Classic Series - Shoes

Ahhh shoes. Those little things that have the super strength to ruin my credit score while simultaneously making me feel special and fancy and just plain happy.  Personally there is just nothing like a new pair of heels to make me grin ear to ear, and there are so many women out there that would agree.  Shoes fit all the time, their size doesn't make you feel like eating lettuce, they are a way to get noticed, they polish an outfit, and add some personality to your look.  There are certain types of shoes that you need in your shoe wardrobe because they are insanely useful and will pair with anything in their realm of use without much thought. These shoes you need. Boots are dependant on your climate but unless you live in Brazil you probably could use one or two pairs of those anyways. Read on for what I feel are classic styles of both shoes, sandals, and boots; styles that I feel will never fail you when you need them most, in a rush, packing for vacation, or stocking your closet with items that will serve you well and aren't a waste of your hard earned money. And, as always with classics, spend as much as you can afford and be content with that.

SHOES

Black and Nude Pumps

Duh. 

These two are a no-brainer. They go with everything and you will get miles of wear out of a good quality pair. Buy the best quality you can afford when purchasing these two because you need the shoe to last through repeated wear. The most classically shaped pump has a pointed toe to a softly rounded-out pointed toe with a three to four inch heel height. You can walk in three inches, yes you can. Unless you are 75 or arthritic try for heaven's sake.  You won't fall, you're not drunk (unless you are) and you're not on a tight rope.  A three inch heel is not too high, and the look you will get with a shoe of this height will make you look sophisticated, put together, and like you tried.  This heel height isn't too tall to make you wobble, fall down, or look unproportioned either.  When purchasing this style of shoe avoid a platform. The absence of a platform gives your foot direct contact with the ground beneath you, adding to your ability to walk more confidently because you can actually feel where you are stepping. Having a platform also takes away from the classic style of this type of pump because the popularity of having a platform shoe comes and goes.  Atlantic-Pacific Princess Kate Cameron Diaz

Sneaker

Your weekend go-to.  NOT a running shoe, totally different. Running shoes are for running and the gym where as sneakers are casual lace-up shoes constructed of canvas, leather,  rubber or a combo of the three.  They are perfect for being on your feet all day and have a street-style cool vibe to them, especially when paired with something unexpected like a sequin tank or tee, a moto jacket, a midi skirt, or cargo pants.  A crisp white pair also look totally stylish when paired with a crisp white shirt and perfectly fitting jeans.  See where this is going?? Versatility. And when you can fetch a sneaker for $80 or less you're talking big time bang for your buck versatility.  Need some sneaker inspiration?
Sincerely Jules and Man Repeller

Ballet Flat

This style of shoe came back with a vengeance about 5-7 years ago and for good reason. They are comfortable, easy on/easy off, can be preppy when in solid colours and adorned with a bow, or can be edgy if embellished or patterned that way. Simple styles add a bit of Audrey (read: classic) to any outfit. Any die-hard shopper, busy mom, or city commuter needs a pair of these shoes; everyone else should just want to have a pair anyways.  Need some flat inspiration? Olivia Palermo here, here, and here. (She does flats very well)

Evening Shoe

Evening shoes makes me feel like a 5 year old in Toys R Us, meaning they make me feel like bursting with joy. They excite me with their beauty, colour, sparkle, and fanciness.  Most little girls loved to play dress up and I was no exception, and the fancier the better.  Every woman needs a pair of black evening shoes, and from there a black evening sandal. Once those are covered, may I suggest buying a pair with a little dazzle, to which metallic would be the perfect choice. Be careful with metallics as when they are done poorly they look cheap and misplaced against the elegance of an evening gown. Metallics don't have to include sparkles either, and gold will never let you down. Check out Beyonce here and here.   Evening shoes won't be worn as frequently as the other types in your shoe wardrobe but when you need them, there is no substitute for a good pair so purchase wisely and you won't end up wasting your money on a trendy pair that are more flash (in the pan) than class. Need some evening inspiration? Check out Blake Lively here and here, Mary Kate and Ashley Olsen and Gisele Bundchen. (Also click here, here, and here for some don'ts because of the platform)

SANDALS

Flat Sandals

Inconceiveable that someone may not have flat sandals. Kim Kardashian has flat sandals. Flat sandals, NOT flip flops; those don't count. Flat sandals that have straps and some type of closure to keep them on your feet. Perfect for a day of riding roller coasters, outdoor concerts, or basically anything in the summer that you can possibly think of.  Go for a simple pair, nude or black with little embellishment, to make sure you have a workhorse in your shoe wardrobe, but from there all is fair in love and flat sandal heaven. Every colour, embellishment, number or straps, buckles, spikes, whatever your little heart desires anything goes with these sandals. You can pick them up for a deal or spend a lot, depending on your budget but the crazier the style of sandal, the less I recommend you spend. Save your bucks for the simplistic pair that you will wear for several seasons; that's the point of a classic. Need some flat sandal inspiration? Sincerely Jules has plenty.

Minimalist Ankle Strap Sandal

This style of a sandal can be worn with outfits that range from casual jeans to formal floor length gowns. These sandals, when chosen in a nude that matches your skin tone as closely as possible, will practically disappear into your skin, lengthen your legs, add height to your frame, and can be paired with any colour for a chic look.  This sandal is a must have in your shoe wardrobe as long as the style of it is kept as minimal as possible; forgo embellishment of any kind and limit the number of straps to two, one at your toes and one around the ankle. Make sure the heel is on the thin side, nothing chunky, as the point is to look streamlined.  This is not a statement making shoe, this is a shoe meant to disappear, like a wallflower, in comparison to the rest of your outfit. These sandals in black provide just the same amount of frequent usage opportunities except are noticeable against the skin. I had a pair of black ones years ago and wore them to death, they literally fell apart from wear.  I cannot say enough how much use you will get out of these.  Need some sandal inspiration?  Kim Kardashian Blake Lively Jennifer Aniston Song of Style

The Wedge

Ahhh, the wedge. My very favourite sandal (and boot) type because of their versatility and comfort. Wedges are appropriate during the day and can transition into evening very easily with the right ensemble.  Wedges also have a casual vibe to them so they can tone down a sexy look if necessary and pair well with dresses, shorts, skirts, all styles of jeans, and wide legged or flared pants of all types. The only type of look that I don't recommend a wedge to be paired with is conservative office wear, unless the wedge shoe is closed toe and sleek in style and construction with little to no platform (example here).  Wedges are the most comfortable of all elevated shoe types because they have a lot of support, and often come with some type of platform which helps cushion the ball of your foot when you walk. A neutral wedge in your shoe wardrobe will prove to be a very useful shoe; a perfect example of the versatility would be an outdoor wedding -- wedges don't sink into grass and, because they are so comfortable, can be worn for longer periods of time without killing your feet.  Need some wedge inspiration? Chiara Ferragni/The Blond Salad Jennifer Aniston

BOOTS

Dress Boot

The most versatile, biggest bang for your buck dress-boot is a black wedge knee high boot.  What you're looking for when selecting a boot of this style to purchase is a sleek wedge three to four inches high, with little to, preferably, no platform in black leather with a pointed to softly rounded out point toe and a zip closure (no pull ons). This boot with work over any skinny cut pant, under any boot cut or larger pant, and with skirts of all lengths.  The wedge is preferable to a heel because they are so much easier to walk in and keeping your balance when faced with snow and inclement weather. Need some boot inspiration? Here here and here.  (P.S. black wedge knee boots without a platform are very hard to find; I blame it on the current popularity of ankle boots and booties.) 

Ankle Boot

This little boot is a good style to add to your collection of footwear because you will get a lot of use out of it.  Ankle boots come in many styles, from casual to dressy, and can be worn for a night out with friends to errand running.  Ankle boots work well over a skinny cut pant, a boot cut or larger pant, as well as with opaque tights of the same colour when paired with a skirt or dress, making them very versatile.  Going for a more fun look with this boot is a good idea because they are not your everyday dress boot.  Some embellishments or colour will add a touch of your own person style. Need some ankle inspiration? Man Repeller and Sincerely Jules can help.

Snow Boot/Cold Weather Boot

One of the warmest boots out there are Uggs. Short for ugly or not, these boots are well made and are very warm.  If they are sprayed with a protectant after purchasing and the now brushed off them after wearing they will last for years and are completely worth the cost. Another classic choice are Sorel boots. Sorels are made of rubber so clearly they are durable and waterproof, and they are lined to keep your feet warm and dry. Snow boots are clearly not dressy in any way; these type of boots are made for casual errand running, snow shovelling, tobogganing, going to and from work, etc.  Snow boots are made to work.  If you need a boot to battle the snow, don't cheap out. Spend the money on quality boots and they will last you for years and function as they are supposed to: by keeping your feet dry and warm.  Need some boot inspiration? Man Repeller (appreciate the humour)

All above pictures are my own. From top to bottom: Aldo suede pumps, Tory Burch flats, Aldo black flowered evening shoe, Sam Edelman gold sandal, Ash crystal skull flat sandal, Steve Madden nude ankle strap sandal, Christian Louboutin espadrille wedge, Aldo black embellished booties, tall Uggs.  I have yet to acquire sneakers as I am not a sneaker person, but Superga's will be on the way this spring. I have yet to also acquire wedge boots, but I am always on the lookout for a pair and one day the perfect pair and I shall meet.

Enjoy, and thank you for stopping by :)
Jessica