Fashion: Here's to a new flatmate

For years the ballet flat has dominated. From young hipsters to mums on the school pick-up run, ballet flats have been every girl's go-to shoe for running about town.

Now, don't get me wrong, the ballet flat is a classic. It will always have its place. But I've been hanging out for a new flat friend. Brogues had their moment, loafers too. And now? Now I can rejoice, for the rise of the slipper has answered my flat shoe prayers.

Like a cross between a loafer and a ballet flat, the slipper is a luxurious cocoon of comfort for your feet. And it has a history befitting its new status as king of my flat shoe closet.

You see, after their inception in 12th-century Japan, the slipper rose to popularity on the feet of Prince Albert. Yep, Queen Victoria's husband used to wear black velvet slippers to black tie events. Since then it's a style borrowed by men and women alike throughout history, from Hugh Hefner to Audrey Hepburn.

One of the things I love about the slipper is its versatility and appeal for a wide range of women.

This summer, there's a slipper to suit all tastes. Studded for hip young things, embroidered brocade for a hint of luxury, or plain for the conservative. Not that there's anything conservative about green or burgundy velvet, but you get my drift.

Personally, I'm a sucker for the abundance of animal prints. They're edgy, and yet, somehow, leopard or zebra print is still relatively neutral when paired with black skinny jeans and a crisp white shirt. Simple, to the point, but with a good dose of cool.

And that, my friends, is what I love about the slipper. It's comfortable and easy to throw on, but has an air of being royally cool.