Quirking Up the Return to Simplicity

Since the beginning of this smash trend of ballet flats, designers have been trying to revamp what is essentially a classic shoe. Departing from the bestselling shape, the shoes have gone from one quirky extreme: Degas-esque en pointe tips and ankle ribbons, to the other: pointy-toed, grommet-spackled patent.

While profit's recipe calls for tinkering with what's already popular, (and if you don't believe me, ask Hollywood), the re-imaginings of the flat might actually be compromising the essence of its appeal: the return to simplicity.

The departure from the mega-couture pressures of the glossies can be seen not just in the rebellious comfort and, dare I say it, practicality of flats, but also in the insurgence of crisp, clean white shirts being snapped off the racks of The Gap, and the new, new, new T-shirt being advertised in every store. No-fuss is the new black.

Rather than trying to find the quickest route to profit, designers should consider the cause of this revolution before they emulate the symptoms. I suggest investigating new wearable styles of footwear and leaving the flat alone before it becomes a bleary distortion of itself, like some worn one-hit rock-star. The flat should never become its own sequel; they have staying power all on their own. (Psst, that’s why we like them! Get it?) Sure, spikes and skulls have their place in 2007’s continued lapping-up of waning trends, but do they belong on the same drawing board as the Everywoman, beloved-by-mothers flat? Maybe not.

Simplicity is the revolution. No more Band-Aids, no emergency flip-flops under the desk. Women want effortless style, and my goodness, we want to be able to walk again. Flats are in store for the long haul, but before we redesign something that’s not broken, why not generate more simple shoes, which we’ll keep buying and wearing, because this time women have made up their mind.

For a great assortment of every kind of shoe, go to www.Zappos.com!

Summer Essential: Flat Sandals

Maybe it’s the warmer weather or the fact that my bad ankle is preventing me from wearing the heels I love so much - but whatever the case, I’ve been inspired to post about flat sandals, a must-have trend of the summer season. The flat trend has been with us for a few seasons now, but flat sandals specifically are a great way to incorporate the look in to your summer wardrobe.

With all of the talk about wedges and platforms this season, it’s easy to forget about the simplicity and comfort of the flat. I love the idea of flats with a mini or short shorts (also big trends this season). For a dressier look try metallic shades, or flat sandals with jewels. For a classically casual look, try a strappy leather flat sandal. In every hue imaginable, there’s no escaping the fact that this look is hot!

Flat sandals are the perfect compliment for every outfit from dresses to jeans, so there’s no reason not to invest in this summer trend. I recommend checking out www.piperlime.com or www.zappos.com for a selection that is nearly impossible to resist.

Here are a few of my top picks under $100, a price that won’t break the bank!

Matt Bernson, The Love Sandal in Tobacco/Bronze, $99, available at http://mattbernson.com
Seychelles, Always a Lady in Yellow, $68.95, available at www.zappos.com
Steve Madden, Sannibel in White, $50, available at www.piperlime.com

Anthropologie Limelight Thongs

Looking for a fabulous pair of summer sandals? Check out the Limelight Thongs from Anthropologie - there are Swarovski crystals and white stones scattered all over these sandals!

A more glamorous take on the flip flop, these jeweled thongs can go from day to night, perfect for shopping and grabbing lunch with the girls, and then hitting the clubs after dark. Show them off by pairing them with shorts, denim cutoffs, or minis - the shorter, the better!

Made of leather, the Limelight Thongs have an adjustable buckle and are only available in white, but that’s totally fine for a fab girl like you because white will show off your summer tan better than any other color.

But sandals that bare this much feet call for your toes to be in tip-top condition, so make sure you get a pedi before stepping out.

At $198, these sandals are halfway between a splurge and a steal, so grab a pair before they sell out!

Available online at anthropologie.com.

Fendi Buckle Flats

Fendi
Buckle Ballet Flats
Textured canvas upper has patent leather trim and logo buckle detail.
Contrast stitching
½" rubber heel
Leather lining
Leather and rubber sole
Made in Italy

Bongo Flats

Cute and nice-looking flats to fit every occasion, don't you think?