Sharmin’s Ultimate Shoe Cull

By Sharmin Musca on August 21, 2014 in Other

After much procrastination, I’ve finally begun packing up my wardrobe, starting with shoes. I’ve been working through the ‘must-haves’ and the ‘love-them-but-are-they-really-necessary’ pairs to determine what to take and what to condemn to storage for a year while we renovate.

The right pair of shoes can make all the difference when it comes to completing a look. While some pairs in my wardrobe have cost more that I’d care to admit to my husband, they are quality shoes made to last, which leads me to my all important point. Consider cost per wear: are you really saving when you buy a pair of Rubi shoes that last a season over a classic Chloe boot you’ll wear daily for years? So here’s what I’m taking – the essential footwear ensemble required for any woman to stylishly finish every outfit no matter what the occasion:

1. The ankle boot – I love ankle boots for their versatility. Not just for use in autumn and winter, you can also whip them out to toughen up a look in the warmer months. A black leather pair (a subtle buckle detail gives it personality) and a pair in beige suede made the cut.
2. The ballet flat – Choose from nude, black, bright or bold hues, or fun prints. These are my go-to ‘run around’ shoes when I want to be comfortable but still look sophisticated.
3. A Sneaker, trainer or plimsoll – You are never too old to wear sneakers, trainers or plimsolls and with the current revival that’s hit the fashion world, we’re spoilt for choice. I’m into leather high-tops, which can be worked with leather leggings for a sporty luxe look.
4. A classic black pump (pointed or round toe) – A black pump perfectly complements a wrap dress, sheath, suit or trousers for work or play. During winter I prefer a slightly rounded toe with opaque tights and a pointed-toe with nude sheer tights.
5. Tall stiletto boots – Tall boots are a great way to stay warm and look stylish in winter. You can wear a pair of stiletto boots with a dress, skirt, wool shorts or with a pair of skinny jeans or leather leggings tucked inside.
6. The statement heel – Choose a conversation starter bejewelled pair, or a pair with interesting textures, detail and embellishments. I’ve gone for a metallic strappy pair for summer and a snakeskin pump for winter.
7. Nude heels – Worn with jeans, a dress of any colour, or an outfit of any colour, this is the staple pump you want to have in your arsenal.
8. The summer sandal – A leather sandal is non-negotiable and the choices out there are endless. Look for a neutral leather or metallic finish, or even a jewel encrusted pair.

On the streets this month I found:

Name: Monique
Occupation: Interior Designer
Lives: Dover Heights
Street Style: Monique wears a Cooper St jacket, Hollister jeans, print top from a friend, a scarf and necklace bought on holiday, Nine West boots, a bag from Zara and Ray-Ban sunnies.
Fave Item This Season: A printed draped knit by Tigerlily.

Name: Elias
Occupation: skincare sales
Lives: Bondi Junction
Street Style: Elias wears a shirt and jumper with elbow pad detail from River Island. His pants and shoes are from Topman.
Fave Item This Season: He’ll be swimming in his floral board shorts.