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    The Footwear Forecast For 2011: Flat With A Chance Of Platforms

    By Tracey Lomrantz, Glamour magazine

    We know, we know: You've been hearing that the "towering torture chambers" otherwise known as killer stilettos have been on their way out for a while now. But for all of you mid-heel and flat skeptics, today brings some serious proof that more sensible shoes will be big news in 2011.

    Buyers from some of the nation's most important department stores are investing heavily in no-nonsense shoes, according to today's WWD. With hemlines dropping all over the runways, flat shoes seem to be the smart option of the season. "It really speaks to the boho spirit we saw on the runways," Ken Downing, fashion director of Neiman Marcus, told the paper. Liz Rodbell, executive VP of merchandising at Lord & Taylor, says we'll also see an "emergence of lower heels, such as the single-soled pointed-toe pump," and that the platform shoe will continue to offer "the best of both worlds." Over at ritzy department store Lane Crawford, Sarah Rutson says, "Flat shoes - from the open-toe sandal to a ballerina flat - sell very well."

    Nobody's advising you to toss your favorite four-inchers just yet--I know I won't be!--but it's nice to see those shoes whose only mission seemed to be to break their wearer's ankle finally showing promise of receding into a distant fashion memory.

    What do you say, gals? Have you had enough of fashion victim high heels? Will you invest in a fabulous pair of flats for 2011? Shop a few we're loving at every price point now, then discuss!

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    Photo Credit: net-a-porter.com