Let’s face it, how often do designers actually send a comfortable pair of shoes down the runway?  How often have we seen models end up carrying their shoes by the end of the runway, or even worse – literally falling out of them?

Linda Grant is taking a closer look at flats – and how they fit into the wardrobes of fashionable women.

I don’t think that flats need to be relegated to being stuck under desks or slipped into after the big meeting.  Check out some of these stylish shoes and see if you agree with me…

And besides – who decided that flats can’t be sexy?!

Show a little toe with these suede peep-toe flats from Sigerson Morrison.

Leopard-print adds some pizazz to Fendi’s pony ballerina flats.

And it’s not just high heels that can have fun with studded details – these flats from Christian Louboutin have plenty of sex appeal with metal studs and zipper accents.

images: Neiman Marcus

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Do Real Women Wear Flat Shoes?

(Images: Neiman Marcus)

Fendi Ceramic Bracelet Watch ($995) A luxe watch with a white ceramic strap.

Toy Watch USA Mother of Pearl Chrono Acrylic Watch ($275) A light weight white and clear acrylic strap watch for men or women.

D&G by Dolce & Gabbana Popular Watch ($175) A white leather strap watch accented with pave crystals, casual yet elegant.

Any of these fabulous watches would work well with a simple jeans and tell outfit. Wear a white watch with a little black dress or another monochromatic outfit.

If you haven’t bought yourself a white watch yet, you need to get one! And if you already have one, these white watches below will make a great gifts as well. All of the watches above can be purchase through the Neiman Marcus website.

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White Watches Are Here to Stay

(Image: Nordstrom)

A great example of an investment worthy bag is this Fendi Marshmallow Tote that’s new for Fall 2009. This is such a fantastic bag because it incorporates all the qualities of a timeless bag but it’s mixed with eye catching details. It’s made out of supple leather that’s pleated, gathered and anchored with the simple silver toned Fendi logo hardware.  This tote is quite roomy at 18″W x 11″H x 8″D and if you’re a fan of large bags, this one is definitely something you should take a closer look at.

What I really like about this tote is the cool chain and leather handles. It gives it a certain toughness and balances out the slouchy style.  Fendi succeeds in incorporating two of the Fall handbag trends for 2009 with the textured leather and the tough hardware.  The Marshmallow Tote is available at Nordstrom for $1790. A bit steep but this one will last forever and will look good for years.

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Fall for this Fendi Marshmallow Tote

Valentino Premier Bow Shoulder Tote ($1895)
Bottega Veneta Twisted Karung Bag ($3600)
Prada Vitello Daino Pocket Tote ($1555)
Prada Cervo Shine Tote ($1650)
Gucci Icon Bit Medium Shoulder Bag ($1950)
Fendi Peek A Boo Patent Tote ($3450)
Jimmy Choo Blythe Shoulder Bag ($1895)
Gucci Sukey Shoulder Bag ($850)
Dolce & Gabbana Miss Sicily Plisse Tote ($2795)

(Image: Bergdorf Goodman)

I’m a bit disappointed that bags by Chloe, Marc Jacobs, Botkier, Dior and Miu Miu didn’t make the list!  I do respect this selection because each bag is stylish and has details to make it stand out from the rest.  Although most of these bags are pretty expensive and quite dramatic, like the over $3K red Fendi and the Bottega Veneta, they’re still wearable, only if your outfit is sleek and simple. In other words, let your bag do all the talking! The other bags on the list lean towards the classic side and would make worthy investments.

If it were me and these were my only choices, I’d choose the Gucci Icon Bit Shoulder Bag. It’s simple enough to use every day but stylish enough to not get boring.

What do you think? Would these be the bags you’d put on your top 10 list of bags for the season?

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Bergdorf Goodman’s Top 10 Bags

(Images: Bergdorf Goodman)

Christian Louboutin Candy Lace & Patent Spike Pump ($835) – A wild mix of black lace, red patent leather and gold spikes, these shoes are not for the faint of heart!

Jimmy Choo Bright Corset Bootie ($895) – These booties give off the ultimate tough rock edge. Wear them with jeans for a chic daytime look or balance them with a feminine dress for evenings.

Dolce & Gabbana Tall Leopard-Sole Boots ($1095) – Hot boots are made even hotter with the cool leopard print soles. Infuse a bit of ‘rowr’ to your ensemble!

Alexander McQueen Skull Zipper Pump ($895) – Totally to die for pumps in a lush metallic red and accented with the playful signature skull and zipper details.

Fendi Colourblock Patent Pump ($720) – These are pretty tame compared to all the other shoes but they’re no less as fierce. The hot pink is a fab contrast to the black patent.

Christian Louboutin Low-Cut Patent Bootie ($995) – Seen on all the top celebrities, these booties are definitely the “it” shoe for fall

Dior Serpent Pump ($820) – A beautiful pieced scalloped detail give these red hot shoes a cool tough vibe.

If you’re looking for a gift idea for a birthday, anniversary or just because, these shoes would definitely make her day. Of course, you don’t necessarily have to buy these exact shoes, they’re shown here as a guide as to what’s hip and fun for Fall 2009. These beauties can all be purchased at Bergdorf Goodman.

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Fierce Fall Shoes for Her

I’ve noticed a few different shoe designers are constructing large parts of their shoes out of elastic straps.  Elastic does have some benefits – it’s instantly easier to fit a shoe, no more fussing because it’s a half size too small in the heel and too large in the toes.  It’s forgiving to wear and moves with your feet.

There is one downside to elastic though…

Over time, it loses it’s elasticity.  That means that the gorgeous high heels you bought for almost $700 can lose their fit and become saggy.  Yes, leather stretches too – but it’s got a much longer lifespan.

So ladies, what’s your opinion – are Fendi’s elastic platform sandals worth it?

Or how about $670 for Sergio Rossi’s elastic & calfskin sandals?

images: Neiman Marcus

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Elastic Sandals?

theoutnet

This mint tote with with studded buckles measures 20 inches wide by 11 inches high and 6 inches deep. The ruched detail makes this absolute perfection. It was originally $1,460 and is now 40% off at $876 at theoutnet.com

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Fendi Doctor Buckle Leather Tote

(Image: Bergdorf Goodman)

Fendi Medium Classic Baguette ($1010)

(Image: Bergdorf Goodman)

Chloe Heloise Braided Hobo ($1595)

(Image: Bergdorf Goodman)

Gucci Icon Bit Medium Shoulder Bag ($1390)

(Image: Bergdorf Goodman)

Marc by Marc Jacobs Totally Turnlock Aidan Bowler ($398)

Just like your favourite pair of jeans, these pretty blue bags will go with just about any outfit and occasion. I don’t know about you but I don’t see a lot of blue handbags when I’m out and about and that’s unfortunate because blue is such a pretty shade. Do you have a blue bag? Which one of the above would you pick?

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Celebrate Independence Day with Blue Bags

Image: Net-a-porter

Fendi Rose-Detailed Oval Sunglasses $325

The earthy tones and oval shape of these sunglasses are flattering on most face shapes.

Image: Net-a-porter

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Fendi Rose-Detailed Oval Sunglasses

Their entire stock is on sale and there are some fantastic bargains.  How about a pair of sleek patent leather Dolce & Gabbana slingbacks?

“Carla” on sale for $237, from $395.

Need a little Juicy Couture in your life?

“B-La Dolce Vita” charm bracelet, normally $178, on sale for $107.

Check out this gorgeous Fendi tote:

“Ombre Logo” basket tote, $618, from $1030.

images: eLuxury

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So Long, Farewell, Buy Something Pretty