the sunday brief | accessories

all right gang, there have been so many recent emails and comments asking for suggestions with accessories and shoes, in particular shoes that don’t have a high heel. since accessories (and shoes) is a broad category let’s slice and dice this topic into bite-sized pieces. it appears a series just might be in the making.

but for the first episode let’s take a look at classic shoes that i always keep in my closet. guess what? not one pair has a heel. that’s because today it’s all about flat shoes. as always, i’ve included several photos for inspiration and a video to boot. but i’ve also rounded up a few brand spanking new shoes that are available today. just click through the widgets.

ballet flats

once upon a time, ballet flats were worn by men and women and have been in existence since the sixteenth century. but in the twentieth century, these iconic shoes soared into popularity after bridgette bardot spotted a pair of repetto’s and asked for her very own. a few years later, audrey hepburn starred in the movie funny face and sported a pair of black ballet flats, cigarette pants, and a simple black tee that’s as stunning to wear today as it was back in the fifties. and that’s more or less how ballet flats became a classic staple. 

ballet flats similar here, here, and here

loafers

if you like to spend time loafing around do i have a pair of shoes for you. all kidding aside, loafers were meant to be a man’s slip-on shoe with the first pair made by G.H. Bass in 1936. a decorative strap ran horizontally across the vamp with a small opening that was large enough for a penny to slip into. guess what cost one cent back then? if you guessed a phone call, you are 100% correct. needless to say, a shoe craze began with college students who could not only wear a stylish shoe but carry an emergency coin for a call back home.

loafers similar here, here, and here

smoking slippers

the definition of a slipper is a comfortable slip-on shoe that’s worn indoors. most commonly slippers are thought to be worn around the house. but way back in the 1800’s the upper class began entertaining at home with a variation of a smoking slipper or sandal/bedroom slipper. fast forward to today where men and women like to slip into something more comfortable for day and night. stubbs and wooten, launched in 1993, turned the smoking slipper into an iconic classic that’s worn with jeans and tuxedo’s alike. look for a pair with embroidery, velvet, suede or flannel.

smoking slippers similar here, here, and here

sneakers

what else can i say about sneakers except it’s high time they’re worn with shorts, skirts, jeans, well, anything goes these days. plain jane or embellished there’s a sneaker to suit your fancy.

sneakers similar here, here, and here

mules

mules are backless shoes that have come in and out of fashion since introduced in the eighteenth century. if you prefer, mules come with a heel but in 2017, and maybe beyond, flat mules are soooo on-trend. i can’t seem to help myself when it comes to mules as i’ve added three pairs to my collection this year…

mules similar here, here, and here

pointy-toe flats

when in doubt i reach for a pair of pointy-toed flats as they seem to go with everything and are a ‘dressed-up’ version of ballet flats. at least, in my humble opinion.

pointy-toed flats similar here, here, and here

driving moc’s | sperry topsiders

all through the nineties, while i toted my three kiddos here and there, i wore a pair of brown and black driving mocs by ralph lauren. why is it that it’s so hard to replicate a pair of beloved shoes? maybe this is the year i find the pair. in the meantime, i’ve sourced a few possibilities.

Beth Djalali

is the Founder and CEO of Style at a Certain Age. She writes Sundays-Fridays on all topics ranging from fashion, health, wellness, home design and more.

She’s 63, 5’8, and size 8.

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