This series on fashion is inspired by a few great fashion related posts and bloggers I've been reading lately as well as a really positive response I got from a comment I left on another blog. A young woman was asking what she should get for a work wardrobe without spending a fortune. I gave this some thought and then commented on the ten pieces I'd recommend she get. I got an email back, complimenting my complete list and saying it would serve as a shopping list.
Over the next two weeks I'll be doing a post on each article of clothing as well as photographing some of my outfits. Enjoy!
I hope you enjoyed my cheesy diversion for yesterday's Too Cute Tuesday but now it's back to finishing my top ten fashion list started seven days ago.
A good pair of shoes is definitely something I wanted to mention. I've had a pair of brown pumps for a few years now. They are still in great shape but the company label has since rubbed off. I can tell you they are Canadian and my mom bought them for me for about $100 almost five years ago. I've worn them at least weekly for the past two years.
When I say good shoes, I'm not saying go out and spend $500 on something trendy. I think around $100-$200 denotes a quality pair (with very rare exceptions of course). A good pair of pumps takes me far but your style might go the way of Dansko clogs or Doc Martins.
I've included photos of me and my trusty shoes from a few previous posts.
Anonymous but awesome Canadian brown leather pumps, $100 (I have a good black pair of pumps too, Kenneth Cole $80)
Tips for choosing your shoes: Buy a good pair that you can afford, ideally a black pair and a brown pair to match all your clothes. If you don't like my suggestions for styles/companies above, talk to your more well dressed coworkers. What shoes do they think are stylish and comfortable? They at least have a couple things in common with you 1) your geographic location and 2) what you all do eight hours or so a day. If you can't afford wonderful get ok and get a good pair of supportive insoles. Your feet are important to take care of and if your shoes are comfortable, you are going to be a happier and healthier person (you'll be walking more!).
Check out the other posts in this series:
Top Ten Female Wardrobe Staples: The Cotton Sweater
Top Ten Female Wardrobe Staples: The Crisp White Shirt
Top Ten Femlae Wardrobe Staples: The Graphic T-Shirt
Top Ten Female Wardrobe Staples: The Pencil Skirt
Top Ten Female Wardrobe Staples: The Wrap Dress
Top Ten Female Wardrobe Staples: The Pin Striped Suit
Don’t forget those great boots you showed in a few of your photos. I’d love a pair like that!
I got those for $40 at a sale at our local LL Bean outlet. They took some breaking in but they helped get me through last winter!
I’m a huge fan of DSW and Zappos.com for great shoes at good prices. And don’t forget your local cobbler–living in the city for a few years taught me the wonders they can work! I’ve had a few favorite pairs of boots resoled numerous times and they come back looking brand new. And if you buy really nice shoes you can have a thin piece of rubber put on the bottom for extra protection of the leather. Last time I was home I even dug this gorgeous pair of boots from the 70s out of my mother’s closet–they looked like they were beyond hope with the soles worn through and the leather all dusty and dry from years burried under junk, but the cobbler fixed them up so they look amazing and I’ve been getting compliments ever since.