Flat Foot

With Spring comes the inevitable search for good flats. Because frolicking about in grassy meadows and bustling cities and sunshine is no task for precarious heels or stuffy boots. Flats it must be!


But I am the only one who finds the perfect flat somewhat elusive? The perfect black flat especially. You know the one that's dressy enough for work, casual enough for play, looks good with jeans, skirts and dress pants and is comfortable enough to walk in for miles? (Where ARE you?) I am on the prowl this Spring, as ever, especially because I am looking to replace some well-worn and well-loved flats that just won't make it through another season. (Saying good-bye to shoes is such sweet sorrow.)


I offer no guarantees that any of these are the magic bullet solution, but for those of you in the same (foot) bind, here are some options.


For starters, Aldo Shoes is having a sale of a bunch of stylin' flats for $50 or less. Nothing to sniff at there. There are some good staples (could my black flat quandry finally be resolved?) and some more pop-of-color options as well.

I was also quite taken with this option from Aldo, a little punk twist on the traditional black flat. I am always a fan of ankle straps.

J. Crew has a bunch of classic ballet flats in some not-so-classic patterns, like these fire-y stunners.

For a wide selection at easy prices, I am always a fan of Overstock.com, especially if you are looking to remake your Spring shoe wardrobe.

If you are looking for a total splurge, I am in LOVE with these golden brogues from Aldo. (Can't you just see these with black skinnies, a striped boat neck and a bright Spring Jacket?)

Though this traditional brown oxford from Steve Madden is probably a more versatile choice, and still scores high style points.

Feeling flat-tered?
What is your Spring must-have shoe and where can we find it?

Fall Finds: Boots Made For Walking

Comfortable walking shoes are the holy grail of city living, and comfortable walking boots are my current quest. I have some really great boots that I really love, but nothing I can walk to work in and then wear at work all day long. Practical + fancy = a tricky combination.

Do you find yourself up against the same battle? I took the fight to the Internet, and here is what I found. (Spoiler alert: We come out winners!)

A comfortable black boot that can go from work-day, to after-work-play is a valuable thing indeed, and I think these shiny black boots fit the bill.

I love the patent detail on the heel and the toe, which helps to dress up the boot, while the low heel and easy pull-on construction make these a practical as well as a fashionable choice.

I always find myself struggling to find good brown shoes of any style (I have no idea why this is), but I fell in love with these tall scotch-colored boots right away.

The color is just right, and the boot just looks so classy. The rounded toe and the flat heel also promise easy walking, while being easy on the eye.

And for something a little more edgy and on-trend, I like these tan slouch boots.

The relaxed design at the top makes these boots a particularly attractive option for those of up with a little more to love in the calf area, and the buckle detail is the perfect complement to a simple, throw-it-on-and-go weekend outfit, though I think these could be paired with a dress and some muted patterned tights for an office look as well.

Are you also a fan of boots made for walking?
Tell us about your favorite finds.

Best Foot Forward

I think I have already made my general dislike of winter pretty apparent, but I am going to add one more thing to the list. Winter wreacks havoc on my shoe wardrobe. Suddenly all my adorable ballet flats and patterned summer shoes are unwearable, unless I want to lose my toes to slushy frost bite (which I do not). But, on the flip (flop) side, I won't want to spend the whole entire cold season in snow boots. What is a girl to do?

Well, here are a few ideas for building up a winter shoe wardrobe that will keep you warm and stylish.

Warm on the Outside

Every girl needs at least one pair of warm but stylish winter boots that work just as well for walking around in a Winter Wonderland just as well as they do at the office. Leather boots are always a safe bet. Just be sure to treat them with a weather-proofing product to keep them safe in rain or shine. Knee-high boots will give your legs an extra level of warmth. Pair knee-high boots with some heavy tights and you won't even know it's winter!

It's also worth investing in a pair of boots you can tuck your jeans into. You'll be hitting a major trend for this winter, and you'll be keeping the hem of your pants dry on wet, slushy days. No matter how stylish your shoes are, no one will notice if the bottom of your pants is dripping wet.

If your needs are a little more casual, go for a cheaper fix with a pair of Uggs, or a similar style. It doesn't matter if they wear out by the end of the cold season (and they probably will). Chuck them when warm weather comes back and just get another pair next winter. Also, keep your eyes peeled for shoes with faux fur. It's not just boots that come with trimming anymore. Faux fur trimming can be found on all kinds of styles, including mules and clogs.

Rain boots are also a good addition to any winter shoe wardrobe. Rain boots are perfect for navigating slush puddles on wet, winter days. Rain boots are also a perfect chance to be bold! Go for bright colors and fun patterns.

Stylish on the Inside

One way to keep wearing non-industrial shoes even once winter hits is to leave a pair of nice, dressy shoes at the office, or take them with you wherever you are going. Whether a party or a friend's house, you can usually make a quick change out of your snowboots into something more stylish and festive.

For indoor winter shoes, choose rich fabrics and textures that will add some spice to your feet (in a good way) and keep your toes warm. Suede, velvet and velour are a good place to start. Also look for shoes in colors that match the season, such as deep plum, chocolate, crimson and gold. And for formal holiday footwear, try shoes with rhinestones, metal buckles and other accents. The weather might be drab, but your shoes don't have to be.

Best Foot Forward

Here are some other things to keep in mind.

Heed the heel: Thicker, wider heels less than two inches tall are usually best for winter boots and shoes. Anything higher can be treacherous when walking across slippery surfaces.

Leave a little wiggle room: When trying on boots and other winter shoes, be sure to account for the fact that you'll be wearing thicker socks or tights throughout the winter. Bringing a pair of winter socks with you ensures you'll go home with the right fit.

Stick to leather: This is a little gross, but your feet sweat a lot more in the winter because they are wrapped up in warm socks and shoes. Leather absorbs better than any other material. (Told you. Gross. But also useful.)

Insulate: Soaked feet are in immediate danger of frostbite in super-cold temperatures, so make sure you are wearing insulated, water-proof boots and shoes that keep your feet warm and dry.

Have a little sole: For all your winter footwear, it is critical to pay attention to the sole. Textured, rubber soles work the best because the grip will help you avoid slips and falls. Also a word to the wise from painful personal experience: if your friend falls and you laugh, you will fall before you know it. It's a universal law. So watch out!

Do you enjoy Walking in a Winter Wonderland?

Tell us about your favorite snowy season shoes.