Work Shoes

I work full time at a Toronto based shoe store called Capezio, so naturally, my shoe game needs to be on point every single day. 

I'm always adding more shoes to my collection because I love shoes and I love shopping, but currently this is my fall/winter line up of work shoes.

If you want to see how I wear the shoes or what they look like on, check out my instagram, @alexisemilychin, for almost daily ootd's and selfies. 

1) Filene by Shellys London

These were the one of the two first pairs of shoes I bought when I got the job. They have a secret 1" heel that I always appreciate, but are also my comfiest work shoes. These are my go to when I know I'm facing a busy day or stock. 

2) Camp by Shellys London

I was instantly draw to how huge and weird these boots look, and despite purchasing them on a whim and mostly for laughs, they've actually become my favourite work shoes. The 3.5" heel puts me at almost a normal height, and the platform front makes it feel like theres barely a lift at all. After one painful shift, I broke them in and now I feel like I could run a marathon in them. They're my go to for being a great combination of crazy, comfortable, and easy to match with every outfit. 

3) Sakura by Jeffrey Campbell

My inner punk will never die, and when I saw a 70 year old woman try these on and love them, I knew I needed them. The 2" platform is surprisingly easy to walk in because of the ridges cut all the way across the shoe. My favourite thing about these shoes is how soft and comfy they are, you can lace them up really tight and they flex with your feet like a sock. 

4) Nonstop by Steve Madden 

These are super cute, and surprisingly comfortable. The soft leather upper stretches and flexes to fit your foot like a glove, and the chunky heel is really supportive and easy to walk in. They're my girly work shoes. Two things about these though, one, they have no sole! so you need to get shoe grips for the bottom, and two, beware of imitations, there are counterfeit and knock offs of these shoes everywhere that aren't as comfortable or sturdy. Be safe and buy from Capezio ;) 

5) Berk by Michael by Michael Kors 

Real talk though, I bought these for a wedding. But the top zipper closure and plastic construction make them lightweight and supportive on your foot, making the 4" heel, really not a big deal. A best seller by me to brides (in the silver colour) and to bridesmaids. 

6) Nadia by Vagabond

These were a special fall present to myself, to feed my inner punk. They're just so freaking amazing. The top leather is pebbled and beautiful, and they're flannel lined so they're warm and cozy without fur or shearling. They have a side zipper (thank goodness) and a sturdy sole, so I'm excited to wear these into winter time because I think they'll be amazing for the season. They also look great with pants or dresses. 

The opinions expressed in this blog are not influenced by nor are a reflection of Capezio Footwear, Davids Footwear, or Markio Designs. I was not compensated in anyway for my mentioning of the company in this post or anywhere on my blog. 

My Favourite Basics

So, I've been told quite a few times in recent weeks that I should be a fashion blogger, so here we go!

I guess my first entry to the fashion blogging world should be a post about my favourite staple items, things I'll wear until they fall apart, and then will replace. 

1) Favourite Basic T-Shirt

I love a basic ballerina style t-shirt. The scoop neck and longer sleeve length is universally flattering, and so much more feminine than your basic, basic t-shirt.

My favourite is from Smart Set, because they're not too tight and not expensive. Also because I used to work there, so I have a million for work shirts. 

2) Favourite Cami

My clothing saviour in the summer is a bustier, full length or cropped. They're constructed thicker than your layering camisoles, so they can be worn alone, or under a cape/cardigan/jacket. They don't do too well under other tops, but that doesn't bug me. 

These are both from Aritzia's Talula line, Haneda is the cropped, and Toshima is the full length. I have multiples of both in black, and they were basically the only thing I wore this summer with maxi skirts. 

3) Favourite Work/Everywhere Jeans

Work jeans are different from going out jeans. Work jeans shouldn't be too tight or too skinny, but still flattering and easy to wear in many outfits. I like a high waisted skinny or slim leg, because high waist or mid rise pants offer more support and coverage for generally looking professional and because I'm usually moving around a lot at work. 

These are the J.Crew Lookout High Rise, despite their "superskinny" label, they fit me more like a slim leg, which is great for work when I want to look a bit more professional. These are also a great option if you want one pair of skinny jeans that you can literally wear any where because they can easily be dressed up or down. 

4) Favourite Legging Pant

I hate leggings. There, I said it. I own one pair of matte wet leggings from Guess that I've worn once, and a pair of yoga leggings that I thought were a good idea when I was 14. But legging-pant crossovers are great. These include any pants under the name of "pointe pants" "riding pants" and basically any skinny stretchy pants.

My favourite by far are the American Apparel Riding Pant. The only thing missing from making these perfect is the lack of pockets, but I'll live. They have a legging fit, with legging stretch, but have a thick elastic on the super high waist and a button-fly. That and the thick (also super warm) fabric smooth out your body and curves in a way that cotton leggings never will. They also have little pads sewn between the knees, one of my favourite details. But if you're currently wearing leggings in public, this is the perfect combination of comfortable like leggings, but appropriate as pants. 

5) Favourite Cape/Cardigan

I love capes and long, drapey cardigans. They're great for layering in summer time over shorts and skirts, but also good in fall and winter layered over thicker tops for warmth. 

My top cape is the American Apparel Jersey Shawl Cardigan, which is the cotton jersey version to the insanely popular Bouclé Shawl Cardigan, which I do actually have, but I find the jersey material easier to care for and more my style.