Fall Flats
The Curling Class Recap
one, two, three, four, five, six, seven
Flats. They are all I wear. In fact, I wore fairly high wedges to the curling class I taught the other night and thought, “nope.”
And since I wear them all the time, I like to have a few neutral options to choose from that I know will last at least an entire season, and perhaps the following year. I’m really hard on my shoes so they don’t often last past 1 season.And since my wardrobe is made entirely of neutrals, I like the freedom to mix and match everything together.
Jordan wore those cute Tom’s flats over to my house last week and I was immediately intrigued. They looked comfortable and versatile without being boring. And boring shoes is something I always lean towards.
In other flat news (that statements is both literal and a bit figurative as well), I bought a pair of flat booties last week. Jordan and my sister are my style consultants so I have a group text going with them where I send really awkward dressing room selfies in hopes that they approve. I have a certain impenetrable ability to ask/beg for style advice and then end up only wearing grey t-shirts and jeans every day. So if you are picking up on some satirical sisterly love, you are interpreting that all correctly. Β (I tried on black Alley Straight denim and sent a photo right before this started).
No beef against chacos or birkenstocks, I just certainly cannot pull off that look as well as Jordan so we constantly joke each other about it. And my sister is determined to keep me out of the mom style rut, which I just know all too well these days. I can still feel stylish and pulled together in clothes that also work for hanging with the boys, being climbed on, having trucks driven up my back and being drooled on. It’s all about theΒ right clothes for the occasion.
And, to end full circle here, flats and much more conducive to what my day to day looks like and thank goodness they never go out of style.
comments
Flats all the way! Every day! I only make exceptions for weddings.
#notalone
Mom of 2 here! Flats all day, every day! Especially for work! #noshame
Ok, I love all the flats, but what’s this “fostering kittens” thing you mentioned????? We need pictures!!!!!!!!
I LOVE birks! I only wear one style though. The Madrid. They aren’t as harsh as the normal birks. I have them in black and in silver and they are all I wear. I’m a mom of two Littles as well and they save my back. Are you going to be offering any classes during the day, on a weekend? I’m in jacksonville nc and would love to take one of your classes, but leaving my baby at night still gives me intense anxiety. Lol
{Almost} two babies ago (because one is still in-utero) I was a high heel everyday to the office, high heel on weekends kinda gal. Fast forward two years (high five for back to back babies!) and I wouldn’t touch a pair of heels if you paid me. No ma’am. LOVE those nude flats from Urban Outfitters! Might have to score myself a pair π
I’m sure you’ll wear them constantly!
I live in Colorado where Chacos are practically a religion. π But in all seriousness, I have weird feet and Chacos fit the bill for proper support. My hubby bought me a pair of Chacos flip flops for Christmas a few years ago and they’re pretty much all I wear in the summer! They last pretty much forever.
I have a weird relationship with flats. I love them, but they don’t always love me (see above “weird feet” comment). My feet are quite wide and a lot of flats pinch badly across the tops of my toes. And I have a bunion. THANKS MOM FOR THAT NICE LITTLE HEREDITARY TRAIT. So my right foot is extra picky. And then, arch support. BUT. I discovered something. Did you know Crocs has flats? And did you know they’re actually cute? And did you know they have great arch support and are so freaking cushy and squishy that it feels like you’re walking on shock absorbers??? And wide width sizes. π My feet are happy. And people are always shocked when they compliment my flats and I say “Would you believe they’re Crocs?” This is not an advertisement, I swear. I just really love my shoes.
http://www.crocs.com/c/women/footwear/flats?intid=mm_w_flats
I always wore flats even before I had a baby. I have a tendency to trip on invisible sidewalk cracks, and adding heels just made that worse. Now that I have a kid – tripping is extra dangerous. That being said, I wish you would stop using being a mom as an excuse for not having any style. You’re adorable, and you used to have a cute style when you worked. Just because you have kids and you’re home all day doesn’t mean you have to wear grey t-shirts all the time, and I love t-shirts. A bright and/or patterned scarf, some fun shoes that are comfortable and still go with a lot of things (like a leopard print flat or booty or red patent flats), and maybe even a colored/patterned cardigan will let you be comfortable and casual while looking good. I’m not trying to be mean, but I think you’re just using being a mom as an excuse. I don’t know if you’re uncomfortable with your new body (I get that! I was a square for months after I had my daughter, and I still have 10 lbs to lose to get back to my pre-pregnancy weight, and my daughter is almost two!) or what, but there are ways to retain your sense of self and style without wearing “soft clothes” – as you call them – all the time. Maybe look at some of your old wardrobe posts and see if you can adapt some of those styles to your current life?
I totally hear what you are saying and my sister is likely nodding in agreement if she’s reading this comment too! π
And I really didn’t post that comment to be mean or critical. I know it can be so difficult to find yourself again after having babies, especially after having two back-to-back like you did. I know putting on a cute outfit and some makeup (I’m not talking about spending an hour getting ready either. Seriously, just throwing on a scarf and cardigan, maybe some decent shoes if this rain would just stop) makes me feel so much more confident, and I think that sends a good message to my daughter.
On the other hand, if you’re spending a lot of time at home or outside with your kids like I do, then wearing grey t shirts and jeans just makes sense. It’s comfortable, easy to clean, and you always look cute! π not to mention, you always have the prettiest jewelry on and that makes an outfit! π
Kate! These are all super cute! I’m in the market for new flats #TallGirlProbs π Sometime this fall will you blog about your fav booties as well *fingers crossed emoji*?
Your hair. So jealous. WHAT Booties are they? Looking for flat ones myself!
I was SOOO against Birks for years and years but finally got my first pair last year for Disney. I cannot do sneakers with my regular clothes, just feels and looks weird imo. So I got the Mayari style, feels it’s more flattering and not as bulky as most of the others. I *love* them and wear them all the time now. We were in Washington DC last week for vacation, one day we walked over 13 MILES and my feet did not hurt one bit.
Just ordered myself the pair from Target. Bonus, they’re on sale!
Good thing I told myself yesterday that I wouldn’t do any online shopping this month……….
Love the flats! Making the most of wearing them in the unusually warm sunny weather here in the UK! Always save the heels for special occasions when I don’t have to walk around too much! ???
ilove your picks! I wear heels a lot to work because I don’t have any cute flats, so thanks for the options! π
Kim
http://trendkeeper.me .. Over the knee!
I am not the heel type. I wear them to weddings and they immediately come off and get shoved under the table once I sit down. I can’t walk in them and they are incredibly uncomfortable. They’re just not for me! Flats are my jam and I live in them! – work and play. I can’t chase my toddler with heels on but I will toss a small heel on for date night and it has to be chunky and I have to walk slooooooow. I do love booties! I love the Toms flats and the crocs another commenter recommended! Cute!
You can rock the birks; you just have to find the right style/color. Heels + bad feet + clumsy me = flats. But flats can’t accommodate my orthotics most of the time. Like Yoms–can’t even fit my foot in them w my orthotics. The taupe flats in your picture are super cute, though.
My hubby is only 5’7″ and I’m 5’51/2″ so I’m a flat girl as well! (That sounded rather awkwardβ¦ You know what I mean) ?
hahaha I got you!
So how you feel about clothes is how I feel about makeup. I literally haven’t changed my makeup routine/products in probably 10 years. It’s so embarrassing. Do you do email consultations?? I need someone to say, “STOP wearing eyeliner” or “no, you really need to use more than one shade of eyeshadow.” I have such a small budget for things like this (one income ministry family), so I usually have to settle for drugstore brands. I need to live near you so you can tell me what to dooo!
This cracked me up! Flats for the win.
Loved all the flats options and loved the text exchange. But where were you when you posted that photo of the flat booties? I’ve been looking for a pair of leopard print flats and those next to the booties in the photo are adorable! π
I was at Belk!
Can I just say that your “mom style” is fantastic! It might sound funny but knowing that a cute and stylish mom like you who is wearing comfortable clothes and catering more to her family life with style, sort of gives me permission to do it too and not feel bad about it! Being dressed to the nines in a trendy outfit always feels great too, but not practical for every day life. So thank you. Mom style for the winβ¦ π
I LOVE flats, but I can never find comfortable ones that don’t rub my achilles. I usually go with flip flops (I live in AZ) or tennis shoes. Oh, and I am currently pregnant with my first and I’ve never been cool or stylish. I’m a roll out of bed and throw on a t-shirt and jeans with flip flops kind of gal. No makeup and sometimes, I don’t even brush my hair… I don’t know what motherhood is going to do to my routine. I don’t think I can get any more basic. I wish I had a style consultant team like you, Kate. Maybe then I’d have a more put together look. Haha!
Love my flats too! I really like your flat selection, can you list where I can find them? Thanks!
Thanks for these suggestions! Question I always struggle with — How do you keep your feet warm in the winter with flats like these? I want to be able to wear these through the whole fall and winter, but it gets cold! I walk outside a lot every day for my job. Still trying to figure out the balance of comfort, warmth AND style for colder months.
Tieks! Get them!!!? After a brief break-in, they will be your “go-to” flat. AND… they pack up super tiny for travel. AND… they come in the most adorable packaging. AND… I promise – no affiliation whatsoever with the company. I just β€οΈ mine THAT much ?
I have loved wearing cute flats for years. But recently I had to go through physical therapy for plantar fasciitis and metatarsalgia. My doc and physical therapist warned me against all flats, #sadface. On the daily I wear my “clodhoppers” which are sensible, sturdy KEEN maryjanes. Not very stylish but help me retain my foot health for running. On the weekend I occasionally go against the doctor’s orders and sport some sandals or wedges to church. Oh, and your style is not exclusive to moms, I have no children and love your style!
Oooh! Oooh! I know a way to increase your “cool factor” – rename the “Group” text with Jordan and Lauren to something unique! In all of your hilariousness, I’m certain you would be able to create an absolutely awesome name for your group of stylin’ gurus.
#flatsforlife
I have the nude/tan Toms Jutti flats and I LOVE them – super cute and comfy once you break them it a bit. Do your style gurus have any suggestions/advice for suede shoes? I live in Portland, OR and I’m nervous about my suede flats with the rain coming soon. Thoughts?
I was an All Heels, All The Time girl when I had a desk job and sat in a chair most of the day. π Then I started teachingβ¦and the tall shoes became seriously impractical for standing all day, but I stubbornly clung to them anyway. By the time my second son came along, I finally got rid of my high heels, which had been unused for a while. Now that I’m about to accomplish the four-children-in-five-years feat, I’m definitely a flats convert (though I do still have a couple of pairs of lower heels that I like to wear on errands.)
I hate boring shoes, though. Modcloth is a favorite destination of mine for finding easy-to-wear (read: flat) but very interesting shoes. π
I have to say, though, I’m not sure what’s wrong with wearing grey tees and jeans every day if that’s what works for you. You wear it well. Being at home with small kids is just a season of life. And you, ma’am, are anything but frumpy. π <3
I’m constantly looking for the perfect flat (stylish) shoe… Can’t wait to see what booties you find!
Love that third pair of flats!!
Her Heartland Soul
http://herheartlandsoul.com
Ok. BUT I live in Ohio. How do I wear flats when it rains 2/3 of the year?
Oh goodness! I was the woman in the dressing room next to you, trying on the same jeans and sending pictures to my sister asking if she liked them (we checked out at the same time). I was too embarrassed to say anything because you’ve been a part of my life for several years and it just felt like an a weirdo stalker moment. but thank you for all you hair and beauty tips, recommendations on the Madewell v-neck t-shirts, etc. your post had me giggling as I have similar conversations with my sister!
Love your blog. I’ve learned so much from you about hair and makeup! Thank you. Like yourself, I’m not much of a fashion girl. Love t shirts and jeans and scrubs during the week. I try to look stylish on days off, but it’s hard to be stylish and still feel like yourself. Keep the clothes posts coming! Oh and if you could post some outerwear? Pocketbooks? Wallets? Always looking for some ideas!
Thanks!!!!
βΊοΈ
I cannot stop laughing reading those texts!! What the heck is an “A piece”??!! I’m dying trying to figure out what “Probably better for my A piece” can even mean! LOL!
I love this post. Particularly the coolness level you have going on and the cats. All the cats.
I want to hang out with you, “stu” and Jordan lol!
This had me full on laughing!! I went out of heels during my pregnancy due to lots of hip pain, and I have yet to manage to get back into them fully. I wore them to school (I’m a teacher) once or twice, but fully regretted it by lunchtime!!
So I’m with you, flats all the way!!
π
I wonder what you’re doing to your shoes that they don’t last longer than a season π I do not buy expensive shoes, but they tend to last for many years. Which is good, but also a bit sad because I can’t buy new shoes that often π
Darn you for posting links! hahaha. I found the perfect pair of sandals on the TOMS website. I’m deciding if it’s truly worth buying them now that summer is practically over and really feels like fall up here in the Canadian prairie. For now they’re living in my bookmarks till I can full decide!
Have you ever worn Tieks ballet flats? I’ve seen them, but don’t usually spend that much on my shoes, though I wear my shoes out. I’ve started to think I should spend more than Target prices (always) on my shoes. I’d like to hear your opinion of if you’ve ever worn them or whatever your thoughts may be about them. Thanks!
Katie
I love that text conversation! My sister, my sister in law and I do the exact same thing. We live in different countries and I often get random pictures of my sister in a dressing room saying “help! Yes??? No???” It’s always good to have someone to call on who will tell you honestly if this shirt really hides your wobbly bits or if it’s just your imagination π
I love your blog and your style!! I have never been able to wear ballet style flats because i have very flat feet with an extremely narrow heel. I purchased a pair of Tieks and I have NEVER loved a shoe so much! They are so worth their price-you will never regret them! I literally wear them everywhere I go. I would love to know your thoughts:)
Hey there, I really like the look of those booties in your text conversation, where can you buy them? Thanks, Alex
I am a flats girl all day everyday, until the snow hits, then back to flats when it all melts again! I am in love with the TOMS and Urban Outfitters ones. I am going to have to score a pair of both of those! Also where did you find those boots, not much of a boot person, but want a flat pair to have!
Love the flats. I am typically a heel girl but unfortunately my job requires I wear a lot more flats these days. So I am always in need of adorable flats. I LOVE number 4! So cute and that color is amaze. Also, your text convo made me laugh out loud. I have definitely been there!
http://mymonochromaticlife.com
The main thing I took away from this post is future kitten fostering. I am going to be needing a lot more details… and by details, I mean pictures!
So,… I lived in my Chacos in CO. *embarrassed emoji* Hopefully you will still admit to being my cousin!
I love your blog and your instgaram posts but am constantly torn between reading or unfollowing. What is so wrong with “Mom Style”? Shouldn’t we be more concerned with breaking down barriers and proving we’re more than our physical appearance? We are strong, courageous women who gave birth!! We put the wants and needs of our children before our own. We have witnessed our bodies do incredible things. We have fought post partum depression. We have breastfed. We have researched formula ingredients and soothed teething babies. I think, if nothing else, “Mom Style” is a privilege denied many women who would love to trade the freedom of fashion for raising babies.