The Battle For Flatlandia: Who Makes the Best Flats?

In the country of Malli on the subcontent of East Retailia, an ongoing conflict known as the Battle for Flatlandia has consumed most of the female population for the past several years. After years of dictatorship by a man known to the nation as Pointy Stiletto (real name: Jimmy Choo), the women of the small but influential region in Flatlandia rebelled. While they were not successful in completely overthrowing Pointy Stiletto from Malli, they managed to gain a foothold in their native homeland. After a brief period of peace the residents began to turn on each other in a power struggle for dominance in the countryside, which was quickly filling with refugees from the Blahnik Mountains in the north, the Louboutin jungles to the south, and the Vivier river valley which was dangerously close to Flatlandia. The sudden influx of shelter seekers to the Flatlandia plains had originally confused the residents whom were often the butt of many a Mallian joke. Factions began forming, with five main groups controlling most of the Flatlandia Plains while dozens if not hundreds of much smaller groups remained in the shadows. Some of the groups, such as Madewell, J.Crew, and Gap were similarly armed in materials and workmanship but demanded high prices for "security." Others such as Old Navy and Target were very popular due to their friendliness to the pocketbooks of the Flatlandia population, offering similar "protection" for much less cost.

Target (similar) | Madewell | Old Navy | Gap | J. Crew

There is no absolute answer as to who makes the best flats. It really depends on what you're doing in the shoes and your feet. All the shoes I featured above are the ones I wear the most, and most of them are at least six months old. The blue Target flats I've had for at least three years that are still going strong. I have several pairs of flats from the Gap that just keep going despite me walking to the moon and back in them. Let me break down the pros and cons of each:

Do keep in mind that details in flats can vary, even those made by the same brand.

Here are some of my other favorite brands for flats:

Jack Rogers

Land's End

H&M

American Eagle Outfitters

Where are your favorite places to buy flats?

Brand to Know: Madewell

Madewell is an up-and-coming brand that is starting to make a splash in the fashion world. The clothes already have that perfect worn-in look to them, that many a store and brand has attempted (I'm not going to mention names but cough-Abercrombie-cough) but has never really achieved.   Madewell started out in 1937 as a workwear company but folded in 1989.  Somewhere in the 1990s J. Crew bought the brand, and transformed it into an all-American women's wear store.  But don't let all the Americana fool you, most of the products are made in China and elsewhere.  However, Madewell is unique in the fact that it does offer items made by local artisans/crafters/etc. 

I made up two outfits, one for a trip to the Capitol Market (best farmer's market in the state), and one that's perfect for the first day back on campus:

 

Polyvore set here.

Madewell calls this dress color Cherry, but I'd call it Plum.  The color isn't dark enough to be only a fall/winter color, and would pair well with summer color staples of orange or turquoise.  It's made out of jersey, light for summer, and easily paired with a cardigan come October.  The heels can be worn throughout fall as well.  The necklace adds a bit of shine.  I love this messenger bag.  Like seriosuly, I'm highly considering getting it.   I've been on the lookout out for a good messenger for over a year, and I'm thinking this might fit the bill.

For those about to start back to school:

Polyvore set here.

I have friends who start classes as soon as the second week of August, so I made a first day outfit that will not only keep you cool on the long trek across campus, but to keep you warm the moment you step into class.  I have no idea why, but every college feels the need to keep the classrooms a frigid 62 degrees, hence the cardigan.  I love the bright navy contrasting with the coral.  The sandals are more interesting that a basic pair of leather flip flops.  This bag isn't big enough to be a bookbag, but it will hold your wallet, planner, and all sorts of other nessecities. 

Pricewise, Madewell isn't horrible.  I'd put it on par with Macy's or White House|Black Market.  Their sales are pretty good, so check those out.  The nearest locations are in Easton Town Center in Columbus, Ohio, and Georgetown, Washington D.C.

Click here for the Madewell website.