Don't these just look like the perfect shoes for elegant slumming around the house?
Available in silver, black, purple or teal the ultra-feminine flats are from a little-known online store called Anusha where I've been finding lots of lovely things recently. They make a change from the endless banana flats on the market at the moment (which I know that many people find rather uncomfortable) and would look great either with jeans or a more formal outfit.
£45 at Anusha
Related: French Sole flats from V for Vintage | Bargain Tuesday: John Rocha ballet pumps
Love flatties? If your reaction to the launch of NewbarK's £295 ballet flats was one of abject horror, you'll probably be far more impressed by these stylishly comfortable pumps by John Rocha, whose affordable fashion line at Debenhams has been coming out with some great bargains lately.
His chunky suede bow pumps, available in black, purple and cream are a hugely wearable style you can dress up and down to your heart's content while the cream bow bar variety would be the perfect finish to a tailored look. Both are £22 at Debenhams
Related: Show some toe-cleavage with Pretty Ballerinas' 'Rosario' | French Sole loveheart detail ballet flats | John Rocha grew suede ruffle pumps
Stella's come up with another design thats, well, pretty damn stellar: check out her new perforated silver ballerina flats that owe more than a little to the sky at night.
What makes these simple shoes great is the careful choice of materials and the placement of the holes, both of which it would be tricky to try and imitate. The leather is so squashy soft it barely holds up to be photographed (a good sign for flats!) and I love the iron-hued sheen it gives off. A seriously useful and stylish shoe with a futuristic twist. $555 at Bergdorf Goodman
Related: Stella McCartney patent wedge ankle boots | Stella McCartney cherry detail t-bar sandals
Good quality home-made shoes are a rarity, since so few amateur designers are skilled in making footwear. But Spiro Creations are an exception, making really pretty and charming ballet flats and other basic shoes in brilliant, bright-coloured soft leather.
Handmade shoes have always been the best-kept secret of people with non-standard sizes. Each pair of these 'Tinkerbell' shoes are made to order, so you can guarantee a great fit. $175 on Etsy
These gold lamé flats by NewbarK (capitalisation intentional) are rather lovely, I'm sure you'll agree: they address the need for 'elegant slumming' that's so beloved of Yummy Mummies, home workers and yoga bunnies, but check out the price tag: £395 for what is essentially a ballet flat - and no, that's not real gold in the fabric.
I write about a lot of very expensive shoes and I will happily hand over quite ludicrous sums for well made, well designed high quality pieces of footwear. But I can't think of any justification for charging so much for fabric shoes, however lovely. I do, personally, like the style: it's a really stylish hybrid of ballerina, jazz shoe and sports pump, made up in some beautiful fabric finishes that will go with anything - but I'm still rather stunned. If you want to 'buy into' this new shoe trend, however, they're available in a range of colour combinations, £295 at Net-a-porter
If you thought that French Sole had the last word in interesting and inventive flat shoes, you really ought to look at what Pretty Ballerinas have to offer at the moment. With some really fun design ideas and a dizzying range of fabrics and textures, there's something in the range to suit all tastes.
I like 'Rosario' (pictured) with its zebra-print fabric and pom-pom - mainly because I can't think of a single item in my wardrobe it wouldn't work with. Jeans, dresses, pjs...this shoe could really multi-task. €179.
Related: French Sole 'India' star print ballet flats | Pretty Ballerinas patent yellow pumps
For todays Casual Friday, we're bringing you a bit of leopard print. When you think about it, leopard print has had quite a revival, thanks, in large parts, to the likes of Gwen Stefani. Before then it was reserved mostly for Mel B and Janice from friends ("Oh. My. God.")
So, thanks Gwen, for indirectly causing these cute pumps to come into existence. Flat, comfy looking, compatible with jeans - they tick all the Casual Friday boxes, while the peep toe adds a bit of glamour and makes them more interesting. Plus, at only £20 from Dorothy Perkins, they tick the bargain box too.
Related: Casual Friday: See by Chloé deck shoes | Casual Friday: Office Tap Shoes
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