wardrobe essential #2

This past weekend, I attended a fabulous art class at Chicago Corporate Photography & Video (pictured above). I’m not talking about a structured Bottle & Bottega style session—although there were many wine bottles involved. I’m talking under the radar, chic setting, free form painting. The class was almost private, consisting of me and a few other girlfriends. All attention on us—just how we like it! Our instructor Fidel was prepared with wine and Mariano’s cheeses, crackers, and dips. Yum. It was like a social hour with paint involved, in an amazing ambience. How fun does that sound?

For casual events with just a couple close friends, I want to look cute as I am in public, but I don’t feel the need to dress up. I threw on an oversized Top Shop sweater, comfy Reformation jeans, and my favorite black booties from Top Shop.

This brings me to my point: staple booties are a wardrobe essential. Although I unquestionably adore shoes, I obviously don’t cycle through them the way I do with my clothes. And while I love a loud statement shoe, I absolutely need everyday booties that go with anything. My pair from Top Shop is black with a heeled platform that looks flattering with almost any outfit, and happens to be the comfiest set of shoes that I own. Not joking, I could wear them around the city all day, keep them on at night to go dancing, and proceed to walk home in them without any complaints.

Get the perfect pair for yourself, ASAP!

Below, I’ve prepared a list of booties in different price ranges and heel heights—none too high, as they wouldn’t be comfortable enough to wear all the time—in a neutral black or brown color.

Francesca by Miista

2883-ki by Jeffrey Campbell

Sevalla by Shellys London

Dartford Chelsea Boots by Rag & Bone

Classic Newbury Booties by Rag & Bone

Cromwell Hi Booties by Jeffrey Campbell