a Stylish Sole

One of my favorite readers and a great blog buddy, Mighty Burns, asked me to help her hunt down some flats to pair with a deep purple bridesmaid's dress she'll be wearing this wedding season. While she asked me to find cream colored shoes, I'm throwing nudes into the mix too, mostly because she'll be able to wear them again and again. Here, a round up of the shoes I'm dreaming of for this grape-hued frock!

Pretty Ballerinas have long been a favorite of mine, as the shape is just unbeatable. They started making the Gloria in 1918, and this nude-colored satin slipper has no right or left. At 195 Euros they're not exactly cheap, but they're so lovely it's hard not to dream!

Blog darling Marais USA makes some heavenly flats, but none quite as chic as the Mulberry Maryjane. The cream colored elastic strap is utilitarian but the high shine patent shoe screams luxury. At $58, these little flats are significantly sweeter on your pocketbook. For another Marais jewel, check out the Mercer flat with its sophisticated cut-out!

For an outdoor ceremony, a shoe with a bit of texture will look appropriately rustic; the AK Anne Klein Lydia flat I spotted on Piperlime features a delightfully nubby fabric and sweet bow. Spend $79 on these skimmers and you'll be wearing them all summer long.

I'm a sucker for a J.Crew ballet flat, and have been wearing them for years. Ringing in at $110, they're a smart investment that won't break the bank. This shade, called Tawny Sand, is a wonderfully flattering nude.

Why not be the daring bridesmaid and rock an unexpected pair of Sperry Topsiders with your purple dress? It might not be the most conventional choice (and I won't hold it against anyone who says, "Sperrys?! Is this girl crazy?!"), but if your dress is casual, cream colored boat shoes might be an adorable addition. $75 for leather, $70 for canvas on Zappos, you'll no doubt be pairing this classic shoe with denim shorts and linen shirts all summer long!