Flats with a tapered toe are lovely and sophisticated. Ballet flats have their place, but when you need a low-heeled shoe for an evening out on the town, round toes can sometimes make the outfit too casual. I visited SaksFifthAvenue.com to do some comparison window shopping and found the following sophisticates.

I don't know why, but knee replacement surgery left the baby toe on my left foot with less mobility, which has, after banging the toe on various table legs and other objects, made the foot slightly wider. This Jimmy Choo "Sport Ballet Flats" would be good because the tapered toe is gradual vs. severe (ouch!) like some of the following shoes. Up to size 10. $320.

I love the deep emerald green color of this "Suede Flat" by Miu Miu. It makes me think of springtime and St. Patrick's Day. The toe doesn't have extreme pointiness. I could see this going with a nice ensemble of tans and browns and hints of the green. Up to size 9. $295.

Although the copy for this Marc Jacobs "Keyhole Skimmers" declares that it has a "softly pointed toe," it looks very pointy and very gold to me. I don't know if my left foot could handle it. On the other hand, with soft leather, who knows? Up to 9.5. $395.

The golds and browns in this Miu Miu "Paillettes Flat" would definitely work better with my wardrobe. And is that a silver gray bow and trim? The contrast totally works! How do they know to do that? Color genius! Up to 10. $445.

The toe on this Miu Miu Denim Flat is really pointy, but I like it anyway. The ruching makes the denim sooo sophisticated. Unfortunately, they only go up to size 10. Designers: we need 11s and 12s!! $355.

Ebay find: cute, hilarious, and really cheap, the wedding bridal sneaker. Just in case you've got to get away quick! Maybe this is what Julia Roberts wore in the Runaway Bride? Bidding ends March 16. Size 11, NIB. Starting bid: US $4.95. Buy it now price: US $5.45 .

I'm salvating over this Ebay find. Donald Pliner's couture "Hurrah" shoe. B&W giraffe hair with tomato leather trim and strap. According to the seller, these shoes are "sold out everywhere." Bidding ends March 16. NIB, size 11.
Starting bid: US $129.95. Buy it now price: US $185.00.

I'm seeing spots! Apparently the leopard ballet flat has become a designer staple. There are a million of 'em! This one's by Isaac Mizrahi for Target® -- "Valentina Ballerina Flats - Leopard." I offer them to you because they actually go up to size 12 (with some 1/2 sizes). $29.99!

I want this BALLCONY style by Aerosole. The embroidery makes an ordinary shoe unique and magnifique! Faux suede sock lining with extra cushioned insole. Brown or black embroidered suede. The heel isn't too bad: only 1". Up to size 12 with some 1/2 sizes. On sale for $29.99.

I LOVE Aerosole shoes. I've been wearing them forever because they're so comfortable. Shown here is your basic Aerosole style, which can get kinda boring. But they jazzed up the red and black shoes with patent leather, which helps a lot. I tried buying some black patent kitten heels online, but they were too small. Gave them to my mother who now wears them to church. Moral of the story: they run small.

"Matter of Fact" from Aerosole. You can't really tell from the pic, but the red patents are cute. Up to size 12 with some 1/2 sizes (amazing!). $59.

Ballet flats: Steve Madden vs. American Eagle

I love finding similar pretty flats with huge gaps in price. Here are a few ferocious leopard print ballet flats. You decide!

Payless. American Eagle™ "Fiona" Ballet Flat. On sale now for $12.99. Only 10's and 11's (imagine that!).

Overstock.com. Steve Madden Bees Women's Ballerina Flats. On sale for $42.99. Up to size 10.

Amazon.com. Even though these only come in 5-8 medium, I just had to show you these severe cuties! Carlos by Carlos Santana Women's Exotica Ballet Flat. $97.95.

Amazon.com. Fun and funky! punkrose Women's Josie. Up to size 10. $34.99.