The chicest spring combo is ballet flats with raw denim jeans. It’s not very original, but the coolest people never really are. The coolest people we know choose their clothes based on what makes them feel most like themselves.
But as a foundation, a good pair of ballet flats and a pair of raw denim jeans are a great start. And, because Montreal is getting cooler and cooler and because shopping local is very, very trendy, we’ve found three pairs of ballet flats by Montreal designers to wear this spring.
1. The Prato from Maguire
The shoes are designed by two sisters in Montreal, in the same building as theMileEndstorefront.
In addition to being local and iconic to the city, Prato ballet flats aremade from very high-quality leather and are as soft as butter(we have three pairs).
They’re available in 11 colors—Cherry, Apricot, Mermaid, Mauve, Butter…
Howmuch? $260
Where?Maguire, at 5365 Saint-Laurent Boulevard
Website? maguireshoes.com
2. The Ohrid from L’Intervalle
The brand l’Intervalle is celebrating its 11th anniversary this year and has 13 stores across Canada. The designers’ mission is to offer high-quality products at fair prices. And for the Ohrid ballet flats—which feature eyelets (for breathability) and will hold up against the last bits of gravel left over from winter—the price is just right.
The Ohrid ballet flats are available in black, taupe (suede), and brown.
Howmuch? $148
Where? L’Intervalle (a store in the Plateau), at 806 Mont-Royal Avenue East
Website? lintervalleshoes.com
3. The Maria ballet flats from La Canadienne
La Canadienne is Canada’s iconic shoe brand—as the name suggests. For spring, we love the Maria—a suede and nylon Mary Jane that’s super lightweight and flexible. Of course, we treat it with a spray to protect it from spring showers.
The Maria is available in Baby Blue and Pearl Gray.
Howmuch? $395
Where? La Canadienne (Mile End boutique), at 273 Laurier Avenue West
Website? lacanadienneshoes.com
