Categories: Fashion|

Style Incarnations

By |Published On: April 6th, 2017|

I once spoke to a French fashionista who owns one of the chicest boutiques in Zurich and I remember her telling me: “A girl can never own enough shoes”. Sadly for our saving plans that’s very much the truth.

So, today when I was having a shoe moment I thought “Hey, I don’t have that type of shoe in my wardrobe”, but then immediately asked myself whether I would wear them more than once. The shoe style in question were the espadrilles and I was looking to communicate a sense of Lauren Bacall in Key Largo: A full khaki midi skirt, a white dress shirt and a pair of espadrilles. The thing is though, I never actually owned a pair of espadrilles in my life. Correction, I did for a very short while and I hated them. The reason was simple: I couldn’t walk fast enough in them. My sole kept wobbling and I didn’t like the feeling of the linen and the ropes. Today I am so tempted by the Chloé new versions of espadrilles and yet…

I was also wondering what the ultimate most comfortable and yet elegant pair of shoes were that I have ever owned; they were my ballerina flats. No I could not wear them with my Key Largo outfit but I could wear a modern variation of them…

The reality, however depressing, is that I cannot buy all the shoes that I like but following a common sense of style that meets my fashionista dreams I would settle for something that is having a moment and at the same time suits my style (“style” meaning fitting my lifestyle and my personality).

I like espadrilles and especially the new ankle wrapped variation, but I doubt I will ever enjoy wearing them. My reason is very simple: I can’t dance in espadrilles. I think espadrilles are meant for holidays only. They are made for leisurely walks along dreamy beach promenades; for summer romance in France; for long careless boat trips; alas not for anyone who can’t lie on the beach for more than 10 minutes without doing something.

And while I love a good high heel, it is safe to say that recently the ballet flat has become my wardrobe staple. This shoe is chic and comfortable and can be paired with just about anything: From a casual outfit consisting of a t-shirt, blazer and skinny jeans to a formal evening gown, the dependable ballet flat has got your feet covered. Packing a pair in one’s bag in the event that your heels get too uncomfortable has become a life-saving technique to survive a night out. How did we ever get along without them?

One of the things I love about fashion is the way it interprets women’s lifestyles and how it gets inspired by movement and dance. Quite recently the sartorial symbiosis of ballet and fashion got a dramatic showcasing in the beautifully staged runways of designers like Giorgio Armani, Valentino, Alberta Ferretti and more.
Sartorialists state that the ballerina style allows the wearer to appear as elegant as a prima ballerina while adding a touch of playfulness to any wardrobe.

The only thing I have to add is that the modern woman is busy, she runs around and often has to perform so many roles in her day and yet she needs to do it with elegance and lightness in her step. I call this modern woman not just a Mum in Heels, but her alter ego is Urban Ballerina.

So there is no wonder that as soon as Miu Miu released its unique ballet flats for S/S 16, they became the most lusted-after shoes of the past fashion month, leading to a resurgence of the style among other brands. Fittingly, ballet-inspired looks, in general, are having a moment (including the tutu and the tulle inspired dresses and tops).

But back to my shoe issues… My point is that whenever you decide what seasonal trend to choose in an attempt to upgrade your wardrobe staples, think about your style and personality. Think about the person who will wear this shoe and how it fits in your lifestyle. Then leave a little space for dreaming and do your shopping inspired.

For me as a dynamic girl on the go, who also likes timeless elegance and a little lightness in my step, I find the ballet flats to be a fresh alternative to sandals and when I am seeking a bit more polish in the warmer months, à la Audrey Hepburn in the South of France. It’s a fact: I like the French girl effect so I am gonna stick with it!

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About the Author: Tsitaliya Mircheva

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Tsitaliya is a writer and fashion journalist for more than 20 years. She founded Mums in Heels 10 years ago and keeps growing and evolving together with her community or fashionable mums and responsible consumers. Fashion and Wellness are her most favourite topics to write about.