Is it a sign of getting older or wiser..

....when you are more drawn to flats than you are heels.  I'm going definitely wiser and - in my dreams - a tad more chic.  I'll let you into a secret that when I wear flats, I (hilariously) think I look vaguely Parisian.  And no, I haven't even had a glass of wine before or during typing this (am attempting dry Feb during the week a la semi dry Jan.  Day two and we're winning).

As those of you who have read the blog for a while may be aware, I go through stages where I become obsessed with all things vaguely French.  Not "actually" French (as in things genuinely from France - duh) I should probably point out, as that would be sensible and I'm flighty, vapid and vague as they come.  Oh no - just things that in my head make me look French.  French as in Parisian chic obviously (obviously...).

I have previously mentioned what I consider to be the epitome of French style - maybe I'll revisit, but it's certainly less is more.  And black.  There is something about black, black and more black (hint of white, I'll give you that) that is just pure Parisian class in my eyes (although thinking about it, tis also very Milanese.. maybe I'm having a Euro crisis here). 

Either way, a flat black version of a pump is a must.  Completely non negotiable as they are actually magic shoes.  They can turn a pair of otherwise dull black skinnies into the chicest outfit ever.  As I'm writing this, interestingly I chose yesterday to team mine with dark indigo turned up jeans.  Which was ok at the time and it made a vaguely interesting change but yet again, I spent all day wishing I had just worn a pair of faithful black jeans.  My love affair with blue denim does definitely seem to be on the rocks - if not over...  I shall be remedying that outfit error later in the week and be re-wearing my flats with one of my beloved black pairs.

We'll start from the most embellished which I know are so popular and I absolutely adore them on other people.  Yet I can't quite make them work.  Who knows why?  Although these, with an otherwise plain outfit would make a great statement.  More than a hint of Valentino about them.  Rockstud at a not very rockstud price anyone?

Aldo Zerah Black Studded Flat shoes £50

Losing the studs - these are just gorgeous.  With cropped flares or skinnies, breton top, biker jacket, trench or blazer, these are going to turn me into Audrey... (maybe).  Can we all make note of the BLACK SKINNIES they've been teamed with (hating my blue jeans more with every passing sentence).

Warehouse Patent T Bar pump £42



These are possibly the most unBoden shoes ever.  Completely gorgeous.  I actually really love the wooden heel.  Think it makes them look about four times as expensive.

Florence Flat Point from Boden £69.50




You can rely on M&S to bring us a pair (complete with soles that have been made from angel's wings so comfort won't be an issue at all).

Suede Pointed Strap Pumps with Insolia Flex from M&S in black £49.50



More designer inspiration and again - a lovely pair from Boden.  Not Chloe - but Boden...  Again.  These are just perfect.
Scallop Point from Boden £69.50



Plain pointed now at New Look and leather for less than £20.  Yes.  Less than £20.

New Look Wide Fit Leather Ballet Pumps £19.99



Completely classic now at M&S, again with a great price for a timeless pump.

Leather Ballerina Pumps with Insolia Flex from M&S £29.50


Padded Chanel style for a 10th of the price at Office.

Cecilia Top Cap Ballerina Pumps £56





Slightly less conventional but I happen to adore these.  And again, leather for £20?  You simply can't go wrong. 

Jesse Black Ballet Flats from Urban Outfitters £20




And now - onto my personal favourites, the pointed, plainer flats. 

Clara Pointed Flat from Jigsaw £89 (even though this does look like a bit of charcoal at the front, as it's my beloved grey, I can forgive that.)






We've swayed very slightly (ok completely but they're a delicate pump version...) into loafer land.  

Kimi Leather Pointed Loafer from Topshop £39



And finishing with my new pair that, after I raved so much about my red suede Christmas ones (please can it stop raining so I can actually wear them out of the house?), Jemima Vine sent me, from their sale range - black lizard leather pumps.

Edie Lizard Black Pumps from Jemima Vine were £159 now £99  The pictures do not At All, do these justice.  And alas, you can't see how comfortable they are as well.