It's one of those days when I feel like the universe is messing with me. I recently did a ruthless cull of my fall and winter footwear, settling on a chic capsule of just five perfect pairs (and a search for just one more) that truly are all I need. Now, the trouble with telling the world about this is that I've backed myself into a corner where I really can't make any sneaky additional shoe purchases—which was the whole point, to be fair.
And now, just when I thought I was in the clear after commendably making it through Black Friday and Cyber Monday without so much as *harmlessly* popping a pair of shoes in my cart, Nordstrom decided to go ahead and have another massive surprise sale, seemingly in an attempt to ruin me. In lieu of shopping for myself, I've thrived in curating the tip-top pairs for you out of everything that's on sale: chic flats, black boots, Mary Janes, modern heels that feel special (but aren't doing too much). For the record, all of these would slip very nicely into my capsule wardrobe, which is exactly what will be happening as soon as a spot opens up.
Burgundy loafers so dark they're almost black.
The perfect heel for this season.
Glove flats are the moment.
If you've been waiting to invest in a great knee-high black boot.
With wide-leg jeans.
Editors are loving these super-soft, buzzy flats.
Offended by how expensive these look.
Oh my.
The New Balance sneaks to know about now.
You'll want to go a half-size up, but then you'll be wearing these every day.
Tassels! And more burgundy!
The color is amazing, and the shape of the heel looks so expensive.
Any excuse to slide into these.
The boot version of Sam Edelman's jazzy flats, all grown up and ready for winter.
Always in style.
Really into vintage-vibe sneakers.
The trending boot style of the season.
Metallic flats aren't going anywhere.
Life gets so much better when you have actual waterproof boots.
With a bit of a heel, if you're so inclined.
The best price I've ever seen on these classic Vans.
A heel designed for late nights.
Further proof that low kitten heels are where we're at right now.
Finally, the moment when being a massive New York Times crossword nerd finally pays off! That's how I know the end of a lace is called an aglet, and these gold aglets are the story here.
Buttery flat slingbacks to wear all the way through next spring and beyond.
More great brown suede boots, please.
These keep popping up on my feed.
Patent-leather footwear is on the rise.
Massively discounted Coach boots that have already sold out in black.
These leather sandals look designer, and you'll be thrilled to already own them come summer.
