Flat Out: Stylish, Yet Practical Flats for Mamas on the Go

As a mama on the go, I rarely feel in the mood to wear heels, even at work. So here I track down the most stylish shoes that are both pretty, yet practical. With the help of my super star fashion stylist – have you not seen her work (well, you wouldn’t apart from her popping in to frame to address any wardrobe malfunctions) on the last season Asia’s Next Top Model?! – Christie Simpson, I hit the streets to road test flat shoes that work for both day and night, work and play.

For the traditional ballet shoe, hot foot to Repetto. If you pick up the powder pink Cendrillion Ballerina Flat Venus shoes ($2,850) from now until Saturday, 31 October 2015, you will be shopping for pink and supporting the Hong Kong Cancer Fund’s Pink Revolution, as 30% of this particular pair will go towards helping women survive cancer.

Allowing you to add your own unique fashion flair to your flats, Repetto introduces its L’atelier Repetto customisation service to not only its sought-after Cendrillon ballerina flats, similar to the shoes above, but also adds its Brigitte, the pointed-toe ballerina look, to the bespoke list. Get creative and choose from 252 shades of soft lambskin, over 120 trimming colours, over 100 classic bows, heels in black or honey tone and 11 sizes. Repetto can also personalise your creation by adding delicate charms or emboss messages on the insoles. These mother-loving soles are too cute!

Repetto, Shop 303A, 3/F, Ocean Terminal, Harbour City, Canton Road, Tsim Sha Tsui, Kowloon, Hong Kong, click here for other store locations in Pacific Place (Admiralty) and Times Square (Causeway Bay), www.repetto.com

With stores at Pacific Place and Times Square, I’m afraid it’s a trip to TST and Repetto’s Ocean Terminal store of you want to personalise your own pair. Alternatively local hero, Vickie Shoes can customise and create shoes based on most catwalk creations. You can add any extravagant embellishments you desire, so long as it fits with their catalogue of choices, and have your shoes fitted to your foot at their store in Central.

Vickie Shoes, 3 Queen Victoria Street, Central, Hong Kong, 2252 56402

For brogues, Ms Simpson assures me that Robert Clergerie is the best in town. With cushioned soles and a timeless masculine/feminine look with clever, whimsical details, it’s a toss-up between these bronze beauties (Jupin retail at $4,890) or the glamorous greys (Ravel retail at $8,090). Oh, and did I tell you that diamonds are applied one by one to the latter classic derby grey shoe! Both would work well with this season’s trend that both Vogue and Net-a-Porter are raving about… the tailored suit.

Robert Clergerie, SOGO, Shop 17, 1/F, 555 Hennessy Road, Causeway Bay, Hong Kong, www.robertclergerie.com

For something a little more casual, Superga is the way to go. With a raised insole (a heel that’s not a heel… genius!) you have comfy height without the gopping trainer wedge. I currently sport a pair of ice whites but I love their Royal Lilac and Bergonia Pink for a fun flash of colour. Retailing at $690, these little numbers can be picked up at Lovers & Friends at the parent-friendly Pulse, Southside and more recently Langham Place.

Lovers & Friends, Shop 106, Level 1, the pulse, 28 Beach Road, Repulse Bay, Hong Kong, click here for other store locations in Langham Place, LCX in Harbour City and Central.

Following the sports vibe, slip on these Adidas by Stella McCartney Florisuga Ballerina shoes on the way to the gym. With a light stretch upper and minimal outsole, they feature printed overlays that add extra support. Available in blue grey (featured) and ash pink, both retailing at $1,000, these funked up plimsolls are perfect for the yoga mama.

Adidas by Stella McCartney is available at Adidas Women, 15B Wellington Street, Central, Hong Kong, www.stellamccartney.com

For a little luxe in your life, my super stylist, Christie tells me that Tabitha Simmons has the best boots. They are expensive but should be seen as an investment piece. These Flat A/T Bootie with multi buckles cost $9,998 are available exclusively at Lane Crawford IFC mall.

Tabitha Simmons, Lane Crawford, ifc mall, 8 Finance Street, Central, Hong Kong, www.tabithasimmons.com

For a boot that’s not going to break the bank then Pedder Red has its black Jack Tall boot, which retails at $2,150. And guess what… Pedder Red is now online! I shed a tear when their Wellington Street store moved to TST. Now I don’t have to traipse over the water, I can shop at a click of a button here. Plus to celebrate the launch onto the net, all online customers can receive a special 20% off when they enter CELEBRATE (case-sensitive) at checkout. This offer, readers, is valid until midnight on Tuesday, 27 October, 2015.

 

And gold and silver… pop goes my heart for these Pedder Red ‘Georgie’ crisscross mirror flat sandals in gold and pewter that retail at $650.

Pedder Red, Shop 2345, 2/F, Ocean Centre, Harbour City, Canton Road, Tsim Sha Tsui, Kowloon, Hong Kong, click here for other store locations in Cityplaza (Quarry Bay), New Town Plaza (Sha Tin) and Queensway (Admiralty), www.pedderred.com

Okay, enough of the Pedder Red obsession, time for some bling on the beach. Check out these Havaianas with hand sewn SWAROVSKI crystals on the strap. Give yourself some toe candy, these jewel encrusted flip flops come in either white or black at retail at $2,888 per pair.

Lovers & Friends, Shop 106, Level 1, the pulse, 28 Beach Road, Repulse Bay, Hong Kong, click here for other store locations in Langham Place, LCX in Harbour City and Central.

And finally for the working mama, Steve Madden does not disappoint. Both these fabulous flats evoke an autumnal feel. Simple in suede, the Lindin in moss green retails at $1,290 and the two tone, Krispp is a versatile shoe that can be switched between work and weekend wardrobe.

Steve Madden, Shop 1036, Podium Level One, ifc mall, 8 Finance Street, Hong Kong, click here for other store locations in Central and Harbour City (Tsim Sha Tsui), www.stevemadden.com

So put your best foot forward and head to these stores!