In a search of comfortable and stylish flats

I decided yo use my upcoming trip to Chicago as an opportunity to fill some footwear holes. I have one pair of flats in turquoise and one pair of grey oxfords. I would like to expand my flat selection add a pair of flats and loafers in neutral or metallic color.
I found these contenders but before I pull the trigger on order them all I would like your opinion. Anything here strikes you as frumpy or not my style? Have you tried on any of these and can comment on the comfort factor and quality factor?
From Zappos:
Naturalizer Violette - I am considering bronze and pewter
http://www.zappos.com/naturali.....r-metallic
Ros Hommerson Madalyn in metallic
http://www.zappos.com/ros-homm.....multi-calf
Walking Cradles Tiki in bronze
http://www.zappos.com/walking-.....ze-leather

From Nordstrom:
#1 Trotters Lauren in grey
http://shop.nordstrom.com/s/tr.....hoppingbag
#2 Trotters Sydnei in grey
http://shop.nordstrom.com/s/tr.....hoppingbag
#3 Clarks Eternity in black
http://shop.nordstrom.com/s/cl.....hoppingbag
#4 Naturalizer Mirana in black
http://shop.nordstrom.com/s/na.....hoppingbag
#5 Naturalizer Gabina in pewter
http://shop.nordstrom.com/s/na.....hoppingbag

My, that is a long list to order. Is there anything here I should not bother with at all?

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14 years ago

MsMary

Veteran

I am not a flats lover, so take my view with a grain of salt. I adore the metallic loafers -- the Madalyn and the Gabina. The others are not doing anything for me at all.

Beth Ann

Coming to the meetup?

BTW -- #1 is my favorite, very nice!

Sveta

(website)

Thanks, MaryK. I know that we are in the opposite heel spectrum but I appreciate your response.
Beth Ann, this is the plan unless weather goes berserk as I have to drive 7 hours to get to Chicago. Are you going to be on Chicago meetup too?

Laura

You know, I have the Naturalizers (#5) in my shopping bag but I can't decide on them without seeing them in person.

Sveta, a lot of us, including Beth Ann, are going to be at the meet-up - 13 at last count!

Laura, thanks. Were there any new emails I have missed? The last one I received was from Jan 26 and there were 10 participants.

Party! Party! BTW -- I've had good luck with Naturalizers recently, I think they're trying to make more fashion forward shoes.

Sveta, that was the only email - a few people have PM'd me since then and asked to be added, so hurray! We'll be quite a crew!

Kristen

I have a similar pair to the Naturalizers in silver metallic, but even they look frumpy from time to time.

Looking forward to meeting everyone in a couple of weeks!

Jonesy

My faves out of this bunch are the first ones from Nordstrom, hands down. I think the 1" wedge heel and the cut of the upper makes them look stylish.

Can't wait to see everyone in Chicago!!

Laura (rhubarbgirl)

There's something about the more loafer-y styles with the higher vamp that looks old-fashioned and mumsy to me. (The Ros Hommerson and the #5 pic). I think the rest have possibility.

OK, after a careful consideration I have pulled the trigger for #1 only (Trotters wedges): my credit card is happy.
BTW I am strangely attracted to these bronze mary janes by Munro:
http://www.zappos.com/munro-am.....bronze-kid
I am going to stalk them if they come in my size..

MNsara

Ooh, I like that Munro too! Have you worn Munro before? I think their medium width runs a little narrow.
You're so nice to your wallet. That might give you some wiggle room for Chicago shopping!
I returned a big batch of 'maybe's so I can shop in Chicago with a clear(er) conscience

cheryle (Dianthus)

Sveta, if you don't find a good flat, you might want to consider a nice low wedge. I bought a few pairs last year and thought they worked with both skirts and pants. I particularly liked a pair of Jessica Simpson in a peanut color with gold chain on the front.

ETA: I find a low wedge can be more comfortable than a flat.

Sara, I tried on one pair of Munro booties in Medium and they were excruciatingly narrow for me. I think I need WW in Munro but Zappos has this color in W only. If it comes in WW I will pounce!:-)
Dianthus, I have been looking for low wedges for ages unsuccessfully! I hope these Trotters wedges work because I like the color and pattern on them.

Jem

I love the ones you bought Sveta, those were my favorites, too. I can't wait to see everything you've ordered once you get it back home!

gradfashionista

Cole Haan makes flats with Nike Air technology that seem very comfy. Bloch ballet flats are also very soft and very comfortable, though there is less arch support than with the Cole Haan's.

p.s. I know they aren't among your contenders, but I'd thought I'd make the decision more difficult!

I've tried Ros H. shoes and they gave me blisters--I thought the leather was coarse.

DonnaF

Barking Dog Shoes blogged on the Trotters Sydnei; said they ran 1/2 size large and recommended the plum color. I think I tried the Munro America or a very similar style from MA and they were very comfortable. I returned them b/c it is a style my mom would wear, and the association with her was too strong; my issue, not yours. This is not to say that I think they are frumpy, but more like I would never wear a perfume that she would wear.

ManidipaM

Sveta, I know you've decided, but in case it helps Laura, I tried the Gabina (#5) in black and found it very comfy. The store here only had black though, and I didn't want black loafers; this pewter would definitely have been a contender for me.

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