Not Shoeblog, that’s for sure–and hopefully, not you, dear readers and shoe-lovers. We know you crave a happy, well-adjusted, and well-fitted shoe, appropriate for all your spring needs; we know you don’t want to be either dowdy or so sweet they could send you into a diabetic comma. So here, let’s contemplate a few of the season’s offerings in terms of the floral trend. We’re looking for, say, a sweet-and-sour with a side of hot-and-spicy (as opposed to sweet-on-sweet with a side of bland). Let’s see!

These Maloles “Perry” slingback flats, in a tiny floral print, feature the classic ruched-toe we’ve come to expect from Maloles, and a chunky black ribbon to balance the sweetness with a dark side ($318 at Zappos, or $295 at Plaza Too+S&H).

The saccharine overtones of the antique floral pattern of this “retrofitted flat” is tempered by the cord piping and rope laces with leather tassels ($78 at Anthropologie):

And also at Anthropologie, and also in the non-bank-breaking  bracket, are these  cute ankle-strap flats, with a dark, stormy edge ($68):

These “Tarantella” wedges limit the floral pattern to discreet patches on the vamp and heel, and tops it all with a dark bow ($98 at Anthropologie):

Although I can’t recommend a 4-inch heel to anyone, I still love the pattern on these Pink heels ($78 at Anthropologie):

When it comes to floral shoes with an edge, however, I think these take the cake:

Paul Smith floral oxfords, oh my! $574 at Zappos.

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Do y’all Yoox? Well, you should–I find it a good resource of designer shoes (and clothing and accessories, in general) at discount prices. If you’re on the ball and catch them during one of their fabulous sales, you’ve hit the motherload (like the Sonia Rykiel low pumps I scored once for $30, thirty dollars, that’s right!).

You can still find some cuteness hidden in their sales section, but this time I’m attracted to some of the fabulous flats they propose in their new arrivals.

These Costume National suede elasticized flats are darling, and the purple version is yum($281):

Even better are these Sergio Rossi polka dot flats, $264. Who likes polka dots? Don’t be shy, let me have it? What was that? Aha! As I suspected, just about everybody!

The Alexander McQueen colorblock flats
are drop-dead gorgeous, but $698? Really? Le sigh.

A more humane price is demanded of these beautiful Jimmy Choo flats
, which have been on my “covet” list for a while, and now they’re $254:

If you’ve had a yellow obsession like yours truly, and think of tempering it with grey (beautiful combo!), I’d go for these–trendy and unusual, $257:

At the end of the day, here’s my hands-down winner at Yoox–provided I had the money: Obeline multi-hued peep-toe flats
, classy and delicate, a glorious example of understated chic, though the price tag of $345 makes me flinch:

Thanks for playing this edition of Fantasy Flats here at Shoeblog. Tell us all about your fantasy shoes in the forums!

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I’m not a big fan of Etienne Aigner for obvious reasons–derivative, poor quality, ubiquitous, unexciting. However, there was something about this Vicenza flat that made me stop and look:

They’re very fresh, very spring-ready, fun, and well…cheap ($69 at Piperlime).

And then I realized why I stopped to look in the first place–that’s because they’re (still) completely derivative:

….But since the Valentino ‘Wave’ ballerina flat is no longer available (and cost about $400 anyway), the EA Vicenza will have to do for now.

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Our friends at Barefoot Tess continue the tradition of their fabulous discounts, this time offering 25% off French Sole shoes with coupon FSFW (enter at checkout). PLUS, there’s free shipping for all orders of $75 or more–score!

The “Stoned” style is both original and stunning, with the vinyl strap studded with rhinestones–though, at $309, they’re a little pricier than usual French Sole prices (the discount will take a little off that edge):

The “Salsa“ is versatile and timeless, at $239:

And the “Rebel” is spunky and electric, definitely a shoe with presence–price before coupon: $205:

In case you didn’t know, the French Sole are a staple of chic comfort (I can personally vouch for the comfort factor). They make the type of ballet shoes that will never go out of style–you should probably have one in your wardrobe.

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Yellow is a hard color to pull off, especially when it’s on your shoes. I never owned yellow shoes, and I’m pretty sure that since the time I turned 12 I never wore anything yellow.

This spring, however, things are going to change. Yellow is big, and some of yellow shoes proposed by the designers are positively delightful. Every year I make one big shoe resolution–a couple of years ago it was throwing out my high heels; last year was buying more peep-toes; and this year, I think I’m going to make the leap to yellow.

I’m not sure what to choose though, especially when the choices are so varied!

Cynthia Vincent Sophie in black and yellow, 270 at Piperlime.

Kenneth Cole Button Up yellow suede flat, $120 at Piperlime.

Rafe Irina bow flat, $220 at Piperlime.

Dolce Vita Moritz peep-toe Mary Jane, $100 at Piperlime.

Frye Cameron skimmer, $148 at Piperlime.

AK Anne Klein Foxie, $89 at Piperlime.

Paul Green Vienna thong sandal, $219 at Zappos.

Kate Spade satin and crystals sandal, $299 at Zappos.

Gabriella Rocha Studio Cota, $109 at Zappos.

Franco Sarto Fancy, $89 at Piperlime.

Tory Burch Reva2, $195 at Plaza Too.

Chie Mihara Quake flat, $310 at Nordstrom.

…I’ll tell you what, I’m going to go and mull over this for a while…

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