Seeing Spots

The one thing you'll always find in my embarrassingly large collection of flats (they're really all I ever wear; I just can't pretend that heels are comfortable) is at least one leopard-print pair. A little bit of animal print is a great way to temper an outfit that might otherwise be too buttoned-up: I have a very distinct memory of wearing pointy-toe leopard flats on my very first day on the job at Lucky, with a crisp white oxford and slouchy gray menswear-style trousers. Many years later, I still love that look—had I not completely worn out that particular pair, I'd probably still be trotting around in them now. Since I'm about due for another pair, I've been eyeing these atJ. Crew.They're a very refined take on a driving moccasin, in calf hair with chocolate-colored suede trim and a delicate button. And especially with their rubber bottoms, I can take my fear of discomfort right off the table.