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

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Last but not least in the European Flat Shoes Series is the fabric tennis-shoe type patterned flat. From Zara, to H&M, to the small boutiques I visited it seemed like they all had a version of this flat. This post on the Tommy Hilfiger Katie Slip-On is my homage to them. The patchwork look of the Katie keeps the shoe playful and casual for everyday and especially out on a sunny day in the park with a light cotton sun dress (an of course the shorts and t-shirt combo). The top strap matches perfectly with the patchwork colors. I also like that the front edge of the shoe is covered with rubber while the toe and sides are bordered with leather. This will help the shoe to last longer by protecting the material at the front from getting discolored or scuffed (plus it’s makes the shoe a bit more ‘fun’). Oh, and an added benefit for those of you that love socks..these shoes will definitely look just fine with a pair of thin ankle socks or barefoot.

Get Them: Tommy Hilfiger Katie Slip-On

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Embellishments added to the traditional ballet flat was something that I saw and loved as well. These Corso Como Drew flats are a perfect example of added detail without overwhelming the entire shoe. This flat is wonderfully balanced in eggplant with the slightly geometric flower petals at the gathered toe of the shoe. And a detail not to be missed is the very very slight heel in the contrasting stacked wood. I’m all about the details and the Drew is a simple shoe that you can tell a lot of sophisticated thought has been put into to make it a flat the most fashionable would wear without looking like they tried too hard.

Get Them: Corso Como Drew Flat

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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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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

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The basic ballet flat will ever be a classic and French Sole has definitely perfected this. Yes, French Sole shoes are definitely as comfortable as they look. The leather is soft and supple and will definitely take you all day long. I saw these all around in my travels. Seeing as how the Europeans walk much more than we do back in the States (with their fantastic public transportation), I am inclined to believe that these shoes will take you the extra mile. Make sure to stock your closet with a pair of French Sole Sloops in whatever color you’d like..they come in loads of different colors..they are sure to be a great choice that’ll last you a while and never go out of style. =)

Get Them: French Sole Sloop (little FYI, shoe tends to run about 1/2 size smaller)

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So I was across the ocean in London, and made my way East to Munich, Salzburg (home of Sound of the Music btw)..and then South to Italy to Milan, Venice, Padova, and Bologna. As I was exploring I made sure to notice the styles and types of shoes that are rampant over there. Let me tell you the flats are just as popular there as they are here, among everyone young and old. The difference, a lot more selection since just about every store will sell shoes (even if it’s not the focus of the store). With that the next few posts will be dedicated to the style of flats that I fell in love with this May in Europe.

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