A lot of you asked for a few different capsule wardrobe posts and today it’s all about shoes. I will admit, I am not super adventurous when it comes to shoes ( I will NOT be participating in any platform sneakers/ lug sole anything or grandma-esque high cut flats that look hospital issued). I like to buy really good shoes in neutral colors that flatter my foot and legs and wear them to death. Although I’d like to incorporate SOME color into my show wardrobe- this is a grouping of my MUST haves.
- Louboutin 85 heels- the Pigalle and Kate 85’s are just high enough to be sexy but not so high that your feet kill and you walk like a newborn giraffe. My black pair I got over 10 years ago and I’ve had them resoled and re-heeled three times (a place near me does grippy red sole replacements!) I wear them AALL the time and cost epr wear is down to very little- so I bought a nude pair. Buy better, buy less!
- Low heel suede bootie– I buy a new pair every 2 years because they get so beat up I wear them to often- I have some by Marc Fisher (pull on) I wear a lot but I like the buckle detail on these as they look cute with long skirts/ dresses that way.
- A strappy gold heel– a timeless event bystander! These from Larroude are comfy and the slingback really makes your legs look longer, as opposed to an ankle strap!
- A neutral suede sneaker– I have these in a caramel suede and I LOVE them. They have a mini wedge inside so you feel a little lifted!
- These Tamara Mellon sandals with PVC insets are THE SH*T. I wear them non stop in the summer. I want the heeled version now (and they now have cushion insoles!)
- I do not OWN these Valentino wedges, but I have a couple pairs very close- this is a style I wear a lot with summer dresses so may be worth the splurge.
- A leopard, calf hair flat. These loafers are a comfy everyday/ office shoe that dresses up jeans or adds some attitude to black pants. For summer I want THESE.
- Ballet flats in camel and black. These have a great pointed toe that doesn’t hurt. A classic.
- I have four pairs of these Nike sneakers for working out and running.
- At first I was on the fence about these PVC strap heels- but holy SMOKES they just dissapear onto your foot and make your legs look SO long! And they are affordable and comfy!
- A heeled black bootie. With black tights or with jeans.
- A leopard heel– DUH. I would totally buy a fancy pair of Loubs in leopard but for some reason they do not have any!!!!
- Stuart Weitzman Gillian boots– I have these in black suede and brown suede and I LOEV LOVE them. So flattering- great with skinny jeans, dresses and skirts. The heel is enough so you feel dressed up but I could walk in them for a whole day.
- A caramel slide on sandal. Like the Hermes ones, but not. :) Also these are cute too.
- OK, I have NOT gone down the Golden Goose rabbit hole yet- my friends insist they are the best. I have some P448’s in white I like a lot that are half the price, but I do kind of want to know what the fuss is about…. anyways, a classic white leather sneaker is a must.
- I mean it is New England- ya gotta have Sorels.
- These Marc Fisher pointed toe block heels are SO great and come in tons of colors. I great buy!
What are YOUR favorite shoes you can’t live without? Dream shoes? Best buy?
This is probably my favorite post you’ve ever done. Granted if you see how many shoes I have you’d know why:). I’ll add a few fun ones: Castaner Espadrilles, which my mom started buying me when I was a teenager (so comfy and affordable), Malone Souliers for heels for me (I literally had to walk across DC in a pair and did so with ease), anything Sarah Flint, Marion Parke, Pomme D’or and non-clunky Pedro Garcia for travel, Amina Muaddi dupes (I don’t think the authentic are very well made, but they are comfortable) and classic Gucci Princetown loafers, which I wear a lot more than I thought I would. Erin, you’re amazing and my husband is thanking you for helping me buy another 3 pairs of shoes thanks to this list!
Great collection! And, it’s so fun to think about what my collection would include, in addition to the above. I’m a stay at home mom, so this season of my life doesn’t require too many pairs of heels, but rather more casual footwear on the daily (unfortunately!!). I do have multiple pairs of Rothy’s (I like the loafer style and the point best) and I love M.Gemi’s Felize loafer (lots of fun colors as well as neutrals). I haven’t gotten on the white trainer trend, but have a pair of New Balance sneakers in sea salt and also in black/gray colorway that get heavy use. And finally, for summer, I couldn’t live without a pair of gold J.Crew Factory flip flops to wear to the beach or with sundresses. I buy a new pair every year—cheap and versatile!! I’d also need to add a pair of tkees flip flops in both patent leather black and patent leather nude. And I finally broke down last summer and bought a pair of Birkenstock Arizona sandals in cognac leather with the big brass buckles. This style is definitely more elevated than hippie, and they pair well with cut off jeans, and the leather color is perfect. I wore them a ton in September during that summer/fall weather in Mass.
I think a capsule collection of purses could be fun to do next? :)
I bought those same elevated Birks (except in the Gizeh style) and literally wore them with a nice dress to multiple fancy dinners in Italy last summer! For those of us with “problem feet” (aka aging feet), Birks and comfy trainers are pretty much our capsule shoe wardrobe. Or anything I can find at marmi shoes that is somewhat stylish and comfy.
Did want to add that I’ve bought two of the Aetrex Corey clog (looks v similar to the ones Veronica Beard was selling for hundreds more), and they are super comfy and stylish. Looks especially great with flared jeans.
As a fellow SAHM who needs to up her game yet also needs really supportive shoes, I appreciate your list. Doing a little looking around…
Aquatalia Boots are warm insulated and waterproof. The best!
Would you share the name of your cobbler for the Laboutins?
Id like to know what a grandmaesque high cut flat is.
I’d like to know what a grandmaesque high cut flat is.
You have fab taste and I love these posts! No to Golden Goose! They look a tad tacky with their overt branding/logo. A million other, more chic options – Zara or Mango, Loewe, Zadig & Voltaire, Isabel Marant, Rebecca Minkoff. Endless options.
I have been a devoted Manolo wearer for decades, in fact, I have two pair autographed by Mr. Blahnik on the soles, which I truly treasure. BUT, Sarah Flint saved my life. The comfort is real and the options are endless. I can’t say enough about her shoes ability to be stylish and comfortable in heels. I got turned on to Dear Frances, last summer and wow! Fun, strappy, great colors – fabulous. I am stalking two pair of her loafers, waiting for them to come back in stock. My son’s mother-in-law, lives in Eastern Europe and knows A LOT about cold winters. She turned me on the Aquatalia boots and I’ve never looked back. I have two pair and they are perfect in every way. I have been a runner for over forty years, so I have been through more than my fair share of shoes. But what has saved my life, my back, and my knees is Hoka. Unbelievable. Truly, unbelievable. I just replace every six months and keep on running. And, yes, I am a grandmother. Stylish. But a very proud grandmother. Age is a gift, not a condemnation.
Have been want to try Sarah Flint – you just pushed me over the edge. Thanks!!
Same. I happened upon their store in my city last week and was hoping they might work for my “problem feet.” Thanks for the rec! I’ll go back when I’m ready to shoe shop for spring.
love my lug sole ankle boots
Fun post! I have several of these (Loubs, Tamara Mellon sandals, H Hermes-lookalike, Sorels and GG.)I love all of them except the Golden Goose which I think are some of the most uncomfortable trainers I’ve ever worn. I much prefer Veja V-10s or Addidas for a fraction of the price. And I also swear by On Clouds for sport.
Keep these capsules coming! So fun and helpful!!!
This is such a helpful and practical post, thank you! What would you suggest as a second (or third ;-) ) tier choice for the black and nude laboutins? Also, over 5’10” – what’s the ideal heel height to make leg look long and to look dressy without going too high?
JCrew makes great comfy pumps. I prefer suede and find it more comfortable. I have a nude & black suede from them & wear them all the time.
They have a 70 heel height that is probably perfect for you! But also- own your awesome height girl!
*louboutin 😬
No on Clouds? They are the BEST!!
No On Clouds? They are the BEST!
So so good, thank you!
Your shoes choices are wonderful. I would wear all of them…if I could. I’ll bet I’m not the only grandma who loves your blog and has been with you for years. I understand that I’m not your target audience, but please don’t deride us with that comment.
That wasn’t meant as a deride- sorry if it seemed that way.
Thanks!