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Shoes Day Tuesday: The Shoes Every Woman Needs

[A note to the reader: Katie 2 thought it would be super easy to come up with a list of basic shoes every Real Working Girl needs. A few additions to this list were in fact super easy. Others created some disagreement and debate. So this post will be divided into sections: those shoes we all agree should be on the list, and those in which we didn't necessarily agree but weren't willing to compromise on. We're all lawyers- what do you expect?]

Shoes We All Agreed On

  • Black Pumps: Because duh.
    • Katie 1: I'm pretty sure Elizabeth is also going to discuss the L.K. Bennett Stila pump as her go-to black pump and for good reason. They are classic and comfortable. Nuff said. Also, please note that the inside of my shoes have been replaced and don't look as pretty as Elizabeth's. Apparently my foot stank was too delicious to resist for a certain 4 legged member of my household who is very lucky he's cute.  While the L.K. Bennett's are my go-to, I also own 4 other pairs of basic black pumps which are in frequent rotation, so here's a picture of all of them (L to R: L.K. Bennett Stila pump, Ferragamo round toe pump w/ thicker heel; Ferragamo pointed toe patent leather pump; Manolo Blahnik patent leather pointed toe slingback; Christian Louboutin half d'Orsay patent pump). 

    • Katie 2: Classic. Basic. Comfortable. Cole Haan. (Man, I should be in advertising.) (Although, I am an idiot and I tried on and bought these shoes in the evening, even though I know, unlike most people, my feet are more swollen in the morning. So these are actually about a 1/2 size too small, but oh well.)
    • Elizabeth: Yep, L.K. Bennett pumps all the way. I have never had a black pump I liked more, and I would repurchase if it's ever necessary. Bonus, since they are patent leather, I also consider them to check off the "evening wear" category (see below).
    • Black pumps available now:
      • Katie 1: While I fully intend to wear my current black L.K. Bennett pumps until they fall apart, if I were going to replace them I'd purchase these. 
      • Katie 2: If you are only going to own one pair of black pumps, make it a quality pair without any "extras". Let the shoe speak for itself.
      • Elizabeth: Like I said, I would repurchase.
  • Nude Pumps: Why? See Black Pumps, above.
    • Katie 1: These are an identical style of the black L.K. Bennetts we discussed above. I bought multiples for a reason. 
    • Katie 2: These aren't my go to just yet, but only because they just arrived. Elizabeth commented that they're pink, probably implying that they aren't nude, but I disagree. My skin is pinkish, blush is pinkish. Suck it.
    • Elizabeth: These are from the days when Cole Haan had the Nike Air in the soles. They are comfortable and a classic style.
    • Nude pumps available now:
      • Katie 1: Beware of low stock. So just in case, try these.
      • Katie 2: The important thing to remember is that "nude" means "nude to you". It's hard to buy a nude shoe online, because you can't really tell if it will match your skin tone. Trial and error is unfortunately necessary. These look nude to me.
      • Elizabeth: I would probably get a pair from L.K. Bennett (see Katie 1 links above), but I would also check these out.
  • "Fun" Shoe: This addition to your collection could be animal print, a fun floral, or a pattern. Why do you need it? It's an easy way to add some excitement or drama to a monochromatic or basic look (like a sheath dress or top/pencil skirt combo). Even old men (not the creepy kind) stop and take notice of a fun shoe with a uniform look. When you get a compliment from someone unexpected- is there anything in the world better??
    • Katie 1: I know Katie 2 is going to choose animal print so I won't go that route. Although I do have 3 pairs of leopard print pumps, 2 pairs of snake print heels and 1 pair of tortoise print heels so there you go. Instead, I'm going to show you a pop of color, but here's a picture of both anyway. 
    • Katie 2: I think every woman should have an animal print shoe in her arsenal. The most obvious choice is leopard print, because as a lot of bloggers will tell you, leopard is totally a neutral. BUT the shoe I'm going to pick are my Kate Spade Licorice pumps in a floral pattern. I LOVE THESE SHOES with a solid black look.
    • Elizabeth: I am a big fan of color so I'm going with this floral pair. They have color and add interest to outfits that are all solid and no pattern.The fact that they're so similar to what Katie 2 has must mean you need a pair, too.
    • Fun shoes available now:
  • Black Ballet Flat: So funny enough, no one disagreed with putting this shoe on the list. But keep reading...
    • Katie 1: Much like Katie 2, I am a firm believer in buying the best you can afford when it comes to classic items. Black ballet flats are one of those items. I've had these Chanel ballet flats for years, and with proper care (and the occasional repair) they have worn beautifully and are a true classic. They can be dressed up or down and are great for travel. 
    • Katie 2: Secret time. Katie 2 does not really like a ballet flat. Maybe it's because her feet are flat and there isn't a lot of support, or maybe it's because of her bunions (I know, gross) and the top cuts across her foot weird and it hurts, but she's just not into them. Instead, she's going with a black loafer.
    • Elizabeth: I'm not sure about the heading of 'black ballet flat' as Katie 2 doesn't have a ballet flat and I don't really have a black pair, but what do I know. I have a red, a tan, and a leopard print, but not black. These tan Tory Burch are the basic Reva that everyone owns some version of.
    • Black ballet flats available now:
  • Other Casual Shoe: 
    • Katie 1: When I go casual, I go casual. I also love the look of classic white Converse because it's timeless.
    • Katie 2: Truth time: if I could only own one pair of casual shoes, it would be a Sperry. I know, I know. People hate a boat shoe. But I LOVE THEM. Blame it on my six years spent in South Carolina, but there are very few outfits that a Sperry can't go with. But if you ask my "fashionable" and "trendy" self, I would answer my nude booties. These really do go well with all sorts of outfits, and they can be dressed up or dressed down depending on the occasion. They will probably be out of style in a year or two, but hey, I didn't spend a whole lot.
    • Elizabeth: I like flip flops, Chucks, or the aforementioned flats. However, for this post I will go with these Rag and Bone booties because I feel oh so stylish with these and some jeans.
    • Other Casual shoes available now:
The "Other" List
  • Red Pumps: Elizabeth opposed to this addition to the list, because she made the (albeit reasonable) argument that we already included the "fun shoe" in our list of musts, and a red shoe is fun and bold and could very easily fulfill that category. But the Katies disagree and think you should have a red shoe AND a fun shoe, and so here it is on our "other" list.
    • Katie 1: I admit that I have the following 4 pairs of red pumps: (1) Lipstick red patent pumps by Ferragamo; (2) Ferragamo Vara ballet flat in the same lipstick red; (3) Deep red L.K. Bennett sledge pumps that are the most comfortable pair of heels I own; and (4) Red snake print Jimmy Choo pointed toe pumps that I wear from time to time but are not at all comfortable. Clearly I think red pumps are a necessary item. Why? Well I'm slightly color blind and have a really hard time distinguishing between navy and black. I also hate to wear black shoes with navy (I know! I know!). Insert the red pump. It's a must own because it adds sass to an otherwise boring outfit and always matches. Want proof? Take a look at my whole damn collection. 

    • Katie 2: I have owned a lot of red pumps over the years. My MySpace profile (woah, that takes me back) used to play Kelly Pickler's "Red High Heels", despite my aversion to country music. Today, I have 2 pair. One is a strappy sandal from TJ Maxx that I absolutely love but they take forever to get into because of the intricate detail. But for a Real Working Girl, I think you should go with a more versatile look. My Kate Spade option is a bit tall, but absolutely doable for day and evening. 
    • Red Pumps available right now:
      • Katie 1: Love these classic Ferragamo pumps with the Vara bow!
      • Katie 2: Red patent leather? Yes please! I need these shoes.
      • Elizabeth: Yeah, I don't own any red pumps and don't find them missing from my wardrobe. If I were to get a pair, it would be a darker color, not fire engine red. These or these fit the bill.
  • Evening Shoe: Depending on your "going out" lifestyle, this type of shoe could be anything from a strappy sandal to sparkles, or anything else you come up with.
    • Katie 1: I admit that I'm the one who pushed for the inclusion of an evening shoe and I think it's because I attend a greater number of formal events than either Elizabeth or Katie 2. Thus, I have a wardrobe of cocktail dresses and fancy evening shoes (that are absolutely not work appropriate). I'm particularly fond of this pair because the color pairs nicely with a variety of other colors and I wore them at my wedding. Besides pairing nicely with a variety of colors, the blue satin and bow detail can also help to take a basic black cocktail dress from boring to something really special.
    • Katie 2: I think a metallic is a good basic shoe for evening. Metallics are neutrals, so one shoe can go with a multitude of looks. Plus, the shade of this gold shoe looks great with my skin tone. It's a great seasonless look, too. If you find the right one, it can be worn for weddings, drinks, or whatever else exciting life throws at you. I know this brand is controversial, but I think for the price, they are super cute, comfortable, and well made.
    • Evening Shoes available now:
      • Katie 1: Love these!
      • Katie 2: I've never tried Ted Baker London, but I am absolutely loving these in silver. They might be a purchase in the near future.
      • Elizabeth: As I mentioned above, I would probably go with a black patent leather pumps above. I do have some strappy heels that are not work wear that may fit into this category. But these are beautiful. 
  • Pointy Toe:
    • Elizabeth: I just believe that pointy toes elongate your leg and that you should have at least one pair. I obviously have several. Pairs you should look at now: Valentino, L.K. Bennett, and Banana. 
    • Peep Toe: 
      • Elizabeth: Show off that pretty polish you chose at your last pedi and add some variety to your shoe collection. P.S. Wedges are great and often more comfortable with additional stability. Try these.
    A note on double duty: I think all of us here at Not a Corporate Fashun Blog agree that some of these shoes could pull double duty, just like Elizabeth mentioned with regard to her black patent leather pumps. Try these beauties to check off black, pointy toe, and evening.
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