Spring Shoes For All!

It's almost springtime, and while a man's fancy may turn to love, a woman's will most often turn to shoes. This spring, the flat is huge, which makes me happy because as much I like a beautiful heel, I live a flat shoes kind of life. Fortunately, flat doesn't necessarily mean level with the floor; this spring, some of the loveliest flat shoes have a slight heel, just enough to give the shoes a little omph and give your outfit a little edge.

Ballet flats are still everywhere, in beautiful colors and prints, and with wonderful embellishment. If you're looking for support, choose a ballet flat with a leather sole, which will be a little stiffer. I also put gel sole inserts in my ballet flats, which makes it less like I'm walking around in my bare feet all day. You nay need to go up a half size to do this; take your insoles with you when you try shoes on, or if you're shopping on line, order your normal size AND a half size up.


Lisette printed fabric ballet flat, J. Crew, $118.00

If the rounded ballet flat isn't working for you, take a look at some of the very cool blunt toe styles. Jessica Simpson has some spiffy blunt-toe flats out right now, as does Tyler by Richard Tyler. I like this as an option because the blunted toe can be either dressy or casual, particularly if you chose a shoe in a great fabric (pony hair is huge) or a cool pattern (quilted flats are always classic).

If you're in the market for something a little more substantial, look for a peep toe flat; these shoes often have a little heel, not much but more than a conventional flat flat. The peep toe also makes them a little dressier, perfect with skirts and capri pants.


Phoebe printed peep toe flats, J. Crew, $198.00

Look for a peep toe with a wee heel, to balance the open front, and with a little bit of embellishment (either great fabric or a bow or buckle at the toe). And please, be sure to pedicure before you peep.

Sporty flats are also everywhere this spring, which makes me thoroughly happy because I'm tired of seeing women in yoga pants and crappy running shoes, or--worse!--ballet flats. I appreciate the idea behind wanting to spiff up your yoga pants, but NOT with dressy shoes. Choose a sporty slip on, please, in a pretty color; this pair, from Sesto Meucci, would look terrific with yoga pants or jeans or capris.