For those of us who don't live amazingly glamorous lives and the need to be practical outweighs pretty on a regular basis, ballerina flats have become a go-to option for years now. But even though they can scream "sensibility", flats need not be boring! After years of wearing them, I have come to see them as an accessory more than anything-- something along the lines of statement jewelry or a beautiful handbag.
A quick scroll through Net-A-Porter in between classes brought me to these gorgeous pairs:
An indigo toned pair of flats turn luxe with satin fabric and tulle ornamentation.
Lanvin Crystal-Embellished Satin Ballerina Flats
Metallic gold leather is such a great way to add a touch of glam to any ensemble and can help tie other elements of your look together.
Tory Burch Amelia Crystal Leather Ballerina Flats
A calf-hair zebra print flat is a statement all in itself and is enough to elevate any outfit to being chic. The pointy toe is a great lady like touch and the silver buckle adds character to the shoe.
Michael Kors Zebra Print Ballerina Flats
Being a fan of the Reva flat myself, I can attest to these being amongst the most comfortable shoes that I own. And any leopard print accessory will be your best friend this fall.
Tory Burch Reva Leopard Print Ballerina Flats
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Of course, these pairs are out of the price range of many, but retailers are coming out with more and more affordable, non-basic options by the day. The danger with this is that sometimes it is hard to pick a pair that looks worth the pricetag and does not appear "cheap" when there are so many choices. So, here are my...
...Tips for finding inexpensive flats that look (and feel) expensive:
Tell me about your favourite pair of flats and why!
And on another note: only three days left to enter to win a gorgeous piece of Amrita Singh statement jewelry! Enter NOW!
A quick scroll through Net-A-Porter in between classes brought me to these gorgeous pairs:
An indigo toned pair of flats turn luxe with satin fabric and tulle ornamentation.
Lanvin Crystal-Embellished Satin Ballerina Flats
Metallic gold leather is such a great way to add a touch of glam to any ensemble and can help tie other elements of your look together.
Tory Burch Amelia Crystal Leather Ballerina Flats
A calf-hair zebra print flat is a statement all in itself and is enough to elevate any outfit to being chic. The pointy toe is a great lady like touch and the silver buckle adds character to the shoe.
Michael Kors Zebra Print Ballerina Flats
Being a fan of the Reva flat myself, I can attest to these being amongst the most comfortable shoes that I own. And any leopard print accessory will be your best friend this fall.
Tory Burch Reva Leopard Print Ballerina Flats
---------------
Of course, these pairs are out of the price range of many, but retailers are coming out with more and more affordable, non-basic options by the day. The danger with this is that sometimes it is hard to pick a pair that looks worth the pricetag and does not appear "cheap" when there are so many choices. So, here are my...
...Tips for finding inexpensive flats that look (and feel) expensive:
- Look for leather insoles. In my experience, this helps shoes retain their shape so much better. This option is not that hard to find, even in "fast fashion" shops like Zara. A man-made insole will cause your shoes to wear out a lot more quickly and appear much cheaper.
- Jewel toned satin flats often look more expensive than they are. Look for girly detailing or embellishments on the front of the shoe (so miu miu!). I would advise against fluorescent or loud colours for this option.
- If choosing an animal print pair, calf hair always looks sophisticated and helps prevent the print from being tacky.
- Consignment/discount shops! My Revas were purchased for $40 and $60 respectively and I have Stuart Weitzman (huge fan of his shoes) and Marc by Marc Jacobs flats that were both purchased for under $80. And a pair of forest green calf hair DVF flats? $30 at Neiman Marcus Last Call.
- Rubber soles are great for walking, but make sure they are not visible from the side. I think this takes away from the aesthetic value of the shoe and can make it look too practical (we want to be sensible but not look it!)
- Make sure your man approves (written by my boyfriend... hee)
Tell me about your favourite pair of flats and why!
And on another note: only three days left to enter to win a gorgeous piece of Amrita Singh statement jewelry! Enter NOW!
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12 comments
these are handy tips for choosing flats. i can never justify spending money on them
by devilishlypleasurable on October 14, 2010 at 3:14 PM. #
Ok, so the secret it- you can get expensive shoes...you just have to look on fashion.ebay.com! I got a pair of black, classic Tory Burch Reva's for around $50, including shipping!
by thegoodgirlgoneblog.com on October 14, 2010 at 3:15 PM. #
Such cute flats!! and great tips!! I need to get some new flats since a few of mine are dying, haha
http://aclosetfashionista.blogspot.com/
by Closet Fashionista on October 14, 2010 at 4:25 PM. #
I'm pretty new to flats so I appreciate the tips! Been lusting after TB flats for a while now and think I will cave soon :P
by PetiteXXS on October 14, 2010 at 5:02 PM. #
I just got my first pair of really great comfortable flats - Browns ID from the Bay! I used to get the synthetic ones but they would wear out so fast - I think I need to stick with leather! Great post and really great tips! I love the first two you posted!
Curls and Pearls
by curls-and-pearls on October 14, 2010 at 6:34 PM. #
Love this post, Jen! I'm such a fan of flats, but finding really nice ones can be difficult. Yesterday I got a pair of Kathy Van Zeeland flats that I completely love, and they were $40. Her shoe line is quite new, I think. (She was making handbags before, which I also love.)
And I totally agree about the rubber soles! I never like the look of them when they're visible on the sides. It sometimes really rounds out the shoe too much, you know?
Hope you have a divine weekend, lovely girl!
by Casee Marie on October 14, 2010 at 7:12 PM. #
i used to carry flats with me every day.. whether in my purse (if i have a big one) or just in the car for those emergencies :D
Janelle
http://barestudy.blogspot.com
by BARESTUDY (Janelle) on October 14, 2010 at 7:50 PM. #
jen!!!! those are all beautiful except i cant afford any of them either. the only ballet flats i wear are from a romanian brand called musette. the quality is great because they are made of real leather and manufactured in italy and they ar ereally comfy. i buy the same pair each time im in romania. i'm now at my third pair.
xoxo
mina
by Faboulista on October 14, 2010 at 9:08 PM. #
Thanks for the tips!! :) I love flats.. I wish I had more fancier ones that can be like a statement necklace :) I agree with the rubber soles... never to be seen! :p
by Rainy Days and Lattes on October 14, 2010 at 9:41 PM. #
GREAT flats!! Im posting a pic of mine today..too funny!!
by Collette Osuna on October 15, 2010 at 4:30 AM. #
oooo lovely!! can I have the first two pairs please :) love your blog, am following you :)
welcome to enjoy and follow at
http://www.sweetfacedstyle.blogspot.com
Twitter: @AnikaSweetface
<3 Anika
by Anika Sweetfaced Style - Self Worth Activist on October 15, 2010 at 11:27 PM. #
Because of this blog post, I purchased this pair over the weekend: http://www.whitehouseblackmarket.com/Product_Images/570007010_1001.jpg
I usually just wear plain flats but you really inspired me to be more daring! (Haha yes, this is daring for me :))
by Helen on October 17, 2010 at 8:46 PM. #