Don’t get me wrong…I like black and white as much as the next girl, but what about gray? I think this often overlooked color should get its moment in the spotlight. I’m really digging the vintage gray with the braid detail accented by the brassy gold buckle. What’s great about the color gray is that you can pair it with dark browns, pinks, reds, and blues so there will never be a time where you have think too hard on what you could wear with these wonderful flats.

Frye ‘Molly Braid’ Ballet Flat

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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

Weaves - gotta love’em. You saw how great they are on a modified flat with the Cole Haan Air Aiden Sling, and here it is again with the Frye Cameron Skimmer. I saw similar shoes in London paired with matchstick jeans. The weather wasn’t quite nice enough in rainy London to go full-out with the barely there sandal, but these types of shoes are a great way to get variety from a peep toe flat in slightly gloomy weather. And seeing as how it’s been rainy in Seattle, I don’t doubt that there are others around the country dying for a change in shoes from boots and pumps. Then when (or if it already has) the weather warms up some more, match these skimmers up with a skirt or shorts of any length. The Cameron is the perfect alternative because it keeps you foot a bit farther from the ground before opening up to keep them clean. I really like this color because it looks a little distressed and will go great with dark and rustic urban colors. Basically everything!

Get Them: Frye Cameron Skimmer

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As much as I hate to say this…brown is probably going to be a better color for spring than black is. Because of the bright colors that are going to be popular this season your going to need a neutral shoe, something less dense than black, enter: brown. The metal hardware mixed in with the wood grain platform is a great look, they both add details to the shoe that are going to get noticed and complement whatever it is you’re wearing. And another bonus..this shoes look super comfy.

Get Them: Frye ‘Rachael’ Sandal

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So I am kind of torn on these flats. I think the t-strap is cute, but something puts me off about them. I want to know what you guys think about it? Could this shoe be casually adorable with a fun dress or jeans? Or does it look like it has one cut-out too many?

*BTW: it comes in different colors..but I think the cream is the best looking.

Get them:  Frye ‘Kat’ Flat

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Patent leather - check, buckle - check, and contemporary design - check! This is the moccasin reinvented. With the metal studs, updated texture, and cutout strap it has all the makings for a very trendy shoe. I have always been weary of the moccasin/loafer thinking that it was too ‘elder’ looking and boring, however Frye has proven me wrong, and I couldn’t be more glad! This would look very cute with some jeans or even a mini skirt, just adding that classic/trendy to your outfit.

Get them:  Frye ‘Mila Harness’ Moccasin

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Of all the new trends for shoes…why, why did booties have to be one of them!? As many of you can probably tell I’m not a huge fan of the shoe thats not quite a pump but definitely not a boot. Its baffling how theses shoes appeal to anyone. They shorten the length of the leg…which causes the wearer to look stumpy (even you, skinny long legs). I guess my main issue with the bootie is how they are so bulky and confined..like your foot wants to escape but is trapped within this confused piece of foot wear. But to satisfy all you bootie lovers out there I have searched for the best looking pair of booties I could find and genuinely feel like I have found a great pair despite my feelings about them.

Get them: Frye ‘Liv’ Bootie

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