Shopping hiatus reprieve - YouLookFab Forum

For a couple of reasons, I am not shopping right now. First and foremost we are buying a new house (so excited!) and in serious savings mode. Secondly, I feel like my wardrobe is working quite well right now and I don't really *need* anything. I have a few things on my "would like to buy eventually" list, but no serious holes to fill that I can't work around so I'm feeling good about a shopping hiatus. (we'll see how I'm feeling come September!)

However, I just realized the other day that I've been socking away my Nordstrom notes and I have $140 truly FREE dollars to spend!!! Yay! But what to spend it on? I really don't need any clothes. My work wardrobe is quite sorted and I've been slowly adding to my casual wear capsule which is "good enough" since it's really my secondary focus. I'd like to start replacing some of my less comfortable work heels with ones that are more comfortable, but I have plenty of work shoes to get me by. So I'm thinking that I'd like to add to my casual footwear. I've made the mistake too many times of trying to buy "cross-over" shoes, that is shoes that I can theoretically wear both to work and casually, but they just don't get worn - too many of those are in picture #2 (ballet flats, I'm lookin' at you!).

The shoes in #1 are what I consider my truly comfortable, casual, kick-around, running errands types of shoes. #2 shows my dressier flats that I would wear more for smart casual. I'm thinking that I might want to "upgrade" the animal print slipper flats or the tan mocs in #1, both are super cheap but I wore them quite a bit last year so they might be worth replacing with a higher quality pair. Or should I add some color since my wardrobe is mostly neutral colors? Here are a couple of options that I'm thinking about - what do you think of these? Or, knowing my style, do you have any other suggestions? I'm leaning towards a slip-on, closed toe and closed heel. The requirements are that they are comfortable, casual, relatively versatile (as an addition to the shoes in #1) and not too trendy (that is, I'd like them to be wearable for a few seasons, ideally), and while I can go a *bit* higher than the $140, I don't want to go over by much.

#3: Isaac Mizrahi Cady Flat

#4: Geox Moccasin in Octane

#5: DV Gulliver Flat in hot coral

#6: Pikolinos Grandia

#7: Cole Haan Milly

Other temptations:
#8: Jeffrey Campbell Isley Ankle Boot
I'm so in love with these I can hardly stand it, but they are out of my price range and hardly practical given the light color. But I want them.....

#9: Classiques Entier Sabrina Pump
These are so gorgeous and would fill two "wants" for my work shoes - a pointy toed black pump and a replacement for an ivory and black pair of heels that I had to pass along because they killed my feet.

Thanks for reading if you made it this far!

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13 years ago

hedgiehog

Veteran

Hi christy,
If you're opting for a work shoe, #9 is my pick..elegant, versatile and just beautiful. If you want comfy, casual shoes then I suggest #3, it will go with so many things.

Nicole D

You have great taste! Would the bootie work in place of a loafer? You already have a lot of flats - I don't see the wardrobe hole. I also would suggest that you do go up a half size in the gulliver. I tried a pair in bone and had to send them back - too small and short. I have also tried the cole haan milly and they are amazingly comfy and look great. Don't get the animal print, one animal loafer is enough.
Have fun!

Transcona Shannon

I'm lovin' #4 and #8, but they are all lovely.

Janet

(website)

I love 8 and 9 for you because they cover territory I don't see covered in your collection. Great choices!

pil

All I can say is I like your taste in shoes : )

christy

Thanks for the input. I should probably add that the shoes in pics 1 & 2 are just my flat and more casual shoes. I have loads more heels and boots that aren't pictured here! Hmmmm...maybe that means I don't need any more shoes. That would be my husband's opinion!

Suz

Whooooo....love these shoes!!

For some reason I am really drawn to #4 for you. It feels fresh, spring like and fun for your casual capsule. I also ADORE #8 but query - did you not wear the other Jeffrey Campbells much due to comfort issues? In that case, proceed with caution. (Though I seem to remember a LOT of WIW with those JC oxfords, or maybe I just remember them because I adored the looks you put together with those shoes!)

I also love #9, but obviously that is a much dressier work or date-night shoe.

Carla

I second Suz's nomination. The turquoise is so fab, and different from anything you've shown us.

Love your shoe sense!

MNsara

I think #4 looks fun and summery in that gorgeous color. I think #5 might be more versatile (in that we seem to view red as a neutral). And I also adore #8 and think if that's the 'one', it's worth the extra $$.

#8 would bookend your hair, provide that balance between summer's light colors and Seattle's cool weather, and are just plain cool.

Don't you love Nordies Notes

Deborah

Christy, Im no help. I a, on love with #8 and think you should have them:). And if not you, them I should give them a home. They are such a cool and attractive shoe. I'm afraid the other all fade in comparison.

Debbie

I have had those Jeffery Campell's pinned for weeks. I think we should both have them. I love the number 5's for you. That color is Devine.

Ingunn

I vote #4 or #5! Both are very pretty, and would spice up neutral colors.

CocoLion

I vote #9. They pack a lot of trend punch. You get the pointy toe, plus the 2-tone thing.

Sona

I vote 8.

sarah

4, 5, or those booties! And thanks a lot for pointing out these fun, colorful shoes, temptress :-/

Ha! I guess there's a reason I'm having a tough time making up my mind! It appears that 4, 5 and 8 are in the lead.

Suz, you have such a terrific memory! Yes, the JC oxfords don't get much wear. The leather is just too stiff and they aren't particularly comfortable. But the JC booties here are super soft and I don't think I'd have the same issue with these.

I was leaning towards #3 - they are comfortable, within my price range (plus I'd have some left over to play with!) and would replace the cheap Target slipper flats I have now. The animal print has already been tested with my wardrobe and I know they'd probably be worn quite a bit on the weekends.

#4 is comfortable also and given all of the neutrals in my wardrobe, I could probably wear them with just about anything. They are a little above my price range but I can make up the difference. And again, if comfort is key, I could see them becoming my go-to weekend shoe.

#5 I haven't tried on yet, but I'm recalling trying on a different pair of DVs that should have been comfortable but weren't. But I love the color. Might be worth trying on at least.

To be honest, #8 and #9 are the ones pulling at my heartstrings. The JC booties are just too fabulous! But would they fill a need for a go-to casual kick-around comfortable shoe? I'm a bit worried that they wouldn't get worn enough to justify the price. I *might* be able to get away with them at work on a casual Friday, but that's probably pushing it. And I know that the heels in #9 would be a perfect addition to my work footwear and would get worn to death.

I can't decide!!!

Kyle

I'm not helpful because I, too, am in love with those JC booties and have been lusting for them since Day 1. If you want them, order them. I waited too long and now they are out of my size. Boo-hoo. If they are not suitably fab in person you can always return.

Perfect for you to bookend with.

cheryl

Those booties are amazing and #4 is my favorite shoe!

Anonymous

I love 8

Jenava

I would rule out anything that does work in the rain. I love the aqua loafers because I do think you could do with a shot of color for summer/spring. But, only if this color plays nicely with your casual capsule. I seem to recall blue and red? I think aqua wold be a nice counterpoint to those colors...

I do think the light bootie is actually the most practical of them all. Why do you say it's not practical? Are you afraid of dirt? You can certainly get them sprayed to protect them from absorbing dirt...They look casual and comfy to me, and can be worn all year round because they are light enough for spring/summer yet they are a bootie so they'll keep your feet warm and dry.

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