As much as I love switching up my cities every summer, minor – and major – adjustments must be made. I would definitely put footwear in the “major” category. Unpaved streets are a stiletto-loving girl’s living nightmare, so ever since arriving in Taipei, I’ve been desperate for a pair of flats that don’t scream “librarian!”

My ankles and eyes are so grateful to Valentino for making my nightmare feel more like a dream. These walkable – hell, jog-able! – flat sandals are edgy and sexy. Most importantly, I won’t end up falling on my bum. (Yes, it’s happened. Full disclosure here!) Gold studs, plus a sleek heel zip, are just the things to take sandals from flat to fab. Valentino’s keep theirs minimal enough, along with slim straps, so you still feel elegant (not stumpy, as so many flat sandals have a way of doing). Wear with a super-short mini for maximum exposure – in a good way. At Saks Fifth Avenue for $595.

Pair with: Still don’t feel girly enough in your simple mini and flats? Add volume with DKNY‘s tiered net ruffles. With an obscure polka-dot pattern, it doesn’t get much more feminine than this. On Net-a-Porter for $122.50 (from $245).