Work Edition
When I put an outfit together, I always start with the shoes I will be wearing. Especially, if it’s a work outfit. I have been a working mom of three for 20+ years. So, I have learned a few things about being comfortable, yet stylish.
In this post I will share my thoughts on some of the shoes I own. I will review these shoes in terms of fit, functionality, durability, ease of styling and above all, the level of comfort.
In general, my work wardrobe is simple and limited in colors, which makes it easy for me to mix and match pieces, and get dressed quicker. I add color through accessories and shoes when I feel like my outfit is way too plain.
Before I start, I’d like to clarify 3 important points:
1- I purchased these shoes over many years. While some pairs are almost brand new, others have been in my wardrobe for more than 10 years.
2- I am not writing to encourage others to buy all these shoes, but in case you are in the market for any of these models, I hope you’ll find this review to be useful before you make the investment.
3- This review is not affiliated in any way. It’s simply my personal experience.
I will review 8 pairs of shoes. Let’s go!
1- Gucci loafers with a buckle in vintage blue shade
I started with this pair because they are by far my favorite. I love the unique blue color and the soft leather. They fit like a glove and are so easy to style with my wardrobe. I do wear Jeans at work, and this pair looks so good with a pair of medium or dark wash jeans. They immediately elevate the outfit and give it a really chic look.
Age: 4 years
Functionality: A very practical pair which I can just grab and go, the soft leather and the comfortable fit make it easy for me to wear with almost any outfit. It works well with jeans or formal trousers.
Level of comfort: On a scale of 1-5, with 5 being the most comfortable, I’d give them a 5.
Durability: I wear this pair at least once a week at work, but it still looks great. Having that said, with the leather being so soft, you can easily see the creasing as well as the scratches, however this does not bother me. If anything, it gives the shoes a better look and feel!
2- Gucci loafers in pink shade
Although a slightly different style from the blue one with the buckle, the model, the fit and the leather are the same:
Age: 5 years
Functionality: Because of the pink shade, I used to find it difficult to style this pair when I first got it. But then I started to think of it as a nude color, and that was the best thing I did. I now pair it with lighter shades as well as dark ones. It adds a beautiful accent to any outfit.
Level of comfort: I find this one even more comfortable than the blue pair, maybe because it’s older, it now molds to my feet so well. I’d also give it a 5.
The only downside is that the limited ventilation makes my feet feel sweaty by the end of the day.
Durability: I wear this one relatively less than the blue pair, but for some reason it has more scratches. However, they are not very visible. Again, I don’t mind the scratches and the creasing as I feel like to adds more character to the shoes.
3- Chanel two-tone Mary Janes
Age: 1 year
This is one of my most recent purchases and I am so glad I decided to go with it.
Functionality: This is a very versatile pair in my wardrobe since I wear black and white/ off white on repeat. The heel is the perfect hight for work and I find the Mary Janes style to be very flattering with skirts, dresses and trousers.
Level of comfort: I can wear these shoes for a full day at work. The heel is not too high and is nicely coated so it feels very comfortable to walk in. The strap holds the feet so well and is very comfortable around the ankle. Definitely one of the most comfortable heels I own. I’d give it a 5.
Durability: I have worn these shoes at least once a week at work since I have purchased them, but they are still relatively new so I can’t really say how durable they are, but I find them to be very sturdy.
4– Alaïa white Vienna flat Mary Janes
These shoes are so beautifully done. I do not own many white shoes because I always thought they’d be difficult to style. But these ones are very unique and make every outfit look so effortlessly chic.
Age: 2 Years
Functionality: They are not the first pair of shoes I reach out to. I feel like because they are white, I have to be extra careful not to get them dirty. It also takes me a bit of work to style them because of their shape.
Level of comfort: They are not the most comfortable flats I own. I find the leather to be a bit stiff so it does rub a a bit at the ankle. I’d say it’s a 4.
Durability: Hard to tell now. But I have to say they the shoes are very well made. The buckles are so sturdy and the strap is wide and holds the foot well.
5- Chanel quilted leather ballet flats in black (and the pair in blue)
I am combining the review of these two pairs since they are both identical in model and fit. I purchased them both around the same year.
Age: 12 years
Functionality: These shoes are so easy to wear with any outfit. The model is so versatile and classic which never goes out of style. I usually wear it to dress up an easy outfit and it automatically adds a subtle chic touch to the whole look.
Level of comfort: The narrow, small toe box makes these shoes slightly less comfortable than the rest of the shoes on this list. In addition, the leather is not as soft as the Gucci ones for example. I’d score these shoes at 3
Durability: The shoes are so well made and apart from very few scratches at the heel and the toe cap, they hold their shape very well and show very little signs of tear and wear.
5- Jimmy Choo flats with studs
These shoes look very cute. They have a very feminine style and are cut beautifully. The metal studs on them give them a very unique edge. However, I do not find them very versatile, so I don’t reach out to them very often.
Age: 5 years
Functionality: Obviously these shoes are very summery. They are light and very breathable. They are very well made: the studs, the leather, the strap are very nicely designed and fitted.
Level of comfort: The shoes are not super comfortable to walk in. They do not offer any inner support and for some reason do not hold the feet properly. Maybe it’s the cut? I am not sure. On the scale of 1-5, it’s a 3.
Durability: Since I have not worn this pair as much, I can’t really comment on how durable they are.
6- Chanel two-tone slingback
Age: 13 years
These are my first ever Chanel pair of shoes.
Functionality: A very versatile pair which can dress up any outfit. I wore them with a pair of jeans and a white T, with a work suite, and a delicate evening dress. It just looks amazing and understated.
Level of comfort: Unfortunately, as much as I loved these shoes, I never got to enjoy wearing them for longer than a 3-4 of hours. The strap at the back used to dig into my heel and was so painful. I tried sizing up but the shoes were too big and did not fit well. Having that said, I still wore these shoes in many work events, dinners and nights outs over the years. On the scale of 1-5, it’s a 2.
Durability: Like other Chanel shoes, this pair had minimal signs of tear and wear. Apart from the strap which needs some TLC, the shoes are still in a very good condition.
And that’s a wrap! it took me longer than I anticipated to complete this blog! But I am glad I did and I hope you find it helpful.
Also, please share with me your thoughts, do you own any of these shoes? What was your experience? I’d like to hear from you.
Here are some pictures of the types of trousers/ jean I like to pair with each type of shoes. What do you think? I am keen to hear from you.
What shall I review next? I own some of the best- selling French heros from Sezane and I was thinking of sharing my thoughts on some of these items. So, watch this space!
Love,
TLD
