Closet Must-Haves: Our Top 5 Shoe Essentials

KIT

I am a firm believer that one can never own too many pairs of shoes. And I seriously doubt there is a woman alive that would disagree with me.

But for the sake of this blog - and limited closet space - I will narrow it down to the five pairs that I think every woman must have in her closet.

The Ballet Flat

Usually in black, although works just as well in any color, ballet flats are perfect for women on-the-go. These can easily take you from day to night, and casual to cocktails - especially for those of us who just donʼt like wearing heels. Ballet flats, or any variation of flats, are my travel staple since they keep me comfortable and looking polished all day ....

Tod's

Jellies

Iʼve lost many a pair of my favorite shoes to the pouring rain. While I do own a pair of the hottest rain boots, the schizophrenic Manila weather doesnʼt always permit me to stay in these all day. My solution to this dilemma is - jellies! Thank the fashion goddesses for bringing out jellies that are more patent-looking as compared to those translucent jelly

shoes of the 80ʼs! If the forecast is sunny with a chance of rain, donʼt take any chances! You can wear these jellies all day and not worry about ruining a good pair of shoes in case of a sudden downpour.

Tory Burch Jellies

Sandals

Flip-flops are great for the beach or after your work-out but I, personally, am not too hot about wearing them around town. In our tropical climate, sandals are great for those days when you feel itʼs just too hot out to wear shoes. Just be sure to give yourself a pedi first! Otherwise, keep those toes hidden!

Charles & Keith

Neutral Heels

Neutral or nude heels are as versatile as you can get! At any heel height, if you get a shade closest to your skin tone, they magically give you the illusion of longer legs! Now, who wouldnʼt say no to that?

Tod's Python Pump

Black Heels

A good pair of black pumps can be worn with a smart suit for the office, with skinny jeans and sexy top for a night on the own with your girlfriends, or with that other closet musthave - the LBD for a hot date with your man.

Stella Luna

JENNY


HAVAIANAS in Solids and Metallic Colors
Anyone who knows me well enough knows that i’m at my most comfortable when I’m in my Havaianas… I use them at home, to and from rehearsals, when lounging around… just about anytime and everywhere! I have over a dozen of them in a wide variety of colors. :P

PUMA Ballet Flats

I’ve two of these type of Puma flats. I guess you can say that they’re my trusty and comfy “walk-around town” ballet flats. They’re just perfect to have on when you’re going about your day or traveling all over the place… they’re very kind on your feet. :P

BLOCH Dance Sneakers

A gift from my llf’s on my birthday two years ago… these are the shoes I use during rehearsals, particularly on “choreo” days… I may not be the best dancer out there, but I’m equipped with dance sneakers that make me feel and look like I am. :P

MIZUNO Wave Creation 8 Rubber Shoes

Everyone’s got their fave pair of rubber shoes and mine are my Mizunos. I gotta admit that I originally bought this pair for the sole reason that it was the only green pair in the store! It’s now proving to be more than just an “eye-candy” pair of kicks… I love them! :P

ALDO Cream Pumps

A gift from Jason, I think to try to bring out the “girlier girl” in me, hahaha! I only usually get “dolled-up” when I have to and that’d be work related— for events or corporate shows. So seeing me in heels and all dressed up is not that common. I gotta admit though that this is one of my fave pairs of heeled shoes that I own. :P

* Photos from: papeldeliha.wordpress.com, kaboodle.com, attitudedancewear.com, runtheplanet.com, shopdeathbyplatforms.blogspot.com

KARISIA


Ballet Flats

If I had to choose one type of shoe to wear for the rest of my life, ballet flats would definitely be it. They're classic, chic and comfortable. Bestie Kit and I have these matching Tory Burch Revas that dress up any outfit. I especially love how easily it can go from day to night.

Wedges

Q - Shoes that:

a. Make you taller

b. Make your legs look longer

c. Are kind to your feet

d. All of the above

A - D! A girl's best friend!!! These Philosophy by Alberta Ferretti wedges are my all-time fave.

Gladiator Sandals

I know people wear slippers everywhere now; I, however, still reserve them only for the house, the beach or for after a pedi. My gladiators from Boutique 9 are my staple for running errands.

Black Heels

I believe every girl should have a pair of black heels. My fave pair was a birthday gift from My Sissy. I love these Badgley Mischka peep toes with the little bows as they go with just about everything in my closet - from my fave pair of jeans to my ever-growing collection of LBDs.

Nude Heels

The first time I put on these nude BCBG stilettos, I wobbled and almost lost my balance in the store. I was just about to put them back when a saleslady, oh so patiently, led me to a full length mirror. I was in awe, I had never seen my legs look longer in my life! I knew I had to have them. These are one of those times when suffering for fashion is definitely worth it. And when I can hardly walk by the end of the night, I think to myself, "this is why I have all those ballet flats."

RORIE

Flats

The new trend? Loafer style with a bit of a heel. Go for something with a bit more flair—look for subtle embellishment or a leopard print. 

Balenciaga

Aperlaï

Wedge

For those who hate wearing high heels but want the extra height, wedges are your best bet. Despite the added inches, they are actually quite comfortable to walk around in. 

Nicholas Kirkwood

Evening

Yes, black is the most versatile color but it doesn't have to be a basic, boring pair for those special nights out. Pick a show-stopper! A whimsical flower or full on glitz lends instant wow factor.

Roger Vivier

Nude Heels
If you want to look thinner and taller, pick a nude shoe that's close to your actual skin tone. 

Jerome C. Rousseau

Black Pumps

The shoe staple that is a must in every closet. This goes with EVERYTHING and can take you from the office straight to a cocktail party. 

Alejandro Ingelmo

* Photos from style.com

Let us know your Essential 5 and get a chance to win one of our Shoe Fund coin purses. XOXO!!! - Bolso Babes Jenny, Karisia, Kit and Rorie

A Sunday Shower

Helped organize a baby shower for my fab sis-in-law last Sunday along with awesome cousin-in-law, Crissa. Tita Gina offered her lovely casa for the day and we had a small and simple gathering. If you love throwing parties, here are a few tips on how to make it more memorable and fun:

Mama Marga, who is due in August! Since she's having a boy, we decided on a blue and white palette. 

1) Pick a theme. It will be easier for you to decide on what decor you need and it makes a bigger impact when everything looks coordinated.

The spread. Everyone pitched in!

Roast pork and potatoes by Tita Gina.

Chicken Fingers by Tita Rose.

Milky Way sandwiches from Andi.

Shrimp and garlic pasta courtesy of Mommy Suzanne.

Conti's choco mousse from Tita Charry.

Yummy Costa Brava cupcakes. You can print out these toppers yourself!

2) Don't want to spend too much? Make it potluck and whip up your own decorations! Go to www.marthastewart.com for tips on how to make paper flowers, pom poms and print your own invitations, signs, tags and toppers! Other party sites to check out for inspiration and unique party themes: www.hostessblog.com and www.saraspartyperfect.com. You can also ask a friend who's creative and has mad computer skills to design an invite, email it to you and then simply forward it to your guests. Saves you money and it's more eco-friendly!

Flower pom poms

One of the fun games that Crissa did: make a collage of how you think the mother-to-be's baby will look like! 

Guess the mummy's tummy...

And an exciting relay game!

For more games, check out:

http://www.babyshower101.com/

3) If you organize parties quite often, invest in a few, inexpensive things 

that you will use over and over again such as a nice drink dispenser, a few ceramic vases and clear votive candle holders. You can also reuse glass bottles or jam jars for a rustic, shabby chic look.

If you like throwing parties, get a cute drink dispenser. People love them and you hardly need to refill it.

4) For prizes and giveaways, put them in glass jars so guests can choose and get what they want. 

It's more fun to put prizes and giveaways (candies, chocolates, trinkets, etc.) in clear jars or plates.

-RCM 

* Photographs by Angel Manzano and Suzanne Ramos.