Farewell Flip Flops - The Inquirer 4/11/12

Farewell, Flip-Flops – Flats Are Back and Beautiful by Elizabeth Wellington, The Inquirer

Bye-bye, fancy flip-flops. Your days in the stylish summer sun are over.
Chic urban dwellers have replaced you with the bright flat.

We’re talking more than the ballet shoe – although the easy-to-walk-in option is my fave. This summer’s low-heeled footwear runs the gamut from penny loafers to tasseled moccasins in jelly-bean hues and creamy nudes.

There is even a new flat on the block: the “flatform.” Think platform with a lower cork wedge. As if they couldn’t get any cuter, some come in peep-toe styles.

“Women are coming in and asking for something colorful, but with coverage,” said Aubrie Costello, manager of Bus Stop Boutique in South Street’s Headhouse District. “They were tired of flopping around. They were tired of the dirty heels. But they still want to bring style to their wardrobe.”

Usually flats are at their trendiest during the transition from fall to winter, but this year flats, especially ballerinas, may beat out sandals when it comes to summer fashion.

That’s because 2012 versions aren’t just the boring black shoes you stuff in your bag to rest your feet after wobbling in wedges all day. They are softer and more feminine. Flats in spectator two-toned styles in tie-dyed fabric are the star of the show.

Read full article http://articles.philly.com/2012-04-13/news/31325337_1_flats-flip-flops-high-heels