Building a Shoe Wardrobe: Part 1--The Black Pump

If you read any style book, there is always a list of items that one needs to build a basic wardrobe. They usually include things like a little black dress, well-fitting jeans and a trench coat, to name a few. It’s also usually advised to invest your money in these basics, making sure they are well made, of good quality, fit well and will stand the test of time.

Shoes make up a very important component of what you wear. I’ll admit that it’s usually the first thing I check out when people watching. If you’re just now entering the world of designer shoes or you desperately need to edit your wardrobe, this is the article for you. Also if you find yourself buying pair after pair of cheaper shoes, it might be a good idea to cut back and save your money for a few pair of really good shoes.

We’ve compiled a list of what we consider to be the basics that every woman should own. I would suggest investing more on these pieces, but I’ve included some less expensive options as well, but they’re all well made shoes.

The first (and I’d say one of the most important) shoes on our list, is a black pump. When I say black pump, I think anything basic works, whether it be peep-toe, patent or a sling-back, but try to not pick something too trendy. You want to be able to wear these shoes 5 years from now. If you’ve haven’t had the privilege of owning a pair of Christian Louboutins, and you want to, I think a Louboutin black pump is a great purchase! My first foray into the designer world was a pair of black patent slingback loubies, and I adore them! Personally I prefer a higher heel, but buy something you will feel comfortable wearing in many settings from work to a night out. If you're unsteady on higher heels or the shoes are extremely painful, go for a lower heel in the 2-3-inch range. My favorite of the shoes listed is the Christian Louboutin Platform Pump. I think they are gorgeous, and I might just have to buy them myself!
 

CLplatformpump700bergdorf.jpgChristian Louboutin Platform Pump $700 BergdorfGoodman

CLverypriveplatformpump770bergdorf.jpg

Christian Louboutin Very Prive Patent Pump $770 BergdorfGoodman
 
reCLsimplenappapump575bergd.jpg
  Christian Louboutin Simple Nappa Pump $575 BergdorfGoodman
 
MBleatherpump555bergdorf.jpg
  Manolo Blahnik Leather Pump $555 BergdorfGoodman
 
RSmalonepatentpump550net.jpg Rupert Sanderson Malone Patent Pumps $550 Net-a-Porter
 
D&Gpatentpumps550saks.jpg Dolce & Gabbana Patent Pumps $550 Saks
 
 colehaancarma275saks.jpg
Cole Haan Carma Mid Air Pump $275 ColeHaan

8 Comments

Great post, I can't wait to see what's next! I want the first pair of loubies!

For a cheaper pair yet these Mary Nortons

are available on Gilt.
(I've never worn that brand, actually, but I do have invites if anyone is interested.)
Many apologies if this comment is inappropriate here.

Boo for the failed html. They're very similar to the last pair pictured in the post though, in brocade.

Olivia

I have been curious to take a look at Gilt if you have an invite you would like to spare!

Olivia - Of course! I need your email for it. :)

yes i think every woman has to have a pair of really well made and timeless black pumps. i would suggest not a patent though and go for either the first loubie, the lower loubie or the manolo. I hear bad things about dolce and gabbana craftsmanship and that they aren't made so well. any shoegoddesses have experience with dolces?

leilatamar

I received the Manolos' as a gift 3 years ago from my boyfriend's mom (what an amazing woman!) Not only are they one of the most comfortable pair of shoes I own, they continue to be a relied on staple of my closet. So classic and sexy. I love this post so much I had to comment b/c I always encourage my girlfriends to invest in a classic pair of black pumps (and they are always elated when they do!)

Interesting..! Well, shoes are the main part of any wardrobe.

iftheshoefits

I think Stuart Weitzman's Fever is a must have for a basic black pump, very classic and very affordable (especially if you find them on sale).

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