Must Have Essentials for AW18 - Footwear

The theme for these posts is the creation of a capsule wardrobe of essentials that will be endlessly wearable and pretty much timeless. They're your wardrobe heroes and they're the items you should  invest a little more in so that they do last from year to year.

When it comes to footwear, it's SO tempting to buy lots. I'd hazard a guess that footwear is the most under-utilised part of our wardrobes. They're beautiful, always fit us regardless of how well we are looking after our bodies and you can find the most gorgeous footwear now at such good prices.

But I urge you to invest in your footwear and buy fewer pairs and key to doing this is to buy the styles of footwear that will work hardest for you - the essentials. I'm not going to cover occasion/going out footwear. This is day to day, working/casual based and I'm splitting them into 3 sections - Flats, Boots & Trainers. I don't think there's a winter outfit in your wardrobe you can't complete if you've a pair of each.

1. Flats

Starting with flats because who has the time to wear heels anymore? Yes, for a night out but day to day, unless it's a boot with a small chunky heel, I'm in a flat. It gives you so much freedom to move quickly and safely and with the selection out there, they don't have to equal frump.

My favourite flats are loafers, followed closely by brogues. I find loafers more wearable generally though with skirts, jeans, trousers etc. The androgynous style of a brogue needs to be styled carefully to avoid looking masculine. They work best for me when combined with feminine items like skirts or culottes.

So focusing on loafers and here are the Dune London ones I wear constantly. A reasonable investment last winter at £75 mainly because they're Dune - they definitely felt pricey for the weight and feel of them, though the leather is nice:

Dune Guilt Loafers

And maybe my gut feel on them was right because a year on, they're starting to look wrecked. I'm not sure if thats because they are a bit flimsy or I'm just too hard on them and have worn them too much. Possibly a mixture. I know I feel ready to invest in something more durable and these John Lewis ones look like they might fit the bill:

JL Genevieve Trimmed Loafers

I've also seen these LK Bennett ones in real life and they're incredible - way superior than the Dune ones in terms of quality. They're more than twice the price though so I'm going to watch the sales keenly. I'm told they went to half price last year:

LK Bennett Stevie Black Leather Flats

2. Boots

Moving to boots now and a black or grey ankle boot will see you all through winter. The right pair is wearable with dresses, trousers and skirts, casually and for work.

I've seen a few bloggers recommend these M&S flat chelsea boot - available in black and brown.

Leather Chelsea Ankle Boots - M&S

For a heeled version, it's M&S again and these Autograph ones that were part of the Holly Willoughby must have range. Really lovely on and back in stock in some sizes - keep an eye on the website for re-stocks daily if you want these!

Leather Block Heel Ankle Boot - M&S

If it's the holy grail that is a grey ankle boot you looking for, I spotted these Tamaris ones in local shop Cordners - they are available online and are more than a nod to my old favourite Seven Boot Lane ones from a few years back:

Grey Ankle Boot - Tamaris

(By the way, lots of people ask me about Seven Boot Lane and it does look like it's no longer in operation, which is such a shame. Amazing boots that stand the test of time. Hopefully they will be back in the future.)

Another independent shoe website that I keep seeing on Instagram and it makes me laugh because I keep thinking it's Keith's Carrott Shoes..but it's actually Keith Scarrott. I'm easily amused. Either way, it's a goldmine of gorgeous footwear. I've never ordered from them but I've seen a couple of other bloggers recommend. That's where I spotted these grey suede ankle boots:

Marta Grey Boot - Keith Scarrott Shoes

3. Trainers

And now for trainers...and if it's a look you love, as I do - then invest. I bought the Seven Boot Lane leather ones about 18 months ago and  they've been worth every penny. Leather trainers are more comfortable to wear and age better. I can't see myself needing to buy another pair of white trainers for years. 

I mentioned above that SBL is no longer trading so for an investment pair of trainers, I recommend Veja. They have a great ethos and make amazing trainers. They retail at about the same kind of price point as Seven Boot Lane and they have a great back story - you can read all about them on this link.

Esplar Low Leather White Trainers - Veja

Also, check out their Outlet section for end of lines at reduced prices.

And I'm always asked this so I'm adding these in, even though they go against my 'invest' rules. Where to get a good high street 'starter' trainer if you're not sure about the trainer trend and want to try it out. Well you won't go wrong with either of these two pairs from Miss Selfridge. I saw them today in Menarys in Lisburn and was so impressed. They look much more expensive than they are:

TEA Stripe Edge Trainers - Miss Selfridge - £25

TILLY Lace up Trainers - Miss Selfridge - £22

And that's it - my footwear essentials. I've been asked about longer boots and yes, they are making a comeback but I still stand by ankle boots from a price per wear point of view. I don't think you get the same wear from long boots and the season to wear them is shorter than ankles, which can be worn almost all year round.

Would love to hear your views and other recommendations so leave me a comment if you've any suggestions. Coats have been requested as the next essentials post so stand by...I'll have it ready for you as soon as!

Ax