I’m a big fan of colour and eye-grabbing designs, hence my love for Pucci. Shoes are always a great way to wear some bold patterns – you can get a lot of pow out of a simple pair of shoes. Ballet flats are great for this. The simple, modest design just begs for some pizazz. Unfortunately, sometimes this can get out of hand, as Lilly Pulitzer demonstrates here:

This is the Lilly Pulitzer Wrap it Up ballet flat. The pattern is apparently called “Jewel of the Pool”. I call it “Rich leprechauns on LSD”. These flats would almost work if it weren’t for the guady buckle and clunky loafer shape. Now if you’ll excuse me, looking at this shoe is causing me retinal damage.

Mischa Barton endorsed shoe brand Keds is known for producing stylish, casual flats for everyday comfort. They offer a patterned ballet flat that’s stylish, without going over the top:

These are just two of the patterns that the Keds “Eleanor” offers. There are thirteen different prints all together, all featuring bold patterns designed by rock poster artist Eleanor Grosch. Some models feature mary jane details, some have faux shearling, but all of them are super stylish.

What do you think of the Keds “Eleanor”? Rock star chique or ugly, loud racket?

Mischa Barton as the Keds spokesperson, recently unveiled the Spring 2008 Ked’s line which was covered by Instyle.

As you can see, Mischa is presenting, Keds Championship Oxford in red. Fulfilling her duties as the Keds spokesgirl, Mishca strategically matched her bold red lips with the Keds Championship Oxford tennis shoe. On a side note, the bold red lips do make her look older than her 21 years. Or perhaps, she actually really did age since the O.C.

What I love about these shoes is that they’re affordable and versatile. Keds are pretty classic. They have been around for almost a century and were originally designed for tennis players. Does that mean Keds are a vintage shoe? Not quite sure, actually.

Keds look stylish in that elite New England sort of way. Sort of the whole, “I’m being casual on my yacht while I’m vacationing myself away at the Hamptons” sort of appeal. It has a little bit of that nautical influence, don’t you think? It also makes this statement: “I’m coming home from my Ivy Leaguer and I’m about to play football on mother and father’s expansive lawn”.

So, whatever Keds mean to you, I’m sure we can all agree that it’s certainly a classic. So now I ask you: What kind of statement do Keds make, in your opinion?