I'm reviewing and editing my shoe collection for the post-bootie season, and I am trying to focus on shoes that I can wear to work - but I am also looking at sandals and dressy shoes. Since I tend to put more money into booties this is a small collection, but it needs to be comfortable and right. For work in particular, I am always on the lookout for closed-toe, 2.5 inch or less, comfortable but fashionable and interesting shoes (which are becoming a HEWI).

This spring, I am/have eliminated 4 pairs of shoes (see picture 1):
- wine Okalas: the skinny heel is not really me, plus I find it unstable and uncomfortable
- Any Liu spectators: too high
- silver Trinas (I got a couple of summers out of these but I am really bored by these now, wore them much less last year; plus I have always been annoyed by the weirdly shaped heel for some reason)
- JCrew red pointy ballet flats (not pictured) - the toes wore quickly and obviously; plus, no support

I have four pairs of work-appropriate shoes right now, 2 of which I feel very good about.

Pic 2: The black Halogen loafers are terrific, comfortable, and they look really good. The silver JCrew loafers and beginning to look beat-up and I am not sure if I will wear them to work or not. (Q: How picky are you about how pristine your shoes need to look? I am hard on shoes and feel like I hate when they look worn.)

Pic 3: The blue Cole Haan wedges are really comfortable for high shoes (3 inches) and they have held up amazingly well to wear. The Naturalizer retro pumps are a favorite but they are a bit less comfortable for a long day because of the heel (but still mostly good) and seem to be somewhat less versatile.

Pic 4: Why am I still holding on to these? Do I really need a sexy classic black pump if i NEVER wear them?

I have done some searching/trying on, but it is hard this year to find what I need. I really want a block heel/ankle strap, but why are they all suede this year??? I am afraid of the wear and tear (although if I get comfortable ones cheap enough, I suppose I can live with a short lifespan if I must.) Also, why all the ankle ties? That feels way too sexy for work. I did try the Steve Madden Dainna pumps in olive (see Find below). Hard as a rock under my feet, and they arrived already looking beat up. Going back. I have ordered the Ann Taylor -- very similar, in camel suede (50% off through midnight tomorrow). According to the details, the heel height difference is only .25 inches, although it looks like more in the pictures. We shall see.

Also, I do have booties I can wear into the warmer weather for work, in particular the light Seychelles pair (see below), which look great with dresses and pants. But again, suede. Only a year old and they are looking worn and misshapen (very soft suede). I am inclined to relegate them to casual only. (Same question about how picky you are about how pristine your shoes must look.)

I'm thinking about black oxfords (to wear with narrow cropped black pants) but I'd really like some new more feminine shoes. And it's HARD.

Am open to all suggestions, comments, and smacks on the wrist. THANK YOU!!!