https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wardrobe-overhaul-1-shoes-keepreject Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Tue, 12 May 2026 04:08:14 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wardrobe-overhaul-1-shoes-keepreject/page/2#post-560673 Thu, 08 Mar 2012 03:19:57 +0000 ManidipaM 560673@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>MsKatieKat, thank you for your thoughtful question! Here goes: I'm a journalist, editor, travel and food writer who works mostly from home. I also travel several times a year (could be anywhere, really). I smarten up a bit for work trips (well, I try) and for restaurant reviews etc; but mostly I'm a very casual girl. </p> <p>My wardrobe and homebase are currently split across two cities --- one is hot-humid tropical and the other has 2 extreme seasons of very hot and very cold. I don't drive. Our roads are what you would likely call dirt tracks --- uneven and very messy. You won't see me out in my mary janes here! (I'm on a budget and can't afford duplicates.) City 1 often waterlogs in the 5-month monsoon, requiring one to wade through dirty water that may be thigh-high or more on petite me --- not good days for my shoes and clothes. Indian cities often tend to be countryside combined with urban jungle in terms of the challenges to health and safety.</p> <p>I haven't got enough of a handle on my personal style, but a few general preferences:<br /> - I prefer my feet (especially toes) covered for protection but I need to let them breathe esp in summer. Most footwear is a compromise in that regard.<br /> - fussy feet plus walk a LOT, so comfort is paramount. Shoes that can be easily slipped off (the norm in most Indian homes) are a bonus.<br /> - I wear ethnic Indian garments as often as I wear 'Western' garments, which often dovetails nice with my boho or creative preferences; I like to feel I'm wearing my heritage on my sleeve a little<br /> - I like colour; I get bored of only-neutrals easily. I lean towards ALGO!<br /> - I like things handcrafted, because artisans here in India too often live in poverty or are rewarded by very modest means. I prefer to support them in what small way I can in my outfits<br /> - I'm an apple-bellied rectangle who prefers NOT to have to tighten her belt, or indeed wear one; though I sometimes do when I have to 'dress up'.<br /> - typical daily formula if staying in (2/3 of the year at least): thin cotton casual pants or loose Indian salwar topped by breezy blouse or T-shirt or tunic<br /> - typical daily formula for going out: jeans or salwar or tight churidar-style leggings with a loose-fitted shirt or lightweight tunic<br /> - typical formula when travelling for work (depending on local culture and weather): better quality jeans or flannel pants or pencil skirt or leggings, more fitted shirt or tunic, usually no toppers unless it's cold (have very few jackets or blazers) </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wardrobe-overhaul-1-shoes-keepreject/page/2#post-560667 Thu, 08 Mar 2012 03:15:23 +0000 Meredith1953 560667@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Hi ManidipaM,<br /> What a great step purging shoes! I really need to do this also! Sounds like you are getting plenty of advice. I really like the cons, the red flats, the leopard flats a lot! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wardrobe-overhaul-1-shoes-keepreject/page/2#post-560440 Wed, 07 Mar 2012 22:30:39 +0000 sarah 560440@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>My favourites are no 5 and no 27 but if you cant afford new shoes keep what you will need until you can afford replacements. I agree with Angie when she says she has things she wants but waits until they're perfect before she buys them, even if it is several years.</p> <p>I had a recent purge of my footwear and now we are going into spring/summer and ive got 1 pair of shoes and 1 pair sandals that is all! so dont go too mad.</p> <p>Good luck x </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wardrobe-overhaul-1-shoes-keepreject/page/2#post-560364 Wed, 07 Mar 2012 21:04:09 +0000 Sunita 560364@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I think you've received enough advice to get you started, so I'm merely offering up a word or two of encouragement. Keep at this even if it gets a bit overwhelming...in the end you'll be so glad you did it! Hopefully, it will help you with future shopping so you can fill in the gaps as needed.</p> <p>Good luck!</p> <p>P.S.: My favorite pair is #27. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wardrobe-overhaul-1-shoes-keepreject/page/2#post-560360 Wed, 07 Mar 2012 21:00:58 +0000 MsLuna 560360@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Hi Manidipa!</p> <p>Before I take a look at them and advise what to keep or not, can you briefly describe your lifestyle and your personal style inclinations? </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wardrobe-overhaul-1-shoes-keepreject#post-560340 Wed, 07 Mar 2012 20:18:59 +0000 Doro 560340@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Personally, I thought these looked the best: 1/2, 5/6, 9/10, 13/14, 23/24, 27/28, 29/30.</p> <p>31/32 do look a little worn (I second Kirti, is the tip of the right one coming off?), but I would like to emphasize that they have a wonderful color for your skin tone, and their shape seems to fit your feet perfectly.</p> <p>I'm a firm believer in pretty, but always comfortable quality shoes - so I'd recommend to find replacements for the pairs you think are not pretty or comfortable, or to simply toss them out. </p> <p>Kudos for patiently taking all these pictures, it's a wonderful idea for a "brain backup". Looking forward to your next installment ;)</p> <p>ETA: On the "holes to fill" - I think if you wear one specific pair a lot, that either means that you like these specific shoes a lot (color? shape? comfort? go with everything?) or it means that they are the only pair that fit the occasion they are worn to, or the type of clothes they're worn with. If you think about this, you can infer what kind of shoe needs you have, e.g. "more pink flat shoes" or "more mary janes to wear with skirts". </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wardrobe-overhaul-1-shoes-keepreject#post-560331 Wed, 07 Mar 2012 20:08:20 +0000 ironkurtin 560331@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Oh my lord, my brain overloaded - and I own even more shoes than this! (Whoa.)</p> <p>This is my two cents:</p> <p>- I find worn-looking shoes unbearably depressing (unless they are for the beach and are showing their years of sun and sand). So, I would chuck anything that is wearing out or looks drab. If a shoe shows your foot imprints, the front is banged, the sole is warping, the fabric is fraying, or they look dirty and polish doesn't fix it - time to kiss and toss. This is hard to do with sandals but worth it!</p> <p>- I would keep anything that is comfortable, functional, and still in good shape. Flunking even one of these categories means you need to stop and think - "do I REALLY WANT to be wearing these shoes?"</p> <p>Have fun! I always enjoy purging because new things will come! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wardrobe-overhaul-1-shoes-keepreject#post-560320 Wed, 07 Mar 2012 20:01:52 +0000 Travelgal Nicole 560320@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I really like the cons #5 and the giraffe print flats #27. There are other good ones too but I would cut back on the sandals/flip flop style shoe. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wardrobe-overhaul-1-shoes-keepreject#post-560308 Wed, 07 Mar 2012 19:45:37 +0000 shoppingisfun 560308@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>My opinion: keep 1/2, 19/20, 25/26, and 27/28 as long as they are still in good condition. Toss 3/4, 7/8, 9/10, 24, 35/36, and 38. The rest I do not have strong opinions about...Keep them if you like them with the rest of your clothes! Good job with the photos! I don't think I'd have the patience to photograph my whole wardrobe but I enjoy seeing other people's! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wardrobe-overhaul-1-shoes-keepreject#post-560293 Wed, 07 Mar 2012 19:30:40 +0000 ManidipaM 560293@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Christieanne, good point about upgrading and then letting 'make do' shoes go! If you see any specific holes, you'll tell me, I hope? </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wardrobe-overhaul-1-shoes-keepreject#post-560166 Wed, 07 Mar 2012 17:55:09 +0000 christieanne 560166@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Huge undertaking you are doing there! You are one serious closet purger </p> <p>It might help to separate your Gear shoes from work/dress and then think about the basket of flip flops and gym shoes. You need practical options for rain and gym for sure. Great idea. </p> <p>I do like the Cons, giraffe flats ( a lot!) and the brown mary jane pumps (if they go with a lot of outfits) and the black peep two flats (basic blat flat is a wardrobe must imho) and the sandals in 15. </p> <p>I actually don't think you have too many shoes but what you need are a few holes filled and then to eliminate impractical substitutes that you were "making do" with? That happens to all of us </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wardrobe-overhaul-1-shoes-keepreject#post-560161 Wed, 07 Mar 2012 17:49:47 +0000 Amy 560161@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>It looks like you've already received some good advice. I'm just going to cheer you on! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wardrobe-overhaul-1-shoes-keepreject#post-560138 Wed, 07 Mar 2012 17:24:13 +0000 catgirl 560138@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I'm going with Rae's picks here, although I'm voting down 37/38. I was scribbling a list and hers overlaps with mine completely. I know the need for lots of sandals in India, so I like the idea of the uber-casual basket o' shoes. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wardrobe-overhaul-1-shoes-keepreject#post-560132 Wed, 07 Mar 2012 17:17:12 +0000 ManidipaM 560132@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Thanks for all the votes, ladies! This really does help.</p> <p>Rae, quick clarification please --- you say 38 looks the worse for wear, 37 is gearish... but you also say you like 37. Is that right? They are the same shoes, 37 and 38. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wardrobe-overhaul-1-shoes-keepreject#post-560127 Wed, 07 Mar 2012 17:04:48 +0000 rae 560127@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Not reading other comments to avoid influence: </p> <p>Votes to pass on:<br /> 3, 7, 31, and 38 as these look a bit worse for wear to my eye.<br /> 34 looks a bit twee IMO<br /> 37 are very gear-ish, but perhaps you need gear?</p> <p>Pairs that jump out as my own favorites:<br /> 5, 11, 13, 15, 19, 23(!!), and 37 </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wardrobe-overhaul-1-shoes-keepreject#post-560101 Wed, 07 Mar 2012 16:24:38 +0000 rachylou 560101@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>5 (you can't go wrong with chucks), 7 (appeal to wacky sense of hipster-dom), 29 (versatile), 30 (that's in), 33 (cute)</p> <p>Then be ruthless! Haha. I should talk... </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wardrobe-overhaul-1-shoes-keepreject#post-560100 Wed, 07 Mar 2012 16:23:40 +0000 Diana 560100@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I like 11/12, 23/24, 27/28, and 29/30. I'm not a huge fan of Cons myself, plus I don't find them comfy at all, but they are a good basic to have. I also admit to having a bit of a poisoned eye for thong style sandals... </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wardrobe-overhaul-1-shoes-keepreject#post-560097 Wed, 07 Mar 2012 16:20:41 +0000 bj1111 560097@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>1, 5,27,40 keep...also keep 9, 19, 21. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wardrobe-overhaul-1-shoes-keepreject#post-560062 Wed, 07 Mar 2012 15:20:38 +0000 Jem 560062@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>My favorites are 5, 27 and 29. I also don't mind 13, 15, 19, 31, and 35. Like others have mentioned, you would know which fill a need, but I'm just listing my top choices. Good luck deciding, it's hard to get rid of things!! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wardrobe-overhaul-1-shoes-keepreject#post-560027 Wed, 07 Mar 2012 14:31:35 +0000 ManidipaM 560027@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Beth Ann, the uber-casual basket is such a great idea! THANK you! And yes, the brown boots and zip-up shoes do need conditioning --- they've just come through a messy couple of trips. The black ones are easy; the brown is nubuck and I'm having trouble finding the right products, which is a bit of an issue.</p> <p>Jayne, actually, I can't and don't really replace shoes every few months More like every few years! In fact, I'm not going to be in any position to replace most of these for many months yet... Hence all the bellyache! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wardrobe-overhaul-1-shoes-keepreject#post-560019 Wed, 07 Mar 2012 14:18:56 +0000 Beth Ann 560019@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>P.S. I also like the brown Mary Janes! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wardrobe-overhaul-1-shoes-keepreject#post-560018 Wed, 07 Mar 2012 14:18:25 +0000 jayne 560018@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>ha ha, this is ALOT of shoes??!! you guys crack me up! </p> <p>Sorry, except for the first two and 37, which are a little worn, and might be considered replace.... I liked 19 and 27 for keep. I assume you need to pick your favorite of the others! I hear India has a replace every few months for shoes which should be fun! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wardrobe-overhaul-1-shoes-keepreject#post-560015 Wed, 07 Mar 2012 14:17:29 +0000 Beth Ann 560015@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Mandipa: I've got lots of light, inexpensive summer sandals, too! They're easy to store and, when you have 10 pairs to choose from, they last a long time! The rainy season sounds like an TV travel adventure show! </p> <p>It seems like you're already clarifying your choices. I think the brown boots and the black zip-ups could look a lot better with some reconditioning (I do this in front of the TV myself). I'm a real fan of: 11/12, 19/20 (red!) and 21/22. Not feeling the gold shoes, although you might be just the person to style them. Also, don't pay any attention to me, but I'm not a Con lover. I love old fashioned white Keds. I'm going to prove that they have a place in the fashionable woman's Summer wardrobe!</p> <p>As for the flip flops -- I store sandals like these, the really casual ones, in a basket in my closet. I like having lots of choices, but I don't like to be underwhelmed at the same time I'm overwhelmed, if you know what I mean. Purge the ones that don't make you happy. Also, I'd make a little separate section for "Rainy Season shoes."</p> <p>Good Luck! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wardrobe-overhaul-1-shoes-keepreject#post-560011 Wed, 07 Mar 2012 14:10:29 +0000 ManidipaM 560011@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Many thanks, Shannon! Such a thoughtful mix --- barring the gear sandals in #35 though, which are actually pretty UNcomfortable for any great length of time. Their only saving grace is waterproofedness that stays attached to my feet despite waves Eyes out for a better replacement. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wardrobe-overhaul-1-shoes-keepreject#post-560004 Wed, 07 Mar 2012 14:01:55 +0000 Transcona Shannon 560004@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>"Keepers" for me would be 5, 11, 23, 27, 29, 31, and 35. This gives you casual Cons (5), black wedge sandals (11), colourful casual sandals (23), cute neutral but stylish flats (27), dress pumps (29), another pair of cute flats (31) and good walking/gear sandals (35). You may also wants to keep #1 for gear/walking purposes.</p> <p>Keep 'em coming! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wardrobe-overhaul-1-shoes-keepreject#post-559994 Wed, 07 Mar 2012 13:40:17 +0000 ManidipaM 559994@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Ah, Claire, you popped in just when I needed a strong dose of anti-sentiment! Next is what I'm trying to decide. I might do a quick WIW for today, and choose another category --- maybe dresses and a couple of toppers for tomorrow. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wardrobe-overhaul-1-shoes-keepreject#post-559978 Wed, 07 Mar 2012 12:56:47 +0000 Anonymous 559978@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>OK, my first and ruthless picks, based on looks alone are 5 (Cons), 15 (thongs to wear with sarees) 27 (giraffe flats) and 20 (heeled Mary Janes).</p> <p>23 (black peep toe/pink trimmed flats) and 31 (nude flats in need of repair) are ok, and I can see keeping them as "place holders".</p> <p>Any gear shoes you need for running, mountain climbing, navigaing flooded streets etc. are allowed. (35?) Any shoes you need for a trip to a cold snowy climate should be kept until you can afford to replace them (37?). And because you have fussy feet, if you need a really comfortable shoe for relief from all of the fashion I would keep one of those too. </p> <p>Good work! Next? </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wardrobe-overhaul-1-shoes-keepreject#post-559965 Wed, 07 Mar 2012 12:36:46 +0000 celia 559965@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I confess I am overwhelmed and think that you are very brave to photograph everything.<br /> I generally agree with the others but I do like the black peep toes.And unless shoes are very expensive I would replace instead of repairing the ones tha needit.<br /> If you are going to divide your wardrobe between two cities it would make sense to me to choose the goes according to the colors of the outfits in each city. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wardrobe-overhaul-1-shoes-keepreject#post-559956 Wed, 07 Mar 2012 12:20:10 +0000 ManidipaM 559956@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Thanks for the helping hand, MrsM! I guess you missed my hyperventilation post here yesterday after I actually started counting :o) </p> <p>That was here: <a href="http://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/epiphany-somebody-stop-me-and-thank-you-natalie" rel="nofollow">http://youlookfab.com/welookfa.....ou-natalie</a> and it means you're about to see more of these mad piles of sorting from me this month!</p> <p>The tally so far, then: </p> <p>#1-2, #17-18, #35-36 and #39-40 are galloping fast towards the rejection pile. </p> <p>I'm still clutching at #25-26, #31-32, and #37-38, although they're getting no love :-)<br /> The black peep-toes because they're my stopgap until I can find comfy black shoes (as opposed to sandals) that can work with business (semi-)formals.<br /> The nude ballet slippers as stopgap until I can find nude heels of some sort.<br /> The ankle boots because they're the only suitable pair for colder climes and I can't afford to replace them just yet. </p> <p>The rest... not yet sure whether to put them out to pasture; they all seem to have a bit of support tethering them to their current stable </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wardrobe-overhaul-1-shoes-keepreject#post-559943 Wed, 07 Mar 2012 11:37:59 +0000 Mrs Moo 559943@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Crikey MdM! I though I had a lot of shoes but I'm not a patch on you! :0)</p> <p>Personally I'd keep 5, 13, 23, 27 and 29 but that is only my opinion of what I'd personally wear and what would fit with my wardrobe. I love the giraffe flats! Some of the others may fit with your lifestyle more so although I'd pass on them I guess you have to think about what you get the most wear out of. If you haven't worn any of the others in the last 8 months to a year I say purge :0)</p> <p>Good sorting btw, very brave! </p>