I actually wear flats a lot now that I live in London - the amount of walking you do in this city is ridiculous! However, the ratio of heels to flats that sit in my wardrobe suggests otherwise - and is in fact a bit on the impractical side. But isn't it always more tempting to buy a pretty pair of heels than a dull pair of practical flats?
Well, not in this case. These French Connection Danielle flats are sweet, colourful and yes, practical. I love the versatile colour-combination, which means they will fit in with pretty much anything you already have in your wardrobe. Plus it's not hard to love the cute gold bauble decoration and bow. At £65 they're hardly going to break the bank either, so you can get that same smug feeling you get when you purchase some totally lust-worthy heels. And your poor, abused feet will thank you too!
Related: French Connection's mustard T-bar peep-toes | French Connection peep toe flats
I was a little skeptical when Botkier announced that they were branching into footwear, but shoes from their fall 2008/09 have proven that the brand are serious about creating shoes that follow the individual style that we have come to know and love. The classic ballet flat has been given a slight design tweak and in its place came these Botkier Shera ballet flats. The sleek cut has been accented by a smooth tab-like metal plate at the vamp and a small heel. Note: Make sure you don't go walking through any metal detectors with these on, or you are sure to set them off!
Related: Botkier branches into footwear
Looking for some Miu Miu style shoes without the price tag? Then try these Carvela Embellished Front Low Heel Shoes. These patent leather pumps are made from shiny patent leather with contrasting trim and a studded panel detail at the vamp. The ankle strap adds a rather cute aspect to the shoe and the low heel ensures that you can spend more than a few hours on your feet. It's not a bad price at £70.
Related: Carvela strap heels from Kurt Geiger | Carvela patent brogue heels at Kurt Geiger | Carvela Boots
Flats are going to be the shoes to be seen in next season, if reports are to be believed, and for dress occasions as well as casual wear. That makes a pair of pretty, metallic ballet flats pretty much an essential purchase, I'd say, and these ones from Accessorize really fit the bill. The low vamp adds a little bit of sexiness to the shoe, while the metallic colour and bow front help "pretty" it up, making it a shoe you'll be able to wear anywhere you like, whether for work or play. And the best part? They're only £28, which isn't too expensive for such a versatile shoe.
Related: Nine West Lommit ballet flats | Paul Smith green patent ballet flats | Pedro Garcia ballet flats
Trust Charlotte Ronson to design a pair of smart-chic ballet. Made from metallic silver leather, these sleek Colette t-strap flats feature t-bar strap detail which is held in place by ring detail. Versatile and comfortable, these are perfect for girls who complain that their feet slip out of their ballet flats at the most unfortunate times (like when you're walking across the road). Another reason to love these flats? They don't cost the world at $130.
Related: Charlotte Ronson Green Suede Court | Charlotte Ronson's Kidada Ballet Flats | T-bar heeled heaven from Charlotte Ronson
Would you? Could you?
These are the first questions I have to ask you, before going any further. Because if the idea of woven flat lace-up shoes simply doesn't do it for you, then I'd skip this post right now. For me, they hold an odd fascination... the colour choice (available in purple, tan and the always reliable black) do hone in on this season's palette, and I'm not completely adverse to the notion of woven leather. At £28 a pop, if you're really that curious then give it a go, what have you got to lose?
Related: Woven low wedges from River Island | Huarache woven sandals from Urban Outfiftters
I've long considered satin ballet flats to be a staple part of any shoe lover's collection, and Faith obviously agree with me - they've made these satin 'Aikiko' flats available in a range of colours, including the bright pink shown above, a pretty pale green and a bright blue. Although the satin clearly won't hold up to rain or sleet, these are only £22 and could be a good shoe to get you through what's left of the summer, or to put away for next Spring.
Related: Sequined 'Alburto' ballet flats from Faith | Faith Dran sandal | Faith's red sake ankle boots
digg this |
del.icio.us this
| 
Stumble It!
