Manolo says, one of the Manolo’s many internet friends has asked the Manolo the question.

Manolo, I need some quick advice. My graduation is in a week and it was suggested to the girls that for shoes with our robes, we wear, “sort of, like, modern, dark-colored business pumps.” Oh, God, was my immediate reaction. I’m a big shoe person, but I tend more towards colors and unique styles. I have just one pair of black shoes that I wear with pretty much any outfit that requires more classic, black shoes. I’ve had them for years and they’re fairly outdated. Also, they’ve been through the mill (the dog has chewed on them) and been repaired several times. Basically, I want some shoes that loosely fit the description, but that are more interesting and different than everyone else’s. I don’t want to look like I’m wearing my mother’s shoes, but unless I find something, I’m afraid I actually will be wearing my mother’s shoes. I’m planning on wearing to graduation (under my robes, for part of the time) a dress from Anthropologie (called the Nightingale dress) that has a flower pattern and mostly brown tones. Oh, and did I mention that I have a wide foot and limited money to spend on these shoes? Please, point me in the right direction!

While the Manolo he appreciates the desire of the “man” to dictate the shoes of the graduate, the Manolo he refuses to allow his internet friend to be ill-shod on this one of the important days of the young person’s life. The dress she has chosen it is pretty, and it deserves the shoe that is likewise pretty, and yet, at the same of the time suitable for wearing under the robes of the graduate, and yet, also at the same of the times, suitable for the girl with the wide feets.

And so, the Manolo he has decided that the brown suede with the roomy toe box, and perhaps the pink trim, it would be most suitable for this lively young woman who wishes to not upset the oppressive powers that be.

This shoe from the Via Spiga, it the little bit retro, which makes it suitable for the vintage sort of dress. Even the better, it is on the sale at the Zappos.

This one from the Vigotti, it has the higher heel and the ankle strap, making it the more forward choice.

Yes, only by the stretching are these the “business” pumps, but then the girl she must do what she must do to look good on this happy day.

Manolo says, the Manolo he can now only extend to his internet friend the best of the wishes and the most heartfelt congratulations.