Thank you San Antonio Shoemakers for sponsoring this post and making my feet just a little more comfy.
Coat: c/o Gozon
Shirt: Bailey Rose & Co
Skirt: Loft clearance
Flats: c/o SAS Shoes
What’s that saying: “beauty is pain?” No, just no. Beauty should never be pain. Fashion should never ever mean pain. I mean, I get it. When I was 15 going to my first high school dance, I knew I could wear the four inch heels- I was just going to kick them off anyway. Now, (we won’t discuss how many) years later, I know better. Shoes are to be worn. They’re to get you from point A to point B. And, they should be pretty (goodness knows I love pretty shoes); what they should never, ever be is pain.
That’s why I always wear shoes with good support and a comfy walk. When I first started this blog, my goal was to get out of the flip flops and, so, “Mommy in Flats” was born. You may or may not have noticed a scar on my knee (it actually doesn’t show much in pictures but if it does I never edit it out- that’s real life). I have a genetic condition that has left me with a life of knee pain and problems that ended in an ER trip and surgery (I’ll spare you the details). Ever since, my rule has been relatively flat, comfy, supportive shoes that fit well. I can’t sacrifice my health for “beauty.” Do I wish I could wear that really cute pair of three inch wedges? Sometimes, but I keep my feet safely no more than two inches from the ground and I never regret that when running after four extremely busy children. So, out of flip flops and into flats I went.
Over the last year, I have found that I have been wearing the wrong shoe size my entire adult life, or my feet shrunk (does that happen?). Finding the right size for my foot has actually helped expand my shoe horizon. I’ve found shoes that I thought pinched because they were too small, may have been rubbing because they were actually too big (or maybe just too cheaply made- if you can buy shoes for under $50 full price, beware). Whatever the reason, I have found the importance of investing money into well constructed shoes. This isn’t just an investment in your closet, it’s a downpayment on your future (no one wants foot pain, ankle or knee problems, or bunions- yuck).
The momiform: Jeans: old; Tee: Hudson Lillian Designs; Shoes: c/o SAS Shoes
As a mom, I don’t always have time to plan out my outfit (hence the capsule wardrobe attempt– I’m still not sure how that really went). The thing I love about ballet flats is that they’re effortless. Throw them on at the last minute and run out the door. All the convenience of flip flops without the frump. The thing I don’t always love about them is that they can be flimsy. A flat without arch support can be almost as bad for your feet as heels, yet that’s how a lot of ballet flats are built. A thin sole, a strap of leather and you have a ballet flat.
That’s why I was excited when SAS, a brand with the slogan “style feels good,” sent me their Scenic flat. Not only is their sole thicker than a normal flat, but the composition of the shoe is solid, structured leather. Yet, the shoe is soft and flexible. Sometimes, even my favorite shoes have needed a few wears before my official seal of comfort. These? I knew as soon as I slid them on my feet that I would be living in them (plus, I’ve been looking for a pair of black ballet flats forever- how I have I survived this long without them?). The other major selling point for me is that SAS shoes are made almost exclusively in the USA (SAS also carries a line made in Italy and has one factory in Mexico). I am trying to shift my focus away from fast fashion (though I do love a good mama run boutique) and buying US made clothing and shoes is one of my goals.
After a year of gliding in and out of flats, dipping my toes in the world of kitten heels and small wedges, here I am back in flats and girl, does it feel good!
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Love love love these shoes and so excited to hear they are comfortable too. I have to change my perspective as I accept all day foot pain from wrong choice shoes. Girl you have amazing style. Adore that love outfit with the skirt ??
Yeeees. We need to protect these feet and joints- it’s the only ones we’re getting. Thanks Carissa ❤️❤️
Those would go with almost everything! I’m going to need to take a peek at those 🙂
Right?? A good basic flat- ya can’t go wrong!!
Love your writing and style. You inspired me to check out San Antonio Shoemakers, and I’m waiting for my shoes to arrive now! I still like a good heel, but I am finding a well made supportive pair of shoes is crucial to my everyday life. You are proof that flats can be cute and sexy!?
Thank you so much Mary!!! They have some nice heels too. And, I’m guessing they feel good on your joints too ❤️❤️❤️
You’re amazing and gorgeous! These shoes are so beautiful!
Aww thank you love ❤️❤️❤️
I agree about going ahead and spending a little more on shoes! I am very frugal about everything but shoes! They really are an investment in your health! 🙂
Yes!!! So much. I wish I’d realized it sooner!!
What a lovely outfit! I love your t-shirt.
Gemma x
http://www.jacquardflower.uk
Thanks! I have an obsession with the word love.
Haha I have to agree with most of this, and I love my flats and slip on’s for everyday casual wear, but there’s just something so sexy about a little heel! I can’t wear them long, just to a dinner or somewhere where I’m mostly sitting 🙂 But beauty is pain! Love my lip fillers
Hahahaha okay I feel ya- maybe a little pain.
Jamie, your outfits are adorable, as usual! I am seriously in love with these flats though. After having my twins I had to ditch any sort of heel as well (back issues, not knee), so I’m always looking for something that’s cute and has good support. I’m excited for some online shopping this afternoon 🙂
Aww thank you Nicole!!! I love a good shoe- nice support is a necessity once you’ve experienced any sort of joint pain I’ll tell ya. Thank you mama ❤️
Heck yea hun! Beauty should never be pain. And our health comes before anything (even pretty shoes!) I’m so glad that you shared this – it’s so important to find a balance that makes you feel good (both inside and out). You’re such a lovely inspiration and always ooze so much joy. I adore it <3. Thanks for being your genuine, wonderful self!
Aww thank you Sarah!!!! You’re the sweetest. I love following along with you as well- you’re inspiring me to be healthy!
Love your shoes! They look so comfortable. Flats are my THING! I absolutely love them. I literally only wear heels one day a week and even then it’s only for a little while and I change into my flats lol. Great post!
These flats are fabulous Jamie! I love that they are flat, but still aren’t completely flat. They have such a classic look and sounds so comfy! I love shoes that have great arch support, especially when it comes to me running after my girls!
http://www.mylittlenest.org
I love this so much Jamie!!! Cute shoes are fun but I’ll take comfort over cute anyday so I landed with sneakers but I’m all about some comfy flats too!! These shoes are gorgeous and I love how you styled them!!
You’re an inspiration! I love this post and how you can still be fashionable and express yourself even as a busy mom. Keep doing what you’re doing lady!
xx http://www.reallyraquel.com
I love myself a pair of flats. I agree with you, fashion should feel good and for me comfort comes first. The shoes look so good on you!
Those flats are too cute! I’m the kind of girl to pick tennis shoes instead of heels! But these are adorable & seem comfy!
The flats are so cute! I love them.
http://sugarcoatedbears.blogspot.com/
I will have to look for the SAS brand. I once was part of a book club where all the women wore high heels with jeans. I tried it and couldn’t get over how uncomfortable I was standing around chatting in heals for no good reason
Hahaha I love that idea but it seems like too much work for girls night lol
I have never heard of this brand and I’m definitely going to be checking them out. A ballet that is comfortable is what I need for my mom uniform as well. Thanks for the post!!
Xox
I LOVE the first outfit! That skirt is to die for!
I gave up heels a long time ago! I forgot about SAS shoes. I might need to check them out!
They’re so comfy! I love them!
Very cute! I love that skirt and both shirts!
Love that you are focusing on slower fashion and I LOVE SAS! Their sandals are my favorite shoes.
I try. I’ll be honest, I do still work with a lot of boutiques and I find that a lot of the clothes are mass produced and my kids get a lot of clothes from Target (it’s just so easy and the sales) but the last time I ordered from Old Navy the packaging was covered in foreign characters and I was just like- but isn’t Old Navy all American??? (I mean I knew they outsourced but that was the last straw!)
I agree with your post. I’m all about feeling comfortable. I love wearing flats! Nice shoes!
I did not start wearing flats until I became a mom. As a plus size tall woman, I felt that flats were not flattering to my body type. Now that I am a mom, I have realized that comfort is more important than style but those flats look just as stylish as heels! Thanks for sharing!
There’s nothing I love more than a good pair of comfy, cute flats. These look perfect for all kinds of outfits!
Love these outfits! Flats have been a favorite for me for so long! I’m all about comfort and I’m already tall so flat work for me so I don’t feel like I’m towering over everyone.
There’s another saying which I often subscribe to, Jamie, it’s vanity trumps sanity GRIN personally I don’t own a pair of flats, all mine stand at least 5″ tall but there’s a reason behind this. I simply cannot wear anything that is completely flat (save for my gym shoes), and actually experience a sense of vertigo when I do 🙂 even when I was pregnant, heel I wore.
p/s I am very much in love with your hosiery!!
Lol I love that. You get vertigo from flats?? That’s so crazy! I’ve had vertigo and it is just not cool. I don’t own a lot of sneakers but flats I have quite a few of!
Love the shoes. They’re really cute and look comfortable. Now that I’m a mom I wear flats a lot but believe it or not I have a hard time finding comfortable ones. These look like they wouldn’t hurt my feet.