After the last 5 posts I thought I’d go through a rewind like I did with the Bridal Shoe Series a while back. Here’s the recap of the styles that I fell in love with when I was traveling through the UK, Germany, Italy, and Austria this past May.

Here goes…

The traditional ballet flat: these will never go out of style. Invest in a quality pair that comfortable and don’t be afraid to get them in different colors. I know it may seem kind of outrageous to buy such a simple looking shoe for what seems like an inflated price, but when you’ve been wearing the shoe for the next 4+ years, you’ll be glad you bought them “way back when.” The French Sole Sloop is a perfect example of the everlasting ballet flat.

Get Them: French Sole Sloop

Related Post: European Flats I: French Sole Sloop

The sling-back flat: A properly fit sling-back can add comfort to your feet if you have been walking all day and provide some much needed air that the closed in flat doesn’t. Once you have your traditional ballet flat the sling-back flat the Cole Haan Air Aiden Sling is a worthy next purchase. Keep things interesting by choosing one that has different colors, or like the Aiden has texture.

Get Them: Cole Haan Air Aiden Sling

Related Post: European Flats II: Cole Haan Air Aiden Sling

The in-between season flat sandal: Nowadays with weather being as unpredictable as it is these days, the end of Spring doesn’t always mean that the barely there strappy sandal is weather appropriate. That’s what the in-between season flat sandal is for. This Frye Cameron Skimmer is enough of a shoe to keep your feet from freezing when the temperatures are a bit chilly and/or rainy and enough of a sandal to keep you from being disgruntled about not being able to wear the tank top and shorts near Summer. Go for different colors and a basket weave look to keep the style fresh and light. Then, when the weather does become that perfect sunny and 75, you’ll be able to pair the shoe with summer wear.

Get Them: Frye Cameron Skimmer

Related Post: European Flats III: Frye Cameron Skimmer

The Embellished Flat: if you already have your traditional ballet flat (or think that they are too simple for your style), try the ballet flat with added detail like this Corso Como Drew Flat. A flower at the top, bow, or buckle are all welcome details to the flat. Keep in mind that a gigantic bronze cut-out at the top of the shoe may not necessarily look bad as long as it goes along with the theme of the shoe. On the flip side, a big ol’ mess of small embellishment are just as likely to make the flat look too busy and unbalanced, so be sure that the shoe is not overwhelmed with added details. And remember, colors are your friend so feel free to look for contrasting colors in the different textures and materials of the flat.

Get Them: Corso Como Drew Flat

Related Post: European Flats IV: Corso Como Drew Flat

The tennis shoe style fabric flat: It’s a mouthful to say, but this shoe style is great for everyday. I love that we can wear this more casual shoes style (with or without socks) without having to resort to wearing actual tennis shoes. The other great thing about these tennis shoe style fabric flat is that you can find them almost anywhere and they tend to be a bit less pricey than their leather counterparts and don’t have to worry about keeping them super clean because they are more like tennis shoes. The Tommy Hilfiger Katie Slip-On here is a great example of this type of shoe with the rubber sole to keep you from slipping and the fun patchwork/leather material combo. It’s also cute enough to wear with a denim skirt or casual summer cotton dress.

Get Them: Tommy Hilfiger Katie Slip-On

Related Post: European Flats V: Tommy Hilfiger Katie Slip-On

Posted in Cole Haan, Corso Como, Flat, French Sole, Frye, Sandal, Slingback, Tommy Hilfiger | No Comments

Truth be told, I didn’t see many pointy-toed flats in Italy, Germany or London. And again, honestly speaking, I’m not that upset about it..I was never that big of a fan of the pointy toe - they tended to make my foot look too long for my small 5′3″ stature. With that, here’s another round toe flat. With beautiful weather in gorgeous Italy, I saw that instead of a flip flop or Grecian sandals (while still popular) other favors the sling-back flat. This Cole Haan Air Aiden Sling is perfect if you are going for a sling back because the sling-back won’t wear on your heel and cause discomfort and the subtle basket weave will keep things interesting and fashionable. Also, if you fear going completely flat, the 1/2″ heel brings you up just a tad so if you wear pants, they won’t drag and cover up these super cute shoes.

Get Them: Cole Haan Air Aiden Sling

Posted in Cole Haan, Flat | No Comments

Here’s a shoe that will add a fresh breezy feel to a hot summer wedding. You mothers will look trendy and fabulous in this Cole Haan ‘Wanda Air’ sling. This shoe will go perfect if you are wearing lighter knit weight fabric (and colors) such as a lavendar linen, or a brightly colored cotton/silk pleated or sheath dress. And like the ‘Desire’ thong from a few days ago, it will look great with any body type because of its structure. It has a stacked heel for extra support and Nike Air (a Cole Haan to-die-for signature feature) for comfort. The contrasting tan colored heel and piping along the straps updates the pump to give you that “straight out of the Hamptons” timeless look. And with that so long and farewell Mama as we move on to the next part of the Bridal Party

Get Them: Cole Haan ‘Wanda Air’ Pump

Posted in Bridal, Cole Haan, Pumps, Slingback, Special Occasion, Weddings | Comment (1)