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Let's Talk About Shoe Capsules

Ingunn

(website)

Veteran

I'm currently trying to refine my shoe collection, and I try to figure out how many shoes I should have in my various capsules. As it is, I suspect that I put too much of my money into shoes that I rarely wear, and I also feel that there are holes elsewhere.

Here is what I'm currently having for Winter:

Dressy Capsule:
Black pumps. I want to replace those with some with pointy toes & max 3" heels. Patent, suede or what?
Animal print pumps. I have peep toed snakeskin pumps. If I find the perfect pair of leopard pumps at a good price, I'll pick them up, too, but I don't really need those.
HOLE: Metallic pumps. Would love something like J Crew's.
HOLE: Red patent leather heels with a pointy toe.

Do you think this is a reasonable number for my predominantly casual lifestyle, or is it too many? I rarely wear pumps at all.

Flats for indoor wear:
Blue pointy wedges
Black ballet flats
Snakeskin patterned ballet flats (uncomfortable, needs replacement)
Red patent loafers

I don't wear any of these much either because I tend to wear my boots/booties indoors, too.

Boots & booties:
Black dressy boots in great condition
Black flat casual boots
Brown semi high, semi casual cognac boots
HOLE: Grey dressy boots
HOLE: Black dressy riding boots

Dark brown heeled booties
Black shiny Chelsea boots/brogues
Black nubuck casual Chelsea boots
Stone suede booties
HOLE: booties with color or pattern

I also have black rubber boots and Sorel snow boots. I would love to replace both with something more stylish, but I don't know what.

I'd love tho hear your thoughts on my capsules, compared to your own collection of shoes. What do you have, want or don't wear yourself? What should I focus on, or drop from my list?

Shopping

20 replies

Latest reply was from Day Vies

Neel

Veteran

This is a bit heavy for a fashion rookie like me! But I'll try! There is one obvious observation for me in this.

I think you should drop the animal print pumps off your list since you dont really need them and wear them and instead add animal print boots/booties to your collection. I have been having this in my mind lately but there are loads out there. This would also satisfy your need for patterned or colored boots as these would be a very versatile piece.

I would study my own shoe capsule and get back later! I am sure I can learn a lot out of this exercise!

ramya

Veteran

Ingunn I maynot be right here
But here is my take:

Pumps: Other than a metallic other 2 may not be a wardrobe hole for you right now.With November almost on us, other than the Juleboard stuff. Pumps may not be very important. And you will be having your black,snake skin and a metallic pump to rotate. Fair enough right?

Flats: I guess since you wear booties indoors you are just fine with what you have there You don't need to replace any

Boots/Booties: I would suggest you go and invest money here with our weather
Pattern sounds divine. Did you check latest ad by Dinsko they have leopard there!!!!
Also a grey boots sounds awesome!!!

I am a little frustrated with my bootie boot collection as well!!! I want booties but the sky high heels are not my taste :). I donot have any dressy or polished booties for winter. But with it already being November may be I can make do directly wearing the boots

As for innvesting a lot in boots well the prices here force us to do that don't they?

kkards

Veteran

here's my take
pumps --- if you wear pumps infrequently, i don't think i would invest in metallic, or at least not as they are being done by jcrew. they are fairly limiting in there usefulness. instead i would look for a nude pump. this will go with almost anything and can be wear almost anywhere.
flats---i'm surprised that you don't have an oxford or 2 on your list. maybe this is were you add a metallic shoe? i find these this style to be extremely comfortable and they work well with both jeans and dress pants. i also like a style that is similar but more styled like a mens tuxedo shoe. something like this http://www.jcrew.com/womens_ca...../02959.jsp

Ingunn

(website)

Veteran

Neel, you are onto something. I have in fact been looking for both animal print pumps and boots for some time. I haven't found any yet that has a print I like combined with the comfort I need, and of course price is a factor, too. When it comes to animal print booties, I tend to feel that it is a lot of print if the pattern is fairly high contrast and/or large. I'll keep looking You are probably right about not going for more puns at the moment, and I won't either if not something VERY tempting (cheap) and fitting and good looking falls into my lap!

Ramya, you are certainly right about one thing: Finding boots in this country that are both comfortable, beautiful and of good quality to a reasonable price is practically impossible. Everything is so expensive that I normally only am able to add one pair each season. This year, it was the black Chelsea boots and also the stone suede ones I found on clearance. In addition, my mother gave me the cognac boots for my birthday. That leaves me with practically no budget for more, but I'm hoping that the sales in Dec/Jan could make it possible to add at least one more pair of boots or booties. After all, I wear them all the time.

Right now I have the black and snakeskin pumps to rotate, and in honesty, I don't need more for Christmas parties. If I want to I could wear some metallic sandals, too, so I guess I'm set. You are wise, Ramya

kkards, I have been thinking a lot about nude pumps, too, but I think the color must be right, and I haven't yet found one I like enough to buy. Metallic can in my opinion serve the same function as a nude pump. I do in fact have a pair of oxfords, but they are very light brown, and don't mix well with my winter wardrobe. You are making valid arguments for getting another pair! It would in fact be fun to have one in metallic. I also really like the ones you are linking to.

What about you, fabbers? Is the condition of your shoe wardrobes in accordance with your climate and lifestyle?

Lisa

Veteran

Oh, I recently did a thread on fall/winter footwear. For me, it is all boots.

The post is here.

http://youlookfab.com/welookfa.....llection-2

For myself, I notice I mostly have neturals and very few prints. I am usually sporting a print with a scarf or more recently on my tops/jumpers so I favor solid footwear.

On our warmer fall days, I was sporting two pairs of wedge sneakers, one black suede, one gold mesh, which seemed to work well. I've noticed I prefer to have a lighter and darker shoe option for the same overall look so that I can swap the footwear based on my mood. (for example, light top today, I'll add a lighter color shoe)

For a dressy occasion, I just grab a pump that I sport year round. I'm not a big shoe gal, I much prefer boots. If I had many dressy occasions I'd probably add a suede bootie to my collection.

Anonymous

I have probably too many shoes but often change shoes during the day to keep my feet happy and change an at-home outfit for going out.
Our climate can vary a lot from winter to winter. Last year I wore booties, loafers and oxfords much more than boots. The year before it was all taller boots.
Pumps: I agree that you probably don't need to spend your budget on pumps right now, but keep an open eye for a good buy in a pointy toe. I can't wear much of a heel but wear my low heeled pumps mostly to dress up jeans. The red patent get the most wear but you have red loafers to fill the red shoe spot. Besides the red patent, I have nude, black patent and metallic pewter. The black get the least wear but my wardrobe would not feel complete without them. I'd like to add white after seeing Angie in hers.
Flats: I wear these all the time year round. Snake is easier to wear than other animal prints for me. Metallics and grey get the most wear. Do you have flats that bookend your hair? It doesn't sound like you have a need for more flats.
Boots/Booties: This is the area where I have holes but have such trouble finding narrow calves for my rather large foot size at a price I'm willing to spend because they may not get that much wear. I really need low heel refined dressy knee highs and want light grey boots and booties.
Your boot holes make sense. A pair of dressy grey riding boots would cover two holes but may be impossible to find.

Marlene

Veteran

I agree...if budget is an issue then don't worry about your dressy capsule or the indoor flats capsule. Keep your focus on what you wear MOST. That is what I have been doing as well the past couple years. I hate wearing flats in fall/winter because you need to wear socks with them and I hate that look on me...just too frumpy! But every pair of boots I buy I wear a LOT. Maybe during the winter sales you can have a look and maybe find something on clearance price that fills those secondary holes. But it should be at the bottom of the priority list.

This year I added a black combat-style boot and a gray chelsea bootie. Both have been really great additions. I was actually thinking of getting a loafer of some sort but thinking it through, I really don't like wearing them. So off my list.

I know it seems like a lot of pattern for a boot, but consider a leopard or snake pattern bootie. That is something that is on my own list....once I find just the right combo of pattern and comfort. Leopard is a neutral!

Anonymous

If I were in your shoes Ingunn, (pun intended), I'd look for some black dressy riding boots with cognac tops. With your hair, that would look stunning. Plus, I wanted some and ended up with plain black boots, so now you have to get them so I can enjoy them on you! Then, I'd shop the winter sales for some fun, comfortable, printed or colored booties. I don't think you need the other types of shoes as much, but I can totally understand you wanting to refresh those capsules too. It's tough when the weather forces you to wear one type of footwear for most of the year.

Day Vies

Veteran

I know I have lots of shoes -- last I counted they hovered somewhere around 85 pairs. Maybe I am the wrong person to comment on pairing down a shoe collection. It was only recently (with in the past 5 years) that I have really started to amass quite the collection. (Stay with me I really do have a valid point). I am happier with having more in this case because I feel as if I have a shoe wardrobe now -- I am not constantly wearing one pair of black dress shoes into the ground. I am not constantly reaching for the one pair of black booties or the one pair of casual sneakers. I am only picking on black because I had many pairs of black shoes in all styles because they were "practical". However when I went to put together my outfits they always seemed lacking because the footwear just seemed to be there -- not like a well thought out addition.

I have really spent a lot of time focusing on colored neutrals. I find that burgundy, deep purple and plum are indispensable shoe colors because they add dimension but don't draw too much attention to themselves. I also find this to be true with gray

The reason why I have so many pairs of shoes now is because I really do see them as accessories like scarves or belts not just a necessary item to keep my feet off the concrete. I also have many shoes that cross the line between casual weekend and business casual. The shoes I have but don't wear are probably special occasion shoes or shoes that hurt my feet/uncomfortable to wear that I have yet to purge.

Having said all of that it is necessary to have a variety of shoes for each facet of your lifestyle. Before I would spend most of my money on clothing items but very little on shoes that actually complemented the clothes I wore or the functions in my life.

Based on what I know about you Ingunn I would suggest you add foot wear in deep red/plum/wine tones as they are just as versatile as gray black and brown, but with more depth and dimension. Also consider one pair of heels in a bright happy color or a bold pattern. They won't be worn as much but you'll make a statement everytime and you really will enjoy them.

Ingunn

(website)

Veteran

Lisa, thank you for sharing your boots/shoes thread. Like you, I have to keep the selection narrowed down and still versatile, mainly because I think boots are really expensive - at least the ones I like. My suede stone booties fill that light shoe spot right now, but they will become useless once the rain and snow hits for real. It's a good idea to look for a replacement suitable for the dead of winter.

Joy, we are on the same page in regards of pumps! What I really would like, is a pair with a pointy toe and a lower heel, to wear with pants and jeans at work. I feel too dressed up in very high heels there. I would also like a pair of flats/low heels, maybe wedges, in a fun color. But needs and wants are note the same, alas. I agree that black dressy heels feels like a necessity, even if they don't get much wear my me either. I also completely agree that snake is an easier pattern to wear than any other animal prints, although I admire leopard very much on others. And for me, finding the perfect pair of grey boots is like looking for the holy grail, so it is a low-risk item to have on my shopping list, budget-wise

Marlene, I am okay with tights and low vamp shoes because I have to, but I prefer to wear them sans socks or hose, like you. As long as the temperatures are above freezing point, it can be done. As I wrote above, snake pattern feels easier for me, although I love leopard and wear it in other pieces. If I find the right bootie, I'll grab it at once. They are not very common here, and either very pricey or of poor quality. But I'm definitely open for it.

Claire, I love that suggestion. I have seen boots like that, and you are right, they would be very easy for me to wear. Let the hunt begin! Agreed, new boots must be put on top of the list, anything else is second.

DV, I simply love reading your reasoning here. You hit home with me - I think I'm the "practical black shoe person" you left behind. Although I have shoes in other colors, I still feel I need to secure shoes in so many styles of black, because it's "practical". One's thinking is hard to change, no? I think you are so right about looking for shoes that are more fun, and in versatile colors from the red family. I also would love to have a pair of happy fun dressy shoes to wear with my simpler dresses and skirts. I'm excited about this! Thank you for the inspiration. And for the record - I love your shoe collection, and completely understand why you have it. You are right, shoes are important accessories, and not only there to separate our feet from the ground.

qfbrenda

Veteran

I agree with adding a print bootie and crossing animal print pump off of your list. If you really want to add a metallic dress shoe, I would consider making it a strappy sandal so you have a dressy summer shoe. Otherwise just live with the pumps you already own since you rarely wear them. My pump collection consists of two pairs: black patent and silver strappy sandals. With the two I might not have lots of options, but I'm covered. And I would rather put my shoe dollars into my boot collection that gets worn all the time.

christieanne

Veteran

I think your shoe capsule has been summed up - to focus on what you actually wear and can complete more outfits on daily basis makes sense. An oxford flat is handy to have plus I am loving slip on smoking shoe styles lately. Great flats on the market these days!

I just recently stumbled into DayVies reasoning - after purging a huge amount of practical black shoes. I still have TOO MUCH black but have only added one new pair in recent months. And black is a good book-end color for me.
My hunt is for a shoe to wear with pencil skirts that is not a heel/has a very low heel since I am on my feet most of the time. I want a bootie but they all seem to have higher heels. Would settle for black if I could meet my other qualifiers.
Could use a replacement for cobalt flats that I decided just aren't my size (even after endless stretching) and need to be passed on. Colored shoes can make an outfit for me.

Beth Ann

Veteran

I'm lacing up my sneaks (citron and turquoise, btw) to take my pup, Caspian for a walk, but I wanted to add to the wonderful discussion with a shout out for a textured black pump for the replacement in your capsule.

I've been looking for a pointy toed pair, myself, and while I found the ones below, a kitten heel, I still may look for one with texture --- perhaps a croc pattern? Suede is gorgeous, but I might want a black pump in Summer, too!

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Ingunn

(website)

Veteran

qfbrenda, I actually have three pairs of metallic sandals already, so I'm more than covered in that department. The reason why I have that many is that they have various levels of dressiness, are in different metals and two pairs were thrifted for a small amount of money. I like your suggestion of sticking with that for now. A pair of metallic flats, on the other hand, sounds interesting - like Angie's metallic oxfords. But first, boots or booties in a print, light neutral or versatile color.

christieanne, you are so right, of course. Focusing on what I actually wear is always the best. I also think shoes for pencil skirts are difficult, particularly now that the hem is lower. My flats don't look as good with longer skirts. I found a pair of patent peep toes last summer in black, with a baby wedge. They are okay - but then there is the problem with finding a hose that looks good with peep toes. It's not easy. I would like to add a pair of yellow flats, but probably not until next spring. Colored shoes are indeed able to make an outfit.

Ingunn

(website)

Veteran

Beth Ann, we double posted! You have the kind of pump I'm interested in - they are gorgeous, but at least I have textured black pumps. Mine are from Clarks, style Anika Kendra. I like a lot about them, they are comfy enough, but I would prefer a more pointy toe and no platform. They have a pretty snake pattern embossed in the leather.

rachylou

Veteran

Oh, I'm so glad you're giving *us* the push on this subject. My shoes glare at me, saying, "What about us, huh? You ever gonna get around to us?"

Anyways, let's see - you've got dressy and indoor wear categories. I'm wondering about all your activities, tho...

As for myself... I have bakery, office, night on the town, formal, and "at home" - which really means out and about with extreme amounts of walking (and includes rain). It's amazing how few shoes I live on when it comes to the last category. You would think maybe this should be the biggest category. I should be wearing my boots for this category, but I don't want to wear them out and, honestly, nothing beats my drugstore shoes for the extreme amounts of walking.

ramya

Veteran

Ingunn when you find the right bootie I am buying it too;)

Suz

(website)

Veteran

This has been a great read.

Another reformed practical black shoe person here. Apart from gear, I literally owned one pair of shoes and one casual bootie before joining YLF. Both black.

My fall winter footwear capsule is shaping up quite nicely now -- yet I still think I have room for a few more booties! Here's a comparison to your list. Since we live in similar climates it might help us both think things through, to see it.

Dressy capsule:

1 dark burgundy (black seeming) patent pump with pointy-almond toes
1 round toed wedge leopard print pump
1 pointy toed bronze metallic "shootie"
1 pale gold slingback pointy toed pump

The slingback really can't be worn except perhaps at a function in my own home, should such a thing come up. Or maybe at a real ball where I might wear boots and change at the venue.

Flats for indoor wear:

None. I barely wear flats anyway, and don't wear them at all in the winter because I don't like the look with socks. So indoors I wear my slippers or (occasionally) my booties.

Boots

Brand new rainproof black semi-casual/ semi-dressy boots with 2 inch heel
Brand new weatherproof suede charcoal grey knee-high boots with heel (dressy)
Aged and dated but highly useful rainproof patent knee high black boots

HOLE: Knee high light taupe boot with low heel, mid-level casual/ dressy crossover type.

Question mark: Mid calf black quilted moto boot, rainproof. I am considering returning this unworn item now that I have other waterproof boots. I am not sure it will see enough wear in my life to be justified.

Booties: (definitely plural!)

1 black pointy-almond toed 2 inch heel Chelsea boot
1 pointy toed shiny navy bootie with neoprene top
1 cranberry red suede bootie with V vamp
1 light taupe bootie with heels (this one really only gets spring/ fall wear as it is too lightweight for winter)
1 light brown/ dark taupe casual heeled bootie
1 low heeled snakeskin bootie

HOLE: Light taupe bootie that can be worn more easily in winter (with less ankle gap than the current light taupe bootie)

My holes are all about bookending. I need something lighter to work with my hair. Light grey would also be possible, or even cream. But I have not had an easy time finding what I'm after.

Believe it or not, I'd also like to add a leopard print bootie. There are times when it bookends my hair really well (would work for you, too) and it brings a fun punch of pattern into an outfit. But I agree with you it is difficult to find the right one.

Based on my experiences and your wardrobe, I think your next purchases should be leopard print booties, a coloured bootie, and the elusive grey boot if it shows up. That's where I would put the money for now. You can save the tall riding boot until next year, given the condition of your current tall boots. Unless of course the perfect one just magically falls into your lap, which is another story entirely!

Ingunn

(website)

Veteran

Rachy, you're right about me not being very clear about my activities. What do I do? I work from home one or more days each week. I commute by bus and train. I have an office to go to, but is't pretty casual, so pumps are never required. In winter, it will be convenient to have lighter shoes to swap for heavy winter boots there. Sometimes I go to meetings, conferences and such. Meetings are never formal in my line of work, but if I'm presenting, I will dress up a notch. Still, my dressy black boots will be sufficient for most outfits in that department. What do you mean by drugstore shoes?

Ramya, I'll keep you posted!

Suz, your considerations are almost identical to mine, and I agree that our climates are very much alike. You seem to be very well covered on the dressy capsule, too! I will definitely not be adding anything pricey to mine in the near future. Like you, I think a pair of knee high, mid-level dressy boot with low heel in a light color (taupe, stone, grey) would be a great addition. I would also consider something in a deep red/purple/burgundy color. What I really need, however, is something a bit more stylish than my ugly old Sorels for very cold and/or wet Winter days. I am never enthusiastic about buying very practical boots, though. If I find the right animal printed or colored bootie, I'll jump at it. The same goes for a pair of wonderful black riding boots with a little shine at a very reasonable price. Is it likely that I find this? Not really, not here anyway. But I can always dream, and it will be just as fine If I find this next year.

Day Vies

Veteran

I forgot to add Ingunn -- to sharpen my point about having many pairs of shoes. I am finding that with lots of colors/larger selection -- wear and tear is evenly distributed among all of my shoes. I'm not constantly replacing one type of shoe/boot or bootie. Everything lasts longer.

I certainly understand the need for practical warm comfortable footwear, I live in a sloppy cold climate 6-7 months out of the year. I cannot stand cold wet feet, but finding a stylish, reasonably priced, comfy boot/bootie/shoe for the elements (and the salt) is nearly impossible. That seems to be the tension here in this thread -- trying to find "magic shoe" to do all the work when the solution is to have a not-so-cute, not-so-chic water/wind nuclear-proof boot (or two) and fabulous shoes for everything else. I usually put my pretty shoes in a tote and carry them to work with me;(And why not? I usually have to carry a tote for lunch anyway) I change shoes when I get there and let my battle-axe boots (Merrell Tetra launch or Lands End tall water-proof suede boots) do all the heavy lifting in the depths of winter. I even do this in the summer as torrential rain, uneven concrete and regular walking do a number on cute shoes. That's what comfy flats and battle axe boots are for -- city walking.

Why should we spend our lives in "practical" black shoes (that don't necessarily work for every outfit) when there is so much joy to be had with colorful, fun, printed, pretty footwear? (And that's my two cents for the other side )