Style Dilemma: The Perfect Nude Flat

“Perfect” is a funny thing.

So is twitter.

When Liz of So Much to Smile About tweeted her frustration yesterday, a couple of us sprang to her resuce.

[flurry of sympathetic tweets lamenting the cost of what should be a simple shoe + agreement that heels are the way to go. i voiced my opinion on it years ago, agreeing with the effortlessly chic Catherine Malandrino. then ate my words.]

In the end, Alison of Chain Strap Purse and I accepted the challenge. Alison posted this morning with her rainbow-inspired response to Liz’ “need” for nude ballet flats that won’t break the bank, tacitly daring Liz to wear more color.

So here’s my take on solving the style dilemma. Liz didn’t say so, but I’m guessing she’s looking for a “commuting shoe.” She did, after all, buy a pair of Converse instead. (My kinda girl!)

My choices range from practical to pretty. Admittedly, some of them, in their gorgeous suedeness, are not the best choices for stomping the DC pavement in the unpredictable spring and summer weather. I don’t know about Liz, but if I wear suede, it pretty much guarantees it’ll rain.

There’s also all sorts of “nude.” As Kate and I discussed when searching for the perfect nude pump, nude is in the eye of the beholder.

Lastly, I went first to some “old lady” sites known for their comfort. As TrainerJen and I were discussing just this morning, ballet flats can be as bad for your feet as stilettos. Though I’ve had luck finding modern, on-trend shoes at Aerosoles that are also kind to my tootsies, their flats selection was a bust for this dilemma. But Naturalizer, the brand I used to sell to my old ladies at the hometown shoe store where I worked in high school, had a couple of great choices. Oh, and cork? How deliciously now and classic all at the same time.

But most importantly? All 9 options? Under $100.

And Liz? Do share what you pick! We want to know!

First Row: Franco Sarto Astrid Pink Nappa, Sperry Top-Sider Kendall Blush Suede, Naturalizer Alex Grey Ivory Leather

Second Row: Isola Britt Natual Cork, Naturlizer Pola Portrait Leather, Isola Britt Anaconda Deco

Third Row: Calvin Klein Priya Dune, Anne Klein Bloom Pearl Linen, Chinese Laundry Gisenna 3 Blush

Looking for your own perfect shoe? Allie over at Wardrobe Oxygen answered a reader question about a perfect black pump, and shared how she uses the interwebs to find the perfect shoe in a busy life.

1, 2, 3...a huge collective sigh for what cannot be

Dariaux and I conversed yesterday. To bang or not to bang? (Hair, people, hair! She's leaning towards yes.) Sweater dresses? (Me, yes, she, heck no!) H&M? (Both of us - sometimes*)

But the big conversation point came late in the day.

I had just been telling H that I'm excited for wearing heels again. After nearly a year of back problems, then pregnancy, then new-mommydom, I'm finally at work again and can wear whatever height heel I want to. And driving to work, rather than Metroing? That means I can wear driving shoes (adorable Prada-esque Franco Sarto black patent flats), then jump into the height when I hit the office.

New black pumps, I told H.

Then Dariaux emails...

Dariaux: Ooh, saw a sign for these - must have.

DC Celine: oh dear. i was just saying to h that i think i want a new pair of black pumps. since i'm driving, i can wear more heels - and wear driving shoes to & from

Dariaux: Aren't they lovely????

DC Celine: yes, but 275? just can't do it.

Dariaux: Ever bought a pair of CHs?

DC Celine: yup. my pregnancy shoes are ch. WONderful. SO worth the money

Dariaux: :-). Exactly - my last pair of CHs lasted forever and felt like heaven. So 275 isn't that bad - slightly more than $10/month if they last 2 years.

This is why I love her so much. Never mind our insanely similar likes & dislikes - peaty, smoky single malt, discussing religion, classically tailored but funky clothes, same books - she can rationalize a pair of Ferragamos with the best of 'em.

And they are oh, so pretty. And practical, with all that Nike technnology.

But alas, I now have Very Important Priorities. No more ridiculous Purchases Without Thinking (see post mentioning $700 BJ ensemble). Diapers, savings, and college funds.

But Mommy does have to teach The Bean some things. First impressions are very important. So maybe I'll find the next version down...

*More on this one later...sweater dresses, too.