Begin/Again: New You, New Shoes

I don’t want to talk about 2023.  Like an ex-boyfriend whose name should never again be spoken, that year shall never be mentioned again in polite company.  Instead, I want to begin again.  Again.  And I want to start with my wardrobe.

My life has changed dramatically over the last four years.  I’ve changed careers.  I work from home now.  I have a baby.  And yet, my wardrobe hasn’t changed to match.

I own too many silk blouses for a Capitol that I no longer work in.  I don’t own enough tops that can go in the wash, but look like business attire on Zoom.

I own too many sheath dresses, not enough date night dresses.  You know, the kind of dress that’s special and looks great but isn’t work or wedding attire.

I own too many blazers that restrict my ability to lift my arms.  I don’t own enough structured cardigans and knit blazers, which are better suited to my life now.

I own so many sensible, comfortable pumps for the office.  I need nice flats for work.  I need cool shoes to spruce up outfits.

I own way, way too many black leggings.  I need jeans or other casual pants, less Spandex.

This week, I will begin to tackle a few of these issues in the morning post.  It’s time this blog felt more like my real life and my real wardrobe.  And it’s beyond time for me to heal my own wardrobe and stop living in my pre-pandemic clothes like they fit my postpartum body or my WFH lifestyle.

Let’s start with the shoes.  Here are four pairs of shoes that can help freshen up your wardrobe (and mine), some can be had at a discount.

Ballet Flats // I’m retiring several pairs of Rothy’s in favor of some new flats.  These Madewell ballet flats are an easy choice.  These were trendy last spring and instead of getting stale, they became a modern take on a classic.  I also like these Jeffrey Campbell flats, the style is a bit more fashion forward.

Mirrored Pumps // I know, I know.  You’re saying to yourself, “You just said you were going to rebuild a more casual WFH-Mom wardrobe!”  And while it might seem like it at first blush, these mirrored pumps from J.Crew are a utility purchase.  Let me explain.

A pair of stylish jeans and a great sweater is a nice look for a casual dinner, add a pair of mirrored pumps and it’s suddenly a cool outfit with a little something extra.  Sure, you wore this outfit to the grocery store today, but with a shiny pump, a chic earring and a fresh coat of lipstick, it’s something new.  They’re a statement piece.

Athletic Shoes // I bought these Adidas Swift Run sneakers at the end of last year and I still love them.  They’re the perfect thing to throw on with leggings or jeans when you need to run an errand or pack up the family for a casual breakfast at a diner.  The leopard print makes them a but more stylish, but they still go with everything because the color palette is neutral.  They’re currently on sale for under-$60, so I thought they deserved a spot here.

Drivers // While the ballet flats above fit into my wardrobe like a glove, sometimes I need more cushion and comfort than they can provide.  Maybe I’m walking a toddler through a mall on a winter day to get in some steps.  Maybe I’m headed out on a business trip and need to change terminals when I change planes.  Maybe my feet need a shoe that feels like a slipper but isn’t.

These M.Gemi Drivers are incredible.  They’re a shoe that actually gets better the more you wear them.  They come in neutral colors and a handful with a bit more pop (love the forest green), but whichever you choose, they’ll breathe a classic vibe into casual outfits.  Need something under-$125?  These Cole Haan Evelyn Drivers are the pick.

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