If you’ve ever stopped by my blog, or can remotely claim to know me, or have even just seen me on the street, you know I’m all about the shoes. With a mother who has a weak spot for stilettos and a father who (though he won’t admit it) appreciates a nice shoe, I was doomed from the start.

And it’s never just ordinary shoes. My current collection boasts fur booties, funky urban printed wedges, neon Lita boots, and lace stilettos. And that’s before I even get to my new Christian Sirianos. Though a love for shoes is in my nature, a love for practicality is not.

But today, fur booties aside, I want to talk about flats. Although you hardly ever see flats in my blog posts, I generally do wear them on a day-to-day basis. Recently I’ve given my flats collection a makeover in preparation for the semester I’m spending in Europe this spring. Gotta handle those cobblestones in style! These are a few of my newer pairs.

1) The neon yellow I received from GoJane with a matching scarf, I can’t wait to use the matching set in the winter with a cute coat. 2) Blue is one of my favorite colors and I wear a lot of it, throw in the bows and it was a quick leap to those gorgeous flats.

1) Continuing with the bright color pallet, I have these gorgeous red ballet flats. Red flats are such a fun, girly staple. They add a little whimsy to my outfits. 2) Hello, nineties throwback! Yes, these are orange jellies with sparkle bows on them. I have no regrets.

1) I don’t know what it is but I’m so into leopard print lately. It’s an animal print that can very easily go trashy but with the black patent tips and dainty bows, these flats are just right. 2) I picked these up at a thrift store and I just love the retro weave pattern. They have a very minor heel, only about an inch. I don’t count anything under three inches as an actual heel so I use them as flats.

1) Another thing I’m super into: oxfords. Prep has always been my calling and what could be preppier than an oxford? I got this amazing black and white pair as a Christmas present from my suite-mate and model Michele. 2) I love the girly edge that these have. They’re a little closer to flats than actual oxfords and the ribbon ties give them such charm.

As much as I adore my heels, I inevitably get lazy and revert back to flats. But they are an essential part of any well rounded shoe collection and my recent purchases have given me a greater appreciation for the smart little shoe.