– A simple black blazer that has an interesting cut
– A perfect white shirt
– A simple, understated but beautifully crafted handbag in luxurious leather
– A pair of black leather flats
Granted, I don’t own any of these essentials but I will someday in the future. The French ballet shoes brand Repetto carries the best and most classic flats, but I haven’t found the pair that meets my demands:
1. The flats must cover my toes, completely
2. More than 1/2″ heel
3. Flats that aren’t too flat (need thick soles)
i personally think it's good you set such high standards to your basics. they are, after all, called basics for a reason.it is the foundation of a good wardrobe so to say.therefore, a search for any good basic item shouldn't end in the first store you've entered.trial and error, love. :)
^exactly! through trial and error, i've learned not to settle for the second best!
Repetto shoes are not very comfortable (in my opinion) because they are so thin soled. I love Tod's or Chanel flats and if you were to invest in one good pair of ballet flats, I would strongly recommend a pair of Chanel ones. BTW, love your blog – I'm aspiring to be as utilitarian as you!
As for the flats, I agree with Amanda re: Chanel. I have a pair of mary-jane flats with a t-strap with a solid heel and comfy treaded rubber sole.Also, I have a pair of quilted Delmans with a thick, substantial rubber sole. So maybe check out Delman as well? After living in California where I could wear any flats with no problem, then moving somewhere with weather, I also found the sole construction became important to me because it's often rainy here in the Midwest. I wanted a flat that could allow me to walk on wet surfaces without the shoe soaking up water and the Delmans came through (though there are so many different styles out there, not all having such a good sole). Not to mention walking on concrete in super thing flats kills your ankles and knees.
why do you have such amazing taste? love your blog! :)
I found the perfect pair of Repettos in Paris (with a 1-inch heel) but generally I would advise you to take your flats to a good cobbler and have them put on a nice thick rubber sole. No matter the brand this makes it much more comfortable to walk, and the shoes last longer.
I love all the things you mention, although I'd rather have an Hermès Birkin than a Fendi I think. And I wish I had Lanvin ballet flats too but for the moment I must be content with my dear Repettos.
ohh yeah. so simple, so chic.
Very chic. I was always a driving shoes girl but I caved with ballet flats since drivers aren't right with dresses. I have these Kenneth Cole New York flats with a little button/circle at the toe, in 4 different colors (navy, red suede, black, & olive). I wish I had been able to buy more at the time (leopard calf hair and purple suede). And for the past 4 years those are the only ballet flats I've allowed myself to wear. I'm in trouble if any of them get destroyed.
i have a pair of mine de rien flats that i purchased from yoox about a year ago. they are silver, cover my toes completely, and have a nice thick heel (about 1"). they don't seem to carry the brand very much in the U.S. but you should be able to find them over on your side of the planet with relative ease, i'd think. in black, of course. i really love the bag and blazer. lovely basics.
It's so smart to get all the great staple pieces.. of course I've thought about this a billion times, and yet still have not gotten them.. but I will someday as well! http://www.lovelywanderlust.com
I love how methodical you are in planning future purchases! Who makes that white tee?
i would have to say check check and check to all that you have posted…which reminds me..i should take my new flats to the cobbler! ;))
ååååå jeg vil ha!
I love every item on this list – re: flats, I would recommend Chloe and French Sole. And yes, definitely get a rubber sole on them. Those Lanvin flats are dreamy though! I got a pair of Lanvin black satin sneakers on sale in the summer, and I love them – they are so beautifully crafted.
Dear, I really love your blog entries!! After I read it for the first time, I immediately wrote a list with things I really need. Since then I don't buy anything not on the list, hehee! Go on like that!!Best regards, Sophie
first two are kind of easy,but finding right black flats is, and for ever was a painful and not so successful process for me. but I still have hope.
i love the blazer
I have to say, I need a tiny bit of toe cleavage for my flats. My patent leather Marnis have been totally murdered by the NYC streets so I'm on the hunt..Lanvin would be nice but they cover too much!
Thanks for the suggestions! I have tons of time to find the perfect pair of flats as it's getting colder and colder here in Oslo!Kristi: The white tee is from The Row!
you're so right about the "flats needing to be not soooo flat" bit!!!
I've seen some Delman flats that might work. They look like the toe box is cut high too. They say Audrey Hepburn and Jackie O wore their shoes if that's any vote of confidence. ;)