by Elizabeth
I have a shameful confession to make. Get ready.
Ok, here it is: I have NEVER owned a pair of ballet flats. Not one single solitary pair.
Oh sure, I've thought about it. However, I'm 5' 2" on a good day and I have a deep seated fear of buying flat shoes because they so often seem to cause stubby leg syndrome. Or else I find pairs that are so far out in the price stratosphere that I can't justify the cost for a "maybe" shoe. (J Crew and Kate Spade, I'm looking at you). And I've tried on lots of cheaper ballet flats at Old Navy and the Gap and Target, but my feet are wide and they always do that thing where the middle gapes out unbecomingly and then my feet look like giant boats.
But I have a gift card to American Eagle and after perusing the assorted offerings, I have fallen HARD for this pair of shoes. (No, I have not tried them on, but their web site offers free shipping and free returns on shoes, so what's to lose?).
The only problem is, I CANNOT for the life of me decide between the red and the yellow.
I already queried Jennie regarding this VERY IMPORTANT MATTER, and she assures me that despite my qualms, the red is going to be more versatile than I think. I'm totally down with the idea of red shoes (sassy!) but I am worried that given my usual uniform of jeans and a navy t shirt over a white t shirt, the red white and blue thing might be a drawback. AND they sort of remind me of Minnie Mouse. But also, so pretty.
Anyway, I'm leaning slightly towards buying the yellow pair, unless you all are like "No! GO RED!" or else you tell me that these shoes are barfalicious and I should continue on wearing nothing but fake uggs and flip flops, so let's hear it!
{photo credit: ae.com}
I love the cheery yellow, although I guess red would go with more? I'd get the yellow if it was me.
But word of warning? All of AE's ballet flats I've tried on HURT on the back of the heal, (but in general I have trouble finding ballet flats that don't give me blisters there). And when I worked at AE (for an entire 2 weeks over Christmas 2 years ago!) one of the managers told me it was the area the company invested the least amount of time & money in, so it had the poorest quality.
But free returns? Go for it!
Posted by: Alicia | January 25, 2010 at 04:26 PM
RED. works well in summer and winter. I have red ballet slippers (my first pair!) and I've been amazed with how often I can wear them.
Posted by: Kimberly | January 25, 2010 at 04:56 PM
I say yellow! I love yellow!
Posted by: Morgan | January 25, 2010 at 05:51 PM
Love the yellow! Just a warning on those AE flats, the inside is lined with dark denim and if you wear light socks or do without socks you get the denim stains. It does go away after wearing them for about a week or so but I do love them so much it is worth it! I have not had any issues with them rubbing my heal so I guess it depends on the shape of the feet.
Posted by: Caitlin C | January 25, 2010 at 06:10 PM
RED!! I met a girl at the pediatrician's office the other day black capris, black top and red flats and she looked SO CUTE! I think the red would be more versatile and that maybe you could wear them with more?
Posted by: Annie | January 25, 2010 at 06:58 PM
if you wear a lot of navy and white I say go yellow, it will look crisp and clean for spring...although (and this may just be because I have a small shopping problem)for 30 bucks i would order both and keep the color that makes me feel more kicky (or keep both, because again I have a problem)
Posted by: Jenn | January 25, 2010 at 07:31 PM
Yellow.
Red is classic and goes with a lot, but so will yellow and will be more unexpected.
Posted by: Hillary | January 25, 2010 at 07:44 PM
I don't think you could go wrong. The yellow is super-cute, and I am a HUGE red shoe fan.
(I own a pair of Dansko red clogs and I love, love, love them and wear them with ANYTHING/EVERYTHING. Then again, I'm not exactly a fashion goddess, so.)
Posted by: Marie Green | January 25, 2010 at 08:20 PM
I've been wearing red shoes my whole life and just bought a pair of yellow and honestly, I have to ennie meenie miney moe to decided which ones to wear.
It depends how brave you're feeling when pairing colors, I'm pretty crazy- I don't think you could go wrong. That being said, yellow is much less popular if you want to be more trendy.
Posted by: Christina | January 25, 2010 at 08:36 PM
Yellow, yellow, yellow. I am equally paranoid about the red/white/blue thing and I think yellow is just so happy and girly.
Posted by: Janssen | January 25, 2010 at 08:56 PM
I prefer the yellow. That's what I would choose.
Posted by: Swistle | January 25, 2010 at 09:36 PM
I vote yellow too! It's unexpected and cheery.
Posted by: natalie | January 26, 2010 at 10:56 AM
I have yellow shoes and I like them. But I sometimes feel like a duck.
Posted by: Meaghan | January 26, 2010 at 12:04 PM
I say both for that price...
Posted by: Ashley | January 26, 2010 at 03:47 PM
both!
i have a pair of red flats and it's suprising how much i wear them. they really go with a lot. but i say both. :) easy!
Posted by: kat | January 26, 2010 at 08:10 PM
I vote yellow too, but have a similar warning about AE shoes...I've fallen victim to their cuteness many times and have regretted it. They are not supportive and have thin soles so they aren't comfortable for walking and they do give blisters. They're not a great every day shoe. BUT if you usually wear heels every day like you mentioned, and these would be for once in awhile, go for it! Or, sometimes I order a half size up and put in cushiony insoles...that helps!
Posted by: Kristen | January 28, 2010 at 05:04 PM