I saw an extremely chic mom walking with her toddler the other day in the parking lot of a shopping center. She was wearing a black skirt suit and a pair of fabulous patent leather platform heels that I would die for. Until her toddler took off running and she bit it right there in the parking lot. She didn’t just trip. She face planted on the pavement right in front of Chick-fil-a. With one hand clutching her toddler’s ankle and the other reaching for her purse, she picked herself up and hurried into the restaurant. Let’s face it, if we have children who are walking (ahem, running) then we know what it’s like to race off after them in the most dramatic fashion with a crowd of on-lookers. I can’t carry P, her bottle bag, car seat and my own purse while teetering around in high heels – especially over the cobblestones of downtown Richmond! Whether your commute is 10 feet or 10 blocks, there’s usually a good reason to change into flats after hours. I’ve rounded up a few of my favorite styles for your shopping inspiration. Enjoy!

 These lightweight ballet flats from Old Navy come in several pairs and are perfect for summer.

The price is right for the Madeline Ballet Flat from Target.

The Michael Kors Fulton Moc is an investment. If you wear them a lot, buy one in a professional tan, black and brown and another in hot pink or tangerine. Sold here at Macy’s.