Yes, I'm up at 4:30 on a Saturday with pregnancy cravings. Which brings me right to the point: I'm looking for stylish shoes that I can wear out. But that are wintery. And keep me grounded since I'm 5.5 months pregnant and have a toddler (so lots of carrying around, etc). During my first pregnancy I had no problem finding cute summery flats and sandals but winter? I'm lost. I have a wonderful pair of Anne Klein flat loafers in an orchid suede (sort of pinky-purple) with a silver buckle. These go great with my maternity trouser jeans. And of course I have flips and sandals galore. But all my fall/winter shoes have 3 inch heels, and Georgia does get rain and cold and sleet so I need something else to wear.

Anyway -- any ideas for some good flats (or low heels), including a pair to wear to church/out? Most of my writing is done at home, and most of my interviews can be handled in fairly casual clothes. So far my go-to has been the cute Gap trouser jeans, the orchid loafers, a nice crisp white button-down and some good jewelry for a daytime quick interview. But I'd like a slightly dressier look that works a bit harder and that I could possibly take out at night (clothes and shoes, I guess). Plus casual but supercute shoes. Flats or slight heels.

Got that? yeah. :-)

Melissa has the right idea here: she has found an outfit that works for her, and she's putting her money in the right place. Your body changes so much during a pregnancy that it is difficult -- and expensive -- to shop for every possible outing. But having a basic uniform (if you will) with great accessories that you can wear after the pregnancy ends keeps you AND your credit card bill looking great.

Melissa's question is also wonderful because it's not only pregnant mommies who need cute winter flats; we can all use a great pair of sturdy shoes for the long dark days of winter. Look for color (red is fabulous for shoes, because a red shoe won't overwhelm your outfit) or pattern (snake skin is huge this year) or a metallic (also big this winter). Look for flats or wee heels with a higher vamp (shoes that cover your toes, rather than leaving them exposed) for maximum warmth. Wear them with bare feet on warmer days, or with a trouser sock or tights on cooler days.

These What's What by Aerosole flats have a sturdy ribbed sole, which is terrific for chasing a toddler or walking on icy or wet pavement. They are available in five colors, for $68.95.

Melissa could also opt for a pointy-toed flat, which is a dressier look but still manageable with a child and a pregnant body and a busy schedule. These, from RSVP, come in seven colors, including two animal prints and a metallic. They retail for $54.95.

Born makes great stylish shoes with structure, for those of you who worry that a flat won't be supportive enough. The Born Osprey is available in cherry or black patent (HUGE for fall! huge! and also classic!) for $88.95.

Finally, you can't go wrong with a great driving moccasin; wear it in lieu of those ratty old tennis shoes you're running around in now. These AK Anne Klein Davis mocs come in five colors for $72.95.

All of the shoes pictured here are available at Zappos, which offers free overnight shipping, a 110% price match, and the 365 day return policy.

Related links: Shoewawa points you to great socks for fall, ShoeIQ asks "what kind of women's shoe are you?" and Liesl at If The Shoe Fits mulls a shoe-related crime against humanity.

Susan Wagner writes about fashion at Friday Style and The Working Closet, and about everything else at Friday Playdate. She has an unhealthy love of flat shoes.