America loves flats again thanks to Michelle Obama

The Huffington Post noted that our first lady loves her flats. True! "Barbara Bush had her pearls, Nancy Reagan her low BMI and Michelle Obama her ballerina flats," wrote Karin Tanabe, who also said that America has suddenly gone "hog wild" for the shoe style. Not to negate Mrs. Obama's sprawling influence on fashion--clearly, we're all obsessed--but let's remember that the trend isn't startlingly new, even outside Washington.

In fact, thanks to the now-everywhere Lanvin and Tory Burch designs, slippers have been silently padding down both city streets and country houses across the nation for some time now. And unlike some of the spendy originals that spawned the trend, you can easily find adorable versions at mass retailers everywhere. Walk into any Target, Urban Outfitters, and even K-Mart, and you can find scores of chic and cheap ballerina-inspired footwear. Besides its hearty embrace from the White House, why does the preppy staple endure? Perhaps it's simply a matter of comfort. But of course, not all women feel compelled to give up their stilettos just because flats currently reign. When it comes to the high heels vs. flats debate, perhaps we're a nation divided.

Here are our favorite flats inspired by Michelle O':

for a coffee with your girl friends

Vigotti - Emiko $89.00
Cutouts at the heel and strategically placed buckles offer up a chic look to this Vigotti sandal. ; Genuine leather or patent leather uppers; leather lined. ; Peek-a-boo toe. ; Cushioned footbed. ; Durable rubber outsole. ; Made in Brazil. ; 1 heel.
get them here

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Bring Chic to the office

MIA - Jubilee $63.40
Stylize your wardrobe around these perforated flats. ; Synthetic patent upper. ; Pointed toe. ; Lightly padded insole. ; Man-made sole
get them here

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For weekends' strolls

AK Anne Klein - Blues $78.95
These street chic mocs from AK Anne Klein will flatter any piece of accessory. Suede or leather upper. Moc toe. Buckle hardware at vamp. Lightly padded insole. Flexible rubber sole.
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Always on the run

PUMA Sport Fashion - Damenwahl $199.00
The athletic look of the 'Damenwahl' classic lace up is ultra luxe and equally elegant. ; Stylized PUMA cat stitched on the side and Rudolf Dassler Schuhfabrik logo on the outsole. ; Rounded toe cap. ; Lace up front with metal eyelets. ; Combination suede and shiny leather upper with desirable stingray effect and contrast trim. ; Leather lining. ; Leather insole. ; Sleek Italian cuoio sole with TPU profile and TPU protected heel. ; Made in Italy
get them here

source: Allure Daily Beauty Reporter