Flat-Out Fabulous!

S.O.S. = Save Our Soles!
Shoe Week continues with CC’s selections for footwear that goes the extra mile! Every gal needs a few round-toe and a few pointy flats in her closet.
Though Carla Bruni-Sarkozy may be wearing flats to humor her smaller-statured husband (Napoleon complex?), the result is chic and lovely… And – dare we say? – practical!
Flats are even making an appearance on the runway, as at Emporio Armani’s Fall 2008 show, pictured at top right via style.com
Credits: first picture courtesy zimbio.com. Other photos via Italian Vogue except where noted.
ROUND TOE
Anya Hindmarch Moreno square toe flat in crackled metallic leather with round stud ornament, at shopbop.com
Francesca Mambreni metal butterfly flat...
All indications point to the inevitability of a butterfly trend for Spring 2009, so get a jump on the trend with these elegant beauties!


J. Crew Lilah tweed flats - simple and sophisticated.
Remember: with a relatively unadorned flat , you can feel free to do some fun DIY embellishment, like adding silk flower brooches to the toes!
Kalliste studded ballerina
Penelope color block ballet flats, currently on sale at jcrew.com.
Sam Edelmen Carmen in a blue psychedelic Pucci-esque print, at solestruck.com
Taryn Rose suede flat pictured courtesy elle.com
Balenciaga black studded suede flats; this and next at bluefly.com
Christian Louboutin magenta leather ballerina Tag flats
F-Troupe elastic strap ballet flat at revolveclothing.com
POINTED PERFECTION
Chloe paneled leather flats at net-a-porter.com
Buygo pointy toe ballerina, via blackboard.it - CC likes the youthful, punky vibe of these ones...
Twelfth Street by Cynthia Vincent Drea pointy toe skimmer in blue 50s floral print, at revolveclothing.com
Prada jeweled skimmer at barneys.com
MENSWEAR INSPIRED
Kenzo Francesina flat
Lella Baldi tri-color perforated loafer in patent leather
FOR THE GENTS
Per the request of CC’s male readers like Fellow Fashionista Mr. Style of Where the Lights End, a selection of men’s footwear – CC is partial to the lace-up oxford!
At left:
John Lobb black calf Philip II cap toe oxfords; this and next at bluefly.com
Left: Prada dark brown perforated leather oxfords
Right: Harris brown leather Balmoral at barneys.com

So what do you think . . . is it acceptable for ladies to wear flats for evening? Should taller women avoid high heels to humor their boyfriends?