I’m having a reckoning. My closet is full of items that I like well enough, but I do not truly love. The pieces I actually love are classics. Burberry scarf. Chanel purse. Gucci tote. All in their brand’s signature style, nothing trendy. Other items I find myself wearing year after year are not necessarily luxury, but they are timeless: gray cashmere turtleneck, khaki cotton lightweight sweater, black linen pants, ivory wool skirt. Most of these are from Nordstrom and Loft. Not high end, but not Amazon. In other words, I noticed I prefer to invest in quality rather than quantity and I’m not as contemporary as I once was. I’ve matured.

My sister and I were discussing this very topic last night and she is of the same mindset. We shared the staples each of us would love to own in our dream closets and we both started with shoes. This is not surprising. Since my sister works outside the house every day, I told her she can justify these purchases more than I can. But then I saw this photo of Melania Trump and I realized that casual can still be super chic and elegant. There’s no reason I can’t wear something like this to Publix or my kids’ basketball games. Athleisure wear can stay in the gym.

Melania’s Casual Ensemble

I’ll start with navy flats since this photo is the source of my inspiration. Margaux flats give Chanel vibes, but not nearly as expensive. Don’t get me wrong, they are still pricey, but within reason for genuine leather and excellent craftsmanship. You get what you pay for! The Margaux Demi Black and Navy Nappy will likely be my next purchase. They’re available here: https://margauxny.com/products/the-demi-black-navy

Margaux Navy Flats

Another Margaux style that I think is crucial to a wardrobe that revolves around classics is a black and tan cap toe. Again, much like Chanel, but less than $300. This color combo is extremely versatile and will never go out of style. Shop them here: https://margauxny.com/collections/the-pointe/products/the-captoe-pointe-dune-and-black-nappa

Margaux The Pointe Cap Toe Flats

A pair of leopard loafers should also be in the rotation. My goal is stop wearing sneakers daily. I really like the Birdies calf hair leopard loafers, but they are completely sold out in most sizes, including mine. These Rothy’s Almond Loafers in Desert Cat work just as well! I love the Rothy’s mission. Check them out here: https://rothys.com/products/the-almond-loafer-desert-cat

Leopard Loafers

Admittedly, I go off the rails a bit with my high heel desires, but this is my DREAM closet, not my actual closet. That said, I do believe the value exists for such a classic style. I’m talking about Manolo Blahnik pumps, of course. I have a much less expensive version (Sam Edelman) of this heel that I have worn countless times. They need replacing and, if I’m being honest, they’re not very comfortable. Not even after all the times I’ve worn them. I may be wrong, but word on the street is the materials and hand stitching that are what make Manolos so special results in a much more comfortable heel. Much like buying a quilted Chanel purse; this shoe will never go out of style. I’d love this pair from Bergdorf: https://www.bergdorfgoodman.com/p/manolo-blahnik-bb-90mm-suede-pumps-prod172510003. I’d actually like that dress, too.

Manolo Pumps

I stay off the rails with my black heel choice as well. But really, all I need is a nude pair and a black pair and I’m set! If it’s not Manolo, it’s Louboutin, right? I adore the shape of these. If you buy the best, you only cry once! I would have these forever. I guess I’m asking for Bergdorf gift cards for every birthday and Christmas for the foreseeable future. Click here for the black heels of my dreams: https://www.bergdorfgoodman.com/p/christian-louboutin-iriza-leather-half-dorsay-red-sole-pumps-prod186720007. Aren’t they gorgeous?

Black Louboutin Heels

Maybe it’s because I travel quite a bit and strive to only use a carry on, but the idea of a capsule wardrobe is becoming more and more appealing. Of course I’ll always sprinkle in some hot pink whenever possible, but I love the idea of a closet with more basic, higher quality pieces. I’ll be back to share more of my wants in another post. I know it’s February and many of us are shopping for spring, but some fabulous winter sales are happening and we still have a few weeks (or more, depending where you live) of cold weather to endure. Also? Since these are timeless you will be excited to wear them again next year.

Let me know which shoes you think need to be a staple!