Get Ready For The (Actual) Return Of The Pointed-Toe Flat Pump

In terms of fashion trends, It's the buyers—and mainly department store buyers, at that—who have the most say on what actually matters on the runway. So when Bloomingdale's and Neiman Marcus say jump, you better believe the masses attempt their best Caroline Trentini. Reports WWD, fashion directors from department stores are heralding flat, sensible shoes for 2011. Whether it's because they fit in better with apparel trends (like lower hemlines and boho sensibilities) or because women are tired of breaking their ankles, shoes like ballerina flats, no-pitch platforms, and—unfortunately—the "single-soled pointed-toe pump" (so says Lord & Taylor's executive vice president of merchandising, Liz Rodbell) are getting snatched up by the Big Kids for our consumption. The only style that no one's humoring? Says Lane Crawford's Sarah Rutson, "Nerdy-looking flats." *A certain editor hides her octogenarian brogues in shame* (WWD)