Fashion Flats

The symbolic ballet slipper congers up images of a young Audrey Hepburn dancing in her skinny black pants in a marketing piece for the Gap. This fashion icon still inspires designer to this day, even years after her passing and, even more years after her last film. Enter the updated fashion flat-heeled shoe. The diverse footwear has been dressed up to wear with skinny pants, pencil skirts and ball gowns or, dressed down to wear with your favorite pair of jeans and a t-shirt. Gone are the stiletto heels of yesterday (hold onto them though as they will make an appearance again in the future) and back in is the idea of comfort and this can also be seen in the chunky-heeled shoes that are seen in boots and dress shoes. You can pay big bucks for these little shoes, but don't be tempted. Look for designer names in outlets like TJ Max or Marshall's or shoe outlets like DSW or MJM. If the prices are still too high for what will probably be a passing fancy, then check out Payless. They've added more designer-inspired brands that are both genuine suede and leather. Most sell for around $25 a pair and if you shop during one of their BOGO promotions, a second pair will be half price.