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This one goes out to all the ladies who dislike wearing heels — loving the look to this simple ballet flat from Naturalizer. The low vamp, the classic buckle, the rubber soles — it looks classic and comfortable. It's pictured here in “oxford brown,” but it's also available in black, a reddish “cab sav,” a “classic olive,” and a navy. It's $79 at Naturalizer, but Amazon has limited sizes available for as low as $67.96. Naturalizer Women's Media Ballet Flat (L-3)Sales of note for 11.5.24
- Nordstrom – Fall sale, up to 50% off!
- Ann Taylor – Extra 40% off sale
- Banana Republic Factory – 50% off everything + extra 25% off with your GAP Inc. credit card
- Bloomingdales is offering gift cards ($20-$1200) when you spend between $100-$4000+. The promotion ends 11/10, and the gift cards expire 12/24.
- Boden – 10% off new styles with code; free shipping over $75
- Eloquii – Fall clearance event, up to 85% off
- J.Crew – 40% off fall favorites; prices as marked
- J.Crew Factory – Up to 60% off everything + 60% off clearance
- Lo & Sons – Fall Sale, up to 35% off
- M.M.LaFleur – Save 25% sitewide
- Neiman Marcus – New sale, up to 50% off
- Spanx – Lots of workwear on sale, some up to 70% off
- Talbots – Buy one, get one – 50% off everything!
- White House Black Market – Holiday style event, take 25% off your entire purchase
And some of our latest threadjacks here at Corporette (reader questions and commentary) — see more here!
Some of our latest threadjacks include:
- What to say to friends and family who threaten to not vote?
- What boots do you expect to wear this fall and winter?
- What beauty treatments do you do on a regular basis to look polished?
- Can I skip the annual family event my workplace holds, even if I'm a manager?
- What small steps can I take today to get myself a little more “together” and not feel so frazzled all of the time?
- The oldest daughter is America's social safety net — change my mind…
- What have you lost your taste for as you've aged?
- Tell me about your favorite adventure travels…
Diana Barry
Very nice!!! Thanks for recommending a flat for us. :)
Littlest Attorney
I have these in black. I got them about a month ago and love how they look! The leather is a bit more stiff than other Naturalizer flats I own, but it hasn’t made the shoes uncomfortable.
CB
I don’t have these specific shoes, but most of my work shoes are Naturalizer and I find them very comfy and well made. And I can find some fantastic deals on them, especially toward the end of the season.
Fat Jeans
It’s time to buy them, sadly.
Would appreciate all recs for ladies with a little extra junk in the trunk. Obviously, quality > price, but can’t spend more than $100 on this. And I have never met a pair of Gap jeans that I like.
Anon
Old Navy has a nice mid-rise bootcut jean that covers and flatters my ample rear (I am 5’1″, 135 (ugh) and generally wear a 10 or 12 in pants). They are cheap and I wear them with heels which gives me a nice long look.
a.k.
I’ve had good luck with Lucky Brand. Also, Guess is good if you have a sharp hourglass from waist to hip.
MaggieLizer
Second Lucky. I can’t speak to the junk-in-the-trunk fit, but I really like that they come in different inseam lengths so I don’t have to take them to the tailor. Their dark washes tend to sell out quickly, but they’re pretty good about ordering them from other stores.
Anonymous
Yep – Lucky works for my junk in the trunk, without having the too-large waist of other jeans that fit my hips. I’ve found them at Marshalls for around $30.
seltzer pop
third lucky – i have more thighs than booty, though.
Suddenly Anon
Ok, ok. I never thought I would say this but I strongly recommend the St. John’s Bay brand (which with the exception of their jeans is kind of matronly )bootcut jeans from JC Penney. Seriously. I’m not kidding. They make my rear look hot and there is a lot of junk in this trunk. I haven’t wanted to invest a ton of money in jeans recently as I am losing weight right now, so every few weeks I go pick out a smaller size and revel in how long and lean my not-really-long-and-lean legs look in them. They are usually on sale for around $25, and even when I’m done losing weight, I think I’m going to continue buying them.
I have flirted with everything from high-end to low-end, and these are the best.
Other honorable mentions: Not Your Daughter’s Jeans (unfortunate name for truly flattering bootcuts), Target’s Merona brand.
I am not a super fan of the Old Navy jeans because I find that 1) they fall too low on my hips (resulting in a lovely view of my backside any time I squat or lean over) and 2) the denim fades really quickly
Makeup Junkie
+1 on the St John’s Bay jeans. I like their curvy – fit pants too
Also check out Target’s new fit system. That’s about as close to perfection as it gets for my big booty
Accountress
Can we get a size range on “fat jeans” for you? My fat jeans are just regular jeans- size 24 Levis from Dillards (they run small compared to, say, Talbot skirts).
Amy H.
What about trying the Levi’s new Curve ID fits? They have “Bold Curve” (which fit me well, and I am a definite trunker) and now one more curvier than that — I think it’s Supreme Curve? All around $70-80 IIRC.
I’ve also had good luck with Lucky Brand, especially their “Sweet and Low” fit . . . but those are usually over $100.
Fat Jeans
Thanks, all.
Fat-for-me is in the 8-12 range, US vanity sizing. Will investigate all of these!
Kanye East
I’ve heard Joe’s are flattering on the booty-full among us.
MelD
They are fantastic. The Honey cut is specifically for the more booty-full, but there are probably 2-3 other styles that will fit. The prices aren’t too bad at places like Off 5th, Rack, and the Joe’s outlet. If you go to the outlet they will just look at you and find styles that will look good.
Erin (formerly Ruby)
Does anyone else find these kinds of shoes incredibly painful? I think I have bunionettes on both feet, and flats or any shoe that hits them becomes unbearably painful. I actually have these shoes (or maybe last year’s near-identical style) and I can only wear them for a couple of hours.
Anonymous
I find that shoes like these have no arch support. So ironically, heels are more comfy for me because I have super high arches. To each her own though, they are very cute.
Anon
What heels are your favorite? I also have very high arches and have difficulty finding shoes with decent arch support. TIA!
S in Chicago
I have high arches and prefer heels as well. If I’ve got a ton of walking to do, I absolutely love Easy Spirit’s Quent style–I own them in three colors at the moment and could probably walk just as fast as I do in sneakers with them. The heel isn’t super high and its wide enough for stability, but it doesn’t look clunky–so works OK with pencil skirts and dresses.
My favorite is the “light gold,” which is sort of a silvery beige and seems to go with absolutely everything from navy suits to colored dresses http://www.zappos.com/easy-spirit-quent-pewter-leather .
econ prof
Oooh, thanks for that rec. I like those a lot! Looks like a good basic.
anon
I also have very high arches, and like Sofft brand and Clarks dressier styles (they actually have some cute heels, I usually have to order them, though). But, I add arch support cushions to all of my shoes. I really like Dr. Rosenberg’s Instant Arches Arch Supports.
Erin (formerly Ruby)
I don’t need arch support – actually I’m a big barefoot fan. But I find that this shape of shoe is particularly painful on my bunionettes. It’s a shame because I don’t wear heels, and most flats have this shape.
Barrister in the Bayou
Have you tried a wide shoe? I have something similar to this from Naturalizer and I also have bunion/ettes and found the wide in my size to be rather accommodating.
Bee
That’s interesting…part of my problem with heels is they make me feel like my arches have no support at all.
Diana Barry
It really depends on the brand, style and even the individual shoe. I have a developing bunion on one foot and I often have to stretch my shoes in that area before wearing them, particularly on that one foot. But some brands (this one) come in wide, and some brands run wider in the forefoot than others, so those fit better on me.
anon
these look to me like they *do* have some arch support, unlike lots of other flats which are literally flat as a pancake on the bottom and leave your foot slapping against the ground with every step.
if you click on the link, the side view shows some curvature which looks relatively supportive. i don’t have them, though, so i could be wrong, or maybe that still won’t solve your problem.
AIMS
I think there is a big difference, comfort wise, between classic flats and ballet flats. For me, ballet flats are not comfortable, but more traditional flats usually can be. I had this “epiphany” somewhat recently, and I have noticed that a lot of shoes are labeled one vs the other, and it does seem to make a difference, comfort-wise. Although, I must admit, just as I wear heels because I like the look, I still wear ballet flats, too, because I just really like the look. I just don’t plan to walk much in them.
Lydia
These are cute. Thanks for posting. I literally was just looking at the ballet flats I am wearing today and realized they are totally worn out and need to be replaced.
Anonymous
20% off plus free shipping at Naturalizer’s website: NFCUS1120
SoCal. Esq.
These are classic. Anybody know if they run true to size? I like them in navy and cab. Anonymous, thanks for posting the promo code.
SoCal. Esq.
FYI, just noticed the reviews say they run large.
Samantha
Love it!
Awful Lawful
These are cute. But I have last year’s version of this flat and they are painfully uncomfortable. The leather is VERY stiff and I don’t know how else to describe it, but they are cut very low. They pinch the tops of my toes and dig in a bit. I have Naturalizer heels that I like a lot, but I haven’t had great success with their flats in terms of comfort.
Erin (formerly Ruby)
I agree. I posted this above but it got threadjacked by a discussion of arch support (another important topic re: flats). Any recs for shoes that don’t dig in to bunionettes?
Bursting out
No recommendations, but I’ve got the same problem. And bony heels.
So two questions:
1) Are there flats that don’t cut directly across the bunion area?
2) How do you wear flats without getting your heels destroyed? Any good brands for not rubbing on the heel?
Because of these fit challenges, heel tend to be more comfortable for me. But now that I’m pregnant, my balance is a little off, and I’d really like to find some cute and comfortable flats. I walked a bunch in Cole Haan Air flats – supposedly the holy grail – yesterday, and today my heel is all torn up and my bunion is red. :-(
Sydney Bristow
I like certain flats from Blowfish brand. They run a little small, so size up 1/2 or a whole size. I have a fabric pair that was great and just got some heels that are very soft material and are comfortable. I have pretty bad bunions on each foot.
As far as cheaper flats, I normally go to Target and try on every style I can find and normally find a pair that are comfortable over my bunions or clearly will stretch out. My most recent pair unfortunately tears up my heels, but I hadn’t really experienced that before.
Erin (formerly Ruby)
For the heels – moleskin works great if you stick it on your foot. I also usually wear sock liners. I like the ones from Hue that have a little silicone pad at the heel to prevent slipping.
Reecently Downgraded
I’ve found that a true ballet flat – the plain, soft leather ones with a round toe and little cording bow on the front – are the most comfortable. I had a pair with a flexible rubber sole (Report, I think, and from an outlet for $10) that I wore every day for years, including with thick socks in the winter (which stretched them out so much that I can only wear them that way now). They are admittedly not as polished or tailored as the more grown up flats seen above, but in a plain neutral color not that noticable either. Mine are neatly finished with a grosgrain ribbon-like fabric at the top and neither cut nor dig anywhere. I have had the same trouble with more expensive, purportedly better made flats that are stiffer and heavier. Try the juniors section. While I will still only buy real leather or nice fabric, this is one area that I often buy cheaper and replace more often when the soles wear down. I wish I had purchased several when I got my first pair. The most recent replacement pair are Chinese Laundry and from DSW.
PollyD
I recently found that the brand BC Footwear (available on Endless) works really well for me, when I want pump-shaped shoes. My feet are wider across the bunion area, although I don’t think they are true bunions yet, and this is one brand that doesn’t cut into the tops of my feet. I’ll also make another plug for Trotters – they can be super-dowdy, but I have a pair of low-heeled (maybe 1-1.5″) pumps with a nice shape to them and they are super-comfy. I can get regular, not wide, in these brands. AK Anne Klein also seems to be working well lately.
Hike!
This happens to me too. My toe nail fell off one summer in college so I wore all flats instead of flip flops. Ever since then I have noticed those little bumps hurt in all flats. It seems that no matter what, they pinch that pre-bunionette area. If that part sticks out of the shoe, I am afraid the bunionette will drop the ette, go public and start selling stock. If it covers it, it pinches. I have ordered a few double wide pairs from Zappos and added the heel slip but those ended up pinching after awhile. Plus it is very hard to find cute flats in double wide.
I once dated a guy whose mother had them the size of golf balls on each foot. I was like “that’s what these become?” So I stopped flats. Which worked when I could wear open toed low heels and other shoes. Now, I wear all closed toe heels which hurts after a while. After the other attorneys leave the office (or haven’t arrived yet) I go barefoot. It’s gross. I step on staples. I put my shoes back on for the bathroom. But it hurts after a long day! In conclusion, this post has provided no help and all support. Tennis shoe movement?
Bee
I looked at Munro American’s website and they have a discusion of fit. They say lower cut slip on styles need to fit tighter through the toe (and bunion?) area, basically just so they stay on the foot. Now I want to discuss fit with someone in a good shoe store, or maybe Nordstrom. I may start looking for shoes cut higher on the foot, maybe with straps or ties.
Erin (formerly Ruby)
A bunionette isn’t actualy a little bunion – it’s on the other side of the foot, at the joint of the fifth metatarsal (pinky toe). But similar pain and discomfort.
Have you seen the blog Barking Dog Shoes? They specialize in shoes for people with bunions and other foot problems – from everything I’ve read there heels can actually make bunions worse, so you might want to rethink your strategy.
Anne Shirley
I keep a little pair of slippers in my office for afterhours.
Hel-lo
Me too. I wear slippers in my office fairly regularly. No one cares if it’s just under your desk.
a lawyer
Cole haan air flats are wonderful. I bought 4 pair at a 75 percent off sale year before last. Very comfortable, good arch support (I have high arches, too), and very durable.
The Online Shopper
Sorry to be the dissenter on this one – but these shoes are mighty frumpy IMO. They do not have a femine shape or detailing. For context for my [aplogetically negative] opinion, I imagine Anne Hathaway’s character wearing these shoes in the Devil Wears Prada – before the makeover. Flats are great (especially for commuting) but there is too much room for improvement with this pair.
Anon
I agree completely. There are much cuter flats available.
AIMS
Yes. . . I’m not keen on this pair. But I may be biased — I am rarely a fan of shoes with buckles.
AnonAnon
I am traveling for several weeks and have dozens of meetings to attend. The people I’m meeting are bound to be wearing suits. I work in an industry with a more relaxed dress code and -I know I’ll sound like a jerk here- they’re the ones that want to meet with me, not the other way around (not that I’m unhappy to meet with them!). Is it OK for me to forgo suits for most of the trip in favor of jacket/skirt or jacket/dress? I’d just really rather not pack several suits, so I’m looking for validation, but I will bow to Corporette wisdom if I’m aiming too high!
AnonInfinity
My initial thought is that, unless they are clients you’re wooing, then you should stick with your normal dress code if you feel comfortable in that in a room full of suits.
anon
are you the client? do they want your money? if so, i think you can wear what you like, within respectful bounds.
D.
I would! And you don’t sound a bit like a jerk. You are the woo-ee, so short of showing up in sweats, you can really do little wrong in the wardrobe department. The important thing is that YOU feel like you have the power (which is what a suit is for, when it comes down to it).
anon for this
Need to rant. I work for a satellite office that is so big it’s comparable to the moon. I’m visiting headquarters (i.e., “Earth”). Nice people but…SO CLUELESS about introducing themselves.
For stupid reasons (e.g., people don’t “want” a picture of themselves posted on the intranet–not even publicly accessible), we have no pictures of people matched to their names. So I have no idea who the heck everyone is or what their role is.
They come into the office I’m using or stop me in the hallway and NEVER introduce themselves. I politely admit I don’t “remember” their name (what a joke! I have NO way of even knowing their names!). Sometimes, they don’t even respond with their name! Just “oh yeah, I interviewed you [3 years ago] and we talked about xyz”.
I am stuck in an office and one guy just barged in and said “oh someone is still here!” and left. No “Hi, I’m Joe” or “Hello, are you visiting?”
I am trying to pick up 80+ names while I’m here and I can’t remember who I was introduced to yesterday! (I am really glad they change their clothes but it kind of messes with my system…)
PLEASE PLEASE if you work for the same firm or host people in a similar situation, INTRODUCE yourself unless she leads with your name.
Anonymous
Calm down. I don’t want pictures of me on anyone’s intranet either and, respectfully, get over yourself.
You’re visiting their clubhouse. Their life will go on after you leave. It’s a bit much to want people to alter their routines just because you’re there.
It’s not ideal but seriously, people come and go all the time.
stc
It’s not that big of a deal to want people to be basically polite to you. Sheesh, anonymous.
anon for this
thank you stc! Anonymous, I’m not asking people to change their routines. I’m just asking for basic hospitality while I’m “in their clubhouse”.
I work with these people daily over email and I am out here to have some “face time”. So it is kind of a big deal that I’m out here.
Sydney Bristow
Can you try and introduce yourself? When someone comes into your office or stops you in the hallway, stick out your hand to shake theirs and say “I don’t think we’ve met, I’m x and visiting from sattelite office.” Obviously it would be nice if they introduced themselves to you, but my guess is that it would be fairly rare to run into anyone else that you met 3 years ago and if you do you can just blame it on being in from out of town and meeting so many people. Hang in there!
Hike!
I mean if you can’t remember, then who cares really. It’s true they are rude and unaccomodating but, I wouldn’t worry about their names if they are not worried about telling your their names. Being out of your element is stressful enough so don’t dwell because you can’t change them. So I say, make up your own nicknames for people. Candy dish lady. I may never know her name but her mother is in the hospital and her cats don’t get along. I think I might know her cats names’ actually. There is also wrap dress lady and too short pants guy and whistle guy.
If you need to assign them stuff or ask for help, make like 3 good friends and ask them who people are and where there desks are (candy dish lady knows everyone’s name AND business which generates more nicknames).
I hate when people say “I do not think we have met,” my name is X when I have met them 30 times. One time, okay. But several? Why say that? Why are you going to remember me this time then. If you think you have met someone just say “have we met?” Oh yeah (or I didn’t think so), I am Susan. This drives me batty so, I get that this bugs you. But don’t take it personally, maybe you stole that guys secret nap or personal phone call office.
Favor please!!!
I have a HUGE favor to ask. I’m working on a class for business/law and I would love you to fill out a quick 3-question survey. Should only take 2 minutes! I’m trying to get as many people as possible. Thanks so much!!!
http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/J8YBMB9
Alanna of Trebond
Good luck! Although, a bit of a weird sample, right?
Red
Interesting survey. Good luck.
SkirtEnvy
Threadhike: When wearing a skirt, I find it migrating around all day. I starts with the zipper squarely in the back and then starts roaming. I’ve found myself in situations where the zipper has made it all the way around to the side. What do you do to prevent this?
Little Lurker
I want to know the answer to this, so please repost!
E
The skirt’s too big in the waist. It’s pulling on the hips and the space in the waist allows it to twist. Buy a size down or get it tailored.
anon
Good looking, if basic shoe. Thanks for recommending it. I don’t mind a small heel, up to 1.5 inches.
Anonymous
I bought that ballet flat a few months ago. Though pretty, it’s horrible. There’s very little, if any, stretch in the leather. So it was very tight in the toes. I had to return them. Very disappointed.