Not the last dance with Mary Jane

With all the current madness surrounding flats—shoes, that is—not to mention the whole Keds-led retro skimmer thing, I think it’s high time China flats made a comeback. For far too long these inexpensive cloth Mary Janes have been relegated to the closets of 80s-era female hippies and very young girls. Enough! If fashion dictates we should have a cute pair of flats to go with every spring skirt and summer dress, those of us who aren’t independently wealthy are either going to go broke stocking up on Rocket Dogs, Sugar shoes and BC Girls slip-ons, or we need to collectively embrace the China flat. 

Here’s my argument:
• They’re cute, in a sweet and slightly daft way (but so are those Eleanor Grosh Keds with raccoons, llamas and what-all emblazoned upon them). 
• They come in an array of colors, fabrics and patterns—cotton, canvas, leather, mesh and corduroy. They come embroidered and in faux-fur.
• They’re vegan, for the most part, which is a selling point to some.
• And, lastly, they’re usually $10. Some of the more elaborate China flats might run $12 or $15, but try to find a pair over $20. Go on, try it.

So, where to get ‘em?
• The Open Door Boutique (35 Haywood St., Asheville, 254-8056).
• Street Fair (42 Battery Park Ave., Asheville, 253-0836).
• Sayley Girl (195 Charlotte St., Asheville, 225-5788).

—Alli Marshall, fashion editor