Have ballet flats had their day?

Every year the arrival of Spring is marked in fashion terms by packing away my snuggly winter boots and getting out the ballet pumps. Classic, comfy and practical - I pretty much live in them from March until early Autumn. They can be worn anywhere from clothes shopping (super quick to slip on and off), out to lunch (instant chic), work (smart) and the beach or playground (easy to kick off and to empty out the sand). They are the perfect shoe to be worn with jeans, cropped trousers, summery dresses and pretty much any item of clothing.

So what's not to love? My problem with them is that they feel a bit dated, particularly worn with skinny jeans, which has been a kind of uniform ever since I became a Mum. There are also so many other alternatives such as sneakers, brogues, and skater shoes, which I have just ordered and can't wait to share with you next week when they arrive. In fact, I think the skater shoe will become my ballet flat of 2014!

But I digress. Back to ballet shoes. I decided that after so many summers of wearing them, it wouldn't feel right to not have any. So I ordered these from Boden in black and pearl:

They sneaked into my basket while I was purchasing the leopard print Mya bag with the thought that I could just send them back if I was still unsure. Since they arrived there has been a week of sunshine and I've worn them nearly every day! So, to conclude, they are definitely not an edgy shoe but they do still have a place in my wardrobe. They are what I reach for on busy days, tired days, fat days etc because they go with everything and are so comfortable. I think of them less in fashion terms now, and more as a useful, essential item, in the same way that I would buy gloves or a hat!

I usually buy quite a few pairs of very cheap ballet shoes every summer, but this year I am spending more on just one pair in the hope that they will last longer. I love the ones I've chosen from Boden and can confirm after wearing them all week that they are like slippers! The leather is very soft and the monochrome design is stylish and so versatile. I like the patent toe cap, hopefully it will mean there is less chance of them getting scuffed. I will get so much wear out of them!

So are you still wearing ballet flats or do you think they are over?!

Here are a couple of outfits from this week featuring the shoes. First pic is on my way to a work event:

                                                      Chambray Shirt - Gap SS14
                                                       Leather look jeans - Zara AW12
                                                       Statement necklace - Zara AW13
                                                       Ballet Pumps - Boden SS13

Vintage Military Jacket - True Religion SS14

Breton Knit Top - Gap SS12

Scarf  - Becksondergaard at Yard

Black Jeans - Mint Velvet

Ballet Pumps - Boden

Happy Friday everyone

Abbi x