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

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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French Sole (and counterpart London Sole) has been popular in France and London (duh!) and now I want to bring them to ya’ll. Thankfully, they have slowly started making their way over to our side of the world. French Sole gives you the classic ballet flat, but also creates unique new looks without trying hard like we see in the French Sole “Single.” The blue is a soft nubuck leather and the piping and bow detail is a subdued metallic silver to give the shoe some bite and variety. The Single is perfect because the color is a fresh blue to spruce up your outfit and look great with loads of different colors while the cut-outs, silver and understated bow give it unexpected charm.

Get Them: French Sole “Single”

Posted in Bridal, Flat, French Sole, Special Occasion, Weddings | No Comments

Introducing the flat you could walk miles in (and still look cute). The French Sole flat is as comfortable as wearing your slippers but stylish. Red is a hot color that seems to still and probably forever be the best accent color for a wardrobe. These red suede flats are going to add that extra ‘umph’ to your outfit without being overbearing. Whoever made up the phrase ‘Fashion is pain’ obviously have not tried on these flats.

P.S your not limited to red, cover your basics: brown & black

Get them: French Sole ‘Sloop’ Flat

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