Dear Manolo: Supermom Seeks Supershoes

Dear Manolo,
I am a mom who's building an at-home business. My market is other moms, so I'm often meeting potential customers while out with the kids. I need a shoe that says pulled-together mom/successful businesswoman that can be worn to the park or zoo.
—LAURA

MANOLO SAYS, it is lamentable, but the only truly suitable outfit for the mother of the young children is something similar to the toxic-waste coveralls, cheap clothing that can be incinerated after being soaked in mucus, playground dirt and partially masticated arrowroot cookies.

Indeed, it is only with great effort that one can avoid the modern American version of the biohazard suit: the college sweatshirt and mommy jeans. But, avoid it you must, for you are young and ambitious, and have plans for economic world domination. As in many things, you should take as your model the redoubtable Martha Stewart, who has perfected the entrepreneurial homemaking millionaire look: pressed and preppy, aggressively comfortable and no-nonsense.

Here is the Prari Cristina, the casually elegant, Italian wedge-heel loafer that would look perfect with jeans or khakis.

Ask the Manolo a question at manolo@shoeblogs.com. Visit the Manolo at shoeblogs.com.