The Budget Fashionista

QI have to wear flat shoes for health reasons and I’m also on a budget. I feel like I spend days or weeks looking for fashionable, non-frumpy flat shoes which I can afford. What are some good sources for flat shoes on a budget?

Target.com

Zappos.com

A I’m a big fan of flat shoes and wear them on a daily basis because I do so much walking (New York is such a pedestrian city). Here’s some of my favorite places to score flats for a reasonable price:

Baker Shoes— This mall base store is a great place for trendy flats under $40. Never, ever pay more than $40 for a pair of flats from Bakers because several of their shoes are manufactered by the same folks who make shoes for Payless. Sometimes, you can even find similar styles at the both stores.

Aerosoles—In store, Aerosoles can tend to skew a bit grandma like—but online the store has a wider selection of stylish flats.

Old Navy—Old Navy has a solid selection of ballerina flats in leather and other types of materials for well under $20.00. The shoes won’t last you about 10, maybe 15 wears, and then you’ll have to throw them away. However, from a cost per wear standpoint, the shoes are only $1.50 to $2 per wear. A solid value

Urban Outfitters—Almost always has a few very trendy flats, usually well under $40/ most under $30. Be aware that many of the shoes sold at Urban Outfitters aren’t leather.

Steve Madden—Huge selection of stylish flat shoes in a ton of different colors from patten leather with pilgrim buckles to your basic ballerina flats in cheetah prints. Prices tend range from $29.99 to $89.99. If you see a style you like that tends to fall on the higher end of the price range, wait a week or two—they almost always go on sale.

Barefoot Tess—Great online based store with a HUGE selection of flats from folks like Jeffrey Campbell and Delmans. Most flats are around the $50 to $60 range.

Bluefly.com—Sometimes you can find a deal or two on designer flats from Kate Spade, Delman, Christian Louboutin, etc. Not exactly cheap, but definitely cheaper than retail.

Nine West- Another mall based store with a solid website. I actually think the website is better than the store. Every year, it seems like things get pricier and pricier. However, it’s definitely worth taking a peek at the store.

and Zappos.com, of course.

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