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Ask Angie et al: If I can add just a single pair of footwear...

Sveta

(website)

Veteran

...for this fall what should it be to refresh my fall looks? Where my shoe budget money should go so I can get the biggest bang for them?
OK, let's be realistic, I may not stop at just one - let's make them 3 in priority order

The most important thing I learned from Angie is how important footwear is to look stylish. This was the main reason why I had problem with dressing prior to YLF: while my clothing was more or less decent my shoe collection was dismal. Did not matter what I put on nothing looked right with the wrong shoes!
I have learned my lesson well and for the second year footwear is the main focus of my NAS shopping. Please help me to stay focused on the right thing!

Few notes about my shoe specifics:
- I cannot wear heels higher than 2.5" - at all;
- anything over 2" is not very useful to me as I walk to work and I cannot walk well in heels over 2".
This is what I have now:
Boots:
- grey knee-high (pic 1), cognac low wedge (they will last maybe another year or two at the most due to their low quality), brown combat boots (both pic 2)
Booties:
- black high heel (pic. 1), animal print (pic 4).
Pumps (high heel):
- red patent, animal print, black patent open-toe (pic 3).
Flats / low heel:
- teal ballerina flats (pic 1), grey flat oxfords, nude low heel pumps ((pic 2), yellow-white oxfords and grey herringbone patterned low wedge (pic 4). Out of those yellow-white oxfords, nude Fidji pumps and teal flats wear in spring-summer only.

What should I focus on for the fall? Styles and colors? Do you see any holes I need to fill? I hope you have seen enough of my style preferences in WIW to help me. I wear pretty wide range of colors: black/ cream/ white/ non-blue based greys/ warm browns / jewel saturated colors / some earthy colors like rust, mustard, olive, burgundy...
Thank you very much!

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Shopping

31 replies

Latest reply was from Suz

goldenpig

(website)

Veteran

Can I just say, what a stylish and well-rounded shoe collection! Well curated! I would go for another pair of boots! I would look for a pair of black boots, or maybe cognac to replace the ones that are getting worn.

Sveta

(website)

Veteran

Thanks Natalie, this is what I strive for - small collection which I can replenish every season with well chosen 1-3 pairs. Black tall riding bots were on the top of my list as well!

goldenpig

(website)

Veteran

Sveta, if they have anything like those Aquatalia Undy black boots that Angie featured on Bei-Jing last year, you have to snap those up right away! I could totally see you wearing that kind of boot!
http://youlookfab.com/2011/07/.....rsonified/

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Lyn D.

Veteran

I agree about a black boot, and what about a black ballerina-type flat?
I always find black to be versatile and this style can be worn with or without hose for weather changes.

ramya

Veteran

oooh this is very interesting thread.... I will bookmark this collection so I would know how I would like my fall collection to look some day

sarah

Veteran

Sveta, I am very impressed with how carefully constructed your shoe collection is. It is not huge, but I always notice taht you have the PERFECT pair of shoes with each outfit, which makes it seem as though your shoe collection is much larger than it is. I was also going to say black boots, even before I read the comments.

I am striving to achieve this well-thought out footwear capsule, but I still find myself making mistakes.

Laura

(website)

Veteran

What strikes me is that a lot of it looks to be in the light neutral/brown family - is my perception correct? So I would branch out into stronger, darker neutrals, or colors.

Traci

Veteran

With your new(ish) darker hair I'd definitely say a pair of (1)tall black boots. Since the cognac boots are wearing quickly I'd also be on the lookout for the perfect pair of well made (2) cognac boots. I think my third for you would be a fun pair of (3)bold statement shoes with a little tiny heel. I'm adding two pictures of Angie's shoes that I've been drooling over lately. I think both of them would be wonderful on you with dresses and trousers.

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Isis

Veteran

Sveta, I also always admire your shoes in your posts.

I second the suggestion of some black riding boots like GP linked to.

And, if I may ask, what brand/model are the nude cadged sandals in picture 4? I've been searching for such a pair. Are they a low heel and walkable?

Thanks!

Anonymous

You have a wonderful, well rounded collection. I think that you are missing metallics. For fall the darker metallics like bronze or pewter would work best. With your now darker hair, you might want a pair of darker boots to bookend, plus you wear boots so well.

Sveta

(website)

Veteran

Thanks! Tall black riding boots were what I thought of first as well. It is good to have a confirmation that I was on the right track.
Lyn ballerina flats are difficult for me to fit. I have wider foot and most of them cut into my big toe bones.I like the concept though. That's why I went for those grey patterned low wedge pumps - they give a similar vibe to ballerina flats but fit my feet better.
Sarah, I cannot tell you how many shoes ended up in donation pile because of those mistakes. I am very ruthless now when I buy shoes and scrutinize both comfort and style before making a decision. I also think my footwear collection is not big considering that I live in 4 season climate and this is basically all I have for all those seasons (except one pair of gladiator sandals and one pair of Ugg snow boots.
Laura, this is a very good observation. Do you mean anything other than black by "stronger, darker neutrals"?
Traci, my new darker hair color was the reason behind wanting the black boots too! I find it easier to wear black footwear now than when I had medium brown color. I also admire those Angie's shoes and would be happy to find something similar.
Isis, I am slowly learning the importance of shoes in the outfit. Those caged nude sandals are Franco Sarto Kailey:
http://www.tweedandhickory.com.....lmond.html
They are very comfortable even though the heel is at least 2.5" but wedge makes it more stable. I sometimes get blisters from the very top strap on my big toes if I walk in them all day in the heat but if I use anti-blister gel it usually helps to prevent them.
Joy, metallics are always on my wish list but so far I was not lucky to find a suitable pair. However the grey low wedge pumps in #4 have some low metallic shine to them...

christy

Veteran

Agreed that a black tall boot would be a great addition to your shoe closet. You do have a lot of neutrals, so it seems like perhaps you could branch out as Laura suggested into some colors. A metallic is a great idea also. Love those cognac boots!

Meredith1953

Veteran

I am no help and all but am in awe of your collection of shoes! They are really fab.

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

Sweet, Sveta, first of all - can I hug and kiss you? You are SO CUTE. The earnest verve, motivation and stamina with which you approach the NAS is one that goes down in YLF history

(More hugs!)

You have built a very versatile and minimal footwear collection. Well done!

Here's my heartfelt suggestion:

- Lets see what's available in your size and heel height first. Then work back from there. That way we are not going to be disappointed. Let's live on the edge a little

- Tall black boots are missing from this assortment but I'm not sure that's how you want to go. Maybe!

Sveta, please don't worry. I will be absolutely swamped with work during NAS preselections and during the sale itself, but I will help you nail down your footwear treasures. I promise.

Sveta

(website)

Veteran

Christie, the problem is that colorful footwear is getting pretty scarce when you go for my size. Size 12 selection is nothing to write home about - that may be one of the reasons my collection is that small I have my eye peeled if anything in a great color comes along!
Angie, you are so sweet! We need to meet again some time because we have too many hugs and kisses pending!:-)
My plan was to order EVERYTHING which comes in my size and fits my style and budget.: I don't hope to come to the store to find the full selection in my size to be available to try on. Hopefully all these charges to my card will be for a very short time. I want to order everything on July 11 so it can be delivered to the store for 21st when I plan to come down and also to ensure my size is available.
I have looked through the NAS catalog I got in the mail and have some tall riding boots earmarked. I am very confused with the shaft circumference sizes. My calves are about 16" wide but last year boots which were marked as 14" were too wide.
I was also mulling over if I should splurge on SW or AG boots...no guarantee they will fit though so it may be a mute point.
I cannot say how I appreciate your help on everything, Angie. Honestly I cannot fathom how you do this, how you can find time for everything - you must have a time machine to do it all!
OK, deep breath, 4 more days of suspense...

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

I don't sleep. I'm a Vampire.

We are on the same wavelength. I LOVE the plan! I am working at the preselections with clients from 8am to 9pm on the 11th July - so I will not be able to chime in on the forum at all. But we can narrow things down later. Splurging on a few high end items at the NAS is what it's all about.

The circumference measurements on sites can be misleading - incorrect size or odd shaft length. It's a gamble.

We must meet again to get these hugs and kisses out of our system

Jonesy

Veteran

I would say something dark (black or dark gray) in a bootie or heeled loafer. Something wintery, since it looks like you have more summer/springs styles than you do winter/fall ones, and winter/fall are your dominant seasons :).

Kyle

Veteran

Sveta--

I love the idea of black boots (tall, short or both) definitely. I invested in a pair of Weitzmans one year and, truly, though painful on the wallet, it was a wise investment, even for an Arizonan. I admire your tenacity and dedication to being a wise, discerning shopper with a carefully edited wardrobe. I wish you were closer so I could learn from you! Here is some food for thought, based on things I do not see in your current collection. Just examples and food for thought, since these are not NAS items.
Something in a reptile print -- you would rock that. I was also going to suggest considering a loafer. Something like this would tick both those boxes.
http://www.endless.com/s/ref=t.....geCode%3Dd
Maybe a loafer in a fun color, since you wear and mix colors so well:
http://www.endless.com/s/ref=t.....geCode%3Dd
I also think you could do a lot with something in cream or white, even with your darker hair, though I realize it might be less practical.
http://www.endless.com/Womens-.....geCode%3Dd

Scarlet

Veteran

I also thought of black boots right away. I like Jonesy's idea of a heeled loafer too. Aquatalia's like Gpig suggested would be so practical in your climate, no? Do you have fab snow boots?

Kyle

Veteran

I see the links are not working. These are the styles I was linking to on Endless:
John Fluevog Women's Blanc Ankle Boot
MICHAEL Michael Kors Bayville Mid Pump
Geox Italy5-1 loafer

Sveta

(website)

Veteran

Thanks for your suggestions. It looks like I was on the right track as this is what I considered form NAS catalog:
- tall black riding boots - sleek, not rugged or edgy;
- low heel python booties;
- slipper flat in burgundy or black glitter;
- gunmetal snake print flats;
- snake print loafer
Kyle, those Fluevog cream booties are calling my name...not in my size though:(
(links work BTW).
You know I had a pair of slouchy black boots and dark purple booties but they both were too narrow in the toe box and at last I decided to let them go: I cannot take any more abuse to my feet. So now yes, it feels like I am lacking darker colors...
BTW those Aquatalia Undy boots are on sale now and in my size...should I give them a try? Anybody knows if they will fit a wider foot and calf?

goldenpig

(website)

Veteran

Oooh! The Aquatalia Undys that I linked are on sale in your size? Grab them!!! They have a woven elastic shaft so they are supposedly stretchy enough to fit wider calves. I haven't seen them myself but I think it's worth a try! I really like them but I already have flat black lace-up boots so I don't know if I can justify getting them myself (plus I don't know if they are narrow enough for narrow calves). But Aquatalias are waterproof, which is a bonus for your climate. I hope you get them, Sveta!

Sveta

(website)

Veteran

They are in my cart, Natalie. My concern is that they are too short for my legs - description says 14" and I need at least 16" to pass as knee high boots: otherwise they will be mid-calf on me.

JulieJohn

Veteran

Lots of great ideas, so I will just add that your photos look like they are posing for their new animated feature, "The Shoes' Day Out". I picture the shoes marching across the floor, then going out the door together and having a look around town!

velvetychocolate

Veteran

In terms of replacing your cognac boots or getting some black boots, you might want to at least try these ones on while you're on your shopping trip (available in black as well):

http://shop.nordstrom.com/S/ec.....tback=5425

I don't know if these will be on sale during the NAS, but I can vouch for ECCO brand boots being very comfortable. Something to note: these run larger than usual - I normally take a size 8 in most shoes, and have to order a size down in Eccos (I order the 38, which according to Ecco's sizing charts means 7.0-7.5). These particular boots only run to a size 11 (euro size 42) on Nordstrom's site, but in 100% of cases, I've had to size down in Ecco shoes and boots. Although I don't have size 12 feet, I do have somewhat thick calves - not 'wide calf', but not skinny either, and I find this brand works well on me. It would be worth the hassle to try a pair of Ecco shoes or boots in size 42 (what they call an 11, but is really more like a 12 imo).

In the meantime, I really like what someone said upthread about Angie's fab shoes - those black/cream wedge Mary Janes and her red suede shoes as well - I think this might be a great direction for you to go in. A little bit more graphic, a bit more colour, if you can find things like this in your size while you're there. These look like walkable shoes (photos of Angies black/cream wedges and red shoes), but oh-so-stylish.

I'm looking forward to your NAS adventures and hope it all works out with the cards etc., and not having to ship and so on.

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Lisa

Veteran

I think the black tall boots and a gun metal footwear choice are great ideas. Also I like the idea to order everything in your hard to fit size, because you never know what will be available that catches your eye. Your precision with NAS is impressive Sveta. And chucking at Angie the vampire.

Scarlet

Veteran

Sveta, I have those Aquatalias in brown--I am kind of kicking myself about that because I think I would wear black more often. Anyway, the shaft is a stretchy material but extremely snug, and I have small calves. I think the shaft would expand to a larger calf, but the question would be whether it were still comfortable. The height may be an issue for you as well, because if I can wear them... However, they do alter the shaft height a bit according to shoe size, don't they? Finally, if you are between sizes at all, size up. The boot is not designed for a wide foot, but the leather is very pliable and molds quickly to the foot. I have a wide toe box (but not foot) and they are very comfortable. I could have gone either way on the sizing, so if I had a wide foot, I would have bought a half size larger.

Ornella

(website)

Veteran

Sveta, I am watching from the sidelines with the greatest admiration how strategic, thorough and clever shopper you are. Yes, your shoes choices may be limited by the size you wear, but my word - you haven't succumbed to getting just anything, but only the right pieces! Your selection of footwear is fantastic. Thanks for pointing out the obvious, sometimes that's very needed too - Angie's outfits are so well rounded by her shoes. (This is probably another equally important learning about Angie's style in general, in addition to the perfect fit.) I've been thinking along those lines myself recently and about what I've learnt here about the shoes, mainly that comfort is the factor that must not be overlooked *ever* and that there are so many shoes out there that are comfortable and pretty, aka not frumpy.
My father was very determined that we always buy the best quality shoes (even double up on something we know will be a winner - something I haven't done myself, but he used to as he wore rather large shoe size) and I've learnt long ago which brands to trust so I usually start from seeing what they have to offer, but there is always room for fine tuning. Your careful identification of the potential wardrobe holes is the way to go!

I have absolutely nothing to add in terms of advice, I think Angie is spot on with saying to approach things from the other angle as well and wait and see what's on offer. I think hers and your strategies combined are bound to result with some worthy findings and I am really looking forward to reading another series of posts about your NAS adventures.

p.s.
Hugs for Winnie

Sveta

(website)

Veteran

Scarlet, thanks for the info on Aquatalia boots. Unfortunately I cannot size up as my size if the biggest one in them It sounds like they maybe not the ideal boots for me from what you describe so I will hold off and see what NAS offers...
Ornella, it is so great to hear from you again? I hope you are adjusting well to your new life (I won't ask if your son has adjusted already because I know from my experience it is s piece of cake for small kids I am rubbing Winnie's back for you right now...

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