Craving: colorful ballet flats

I’m a fairly recent convert of ballet flats – until two years ago, I hadn’t used them since I was a child, and was happy to leave them buried together with the other 80′s fashion horrors. However, when the slipper-like ballet flats with the annoying little bow that I hated oh so much were replaced by well-designed, fashionable flat shoes in soft leather (and eventually fresh cotton canvas) I gave in and let the flats craze wash over me. I still frown upon mocassins and the old-fashioned slipper-like ballet flats, but the new stuff… let’s just say WOW.

Now, leaving out the obvious choice, the queen of flats, the classic Tory Burch

which isn’t necessarily accessible to everyone, there are still lots and lots of options.

The weather is starting to veer towards “warm” – and if that sounds uncertain, it is: Spring has been fickle to say the least (and also to be very very kind, as other words come to mind – call it bad mood by way of sun deprivation), but I know I speak for any when I say that we are so, oh so ready for warm weather!!

And with warm weather, as far as I’m concerned, comes an automatic license to wear brighter colors. I’m not a huge fan of yellows and oranges, but summer definitely spells turquoise, magenta and red to me.

Which is why I’m setting out to find affordable but adorable colorful flats, in soft leather, that I can wear without stockings, for when the weather is warmer but I don’t feel like wearing sandals.

My favorite finds? You can see them below.

1. Ilana flat by Report, (pictured in Hot Pink): rounded toe, elasticized top and some adorable ruffles on the front – this is the kind of flat that you can wear to “wake up” a simple outfit, add a feminine touch to jeans, or wear with a skirt or dress of a flirty look. It’s cute, without a doubt!
It retails for $60 and it’s available in Hot Pink, Black and White at Nordstrom, or you can find it for the same price at Piperlime, where it’s available in Ash (a pale grey, a nice neutral shade to wear year-round) and Black.

2. Fulton flat, Michael by Michael Kors: this is the one currently on top of my list. The colors are cute without being too bright, and the leather looks nice and soft. It also has an anti-slip sole, which is especially great when travelling – unfortunately I’ve had the dreaded “ice skating” effect with other flats when inside airports, and it’s… ehm… kind of embarassing, not to mention dangerous if you are holding a child. The Fulton flat is in crinkle patent leather, available in Turquoise (pictured), Black, Magenta and Orange; it’s sold at Zappos for $98.

3. Rubie, by Michelle D: (pictured in Yellow) this patent leather flat features a cute metal plate and buckle detailing, which make it suitable for office wear, as well. It has a rounded toe and a very small (0.25”) wedge heel with a white stripe  to the side. It comes in Yellow, Red, White, Navy and Black  (all patent leather) and it’s available at Dillard’s for $69.

4. Sadie skimmer by DKNYC: a bit more of a dressy flat, this one features a flower applique on the front and a small wedge heel. The colors are not nearly as bright as the other flats on this page, but more pastel: it’s available in Naked (beige), Blush (pink, pictured) and Sunflower (pale yellow) and it’s sold at Endless for $98.

5. Coral, Kors by Michael Kors: Metallics can be tricky – you don’t want to overdo it, and end up like a gawdy version of the Tin Man! I tend to shy from metallics on shoes and bags, because most of them feel like too much. But these flats… these are just right. Not too flashy, they will work well with bright colors and white in spring and summer, as well as darker hues and neutrals, so you can use them year-round. You can find them at Bluefly, where they are currently on sale for $94 (retail price: $245!)

6. Capria by Nine West: I have a soft spot for accessories that feature studs (I think it’s the bit of rocker chick in me, the one who listened to No Doubt, Blink 182, Allanis Morrisette and Green Day really loud in the 90s ). I just found these studded ballet flats, and I really like the look. The soft leather, the gathered elastic heel and the square toe that resembles that of ballet slippers make it feminine, almost dainty – then there’s the unexpected detail, the studs, that add a bit of an edge. And look! It just went on sale at Nine West, from $129 to $99! Which is why I could include it
It comes in Pewter, Black and Purple leather, as well as in Medium Green (a sort of light military green) and two python-embossed shades.

Now, the tough part: picking just one! Which one do you like best?