Cravings

Summer shoes are not my favorite. I’m a little self-conscious about my feet, because they aren’t the dainty, narrow things I really would like them to be. Also, in summer you need regular pedicures and you need to go bare-legged, whereas in winter you can wear those awesome dark opaque tights that are so slimming

So shopping for sandals is always kind of a pain for me. But somehow this year it’s not as painful – or rather, the only thing that’s painful is that I want too many pairs of sandals and can’t afford them all! I usually go for wedges, but this year I find myself drawn to flat gladiators and high-heel platform sandals. How to afford them all? I don’t know, but since all the pieces I feature here are under $100, chances are both you and I will be able to afford at least one pair

Let’s start with the old favorite: Wedges.

If you like the boost in height and the leg-lengthening effect of heels but don’t walk well in them, wedges are the way to go. Wedges are really comfortable, and much easier to walk in than heels.  When they are in wood or cork they add a touch of boho to your outfit and make it more summery. They can be worn with jeans just as well as with shorts or flowy summer dresses, so they are also a great pick if you need an “everything” sandal. If you want to lengthen your legs, go for well-shaped wedges rather than bulky ones. My picks:

1. Nine West Yoel: this leather cutout sandal has a stacked wedge and its style will flatter pretty much any type of foot. It comes in Medium Blue, which has a touch of teal (pictured), Black, Dark Natural and Light Gold, which is sort of a textured patent Natural leather. It retails for $88.95 but it’s currently on sale at Endless for $68-77, depending on the color.

2. Steve Madden Quikk: this studded strappy leather sandal is kind of boho and has a perfectly shaped wedge that will elongate your legs, especially if you choose the Taupe color. It retails for $74 but it’son sale at Amazon for $29 and at Piperlime for $45.

3. Emma Pink Liana: I love the retro feel of this sandal, it will look cute with pants as well as dresses. It’s leather, with a stacked wedge, and it comes in 4 colors. It retails for $98 but it’s on sale at Piperlime for $49-70, depending on the color.

4. Steve Madden Vidaa: I love the look of this patent & cork wedges, especially in red. It would look so cute under dark jeans or with shorts! It comes in Black or Fuschia (pictures), which is really more of a red. It retails for $88.95 but it’s on sale at Steve Madden for $45.

5. Seychelles Lola: this leather sandal has a more classic look, but stacked wedge makes it more modern. It comes in black patent or blue patent (pictured) and it retails for $90, but the blue patent is on sale at Piperlime for $60.

Next up: Gladiators! I never though I’d wear them, because the dainty straps and flat soles made them kind of unappealing to me – they seemed like they’d only be flattering on narrow feet. The newest styles, however, also come with wide straps and many are designed so that they won’t shorten yours legs so much – so I started looking around to find the right one for me. The ones currently on my wishlist:

1.Steve Madden Charrger: the classic leather gladiator, with the addition of studs (you know I like studs!). Avaliable in brown and black (both with gold studs), it retails for $79 but it’s on sale at Nordstrom for $60 and at Endless for $62-68 depending on the color.

2. DV by Dolce Vita Darling: a basic gladiator, with studs (dull, not shiny) along the middle strap. It comes in Black or Cocoa leather and it retails for $70-75, but it’s on sale at Nordstrom for $39.90 and at Dillards for $50. It’s also on sale at Endless, where it’s also available in Dark Yellow and Paprika.

3. Seychelles Layover: I love the purple of these leather gladiators! They also come in gold, and they are currently on sale at Piperlime, 50% off! (From $80, down to $40.)

4. Luichini Fee Ona: these are a bit more dressy, what with the patent leather, the gold touches and the small heel; but all the buckles and hardware also give them a bit of an edge – I really like them. They come in Black Patent or White Patent, both with gold hardware. They retail for $83.95, but they are on sale at Endless for $59, and they also stock them in silver. You can also find them at DSW for $65.

Last but not least, this year’s obsession: high-heel platform sandals.  I normally don’t wear high-heel sandals much because on an average day, when I’m running after Stella and picking her up and driving around and running errands, I find them uncomfortable and completely impractical. Platform sandals, however, are much more comfortable and wearable, and they tend to have a more casual, urban feel than dainty high-heel ones. You can find quite a few budget friendly ones, but these are the ones I like best:

1. Steve Madden Passta: leather and wood sandal, comes in black and gold. Retails for $99.95 but it’s on sale at Steve Madden for $49.

2. BCBGirls Slim: leather t-strap, comes in Amaretto (pictured), Black, Rich Brown and Creme Puff (off-white). It normally retails for $110, but I was able to include it here because it’s on sale at Piperlime for $89 (Amaretto only) and for $91 at Endless, where they carry the Rich Brown, my favorite.

3. Steve Madden Tarrgaa: Love this suede sandal! Available in Black or Purple, retails for $89.95.

4. Nine West Balboa: leather gladiator-inspired sandal with a stacked heel. Comes in Dark Natural, Geo Brown (pictured),  and Black. Retails for $89, but it’s on sale at Piperlime (Brown only) for $69, or if you are a size 8, at Shoe Station for $49 (Brown only). The Black is available at Endless and Zappos, where they also carry the Dark Natural.

What do you think? Which type of sandal would you pick over the others?

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