Ballet madness: Dance with Maloles

[shoesense]

Look, I confess, Ive 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, Ive been most intrigued by a Spanish brand, Maloles, which does mostly high-end espadrilles but not only. Lets 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 theyre funky, colorful, youthful, and in many ways quite innovative. Several other well known brands come to mind--Castaner and Pedro Garcia, among others. And lets not even count such designer labels as Balenciaga and Oscar de la Renta.

So yeah, Im sold on Spanish style, and so I believe its 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 dont 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 theyre 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? Theyre now $114, down from 285, also at Saks.

 

Im also drawn to these classic black and white canvas espadrilles with white leather bow detail, now $120, down from $300. I know its 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 Im 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.&quot Theyre still quite pricey, even on sale ($250, down from $378), but hey, youre guaranteed to score major originality points with them. Im still trying to come up with an outfit for them, but for now Im at a loss.

Still, three out of four aint that bad! I think its time to get my grubby little hands on a pair of Maloles before the sales end. Better hurry!