Flattened

There was once a time in my life when I only wore flat shoes. I once even had a goal to own a pair of ballet flats in every single color. But as I got older, and especially since I started documenting my outfits daily, I've been abandoning flats.

I would try them on with an outfit, and then try on a heel, and the heel would always win. My legs looked better, my butt looked better, since I'm only 5'1" the extra inches raised my confidence along with my stature.

My love of heels grew exponentially, I found myself seeking higher and higher models (the Splendids holding the current height record of nearly 6") and wearing a completely flat shoe became less desirable.

Wearing heels isn't entirely win-win though, and I feel like I need to make more of an effort to step down, make my feet comfortable and be okay with how I look without my best friends platform and pump.
Flat flat - mid flat - mid Flat
The Rundown
Textured Dress Gap -  Mustard Flats MIA - Belt Nine West - Earrings Kohls - Ring The Cavernous Jewelry Box
mustard flats
Do you constantly seek greater heights, or are you happy with your current altitude?

45 comments

  1. Being a teacher and on my feet for 6 periods everyday, I can't imagine being in heels. I do admire those who wear heels and oftentimes yearn to join that group but it just doesn't seem practical for me. I'm always afraid of what will happen if I bust my you-know-what wearing heels. I'd probably die of embarassment.

    Complex Cardigans

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  2. I, too, used to go for flats. And then I discovered heels. And boots. And then I got tired of flats and tried to get rid of as many as I could bare to part with. I feel so stumpy in flats now! I'm only 5'3", so heels are desirable if at all possible...

    You look lovely in these flats, though. I love the color. And you don't look stumpy at all, for the record. Congrats!

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  3. I used to be a huge proponent of heels but these days my feet and calves can't take it all day! So now I try to alternate. I do agree heels are typically more flattering to a girl's figure and are just simply more pretty too :)

    That said, I love those yellow flats. They are darling.

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  4. First of all I love this outfit so much, I would wear it! I love my flats, but lately maybe because I've seen pictures of how I look I've started to grow a love for heels, they make any outfit look great, especially because most of my skirts hit below the knee the look is harsher when you wear flats and midi or knee length skirts. I can definitelly see why flats look better or those who wear shorter skirts, in fact when I wear something 2 inches above my knee level I go for the flats. Heels make feel more...mmmh sexy(?) I don't know if that's the term I want to use but they make me feel better and I'm slowly learning to feel more comfortable in them. Heels also flatter my legs and recently with the platforms I'm beggining to embrace my height even more, I was self concious because I grew up always being the tallest in a small town in Mexico. ANyways that's my thought. =D

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  5. I used to wear heels every day and after some problems with my knee, I only wear flats these days. It's more challenging to be chic in flats every day- especially when I try to find supportive and comfortable flats.

    At 5'4", I don't mind wearing flats, even though heels would give me a height and possibly a slimmer look. I embrace my curves, height and creaky knee!

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  6. I used to do heels all of the time because I'm 5'2" but then...I just got tired of not being able to hustle. I think it embarrassed me to have women in front of me on the subway stairs not able to move down the stairs fast enough and holding everyone up, with people missing trains, and to think some days that would be me!

    Also, I tend to walk home from the subway late at night quite a bit and, after recollecting Karen Finley's Montecito (which I'd read previously but had forgotten about for years), I decided for safety reasons to stop wearing heels. Also, I felt (for me) less mobile and therefore "less than"/less capable. I know heels often comes up as a "can you be feminist and still wear heels/lipstick/etc.?" and I firmly believe you *can*. But I think it started sitting wrong with me, in a way that very much had to deal with how I am a woman and what heels mean as far as me interacting with the world at large.

    I have 2 or 3 pairs of pumps/heels laying around for when I must be dressed up (e.g. - I wore heels to the gala but I took a car there), but not ever ever otherwise.

    * Montecito is here, if you want to read it but please note it's graphic!
    http://www.facebook.com/topic.php?uid=2200386378&topic=279

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  7. Also, I think these flats look really nice on you. I really like the yellow with your patterned dress.

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  8. u look so pretty. love the outfit and pop yellow!

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  9. 5:1? you do not look it at all...but you always look fabulous. either in heels or flats. love it

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  10. I know just what you mean about heels- I'm 5'2" and I've never been particularly comfortable with that; heels have always given me the boost that I crave and I've been wearing them devotedly since I was in high school. I tend to stick to a 3'5" to 4" heel... I can move around easily at that height and heels of that height, if they're plain coloured, tend not to look too over-the-top. I do own an arsenal of flat shoes, too, though, mainly for when I need to move quickly. I tend to carry a pair in my bag for practical reasons, but generally I'm happiest in heels, and I'm okay with that :)
    xox,
    Cee

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  11. I wear flats quite often because I take public transportation daily, but I almost always change into heels once I arrive at my destination. I'm a shortie too and though I know I'm not fooling anybody to think I'm taller than I am, I still enjoy wearing them.

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  12. I have a pair of yellow ballet flats that I have nearly worn out. I love them desperately, and they are unbelievably comfortable. As an expert, I must say you wear yours well. :)

    I'm 5'3"-ish and live in flats. I'm usually drawn to heels, but I tend not to wear them, as they just don't really fit my lifestyle. I've always walked on the balls of my feet (constant tip-toeing), so I am a bit awkward in heels, but have a posture similar to wearing them even when barefoot. (I hope that made sense.) And, wearing heels automatically makes one "dressed up" in my little hick town. I'm usually over-dressed anyway, there's no need to make it glaring.

    Plus, I kind of like being short, and not just because it means I rarely have to duck, or bump my head on things.

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  13. I'm petite, and I can't seem to let go of wearing sky high heels. But some days I just want my feet to have a vacation and wear flats for a week. As odd as it may seem, the world seems different wearing flats, and then I go back to wearing heels.
    I love those mustard flats on you, especially the laser cute detail and the darling little bow.

    www.TheFancyTeacup.com

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  14. You look lovely, dear! And you smile is radiant :)

    CLASSY & FABULOUS

    xxx

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  15. It's funny that you're wearing less flats as you're getting older - I've done the complete opposite! Although, just wait until you're really old, like me :)

    Anyway, I love how the yellow flats add such a bright splash of color to this dress.

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  16. pretty girl :)
    i've been wearing wedges and heels more lately...i think i'm even becoming used to them!

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  17. I don't wear heaals that much actually, or maybe very small ones for time to time. I'm already 1m75 and on heels I feel like a giant! x

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  18. I love the pattern on that dress and you paired it well with the mustard flats. I always feel "stubby" with flats on, adding a bit of a heel always makes me feel better!
    xo Lynz

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  19. GOOOORGEOUS. I'm loving the print of our dress. It's so BAM. That's just awesome.

    Also, love hthe shoes, of course. I'm a huge advocate for flats. They're comfy and fieeeeeerrrce!


    QUIRKYEXPLOSION.blogspot.com

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  20. Oooh love this outfit! :D
    And I love heels but I also love switching to flats at least once a week just because. Flats are so cute but I know what you mean, I love the height from heels :D

    (and yea...its going to be hard to not shop but I'm usually pretty good about just browsing when I go out with my friends. Unless there is something really good, ha ha)
    http://www.closet-fashionista.com/

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  21. love the print of the dress and the pop of yellow is brilliant even if the heels are only 1/4 inch off the :)
    brett

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  22. I used to only wear heels because I am so darn short and everything just looked better with heels on but now I try to find pieces for petite gals so they hit right where they are supposed to making flats work perfectly. Wow that was a long sentence. :) I think you look super cute in flats!

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  23. I mostly wear flats as Im pretty tall and I feel the most comfortable in them:) You look so pretty, sweetie
    Kisses

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  24. Lyd baby.. I love that dress so much!! cute with the little pop of yellow. I dont like flats on me unless I am wearing them with some kind of pants.. my ankles are too thick and it looks like I squashed the shoes down with my monster legs!! LOL...

    I love heels and love looking even taller. I am almost 6 ft tall as it is and more height is even better!!!

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  25. I am not really a fan of flats, so I dont wear them that often even though I know I should...but you look super chic in them! :) Thank you for your super sweet comment too, happy thursday xx

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  26. I've actually found it harder to find comfortable flats than comfortable heels. Flats always seem to rub at my (actual) heel.

    This mustard pair looks adorable! Are they comfy, too?

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  27. I like the yellow flats. I used to wear heels all the time, but I am now wearing flats a lot more often.

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  28. I think you look super cute in flats - and those yellow ones are great! I personally am a huge flats fan. In fact, I rarely wear heels anymore and usually it's wedges rather than heels. To be honest I've never been much good heels, they've always hurt my feet and back and, not being a driver, hampered my ability to get around because I walk or bike everywhere and heels make that problematic.

    xoxo ~ Courtney
    http://sartorialsidelines.blogspot.com

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  29. I love this outfit! I tend to prefer flats, but I have gotten into heels more recently. Especially wedges! I try to stick to 2 1/2", though. Anything higher, and I just can't walk!

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  30. Love the mix of the yellow with the printed dress. I have found myself gravitating from flats to a wedges lately. I just like the way my skirts and legs look with a little bit of height!

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  31. I'm 6'1" and usually wear flats, but have been known to wear heels. It's fun.

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  32. You look gorgeous in flats too! :)
    And this dress is wonderful!

    I'm too much of a comfort creature to survive in heels every day. Though when I have to stand up to someone, or appear somewhere where confidence is crucial I always wear heels. they do wonders to my self-esteem!

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  33. im a flats lover but i do agree that i look better in heels. but comfort wins.

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  34. I'm an equal opportunity shoe luvah! Flats make it into the rotation as much as heels. : ) Love your yellow ones!

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  35. Super cute dress! I am always seeking greater heights! That's why I started my blog :) LOL.

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  36. I still haven't really worn flats at work but that may change soon after I get my turquoise flats!

    xoxo,
    Chic 'n Cheap Living

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  37. The higher the heel the better I feel! Love your bright shoes with that pretty dress. xo style, she wrote

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  38. You look fabulous in this - that belt shows off your tiny waist. Gorgeous.

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  39. I love that dress! Those flats are adorable too. I'm always struggling with flats vs heels. Lately I'm trying to find some low, comfortable wedges. Poor feet, I abuse them so much.

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  40. For me wearing flats or heels totally depends on how much standing or walking I'll be doing, and how comfortable my shoes are. For days I know I'll be on my feet a lot, I choose flats, no question! But you're right about heels usually being more flattering--anything to make my legs look longer! Anyway, I think this is the perfect outfit for flats--your legs still look long and they add a fun pop of color.

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  41. I go through the same process: first try on flats and then heels- Heels win 90% of the time however I then stop to think what I will be doing and then sometimes opt for flats.
    To answer your question, YES I am always looking for ways to increase my tiny stature.

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  42. It's ok to be short sometimes :) or all the time! I think you look beautiful in flats or platforms. I'm just over 5'7" but people tend to think I'm taller. I love being kind of tall but it has its downsides, like having big feet and not being able to find rompers that fit a longer torso. The grass is always greener!

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  43. I'm definitely a heel girl too. I don't have a lot of flats so nothing ever looks right or seems exciting. When I wear flats with a skirt I just try to pretend that I'm Zooey Deschanel. I think you look lovely and maybe a bit innocent in flats!!

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  44. I am all about comfort so heels everyday is a no go especially now since I am a commuter. I can't say I am really seeking to be taller (am 5'8 already) but, I like the way my legs look in heels...

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  45. A fabulous outfit!
    Yes heels look great but when you can create the right proportions without them, it still works.

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