How easy was your journey towards a shoe capsule collection?
It was a difficult selection to make - not easy to select 4 pairs of shoes to get the most versatility out of the combinations. Not with all these handsome models! This would depend on what your wardrobe is comprised of: suits, blazers, or even denim. My wardrobe is composed of trousers and blazers but personally, I like to wear suits a lot. That is what I based my selection on.
What four shoes would you choose to make the most combining outfits out of?
1. Black Box Calf Balmoral Oxfords.
The truth is that everyone should invest in a good pair of black oxfords to wear on certain occasions. After a rough 2020, a slow 2021, and the lack of meetings and formal events; a pair of black shoes will always be easily integrated into a variety of outfits.
The Oxford's silhouette is clean and being built on a Simpson last, just adds that hint of elegance. These shoes will be an excellent option for a suit that you wish to wear for any formal event that requires a black shoe.
The Box calf leather is, undoubtably, a remarkable success. You can even give the cap toe a mirror shine or allow it to get a natural shine by polishing it regularly. This shoe will last many years.
2. Burgundy Museum Adelaide oxford.
Although being slightly less formal than the previous mentioned pair, the oxfords, due to the medallion on the cap toe and the Adelaide style. When asked, this burgundy museum leather is, surely, one of the most versatile pieces in your wardrobe. Depending on the lighting, these shoes will appear darker, but as soon as the light shines on them, the museum effect will stand out and offer its handsome various tones.
Absolutely gorgeous! If I were asked to pick one of the most versatile shoes in my wardrobe, they would definitively be it. I cannot think of any colour suit or pair of trousers that would not match these shoes impeccably.
There are some that might feel reluctant towards this colour due to its antique look, however, as soon as you experience them, you will want a pair yourself.
There is no need for me to say that the Adelaide’s are one of my favourite shoes due to the leather and the Rain last.
3. Brown box calf Tassel Loafers
What about the Norwegian split-toe loafers? However, you wish to call it, this is a must-have in your wardrobe due to several reasons. Firstly, the Forest last which it is assembled on is also used for oxfords which makes it ideal to be worn with suits due to its elegant shape. For people who like to wear a suit with loafers, this is an excellent option.
Next, the finish of the box calf leather is a wonderful way to up the formality of the shoe. Lastly, the tassels and the split toe details. The first time I saw this pair, the initial thought that was pictured in my mind was to wear them with a suit.
The Uetam last is one of my favourites for loafer style shoes, however, the Forest last allows a greater span of possibilities. The Uetam last to me looks more formal and so, excludes the possibility to wear them with denim. On the other hand, the Forest last, being more robust, allows for both a more sober as well as casual enough to look good when combined with denim.
4. Brown Museum Chelsea boots
To end on a high note, a good pair of boots should always be part of any wardrobe. These have been crafted in a Simpson last and brown Museum leather - the Inca last would be another Carmina jewel to go for. Both lasts are versatile.
There is no middle ground with Chelsea boots, you either love them or you hate them. I personally love them due to the simple fact that they are easy to slip on and off.
In addition, due to having less stitches in the cap toe and vamp area, they are easy to wear with both suit and denim trousers. To be honest, I was not sure how the Simpson last would contrast on the denim but, to my surprise, they are a great match.
These boots give the illusion of a shorter Cowboy boot with a more refined and squarer cap toe. The brown Museum in contrast to the burgundy Museum, is not as dark and only shows slight shades of brown, marked by the tanning process, that are revealed with light. These are the shoes that would, in my eyes, offer the widest array of possibilities in regard to outfits, events and formality which you will be able to wear for many years.
What would your top 4 capsule collections of Carmina´s be to compliment your wardrobe? Let us know at our Instagram page @carminashoemaker and follow @armandomadrid for more outfit inspiration. Don´t forget to tag us #carminashoemaker , we would love to see your outfits!