While I was meeting with a publicist friend at her office last week, I bumped into a bigwig stylist I know, who was also there casting models for a Spring 2015 fashion show, featuring a cutting-edge New York-based designer. It was hard to focus on my meeting as potential runway models sashayed around the office. What also got my attention was the throwback Cole Haan penny loafer the stylist picked out to co-star with all the runway looks--a simple but perfect shoe that worked like magic with everything from pants to skirts to easy dresses. It got me thinking: I need a pair for my running-around life! I also like these loafers from Madewell, Sam Edelman, 3.1 Phillip Lim and Saint Laurent.

Photo: Tenuously