Help me with my dressy capsule

One of my wardrobe holes is a complete dressy capsule. I have realized that I have date night at least once a month and I like to go all out. The things I am missing are:

- versatile, dressy pump that I will love for years. It must be tolerably comfortable, no more than 3", no platform, and have a stable heel.
- dressy, structured, versatile clutch. It seems my several clutches are more slouchy and less dressy feeling to me. Plus, I don't feel that any of them are super versatile.

The clothing items that I need these items to work with include elements that are (but not all together):
kelly green
ink blue
black and white pattern
sparkle
sheath silhouette
fit and flair silhouette too

I'm kind of at a loss for the clutch, but for the pumps I was considering these (from Angie's list):
http://www.zappos.com/isola-stella
in black. Do you think these fit the bill or should I go for something non-patent? These are kind of different than anything I've bought which I kind of like for evolving my style. Also do you think the strap on these is supposed to fit snugly? I'm kind of concerned that it won't (my foot is narrow here) and I'm wondering if that's okay since there doesn't seem to be any adjustment.

All suggestions welcome! Thanks!

15 years ago

Debbie

Veteran

I absolutely love those shoes and would have ordered them but the heel is too high for me. I think they would look great on you and fill the hole. I think you will have to try them and see about the strap. That is a hard call to make on line.

hanna

(website)

Active Member

with regard to the pumps...

i love the ones you've linked to, and i think patent leather is pretty timeless. is this a style you could see yourself liking another year or two down the road? i like the fact that it's a black pump without being a black pump, if you know what i mean. basics don't have to be blah.

as for the strap, it looks like the kind i had one a pair of patent leather ballet flats, and if that's the case they fit me snugly - in fact, sometimes they fit a little TOO snugly, and would feel far too constricting at the end of the day. but i have wide hobbit feet, so that shouldn't be a problem for you! also, they were not adjustable, and it doesn't look to me like the shoes you showed us are either.

with regards to the clutch, i'd go for a metallic - maybe a greyish bronze-y colour? - so that you don't end up with more black, but it'll still be as versatile as black would be.

rute

The pumps you have linked are fab!

I would suggest:
A nice LBD:

http://www1.macys.com/catalog/.....spc%3D2480

A clutch:
http://shop.nordstrom.com/S/30.....tback=4200

Shoes.. Ok.. I'm just dreaming.. but those are fab:

http://shop.nordstrom.com/S/30.....tback=4800

LeahJanes

I love the clutch that rute has linked. And those Jimmy Choos are awesome but they look like torture devices to me.

I am chiming in to recommend a pair of Cole Haan Air Talia pumps in Black Patent. They are on my wish list for exactly the same reasons as you have given - I need versatile, dressy comfort. They are pricey but oh so comfy. If I can stick with SYC for a few months I'll be able to afford them.

But the Isola ones you linked are also really lovely so I may be changing my wish list too. I do like the pink/taupe colourway! Maybe I can just get both.

Georgia

Patience, I just mentioned these comfy pumps in another forum:
http://www1.macys.com/catalog/.....sn_results
You might also check out other Calvin Klein styles, they tend to be classic, comfortable and affordable. (Maybe I should work for Calvin Klein?!)

mamaKate

Thank you, Patience, for providing an opportunity for us to shop for you!!!

I agree with Rute that the shoes should have even more flair than you already suggested! If it's only date night and you don't have to wear them all day, then go for a little snazz. I'm thinking strappy, peep-toe, floral or rhinestone details...

http://www.zappos.com/circa-jo.....lack-suede
http://www.zappos.com/nina-cul.....ster-satin
http://www.zappos.com/bouquets.....?zlfid=111
http://www.zappos.com/product/7564540/color/9
http://www.zappos.com/j-renee-.....ric-patent
http://www.zappos.com/annie-ann-pewter-satin

I can vouch for the Cole Haan Air Talia pumps since I have some myself - For me they are office shoes not date shoes, but of course they are available in all those snazzy patterns and fabrics! (And they are on sale at the Cole Haan website)

Some ideas for a clutch:

http://shop.nordstrom.com/S/31.....ltback=476
http://shop.nordstrom.com/S/31.....ltback=731
http://shop.nordstrom.com/S/31.....ltback=731
http://shop.nordstrom.com/S/31.....tback=1893
http://shop.nordstrom.com/S/31.....tback=2605

A dark burgundy / chestnut color might be nice.

Let us know what you end up buying!!!

Isabel

I just added somethings to my "dressy capsule".

I am currently spying these pumps :

http://shop.nordstrom.com/S/31.....tback=1120

and these : http://shop.nordstrom.com/S/31.....tback=2200

clutches are tough - but you could find them in the most surprising places. I have heard that David's Bridal has some great unexpected choices. As well as make-up bags. I bought a beautiful bronzy make up case with chocolate trim at Brahmin that I use as a clutch.

I also just received today these Gap tuxedo pants, I liked them so much that I am getting a second pair to wear with flats : http://www.gap.com/browse/prod.....pid=791586

Finally, I picked up some awesome earrings at JCrew, that elevate any look. These are the types of things that you can keep your eyes peeled for all year long.

My capsule will be done with a high heel nude pair of pumps and the black pumps.

Patience

Ooh, thank you ladies for the plethora of ideas. Rute, I can dream too... I like the clutch, but it is more like what I already have-- I'm thinking of something with a frame maybe. Unfortunately I can't really do the skinny heels. I like the Isolas because they are kind of basic but with a little something extra.

bump

Angie

Fashion Stylist

What's the challenge with the clutch?

Okay, I ordered the Isola pumps. They are beautiful! But they run really small and the strap does gap on my foot. This doesn't bother me actually, but should it? Should I go ahead and return for a larger size?

Angie, I think the problem with the clutch is I haven't really seen anything I love. Also, I'm not sure what color or size.

Have you thought about getting the larger size in the shoes and then taking them to the cobbler to adjust the strap. It should be a pretty easy fix.

Nothing too big for your height - I vote a metal or cream for your style. Possibly yellow too since you are on Team Blue

Perhaps a wristlet?

Anonymous

I have this wristlet in black and absolutely love it! I think it comes in other colors as well.

http://www.zappos.com/hobo-int.....?zlfid=111

But if you are looking for a metallic one, I also came close to getting this one

http://shop.nordstrom.com/S/31.....tback=1248

Debbie, I'm not sure if the cobbler could help. The strap connects at the sole and I'd be afraid of ruining the shoe. I wonder if I just used some sort of insole, it might help.

Okay, I will look out for a cool clutch in a metallic, cream or yellow. I think what I have now will do until I can find something great.

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