brown snakeskin // mary jane // fuchsia // hole punched // black d’orsay // bow-tie back // leopard (ordered!) // striped d’orsay
left: stars // silver // right: grey // cobalt ballerina (comes in 11 colors)
Remember my confession on Monday that I’m really a flats girl? Ok, cats out of the bag, so now I’m back to share my current favorites. The d’orsay style (where the front and the back are not connected) is huge right now; however my advice is put it on your foot to see if it’s flattering. I like options with a bit more exposed skin or a v-shape by the toes.
In terms of wear, consider your pointed-toe flats a perfect alternative to heels or rounded toe flats. They’re impossibly chic, classic, and promise they’re comfortable (at least the right pair is!). And, like I said Monday: don’t worry if your foot is on the bigger size. I’m 5’3 and wear a size 9, and don’t have any issues. There are hundreds of black options but couldn’t resist sharing a few other favorites (ps: just ordered the leopard pair; I’ve been debating them for months and months and finally went for it. Every girl needs a pair of leopard, flats, right?)
Ah, the ankle strap. It initially appeared a year or two ago as a bit of a fad — or maybe exclusively for the leggy girls who could seemingly pull off anything — but the ankle straps are clearly not going anywhere, and this average girl has totally embraced it. Reason being? They’re totally functional yet pretty darn sexy if you don’t mind me saying. Especially in the heel version, pair them with dresses and skirts (promise most won’t make you look too stumpy! It works on my 5’3 self and I get tons of compliments along the way), and you can also wear skinny pants that skim your ankle, or go for a boot or wide-leg cut that cover the straps. I love how the ankle strap makes shoes easier to walk in, eliminates the fear your heel might pop out and keeps you more steady. Can you tell this clumsy girl approves? Ha! Here are our favorite finds for fall…
color-block flat // glitter cap toe // tan + camo flat
pointed toe gold flat (just $30, and comes in 5 colors!)// chain link flat // studded glam flat
asymmetrical nude heel // navy kitten heel (comes in 5 colors!) // black pointed toe heel
red bow pump // leopard kitten heel // red kitten heel
open-toe (perfect with tights!) // two-tone (also in red) // black bootie
Ankle straps are having a moment. Ok, maybe they have been but I’ve finally jumped on the bandwagon and regret not doing so sooner. Old style rumors say that they can make your legs look shorter and are not as flattering but I disagree; worn in a good fit for your leg/ankle, not only they do they have some serious sex appeal, they are also ultra comfortable. They’re way more stable and eliminate worry about your heel popping out. Win! When trying on a pair, be sure to walk on floor (not just carpet) to ensure a comfortable fit and that it’s not too constricting around your ankle, both for comfort factor and look.
Here’s a few favorite finds, under $100 each, to take you stylishly into the spring:
Mia (so work appropriate! also in snakeskin) || Nine West || Asos
Michael Antonio || Nine West (love yellow and red, too!) || Mossimo (also in black) || Jessica Simpson (pair now with black tights and dress!)
Zara || Nine West (comes in five colors) || Chinese Laundry (also in grey and silver) || Steve Madden (comes in three colors)
ogle: Valentino rockstud flats in black or nude || own: Hudson 10 by C-Label in black or nude
A good pair of flats are totally amazing. This average gal has beyond-average clumsy tendencies (possibly because I like to multi task while holding as many items as possible but that’s another story). When I saw these flats posted on Instagram, my jaw dropped. And, I’m not talking about the ones on the left. I’m talking about the under $50 (!) option on the right. I’ve already ordered the nude and if they’re as amazing as they look, the black ones will be arriving soon, too. What an excellent flat for work or to add a little sophisticated glam to a more casual style. {PS: pointy-toe shoes are totally having a moment again.}
