Flat Out

I’ve been on the hunt for an everyday flat in camel/nude, but my progress continues to stymie thanks to the ridiculously adorable patterned options out there.  Grrr.  I hate when — in the course trying to be practical and responsible — a wealth of delicious temptations materialize and lure you away from your lofty goals.  Hence the state of my closet: jam-packed with lovable statement pieces and sorely lacking in some of the basics.  (It’s just bor.ing. to by straight-forward pencil skirts and cardigans.  I mean, I need ’em, and I own ’em, but when it comes down to it, the glee of a flashy new pump will always outweigh the comfort of knowing that I have a nice pair of black pants.  Maybe that’s just me…)  Consider the smile-inducing perfection of these Jeffrey Campbell suede-and-rabbit flats ($112, Lori’s Shoes):

Don’t you just love the idea of wearing them with an otherwise straight-forward, non-frou-frou get-up, like a knit poncho (I own and adore the $20 H&M version below), a pair of skinnies, and a luxe leather bag (Henri Lou, $250, Cusp)?

I suppose I should be aware by now of my weakness for flats with a toe adornment: I love an oversized bow, a pom-pom, a feather.  Anything that adds a festive little element of the frou-frou.  Like these “jellie” flats by Vivienne Westwood ($130, Zappos):

Perfect, in my mind, with an otherwise neutral outfit, like a black cashmere crewneck and this luxe cashmere-wool blend skirt (Carven, $470, Net-A-Porter):

Add some cluster pearl earrings ($60, Carolee) and a matching pearl bracelet ($50, Juliet and Company):

And then round it all out with a sophisticated black leather tote ($495, Tory Burch):

Now, should I be practical and snap up these camel suede flats by Maria Sharapova for Cole Haan ($138, PiperLime)?  Something about them screams “high-fashion” even though they promise to be comfortable and endlessly versatile:

So annoying that I’d still rather the design in a peppy animal print…

Perhaps the appropriate compromise is a camel-hued snakeskin flat, like this to.die.for pair of Lanvins ($950, ShopZoe)?

I dream of wearing them with a pop-of-red dress — like this classic DVF sheath, in festive geranium ($298, DVF):

I’d accessorize with a pair of enorma-studs ($45, Carolee) and then “rough up the edges” with a slightly edgy, dramatic pile of chains ($168, Rachel Leigh):

A slouchy camel coat would be the perfect topper ($675, Barney’s):

Or maybe I should just go with a slightly jazzed up version of a classic camel flat — I’ve long loved this feather-adorned Banana Republic flat ($110, Banana Republic).  Perhaps I should bite the bullet?

On the other hand, these Corso Como snakeskin flats ($99, Corso Como) are absolutely screaming my name.  Adore the zipper accent on the bow — it adds just enough edge to be interesting.

How chic with this “prairie” poncho I’ve been dreaming about (love the knit effect — $198, Madewell) and some skinnies?

I’d pair it with a slouchy caramel-hued bag ($74, Melie Bianco) and some glossy gold earrings (I’ve long wanted these Jean Schlumberger knotted studs — $1,650, Tiffany — love the oversized weightiness of them!):

I’ve also been loving the preppiness of the captoe flat this season, and have seen quite a bit of the style here and there.  I’ve featured these affordable Marais gems a number of times ($64, Marais USA) and think that if there was ever a time where I’d feel like experimenting with the shorts-and-tights look, this is the shoe I’d do it with.

(I go back and forth on this; I’ve seen girls that can work.it and look super-chic all the while, but I’m a little intimidated by the idea and worry that I’ll look back and cringe).  At any rate, I’d probably add on a silky blouse-y top (Acne, $330, Net-A-Porter), high waisted bow shorts (Alice by Temperley, $195, Net-A-Porter), and patterned legwear ($20, Lori’s Shoes):

Darling.  Especially with this classy little handbag by Kate Spade ($425, Zappos):

The truth, though, is that I’m always more drawn to the nearly unmatchable flat in a bright color or bold print.  A few of my impractical favorites?  These glossy tangerine flats by Jil Sander (on sale for $262, TheOutnet), which technically go with approximately nothing in my closet, but I can totally imagine wearing with a nubby gray sweater dress or a simple LBD and huge bib necklace for a power statement:

These “tiger-print,” aqua-accented flats are totally illogical as a purchase for me (I never wear that color blue! — $211, Instilo):

And while I feel that I would scarcely have an appropriate day to wear these be-glittered puppies (literally, when!?), I want ’em ($285, Kate Spade):

And, to conclude, how beyond perfect are these pink suede flats?  Love the little doo-dad on the toe (Kelsi Dagger, $99, Simply Soles):

And so, you see, this little exercise has been a complete spinning-of-the-wheels.  I set out for something practical and ended up with all kinds of fun little finds in my proverbial shopping cart.  Sigh.  Which of these flats would you pick?