reader mail monday: thanksgiving day nerves

every monday, I'll answer a question from a reader regarding one thing...shoes!

dear hip hip shoe-ray,

I'm going to my boyfriend of a year's parents' house for thanksgiving, and I'll be meeting them...for the very first time! I need some good ideas for shoes. I want to look fashionable and cute, of course, but also conservative and sweet. nothing too over-the-top!

I plan to wear a simple, knee-length black dress that's slightly fitted and has a square neck.

sincerely,
hiding behind the the turkey

p.s. I'm on a budget and can only spend about $100 on the shoes.

dear hiding,

don't hide – you won't need to! besides dazzling the parents with your personality, you'll look just right.

it sounds like the dress you chose is conservative, and that's fine – as long as your shoes and accessories serve to liven things up. otherwise, you run the risk of looking like you're headed to the office and, well, boring. as you mentioned, you want to look nice, but you also want to show some personality and your fun side. remember, you're going to a festive holiday get-together, not a funeral! while super-high heels are pretty much out of the question, a smaller lift – 3 inches or so – will give look elegant and you a confidence boost.

since your dress is solid black, your shoes provide a great opportunity for a pop of color, preferably a warm shade. try the woodpecker by seychelles, in either berry or mustard:



the bow adds some personality and playfulness, as long as you keep your accessories fairly basic.

if you'd rather be more creative with accessories, opt for the sadock by nine west. it's basic, but the wedge heel gives it some personality as does the suede and the beautiful, deep color.


nothing makes flat black pop more than an animal print. and if you simply feel more comfortable in flats, try these ballet flats from old navy in either a zebra or leopard print. bonus: at $19.50, you'll be showing that budget who's boss!



good luck!

sincerely,
hip hip shoe-ray

got a shoe question for hip hip shoe-ray? email us at hiphipshoeray@gmail.com. we're happy to help!