Essential Black shoes

I put a post on Facebook the other day about future topics for this blog, and Sally my sister-in-law suggested a post about black shoes. Hmm black shoes, a staple for most but sometimes they can walk a fine line between boring/Nannaish and awesome.

Classic pumps

I decided to do my own investigation and see how many black shoes I actually owned and what do I think the essentials are for all budgets?

Well what do you know, this is how many black pairs of shoes I own. AND this does not take into account a pair of flat sandals, a pair of very old Nine west heeled sandals, boots or flipflops. So, quite a lot really. But before you judge me for being a shoe whore (And I am) all of these shoes have a story! (Just for the record if I add them all up there are 17..... I think)

shoes glorious shoes

 Lets start with the back row:

1.Starting from the top left, these are a pair off retro heels from UK brand Office which I bought in 2002. Back then I didn't wear heels and I am thankful I have kept them this long. You must always have at least one pair of plain black heels. They go with anything and are great for shoe emergencies. It also goes to show you shouldn't throw them out either.

2. To the right are some brand new heeled pumps from Country Road ($199) which I think are the most essential item all girls should have. More on that in a moment.

3. Next to them are my old favourite pair of Alex & Alex peep toe Nico shoes. These were my absolute daily staple and after wearing them to death for 4 years I now can no longer wear them. I love them too much to get rid of them! Peep toe shoes are so versatile and go with so many dresses and skirts often giving a vintage feel.

4. Then we have a pointy pair of Alex & Alex's. If you haven't tried this Brazilian brand yet do yourself a favour, these are the most comfortable heels I have ever worn. Pointy heels are great with cigar style pants and skinny jeans. They elongate your legs for a thinner look.

5. Then I bought these gladiator style heels in last winters collection from Country Road. In all honesty they are no where near as versatile as I thought they would be. I have a really really high instep which means you can hardly see my toes which makes them look a bit weird. These kind of heels have to be worn with skinny jeans or tight trousers. Unless you have model-like legs they do ankles no favours.

6. Finally on the pumps front these are a huge pair of wedges that I got from the budget Kurt Keiger range, Miss Keiger. Very very high but so stable. Perfect when you need height but stability on a night out. I've been wearing these recently with coloured jeans.

Pump heaven

OK so on to the front row

1. Basic flats, everyone has to have them. And because they can be a great default shoe I always need a few pairs. These ones are from Witchery.

2. More Witchery heels. These are snake skin mid heels which I got in the sale last year. I thought these would save my feet a bit and look great with jeans and be good for, you know, actually walking in. But they are a poor fit and so I can only bring them out occasionally. This kind of mid heel is perfect for work. If you can find a pair that fit these are another staple.

3. The second pair of flats are from witchery too. I swear you cannot go past Witchery and Country Road for  basic, well priced and comfortable staples. 

4. These jewelled flats I got for $22 in Primark on a recent trip to London. I am under no illusion that they will last one season but for that price I didn't care. Its a shame Primark don't have an online shop...yet! Adding feathers and jewels really make a basic pair of flats interesting and means you can wear them out without feeling boring.

5. This pair of sling back heels are also from Office in London but I bought them online secind hand for a gran total of $35. Sling backs are great when you want to make your leg look longer and work well with any sort of capri pant or cropped jeans.

6. And lastly I bought these black espadrills this season from you guessed it Country Road. They were only $79 and have worked well with some great summer outfits, especially mid length skirts and linen pants.

All the pumps

SO, when it comes to black shoes what should you be looking for? If you can only afford 1 pair of black shoes they have to be heels. These Country Road heels are the best most comfortable heels on the market at the moment. The small platform gives an extra cushion. They are stylish enough to brighten up any and every outfit and can be worn to work.  If $199 is a bit too much for you, there are other options.

The country road classic pump

First of all there are so many black heels on Ebay with shoes in fab condition especially from Country Road, Witchery and Nine West. If you are going to buy second hand shoes stick to safe brands as the sizes will be a good fit.

My latest addition - the CR pump

Me wearing them

You can also get copies of these shoes in Target and Kmart for around $39.00. They may not be a suede or leather upper but they can still give you the look you need.

Secondly the other pair of shoes you must own are the basic flats. These below are my favourite as they have a shimmery material over the top to make them a bit more interesting and an elasticated upper which stops them going out of shape. I picked thse up for about $80.00. But again you can find bargains on ebay and in Target, Kmart and Big W.

classic flats

These ballet flats below are only $12.99 from Target in their current collection.

Target flats

Lastly we already know I love CR and Witchery for shoes. But other fab places to purchase are Zomp and Nine West. If I can find Alex & Alex shoes in Melbourne Boutiques they are always on my hit list too. I always avoid Wittner, Santini and cheaper boutiques. Those shops are great for fleeting fashions, but in all honesty their shoes are cheaper quality, the heels are unmanageably high and they normally last one season. I'm always looking for style comfort and quality and that's why I stick to those brands.

To me black shoes are the most versatile in your wardrobe and the longest lasting so you should be chasing the value, quality, style and comfort too! I currently have a few fabulous black shoes on the website. Below are 3 pairs that I currently have for sale. Click here to start your collection right now!

Chevali shoes

Witchery heels 37

Karen Millen heels 38

Naturaliser heels 40