Despite arctic temperatures overcoming the Northeast YET AGAIN (seriously, weather, cut it out already. It’s getting old and tiresome.), I keep dreaming of spring pastures overcome with lush grasses and pretty yellow flowers, prime for picnicking and frolicking ad libitum. In those dreams, besides my check-pattern cotton voile dress, I’m wearing these flats by Maloles, with their raw lime-yellow leather and their sweet checkered brocade and silvery-teal sparkly laces. I’m also probably feeding my beloved grapes from a wicker basket adorned with a bow. Available at Anthropologie for $160 (half-off the regular price).

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Look, I confess, I’ve been know to badmouth ballet flats on occasion. I admit it. Most of them are, indeed, a little too flat to be truly comfortable, making no accommodation for those of us with high arches.

However, I’ve been most intrigued by a Spanish brand, Maloles, which does mostly high-end espadrilles but not only. Let’s agree, the Spanish do have a wonderful sense of style. You need just watch an Almodovar movie and see those stylish interiors–or better yet, go to Spain and see for yourself!.

I have a beautiful pair of Blay shoes, and a pair of great Kowalski sneakers, both Spanish brands, and I think they’re funky, colorful, youthful, and in many ways quite innovative. Several other well known brands come to mind–Castaner and Pedro Garcia, among others. And let’s not even count such designer labels as Balenciaga and Oscar de la Renta.

So yeah, I’m sold on Spanish style, and so I believe it’s time for me to try Maloles, a brand that has piqued my interest for quite a while. And this might just be the season to save big on their ballet flats–which don’t come cheap (usually in the $250-300 category). But who in their right mind could resist these lilac polka dot suede ballet flats, with gathered vamp topped with the most delicate white bow? And they’re only $89, down from $225, at Saks.

Or what do you say about these breezy lilac mesh peep-toe espadrilles, with gingham trim and pin and flower detail, and the subtlest of wedges? They’re now $114, down from 285, also at Saks.

 

I’m also drawn to these classic black and white canvas espadrilles with white leather bow detail, now $120, down from $300. I know it’s too early to be thinking of summer, but with savings like these, and style like this, who can resist?

The jury is out, however, as far as I’m concernced,  on these unusual suede Maloles flats, reminscent of the Spanish Renaissance high collars, perhaps?

(As usual, I love the Anthropologie description of their product: "Silky suede wears a fanciful high collar of dotted tulle trimmed in velvet and sprinkled with silvery grommets.") They’re still quite pricey, even on sale ($250, down from $378), but hey, you’re guaranteed to score major originality points with them. I’m still trying to come up with an outfit for them, but for now I’m at a loss.

Still, three out of four ain’t that bad! I think it’s time to get my grubby little hands on a pair of Maloles before the sales end. Better hurry!

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