by Annie Vischer
Boots are the security blanket of winter. They keep out the rain, the cold, and look good to boot. It takes a good few steps into spring before we even think of ditching their comfortable shelter. Yet after a weekend of sun and balminess, the boots were set aside this morning in favour of some spring-appropriate ballet flats. Sure they’re last season, but there was no feeling more carefree this morning than skipping up the steps to the tube with a light pitter-patter, in place of the clunky boot-heavy clicks of winter. Oh, and of course, it’s one giant reason for an indulgent shoe shopping spree!
Chanel Flats (Price In Store), French Sole Henrietta Pink Ballet Flats (£120.00), GAP Tan Leather Ballet Flats (£34.95), J Crew Yellow Nora Perforated Ballet Flats (£158.00), Valentino Rockstud Leopard Print Flats (£595.00).
Needless to say the world of fashion has anticipated our need for a ballet pump and provided decadently with a whole host of styles sure to please even the most discerning slipper shopper.The trends keeping the styles in line with the looks that graced the SS14 runways back in September include embellishment, metallics, neon, print and monochrome.
Tory Burch Orange Reva Patent Leather Ballet Flats (£200.00), Zara Gold Jewelled Ballerina Flats (£49.99), Topshop Blue Vibrant Tumbled Ballerinas (£16.00), ASOS Orange Let’s Go Ballet Flats (£28.00), Gina Pink Felicity Satin umps (£765.00).
Then there are the seasonal variations on the old classics, the French Sole shape so favoured by royals the world over, the gold medalled Tory Burch pumps and the Parisienne-chic ballet shoe that comes the closest to the style worn at the barre in ballet schools, and favoured by style icons such as Audrey Hepburn for years.
The beauty of the ballet flat is that, whatever its style, it can be worn with anything. French women are renowned for their ability to avoid heels all together with this comfortable wonder-style, and yet still carry off an enviable air of glamour. They look just as glorious with a turned-up pair of stonewashed jeans, as they do with a slip-silhouetted dress or pencil skirt.
This style will cover your wardrobe from Spring right through ’til the end of summer. You might say they are an investment piece! Well that’s what we’ll say when we’re swinging the shopping bag on our wrist any way. A very pretty little investment piece.