Roberto Cavalli NPS242 Ballet Flat

Ugh. I needed to look at some pretty stuff after poring over those hideous photos of celebs and their plastic surgery horrors. I’m surprised I haven’t had nightmares about Mickey Rourke chasing me in a hockey mask, only it’s not a hockey mask—it’s just his face. Anyway, the last couple of days have been nice and cool. Not uncomfortably so, but enough that I didn’t want to wear sandals. But it’s definitely not cold enough for boots or heavy shoes. So what’s the perfect spring shoe compromise? The ballet flat, of course! Light enough for spring, but with enough shoe to keep your toes warm, the ballet flat is a great all around shoe. Not to mention, it comes in everything from leather to suede to pretty patterned fabric. For example, check out this Roberto Cavalli NPS242 Ballet Flat.

We’ll ignore the awful alphanumeric name. For a long time, I didn’t like this type of flat that bunches up when you’re not wearing it. It made me think it wouldn’t be comfortable, and for some reason, reminded me of Chinese foot binding horror stories. But then I tried a pair, and now I get it. This is the best design for ballet flats! They don’t slip when you’re walking, feeling more like flip flops than regular flats. I hate that! The elasticized top keeps them in place as long as they’re on your feet. Whoever came up with that was a genius! The Cavalli has a fabric upper with a cute rose floral pattern in reds, pinks, and olive greens. There’s a small logo embellishment at the rounded toe, which adds just the tiniest bit of flash. The insole and lining are leather, so the shoe will conform even further to your foot for a perfect fit. The sole is leather too, so just a bit of scuffing and you won’t have to worry about slipping. It’s $354 at Zappos.com.

Budget Saving Alternative 1

If you’re a regular reader, you may recall I featured this Giuseppe Zanotti E96117 Sequin Ballet Flat once before. Normally, I wouldn’t repeat an item in my blog. Not knowingly, anyway. But I couldn’t pass it up this time for a couple of reasons. When I first saw it, all I was able to find was the beautiful blue version. With the multifaceted sequins, it was like clouds on a clear blue sky. Then yesterday, I saw it again, but this time in this gorgeous red and white. This one will work year round—spring, summer, even winter if you pair it with some tights. Just like the first one I wrote about, the sequins are sewn on in such a way that they flip with a brush of the hand, showing either red or white depending on which way they’re facing. You could make the shoe all red, all white, or mix it up according to your mood. The lining and sole are leather, and the heel is just a quarter of an inch. But the other reason I decided to feature it again? Because normally, this Zanotti flat goes for $449.95, but it’s on sale for just $179.98 at Endless.com. That is bargain basement pricing for a pair of Zanotti shoes. Oh, and those blue ones are still available at that sale price, too. Go get yours right now!

Budget Saving Alternative 2

Another great thing about ballet flats is the endless style options they present. Suede, leather, plain, embellished, with vamp adornments or without. You can find ballet flats in just about any color or pattern, for any season. This Rocket Dog Memories Ballet Flat is perfect for spring. Just look at those dainty, feminine flowers on the fabric upper. Ok, so they’re sort of Little House on the Prairie. I say they’re still pretty. I also love the pleated bow detail on the vamp. The interior is lined with soft fabric, and the footbed is lightly cushioned. A flexible rubber sole makes walking even more comfortable. In addition to this pretty pink, the Memories comes in a blue floral, three black options, gray silk, leopard print satin, brown silk, off white, and a natural or red hammock weave. As I said—you have options. Get a few of them for just $44.95 at Zappos.com.