Friday, July 13, 2012

I wear flats. You should too.

confession time:  i don't wear heels.

okay, that's a stretch, but i rarely wear heels (and then i usually regret it.)  i know heels would make my gigantic feet look slightly less gigantic (no, for real, i wear a size 11), but i just prefer comfort.  plus, i'm on my feet most of the time, my husband and i are already the same height and i don't like to tower...the excuses go on forever, but the basic premise is this.  i don't wear heels.

this does not mean i don't love shoes though.  i do.  i think some of my high-heel wearing sisters could probably benefit from some more flats in their lives, and i know those that are commited to the life of comfort probably need to swank up their flat wardrobe a bit.  so, i 've compiled a list of flats that every woman should own.  

5 - ballet flat
this is the basic, the lbd of shoes.  most people swear by a classic pump (which i don't disrespect) -- i swear by a basic ballet flat.  

you should own at least two pair - one black and one nude color.  after that, feel free to mix it up with fun colors and patterns.

here are some suggestions:


ballet flats


Reed Krakoff ballet shoes
reedkrakoff.com

Bloch ballet shoes
$88 - zenggi.com

Ash ballet shoes
$145 - jades24.com

Toast ballerina flat
$99 - toast.co.uk

4 - pointed toe flats

these are like the responsible, older sister of the ballet flats.  if you get a cheap pair, you might sacrifice a bit of the comfort of the ballet, but you'll always look quite put together.  these work much better than the ballet flat with work clothes, particularly pants.  again, neutral colors are nice to have, but i personally swear by a good pair of animal print pointy flats.

here are some i like:


pointed toe flats



3 - a "masculine" flat

here's a fun, quirky shoe.  i prefer my masculine shoe to be an oxford or a loafer, but really, this is where you get to have fun.  i use these shoes to add a little spunk to a basic outfit.  an oxford brings a touch of retro fun to a skirt or dress.  a fun loafer adds a punch of personality to a basic day-to-day outfit.  pair either with a cute pair of cropped pants and instantly look chic.

here're my suggestions:


"masculine" flats


Bronx shoes
asos.com

Steve Madden slip on shoes
lordandtaylor.com

Lace up oxford
topshop.com

Miss Selfridge slipper shoes
missselfridge.com

Oxford flat shoes
modcloth.com

Dress shoes
amazon.com

Spike shoes
myhotshoes.com



2 - a sandal

if you don't already have some flat sandals, you're behind.  regardless, you can't mention a list of must-have flats without mentioning a sandal.  flat sandals are effortless cool and work with sundresses, shorts, and, when done right, spring/summer work apparel.  use caution there though because you don't want to look too casual.  also, i love a metallic sandal.  i practically live in a simple pair of gold sandals i bought at old navy.

here're a few:



flat sandals


Strappy sandals
tommybahama.com

Jack rogers shoes
endless.com

Sam Edelman thong sandals
bloomingdales.com

Banana republic shoes
bananarepublic.gap.com

Dune nude shoes
$49 - johnlewis.com

H&M strappy shoes
$15 - hm.com



1 - comfy shoes

seriously, if you don't own a comfortable pair of flats already, close the browser and go buy some now.  this can include toms (it should), chucks, tennis shoes, something to wear when you wanna take a walk or wear a t-shirt.  you shouldn't live in these shoes, but they are essential to you wardrobe, and there's no need to sacrifice the cuteness here either.

here are some i like:



comfy flats


Madewell shoes
madewell.com

New Balance lace up sneaker
piperlime.gap.com

TOMS shoes
$69 - blueberries-online.com

Boden satin flat shoes
$60 - boden.co.uk

American Apparel unisex shoes
americanapparel.net




what are your must own shoes?  flats, heels, wedges?  is there one particular pair you couldn't live without?  let me know!

until next time, cheers!

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