Shoe Essentials For The Modern Day Fashionista On A Budget

In a recent interview conducted by U.K.'s Radio Times with Emma Watson, Emma Watson shared, "I've got about eight pairs of shoes and that’s it." And while I'm sure the U.K. actress, worth at $40 million, can afford as many shoes as she desires (and I'm sure the designers are ever so lovely to provide complimentary shoes for them to wear in public--free advertising!), she opts to stick to the essentials and what she really needs. Let's take a little fashionista advice from Miss Watson and reflect on whether we really need those 10 pairs of black boots. Can we shrink down our shoe hoarding to the essentials?

Shoe Essentials For The Modern Day Fashionista On A Budget

If we were to shrink down our shoe collection to the essentials, there are a few pairs of shoes that you can buy to compliment most if not all outfits. Plus, by sticking to the essentials, you can allocate that saved moolah for something else you've been wanting: that vacation you've been wanting to take. Below you will find a listing of the basic shoe collection every woman should have and should be able to accessorize any outfit:

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Canvas: Perfect for that chill day, just hanging out with friends or cruising downtown. 

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Sneakers: Every girls needs a good pair of active sneakers! My friends and I love to run so sneakers are where we splurge! We like to go to Fleet Feet (or something similar) and have our shoes fitted and customized to our foot shape and arch. Fleet Feet provides shoes that are a mini foot heaven! Even if you just lift weights, dance or hike, you'll definitely feel the difference in support and comfort. Trust me, your feet will be thanking you.

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Sandals: While some people would recommend flip flops, I feel that sandals would be a more appropriate shoe essential. Flip flops are one dimensional and are fairly laid back. Sandals however can be worn at the beach or going out. This takes care of two occasions with one shoe.  

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Flats: The perfect go to shoes to look cute while giving your feet some comfort away from heels. These can be worn with jeans, shorts and skirts.

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Boots: Boots, while mostly worn in the fall and winter, is still an essential to have in your closet. This can range from your UGG boots, mid-calf boots, to knee high boots. The best would be brown or black knee high boots that will give your outfit protection from the elements while still adding style to your outfit. 

To tuck in your jeans without weird bunching, roll up your jeans till it is at your ankles and wear some long socks (making sure that it fits over your jeans). Slip on those boots and you're good to go!

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Booties w/ Heel and Flat: Booties can be worn with shorts, jeans, and skirts! It's a three-fer :) Booties with heels can dress up any outfit while flat booties keeps the outfit pretty chill and kick back.

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Nude Pumps: If we were to bring our heel collection to a single shoe, I would purchase nude pumps. No shoe collection is right without a pair of pumps to dress up an outfit and make your legs look long and lean. Also, the nude color is guaranteed to match any outfit. Pumps, like booties, can be worn with shorts, jeans or skirts!

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When purchasing your essential shoes, don't be afraid to splurge. Splurging on higher end shoes results in shoes that are manufactured with better material and design. These shoes will then last longer, offsetting the cost to purchase them. 

If you do end of veering beyond the essentials (such as purchasing shoes in different hues or styles etc etc), it is totally acceptable to purchase cheaper shoes as you most likely won't wear them as often. For those that you do wear often, again, you pay for what you get. 

And don't forget to hit the off the rack department stores! It is the same quality but just may not be the most current of shoe fashion. Stores like Marshalls, Ross, TJ Maxx, or Nordstrom Rack all carry designer brands but for cheaper! There may be a little more work digging around but I've found gorgeous Christian Louboutin's for half price!