STYLEBrianne ConleyComment

Essentials Edit: Staple Shoes

STYLEBrianne ConleyComment
Essentials Edit: Staple Shoes

self-professed shoeaholic

It’s no secret that shoes are my weakness. I worked in the Nordstrom shoe department seasonally all through college and it was one of the most fun jobs. A lot of time was spent talking to women about the likes and dislikes of their shoes. I learned sooo much about the shoe industry and I can also confidently say I’ve tried on thousands and thousands of shoes. If I’ve learned one thing, its that shoes are personal.

A great pair of shoes can make (or break) your outfit. That’s why I consider them an “essential”. A solid sneaker can elevate a basic casual outfit just like the right pair of strappy heels will complete your guest-of look.

This post is all about your most basic essentials. A fashion sneaker, a pair of loafers, and your classic date night or guest-of shoe (and maybe a little snippet at the bottom for the trends because I just can’t help myself).

Sneakers (read: LEATHER sneakers)

As someone who works on their feet, I live for good comfortable shoes. My best advice for a killer white sneaker is to make sure they are leather and not canvas. Canvas will get filthy with one walk on a city sidewalk and a leather sneaker is going to wear like iron.

I have owned my Chloe Lauren sneakers since 2019. I’ve since bought them in black too because I love them so much. They’re the perfect amount of classic and detail with the scalloped edge. I easily pair them with leggings or a dress in the drop of a hat. They are definitely a splurge, but I have not bought another sneaker in three years.

If you’re looking to snag the Chloes, they run true to size. I am a size 8 and purchased the 38. I think they take one wear to ‘wear in’ because of the platform bottom; after that, they’re super comfortable.

I also recommend ordering them from Nordstrom or FRWD (who are owned by Revolve so they have a great return policy). It seems like both Nordstrom & FWRD have the most inventory and all colorways.

A few others:

Veja makes amazing sneakers, I have owned a few pairs over the years and think they make any outfit look really cute. Of course, my favorites have the pink branding detail.

I recently found these Sam Edelman leather sneakers- so cute. They’re priced really sharp right at $100. This seems to be this year’s update to the Sam Edelman sneakers we regularly shoot with at No.14.

Loafers

I think loafers will forever be in style and immediately make an outfit more classic and timeless .

A personal favorite are my Gucci Princetown loafers. An investment, yes, but I think they’re such a lifetime piece. My rose embroidered Princetowns were my first ever designer shoe that my mom bought me at our first Vegas market show in 2016. They are that old and I still wear them regularly.

They run a bit narrow, so if you have a wider foot, I recommend sizing up 1/2 size. They are real leather, so they’ll stretch just a hint and begin to mold to your feet. (I have a very narrow foot, so I went with my true size 38)

A few other really great loafer options:

Sam Edelman has a closed heel and slide version that come in great colors.

I also stumbled upon these Eda Loafers that might have a bit more support for those of us that can’t wear flat flat shoes. (I love the black and mocha colorways)

Black Strappies

Every woman needs a killer pair of black strappy heels. They’re essential to any wardrobe. Yes, there’s the obvious times you’ll wear them (weddings and rehearsal dinners etc.) but there’s something to be said for a sexy strappy sandal with a great pair of denim and a cute top. It is the ultimate pulled-together-without-trying-too-hard look.

A heel doesn’t get as much wear as your everyday sneaker or loafers. Now that black has re-entered itself into my wardrobe, I have to say that I personally have been on the hunt for a good designer black strappy for years and nothing has really jumped out at me. I snagged these Sam Edelman ones last year for photoshoots at No.14 and now I steal them every time I need a black shoe for an event. They honestly look so expensive, they’re super comfortable and they have a really sharp price point. They run true to size and come in a faux suede and leather option in black.

Not going to lie, I’m hesitant to even find others to link because really...that’s THE black strappy shoe you need.

I did just snag these platforms. They’re more on the trendy side because of their chunky platform but they look adorable with everything. We’ve been using them for photoshoots!

Nude Heels

Along the same line, the nude heel deserves just as much attention. As someone who gravitates towards pastels and color, I have several nude heels to grab for.

I personally have invested in nude heels simply because I really do wear them a lot. My mom bought me my Valentino Rock Studs for my wedding in Nude and I’ve honestly worn them to most weddings since then (& FYI, the rockstud is realllyyyy coming back right now). I have my eye on these sandals too.

A few others:

If you’re looking for something a bit more tame, I have also gotten a ton of wear out of these Alexandre Birman sandals. They’re super classic with a tied bow for that perfect hint of detail. These are also very similar for under $150.

Sam Edelman does make our shoe in nude (and a zillion other colors) if you’re so inclined

We also have these Marc Fisher strappy sandals at the store for shoots. The heel is a bit lower, so they’re really comfortable. They also really do look great on everyone’s feet.

Fun/Trendy

I know we’re focusing on essentials today, but I just had to throw in some fun pairs too. Yes, it’s important to have your go-to essentials that you’ll wear year after year, but, let’s be honest, shoes are just FUN to get.

My latest fun trendy purchase was my pink jellies. While they may or not be my husband’s LEAST favorite purchase, I just love them.

A few other favorites:

These embroidered slides with a low heel. Perfect for tossing on with jeans. They’re super comfy too and go with everything for being a patterned shoe.

If you don’t own a pair of these, put them on your list of investments. I’ve owned the Penny for almost 4 years now and it is a go-to for when I’m going to be on my feet all night. They are incredibly comfortable. (run true to size)

I waited for the Shopbop sale to get these so I’d get them discounted and I’m sooo glad I did. I will say, they ran really small. I went up a full size. They come in a lower heel and a higher heel. I wore them on Easter & they were really comfortable.

And that’s all for now! I’ll be sure and keep you guys updated with some of my fave trendy shoes as we get into different seasons.

Feel free to let me know if there’s a certain type of shoe you’re on the hunt for, and I’ll do my best to send you some recs!