ballet flats + evolving taste

I don't own a single pair of ballet flats.

!!!

I own plenty of pumps, platforms, wedges, boots, sandals, flip-flops, you name it...but no ballet flats. since I recently bought some new skinny cords and jeans from the gap, and ballet flats look really good with them, I've decided that it's time to bite the bullet.

for years, I've been on a high-heel kick but I've shied away from flats. at 5-foot-7, I'm fairly tall so I can't say it was those shoes' height that attracted me. but since I've been wearing heels for so long, I always feel clumsy and, well, rather flat-footed when I wear flats. (imagine that!)

lately, my taste has been changing. I still adore heels, don't get me wrong. but I'm increasingly drawn to the simplicity and wearability of the humble ballet flat. (except there has to be the *slightest* lift at the heel! those still count, right?)

maybe it's because I'm a mother now and value ease of use wherever I can find it. or maybe it's because it's close to turning a new year and I'll be turning (drum roll please) 29 in 2011 (the last year of my 20s, ack!).

no matter the reason, I'm considering these:


above: the elie tahari regina ballet flat. love the classic contour and pretty silver color.


above: the paola by sofft. that thick stitching and the little black bow kill me! so cute. beautiful deep red, and they're from my favorite (affordable) shoe company.


above: the lauren by ralph lauren. when I first saw this shoe, I thought it was actually a ballet shoe! you've got to give them credit for staying true to the inspiration.


above: the sam edelman calypso. the quilting is such a nice touch, and I don't think I've seen it around much. the nice thing about ballet flats is since there's not much to the shoe, you can afford to experiment with fun little details. plus, the shape of the shoe is so sweet to begin with that cute add-ons like a bow on the top are endearing.


above: the scotty essential flat by banana republic. I like the contrast of materials and the deep, jewel tones that the shoe comes in. I couldn't decide whether to show the purple or olive green!