The first thing I noticed when I was looking for beautiful shoes and bags for your capsule wardrobes: there are absolutely RIDICULOUS, and sometimes positively dangerous, dress shoes out there. Heels that would only be suitable for walking from the limo into the nightclub, where you will be sitting for the entire evening…
But worse than that are the spikes and other lethal implements that now adorn shoes. If you’re attracted to shoes with spikes, or even just with buckles or large jewels, make ABSOLUTELY sure that you’ve checked out how sharp all such things are, and be aware that crossing your legs, or even having your foot brush against your leg, could bruise you, tear your clothing, or even cut your flesh. I saw someone recent rip the daylights out of a pair of pants when she crossed her legs and a buckle on her shoes caught the fabric of her trousers. Ruined, they were, as Yoda would calmly notice.
So if you hate shoes in which you can stand for an entire cocktail party without wincing, I’m not your girl today. Even the heels that I included are only 2 inches; that’s the absolute limit I will consider.
As with so many things, if you think of something you’d like, make certain that you shop around on the internet A LOT. There are identical items available at prices that vary by as much as 50%. I try to link to the lowest priced versions that I can find, but as you know, that’s always in flux. For a high-priced item, it can be well worth your time.
Another bit of advice: if you see something you like, BOOKMARK IT. Because you can do the identical search a day later and the item will not be where it used to be. I often create your lovely images over a period of 2 or 3 days, and when it comes time to actually put the links on the blog post, I wander aimlessly through the digital marketplace, searching pathetically for the same Chloe flats I saw less than 48 hours again. Don’t imitate my sad state…
That said, I found some perfectly delightful, simple evening bags at very delightful, simple prices!
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The bags and shoes:
Silver evening bag – Gunne Sax by Jessica McClintock, dark blue and silver ballet flats – Lanvin, navy and gold flats – DeSiena, perforated patent wallet – Artessorio, black d’Orsay pumps – J. Renee, ombre python bag – Zagliani, bronze ballet flats – Giuseppe Zanotti, gold woven bag – Sandra Cadavid, gold ballet flats – Saint Laurent, gold wristlet – Another Line, scalloped ballet flats – Chloe
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The Navy and Grey Starting From Scratch Wardrobe
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The Navy and Beige Starting From Scratch Wardrobe
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The Black and Grey Starting From Scratch Wardrobe
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The Caramel and Black Starting From Scratch Wardrobe
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The Brown and Beige Starting From Scratch Wardrobe
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The Khaki and Olive Starting From Scratch Wardrobe
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I just disembarked from a cruise ship yesterday and my most worn item was my pair of silver Amalfi flats. With my grey/navy/black wardrobe, they made just about every outfit suitable for the dining room. Stability on a rocking ship and comfort are my priorities even in a dress shoe.
I'd love to see another post with some new jewelry as the "dressing up" factor, so "Yes Please!"
Thank you for all your guidance. I'll gladly clean and cook for you to give you more surfing time. XOXO
Yes please. These are all so fun and I love to see the outfits you pull together. :)
What a great idea. I need some metallic shoes and a small bag!
Yes please from me too. And I am usually the one in brown at a party. The right brown with right accessories can be quite glam and festive. Hence, the importance of earrings.
Deb from Vancouver
Lovely stuff, as usual. I particularly like the warm bronzey accessories. That black and bronze bag is a stunner!
I go someway towards your comfy shoe obession. I certainly wouldn't wear 7-9 inch stilettos for an evening out in town as that normally involves hours of standing and walking (including on uneven cobbled streets). I have a pair of reasonably formal boots with heels probably around 2-3 inches which are quite comfy. I also have several pairs of booties with either low heels or at least block heels, padding and a platform. I've also just found a lovely pair of burgundy patent wedges. They're fairly high, but the wedge heel helps and they're padded inside. From Clarks.
I'm using this entire "from scratch" series to edit & overhaul my wardrobe, so yes to a post on jewelry.
I used to adore my high heels so, but then a crushed ankle left me unable to wear anything higher than a 2" heel or lower than 1 1/4", so shoes are a huge challenge. In fact I must begin every outfit with footwear and work upward, which has truly impacted my entire wardrobe.
For dressy footwear this season, I chose two from Anne Klein Sport; the "Definitely" wedge in leopard patent and the "Shevanie" wedge in metallic taupe snakeskin. If I had a bigger budget, I would love to try Cole Haan's 'Air Tali' wedge in dark silver. What they all have in common is a ballet style, a heel height of 1.5", and a firm rubber sole which is wonderful for shock-absorbing comfort.
Thank you for all of your wonderful fashion advice. I was feeling pretty frustrated and frumpy until I happened upon your blog. Now I have hope for my wardrobe!