Monday Musings- Elastic Waistbands and Flat Shoes

I’m in stores all the time so I see lots of trends before I even know they’re coming. I thought I imagined the resurgence of wide, visible elastic waistbands, but I’ve seen too many of them lately to think it’s random. I know trends take time to grow on us, but this one may only really work for the young.

I’ve been feeling frustrated trying to find stylish clothes that don’t make me look like I’m trying to hard or look older than I actually am. We all know that fine line that crosses into frumpsville, and I know it when I see it. These heavily gathered, elastic waistbands would cross that line for me, so if it’s a trend, I won’t be going there. I’ve noticed several styles at Talbots that have this added elastic at the back, so I’m paying closer attention. Have you spotted them?

Humidifier

Dry eyes, dry skin, and dry sinuses are especially bad this time of year when the furnace dries everything out. I’ve bought humidifiers over the years that aren’t supposed to grow mold, but they all end up looking funky. I’m anxious for this one to arrive because it has smart sensors that keep it running until the unit is completely dry inside. That means there’s no water left behind for mold to grow in. I also love that the parts are all dishwasher-safe. They also have this larger model, which covers a bigger area.

This humidifier works differently than others. After you fill the tank, the water flows into the tray, where it is treated by passing through UV light. The water then goes through a paper (replaceable) filter. Then it’s evaporated by the fan, so clean hydrated air is dispensed invisibly. I ordered the pink for my bedside table to try and will let you know how it goes.

Let’s Talk About Flat Shoes

There are lots of options when it comes to flat shoes, and the comfort varies tremendously. Here’s what I am personally gravitating to. I’m willing to spend more for comfy shoes because I keep and wear them for many years.

I’ve had my black AGL ballet flats for so long that I’ve had to resole them to extend their life. They were a huge investment at the time (18+ years ago?) that has paid off because they’re classic, very comfy, and I’ve worn them so often, my cost of wear is pennies. At the time, I needed a stylish shoe that didn’t hurt because I was on my feet all day managing a boutique. The same exact style is now selling for $140 more, so their timelessness is evident.

I haunt websites to find them on sale and am often disappointed because my size is usually sold out. So in an effort to wear paler colors this spring, I bit the bullet and ordered these in beige with a black cap toe. I love their Chanel vibe, the silver strap with buckle and I know I’ll get a lot of wear out of them.

I only have one pair of what I would consider true loafers. I wasn’t sure they would fit my style because I don’t gravitate to preppy, but I’ve found myself reaching for them often this winter. I like the bulk they add to the bottom of my silhouette when wearing chunky sweaters or wider-leg jeans. What I usually prefer is a driving mocassin or a smoking slipper.

A smoking slipper bears a close resemblance to a loafer. The leather or fabric is generally softer, the sole is more flexible, and they don’t have extra detailing across the top of the foot, like a band where you’d add a penny. Those bands usually make loafers too tight for me, so I prefer to forgo them. My favorite Birdies come to mind here because they really are as comfy as slippers for me.

Driving mocs are one step comfier because the soles are very flexible. They come with and without the extra strap across the top and often have a horse bit. They frequently have rubber pebbles on the bottom of the shoe to grip the pedals, which makes them extra cushiony to walk in. My favorite pair is by Robert Zur, and you guessed it, they’re also black. I have worn these so often that the leather is scuffed on the front as though I drag my toes when I walk.

I found these driving moc mules which come in tons of colors and I think they’ll be great this spring. Talbots always makes a lot of driving mocs in fun colors.

And then, of course, there are casual sneakers which I only embraced as everyday shoes when I bought this pair of Ecco Soft 7 sneakers back in 2018. Before that, I only wore sneakers to work out. Now I have quite a collection in various styles, shapes, and, yes, colors.

Which are your favorite type and brands of flats? Do you require arch support? Do you need cushioning? Are you better with a tiny elevation?

Thanks for reading and sharing your ideas with the community here.