the one on 23rd street best because it's bigger and less an ordeal to go through the racks. That location is also right across the street from the City Opera thrift store which usually has an ok selection. Anyway, they don't normally have Manolos at most of the thrift stores and they would never normally charge $15 for them but I guess they figured no one would want to deal with replacing the ribbon.
Unfortunately most used clothing places in NYC are either totally picked over (thrift stores) or overpriced (vintage stores). One giant place with ok prices and a decent selection is Beacon's Closet in Brooklyn (actually they have 2 locations, I've only been to the one on N11th in Williamsburg). I've also sold lots of clothes there too.
Definitely keep them. I agree on the floppy satin ribbon.
God, what a great deal! I mean, getting ribbon is no biggie at all and you can have so much fun with those. They'll be both dressy and easy for walking around the city b/c they're not too high.
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"Anyone who lives within their means suffers from a lack of imagination" - Oscar Wilde