Friday, March 07, 2008

Frugal flats?

I knew it was time for another Fight-The-Frump Friday when I found myself wearing one faded black Croc with its tobacco brown sister.

And not in the yard, either.

My mom brought me a pair of canvas flats, saying they're in all the stores this spring. Ah, like the Chinese slippers of my youth, bought in a patchouli-scented--and thrillingly cool--import shop.

Tell me the truth, girls: are these perennially cheap flats truly in style? What shoes are you wearing these days?

60 comments:

Anonymous said...

I loved flats when they were in style in the 80s and was very sad when they went out of style! Yay that they are coming back in style -- I'll have to stock up again. LOL They work well bare-footed or with nylons (which I no longer wear), and work well with shorts, slacks and dresses/skirts. They're the all-purpose shoe!

Right now, since it is winter, I wear my Lands End all weather mocs (out and about) and fleece clog slippers (around the house), but once it gets warmer out, I will be pulling out my Lands End sandals (out and about) and my flip flops (around the house).

Unknown said...

I like your flats! I'm not sure what's in the stores these days, I usually go with whatever is comfortable and easy to take on/off. As much as I love sneakers, they are not the easiest to remove in the messy weather of winter/springtime. If I had my rathers, I'd go barefoot all spring/summer long :)

Anonymous said...

I wear my Ked's. I have a pair of Crocks. Not really happy with them. They seem to make my feet sweat. Not something I normally have a problem with.
For days that require more dress I have several pair of leather flats. Style or no style I go for comfortable. Not so much beauty. It is great when the shoe is pretty too, but if it hurts my foot to wear it the look in my face is not going to be pretty.
I have had foot surgery and need to wear a shoe with some good support. So I always try to do that. Otherwise it is painful to me.

Anonymous said...

They are absolutely in style. I've seen the same ones you have on in the picture at Target and WalMart, as well as different variations on that style at several stores in the mall. Ballet flats without the buckle adornment are also a fashionable mainstay right now. I, for one, am ever so glad flats are back in style - b/c I can't tolerate heels, I've worn flats forever and now I'm back in style :)

I love the new shoes, Meredith!!!

Jenny's Vegcafe said...

I don't know if they are in style or not. Perhaps they are a perennial classic? But, they are cute.
I remember those cheap Chinese slippers. That's all I wore my senior year (when I wasn't barefoot). I tried wearing them again a few years ago and they killed my feet.

Jenny's Vegcafe said...

Oh, I forgot to say what I'm wearing. I bought a pair of ugly black Propet shoes that are great for walking. When I'm not donning my orthopedic letter carrier shoes (the Propets) then I'm wearing a pair of black or brown strappy sneaker flats by Sketchers. Not very supportive but much cuter than the Propets.

Elizabeth said...

They are cute, but I don't know how much luck I'll have finding some to fit my extra-wide feet!

(anyone have any suggestions? Like my feet are VERY wide...)

Anonymous said...

Hi, this may be might first comment on your blog--but i had to comment on this one! Flats are in! Yes, they are in all the stores, but the way you wear them, and which ones you wear will determine whether you look like th sweet old lady from down the street, or a chic (but frugal) modern woman! My opinions only: Today's flats look best either as dressy ballet slipper flats or canvasy sneaker flats; the combination of dressy and cute with rubber sole doesn't really work. Buckles (like you have) are really in! and great detailing. Today's flats look best with jeans, bermuda shorts and capris, or the full spring skirts you might see around. Target has them on the 75% clearance rack right now--a picked one up for $5 today...perfect with flats!

Anne Marie@Married to the Empire said...

Flats are very much in style, and I can say this with some authority because I'm regularly surrounded by teenagers, and they wouldn't dare wear anything that isn't in style!

However, I do not own any. My foot is small and narrow, and I can't be bothered to hunt for some that will fit my feet and be affordable. I have seen some with elasticized heels, so maybe I'll try on a pair one day.

I'm usually in Birkenstocks.

Rachel said...

OOOO! Got to hit Target tomorrow morning on my way to HDepot next door!

And yes, I wear/love flats. I had a foot injury years ago, and only wear skirts, so I MUCH prefer flats over sneakers. I have a lot of ballet slipper types, but I like pretty shoes--even though I have big feet (not wide, just long, lol).

Rachel (who sticks to neutral browns, blacks, and white/creams)

Anonymous said...

I've been doing research on what is fashionable for Spring because of B.Domestic and flats are IN!

Thanks for going the fun.

Leave those mismatched crocs on the back steps tonight & I'll bury them out in a horse pasture in Brentwood! hee, hee...

Anonymous said...

Well I like them! But then I have not worn anything with a heal in well over a decade...lol I like the little buckle..cute. :~)
Kath

TJ said...

I think these are adorable! I had some of those Chinese flats in college. At Pepperdine we'd catch the campus van to the Santa Monica Promenade and window shop! I found a black pair and had to have them. The only thing I could afford that other students there also wore. (think actresses, celebrities children, and the overly wealthy. Then there was me and my friends, none of the above!)

I have seen those in Target. I have to buy some shoes as mine have all begun to fall apart.

Tracey said...

Flats are definitely in and I have several pairs, but Crocs are still my go to daily shoes!

Brenda@CoffeeTeaBooks said...

I'm seeing them everywhere... had my eye on a pair but wondered what would match red plaid in my closet. :)

:o) Rachel said...

Yes they are in style!!

You asked what I am wearing...Ha ha, I'm a frump, too! I'm learning from you (scary, huh?)! Miss Fussy Pants would not like what I wear, and my 7yo daughter said I dress like a daddy and not a mommy. Her explanation: Black baggy t-shirts are not pretty. Time to go shopping...
:o) Rachel

Patty said...

well I have a pair of garden dirt influenced orange crocks, my beloved Kalso earth shoes and some running shoes. I am all about what is good for your feet more than style. Watch wearing completly flat shoes, can cause foot problems. Flip flops are the worst.
I wear birks too, first pair bought in just one of those rich incense filled stores. Now, I make sure my house smells that way

Kelly said...

Your Crocs had me cracking up. Those flats are super cute and totally "in". In fact, those Chinese slippers are back in if you can find them too. No arch support though.

Edi said...

I miss having my sisters around b/c I could always ask them how something looked. Sure I can ask my dh or my kids - but they know less about "fashion" than I do!

Last yr I did buy some yellow knock off crocs and was wearing them in Santa Monica when I spotted what appeared to be a homeless man wearing some that appeared nearly identical to mine!

I do sometimes fear that the teens/young adults that I'm around comment on my lack of "style". At the same time so many of the "in" styles I don't like and me wearing them will only make me add about 25 yrs to my age.

Mrs. Cote said...

Yep, they are definitely in style again this year. I'm finding the thrilling array of colorful canvas ballet flats hard to resist. Just today I had a very hard talk with myself that I didn't REALLY need them in a very cute, sweet plaid (even though they a washable for those inevitable times when my lovely charge would get something terrible on them *sigh*).

Michelle said...

I think this is my first post...but shoes are my thing...yes..the flats are in style this season. They remind me of the 80's...all the sam and libby flats i had back then;) I have a few pair and LOVE them;)

Sarah M said...

they are definitely in style (heck, they've been in style and in the stores since I've been wearing them 3 years ago!) and probably will stay around for a long time because they are so comfy. You can find good ones all over, even at goodwills.

Amy said...

I just got some really cute ones from Payless and love them! So many great colors out this year too, but basic black is great!

I wear my crocs on house cleaning day and when I have to run a load of laundry out to the line or when I am doing any gardening :)They rinse off so easy and I don't have to worry about tracking in so much dirt when I am outside and can give them a rinse.

Andrea said...

Meredith,
I *love* those canvas flats.
Hey--what's wrong with different colored crocs? I did it with Converse hi-tops back in the day!

Anonymous said...

The flats are totally current and cute !

Jeana said...

Very cute! No idea if they're in style or not. I say ask Big Mama.

mariel said...

I came to your blog by way of your first (ever?) post about the merchant ships. I am digging into the proverbs 31 woman on my own blog right now and was looking for info on verse 14. I love your quote of John MacArthur and hope to find that book. I also love the title of your blog!

I will visit again!

Oh, and i love the shoes too...but I do love Crocs, too!! :)

Anonymous said...

i wear flats every day and have for the past couple years. i love them and they're very stylish. trust me (ok you don't know me but trust me anyway!), they're in. the key is to get them in several colors. they can really make an outfit. and they're usually pretty cheap, which means you can buy more pairs. everyone wins. :) i get compliments on my shoes all the time.

Anonymous said...

they must be in style they have them at Gapkids

Carolyn said...

I'm actually feeling like fighting the frump today too. I posted about this on my blog (ivyleaguehomemaker.blogspot.com). I like your flats. I definitely think they are in style since I have many fashionable people all around me wearing them. I'm not the most "with it" when it comes to clothes. I go for comfort over fashion. For example, I do not own any high heels and don't plan to anytime soon. I haven't figured out how to carry a baby and run after a three-year old in stilettos.

Nikki @ Saving For A Rainy Day said...

I wear the same black Mary-jane style Crocs almost everyday! With ovarian cancer awareness ribbon and cherry jibbitz : )

I can't really wear the flats. My feet are too wide and look absolutely mammoth in those. They are cute though!

Jenni said...

Flats have been hugely in style for the last year, which was great through my pregnancy and now as I carry a baby and a toddler around! My favorite pair were $15 at Target - gold flats that dress up anything from a pair of jeans to my stunning orange jersey dress!

The ones your mom gave you are crazy-cute!

Southerner said...

I think they are cute. I posted about my shoes that I bought at http://southernseven.blogspot.com/2008/02/new-clothes.html I am wearing my plaid converse type shoes a lot. I also have a photo of some plaid ballet flats that I bought. There are cute shoes this season. Enjoy your new shoes- give up the mismatched Crocs,let's give frugal a good name and be known for being cute and sassy.

Mrs. Pharris said...

Meredith: I love your flats! I had tons of those when they were "in" as well. I'm glad to see them coming back.

Although, I've been so conditioned to the idea that dressier shoes should have pointy toes I like the girlishness of the rounded ones.

martha said...

Congratulations! Very fashionable and comfy. You might want to spray the toe area with Scotchguard, makes them last longer.

It's a Mom Thing said...

Well, my shoes are actually like the ones on the left, except they match. I think your flats are way cute, though! I have a few pair of flats, but have trouble wearing them all day b/c they offer no arch support. (Great, now I sound like an old lady).

Totally had some of those Chinese baby doll shoes in high school. I loved shopping at that hippie store down on West End across from Vandy. Can't remember the name right now.

Tubo Family said...

Think your mom is right this time...been seeing this style around alot, but so far none for me because need GOOD arch support for plantar fascitis. But those who can, should wear them & enjoy!

Ginny said...

I've worn flats for years because they are comfortable, not to mention that they virtually eliminate my lower back pain, and definitely are better with my arthritic knee. They can be hard to find, but not impossible. Although I'm not needing any new shoes, I've seen some nice canvas types that I love . . . perhaps I'll splurge and buy a pair.

Kelly said...

Throw on a pair of capris and a sweater set and some pearls, ala Audrey Hepburn. Who, is also back in vogue.

Anonymous said...

I am short and don't like flats that much. I don't have very many of them.... I am too cheap to go out and buy a new pair and I haven't seen any at our local Goodwill!

The Stepford Stepmom said...

I'm a Nike girl... Nike sneakers all the way. Though I do have a pair of awesome Isotoner boots with a nice little heel to them, and I love to wear them! For in-the-house stuff, I love my Crocs, but unfortunately, they've gone missing. :(

Hot Topic used to sell the hottest high-heel red plaid shoes, and I just loved them everytime I saw them... But with nothing that they matched in my closet, I left them behind. :(

Anonymous said...

Yes, they are in style. However, if you are short like me (barely 5 ft) they make you look even shorter! They also aren't good for flat feet.

I'll keep with my little stacked heels and sketchers.

Rhoda @ Southern Hospitality said...

I'm a shoe girl & have always loved stylish shoes, but as I get older have to have some comfort & not just style. I hate that! I will be looking for some new flats this summer. I prefer slides with no back whether it is sandles or flats, but I loved flats back in the 80's so will do them again. Also love wedges as long as they aren't too high. Can't do really high anymor! Bad feet!

Your new shoes look cute. I personally can't stand Crocs, so don't own a pair. I'm a cute shoe girl all the way!

Rhoda

Anonymous said...

I like heels, but they're not always practical with every outfit, so sometimes with pants I'll wear clogs...& then my cute handmade socks will show! ;o)

Flats hurt my feet & legs, & I think I walk funny when I wear them as well. In the summer, I like sandals.

Brenda

An Adventurer in the World said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
An Adventurer in the World said...

your feet look very cute--if you're happy with the full-length mirror view, then go for it!

Sorry, but almost ANYTHING is an improvement over Crocs. They make a woman's legs and feet look so clumpy, even skinny 18yos at the pool. Only Mario Batali can get by with them.

I wore lots of flats in the 80s but being over 40 now, I like a little heel to lengthen the look of my legs.

But right now I'm not happy with any shoes and can't wait until slide-in sandal season!

deb meyers

An Adventurer in the World said...

and funny little comment ... "not in the yard either!" been there...

deb meyers

Michelle Smiles said...

I have no idea what is in fashion these days. I'm wearing ballet flats and hoping my feet don't widen while the rest of me does or I will have to wear crocs in public this summer.

Amy Ellen said...

I was about to puchase a pair of Crocs, but decided my feet looked like a ducks, and I had no desire to have duck feet. As to flats, I may pick up a pair of the ballet type, I had some Sam and Libby ones as a teenager, but I have not bought them yet. I have loads of shoes and where them for different things. I prefer my pants a bit longer and baggier so I wear heeled clogs or my black boots in the winter, or my high heeled wedge type sandles in warmer temps. I also found some wonderful flip flops last year that make my feet feel awesome. For dres wear I have a number of differnt colored and styled high heels. I prefer the way heels slim the ankle and calf and lengthen the look of the leg. I also have a vareity of tennis shoes for different things backless for casual wear, some for waking and another pair for tennis. I firmly believe that different shoes are needed for different things. I also have a red rubber pair of gardening clogs. For well gardening.

C said...

Unfortuantly I can't wear flats (or heels! or just about anything) as my feet require a lot of support including orthotics that I just don't get in flats. I need a straight jacket for my feet!

But they sure look nice :)

Karla Porter Archer said...

those flats are precious! (do tell where mama bought them!!)
I'm wearing my mary-jane style crocs and running sneakers (without the running)

as for the two colored crocs, I feel ya...

xo ~ K
ps - do you still need help figuring out how to size your banner and upload it?

Unknown said...

I find myself looking at flats more and more. I wonder if it is because stores are carrying such cute ones. Love yours.

Anonymous said...

Cute shoes!! I buy shoes like that and expect to wear them a year or two, to give my wardrobe a little fashion kick. But my mainstays, the shoes that I wear for long walking errands, traveling, etc., are Dansko or Birkenstock. I've been leaning towards Dansko because they are a little more stylish and there's an outlet about an hour away from me. These shoes will last me about 5 years even with hard wear.

Anonymous said...

Meredith-
I was at Wal-Mart last night, and I laughed as I walked past the shoe department. Flats were EVERYWHERE! Go for it! Wear them with enjoyment!
Susan

Linda said...

Flats! Definately flats!

I have waited a long time to get them, because I had the misconception that 'flat shoes would make me look extra fat'..

But honestly, when I started wearing more skirts and dresses, it was a pain in the neck to wear high heels almost daily.. so I bought me some.. and I absolutely LOVE them!

p.s. Crocs are so ugly they should be against the law! ;)

greetings from the netherlands.. (pff, and you people laugh about our wooden shoes, hahaha)

Anonymous said...

The flats are cute. I just hope they offer enough support. I have a thing about wearing very comfortable shoes. I usually wear Mephistos. They are expensive but my feet and back are worth it! As for Crocs, well, I had a pair that was a gift for my birthday and I tried them. Just couldn't handle the look, so put them on eBay!! Enjoy the cute shoes this summer!

The Nester said...

What a popular topic! I read about half the comments and I like the flats too!

I am normally a high heel woman because I am 5'5' and my husband is over 6'. But I have about 3 pair of flats;my favorite, the red suede pair with the rosette.

The whole point of them is to be an accessory that doesn't nessicarily "match" your shirt or purse. I like my red ones to pop so I wear them with jeans and a white shirt.

Love those crocs too!

Anonymous said...

Those are great flats! Very stylish.

Darla said...

Yup, they are really in style. Here's what I'm wearing these days:

http://ultrabeautyboutique.com/?p=45

Anonymous said...

When I read this post about the shoes I laughed till I cried. My husband asked me to leave the room because he couldn't hear on the phone. Who cares abot the cheap flats, they are both the same shade of blue! love, Nik