It wasn't always this way, but over the past few years I've whittled my morning routine down to a minimum. 

Usually, I reach for something in heather-grey, something button-up or pull-over, and one of my staple overcoats to finish off my ensemble. And so, dressing for the day has become a precision process; I take a quick once-over in the mirror, and I'm ready to go.

That is, I'm ready to go until  the matter of picking the right pair of shoes comes to the fore, stopping me in my tracks.

I strongly believe shoes are the bane of every woman's existence, more so than handbags. Now, mind you, I certainly don't have an expansive shoe collection. And yet, I am always agonizing over which shoe to wear, as if choosing one pair over another will hurt the rejected one's feelings. 

Then, there's the matter of practicality: If I wear my go-to heels and the day turns out to be windy, my arches will be exposed and I'll feel cold. But if I wear my favourite platform boots and I've got lots of walking to do, I'll be burnt out after four blocks. And loafers or ballet shoes aren't always the most appropriate option.

You see my predicament.

Thankfully, these Cheap Monday boots are always standing by, ready to address each concern. It has a teeny kitten heel so I won't feel too grounded or casual; the shank covers most of my lower legs so no cold air sneaks in; and the firm leather is well-polished, giving a sleek finish that pulls my look together nicely.

You'd think the versatility of those boots would solve my daily shoe problem...

Wearing: AJ Morgan Feline sunglasses; Norma Kamali trench coat; H&M denim shirt; Topshop leather belt; The Kooples trousers; Cheap Monday boots.

NB Images copyright © 2012 Au Courant Studio, LLC, All Rights Reserved

Sometimes I think that men get all the essential and versatile items for their wardrobe, and women get frou-frou, Barbie-pink sparkle nonsense. 

Case in point? These sumptuous, tapestry evening slippers, designed by Street Etiquette's Joshua Kissi & Travis Gumbs in collaboration with LA-based shoe label, Del Toro.

In my excitement over the Italian-made pair, I allowed myself to be tantalized by its warm tones and sleek design - these were the slippers I've been waiting for!

Alas, a quick tweet this morning to Kissi brought me back to reality whilst confirming my worst suspicions: these beauties do not come in women's sizes. 

I am quite stymied. 

Nonetheless, I still plan on having a pair in my home, albeit through my goodly husband. Perhaps a little more sweet talk may convince him to purchase these, if only so I can glance down at them ever so often and comfort myself...

NB Image Courtesy Street Etiquette

There was a curious period in my life when I thought novelty-esque sunglasses were a thing. As in, a cool thing, worn in order to jazz up my daily basic ensembles. Amongst my favourites were a plastic, flourescent pink Benetton pair; a humongous metal-framed vintage number with curlicues on either temple; a red + white, asymmetrical oddity; and a crystal-clear, American Apparel deadstock goggles.

Every time I wore a pair, my goodly husband would roll his eyes and ask if I absolutely had to wear 'those hideous things' in public again. And every time, I'd toss my head in defiance and confidently say that I was making some grand style statement that he just couldn't understand.

Apparently, I was deluded. A picture shot at the peak of the madness alludes to this fact; I was wearing a vintage pair that covered so much of my face it seemed as if my hairline began where the frames ended. And I have a rather large forehead, so for a pair of sunglasses to almost cover it? 

Madness, I tell you.

Thankfully, hiding behind all the novelty mess in my accessories case were these three basic sunglasses, which I've worn religiously ever since wising up. The aviators are for the everyday, the chunky cat's eye is perfect for a more dressy occassion, and when the old, novelty ways come a-calling and I can't resist?

The vintage black circle-sunnies are there to answer. Albeit in a more subdued, less Auntie-Mame manner...

Shown, from top: AJ Morgan Feline sunglasses; Vintage circle sunnies; Tory Burch aviators.

NB Images copyright © 2012 Au Courant Studio, LLC, All Rights Reserved