The Manolo recommends Christian Louboutins Audrey Glitter Strappy Sandals for facing your forties

In three weeks, I’m turning 40 years old. Oddly, I’m not upset about passing this major milestone. But to forestall any potential pain of a different kind, can you please suggest some comfortable party shoes for the big day? I’m going to dinner with friends at a nice restaurant, so I need something to go with my little black dress. —Stephanie 

Manolo says it is true what everyone is saying, 40 is the new 36 and three-quarters!

Indeed, thanks to the miraculous medical advances and our comparatively easy lives, the average 40-, 50- or 60-year-old person today is more youthful and energetic than ever before in the history of the world. Things in the past that would have been the untreatable chronic problems, such as the hernias and the gimpy knees, are now fixed via the minor outpatient surgery.

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Of course, the downside for the society is that we have extended adolescence into the very-late 20s, with angsty teenaged behavior continuing in some cases into dotage.

Better to be the 40-year-old adult, thinks the Old Man Manolo, when one is free to behave in the enjoyably adult ways:  grown-up cocktails, black coffee, and delightful conversation about meaningful books and movies. Forty should always be the best year.

Here is the Audrey Glitter Strappy Sandals from the Christian Louboutin, the sophisticated evening sandal that meets the definition of grown-up pleasure. (saksfifthavenue.com, $925)

Want more from the shoe guru?

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