
{ a blog all about the love of shoes }
I’m sure you’ve already purchased a fair number of sandals this season, but there may still be one or two pairs out there that can perfectly round out your collection. From color to embellishments, go for out-there sandals that make a statement and show off your personal style.
Consider Your Lifestyle
As with all shoe purchases, consider your lifestyle when deciding what sandals are right for you. Are you looking for flat sandals? Wedges? Both are smart options if you’re going to be chasing kids or darting around running errands. Are you considering a platform or cone heel? These silhouettes are on trend, but are best suited for those who have an ample sandal collection and have room for shoes that are less practical and more trend driven.
Reach for Color
Nude shoes are hot for summer, but color is the real star of the show. Why not choose a pair of bold sandals that play well with the prints and bright colors many of us don during warm weather? Grass green, true yellow, and cobalt blue are strong colors that make a statement and will work with many other colors in your wardrobe. Try a combination of grass green and earth tones, or cobalt blue with magenta and gray.
Remember the Price Point
If you want to have fun with your footwear this season, remember that inexpensive sandals can do the trick. Thanks to mild temperatures, sandals aren’t exposed to the same abuse as winter footwear, therefore paying a bit less for shoes that don’t need to stand up to the frigid cold isn’t a bad idea. There are many cute sandals on the market for $25 and under, so don’t be afraid to use the MyShoes.com price function to zero in on a pair of sandals that fit your budget and let you get trendy for summer.
Samantha Cabrera
Samantha Cabrera is a freelance writer who covers the best of fashion and beauty.
Sexy shoes are always in style, but for summer you want something a little less forward. Exchange stark or heavy shoes for pairs that are light and romantic. And if you aren’t a fan of shoes that are too girlie, nude strappy sandals may be right up your alley.
Subtle, Yet Sexy �
There’s nothing like a sexy pair of shoes that are easy to walk in, and that’s exactly what you get with the Saute sandals from A. Marinelli. These sandals have a subtle platform and straps across the top of the foot that tells the world that you’re in charge. We love these sandals because they’re subtly sexy. That means that women who aren’t used to wearing such a fashion forward shoe will be able to ease into the trend without missing a beat. Try the Saute sandals with a blouse and skinny jeans for day, and dress them up at night with a silk romper or flowing dress.
Tall and Thin
If you’re a lady who loves a stiletto, the Addie sandals from Ann Taylor will catch your eye. These ultra-strappy sandals have a lattice-like detail across the top of the foot and thin leather straps around the ankle. These are the nude sandals to wear when the heat is on. These open-toe shoes are also perfect for showing off a funky pedicure. We’re thinking bright blue or mint green, along with a print summer dress. This is a great look for a summer date or grabbing a drink with friends.
Proper Proportions
Fashion bloggers and editors are after shoes with weight—sort of. By “weight” we don’t mean an allover chunky, clunky shoe, but a simple bold heel that creates an interesting proportion when worn with the right clothes. For this we introduce the Chunky Pleated Strap Platform from GoJane. These adorable chunky heels remind us of the shoes worn by Jessica Simpson and Fergie. Both of these pop stars are known for loving chunky sandals that add to their petite frames. You can get the same look with these affordable nude platform sandals from GoJane.
Samantha Cabrera
Samantha Cabrera is a freelance writer who covers the best of fashion and beauty.
Nail polish is having a moment this summer, and it’s all about the toes. Sandals give you a chance to show off a stellar pedicure. Instead of sticking with your usual color, have fun with your polish by opting for unique shades that make the color of your sandals really pop. Use these fun tips to choose the perfect polish to coordinate with your favorite sandals of the season.
Pretty in Pink
When wearing a pair of playful pink sandals, such as Juicy Couture’s Hermosa shoe, go for polishes in cool tones. Gray and taupe are all the rage this season, and both colors really pop with pink sandals. If you have fair skin, opt for gray or taupe polishes with a slight lavender undertone. Those with medium or deep skin tones can reach for true gray and taupe hues.
True Blue
With blue sandals, such as the Natalia from Top Shop, go for a complementary orange nail polish. Tangerine, burnt orange and soft peach shades all work well with this ocean-hued color. Orange nail polishes work on any skin tone, giving you free reign to experiment with any shade you wish.
Heavy Metal
If you’re rocking metallic sandals like the Fossil shoe by Jimmy Choo, nothing looks more chic than a classic red polish. Utilize all the shades of red, and pair silver sandals with cool-toned pink shades like bubblegum or magenta. Go the opposite way with gold sandals, and make them really glow with deep shades of royal blue or rich navy.
Classic Black
Basic black sandals need a fun twist to keep them looking trendy. To go bold, those with medium and deep skin tones can opt for a taxi cab yellow hue for their toes. Those with fair skin can choose a yellow polish with subtle shimmer, which is easier to wear than a matte yellow shade. Another great color for black sandals that stands out this season is mint green. Fair skin tones will dazzle in mint greens with a hint of blue, while those with medium or deep skin tones can flatter their toes in shades with a true green undertone.
Samantha Cabrera
Summer causes most of us to embrace our girlie side, and with this often comes the color pink. Pink is a fun color to wear, but even the girlyist of girls may have difficulty integrating the shade into their regular wardrobe. (No one wants to look like a large mass of cotton candy.) So what’s the best way to incorporate this color? On your feet of course! Here are our picks of pink sandals that will easily fit into your wardrobe this summer.
Go For Cork
These sandals from Naya are dubbed the Wind. We love them because the pink color is a softer shade with nude undertones. Almost working as a neutral, the subtle shade of Naya Wind sandals make them easier to wear. Bright prints and colors of the season, like lavender and canary yellow, work well with this particular style and color. The sandals are embellished with ruched leather across the top of the foot giving an extra feminine touch. With a subtle platform and a cork heel, these sandals give you a slight lift while adding an extra bounce to your step. The cork heel also offers comfort instead of the added stress of most wooden soles while acting as an easy addition to casual day-wear.
Slide In
Slide into a stylish look with the Gelpi sandals for Nine West. The Gelpi sandals are like a played down version of the Wind sandals mentioned above. For stay-at-home moms and/or college students who are always on the go, the Gelpi sandals are easy to slip on in seconds and add girlish appeal to even the most casual apparel like a T-shirt or a tank top and jeans. If you want to dress up the Gelpi sandals a bit, try them with a boat-neck top and twill shorts or capri pants. Add a statement necklace and matching tote to either outfit and you have a look that’s casual chic done right.
Stacked Up
If you want a little drama from your summer sandals, but aren’t in favor for the extreme wedges we’re seeing this season, opt for a pair of clogs. Clogs make an impact with any outfit and create that high fashion silhouette when worn with peg-leg trousers, skinny pants or capris. The Sheona sandals from Nina carry the same effect while adding a whimsical spin to any outfit with its bubblegum pink color and studded wooden platform, even working well with neutral shades like tan, gray, and navy. This bright pair of clogs are the perfect addition to any summer wardrobe.
Samantha Cabrera
Lookout! This spring it’s all about a platform sandal that says you’ve arrived. Forget the wedge sandals with a mid-size platform. It’s all about drama when it comes to platform sandals that will update any outfit.
Step out in these major platform sandals from Roxy. The Matiko wedges have a bold platform and 4 inch wedge heel. The sole is faux wood, so you have the organic look without the heft. These sandals are a poppy red shade that work well for spring and summer. Think of the color as a neutral that will dress-up your wardrobe of black, white and beige, but can also work with all of the prints we’re all so anxious to wear during warm weather. The sizeable buckles give the sandals an edge, allowing you to wear them with jean shorts and a V-neck T-shirt when you want to kick things down a notch, but still want to look stylish.
Fierce wedges were all over the runways for spring and the Sachi Matiko sandals fit the bill. These pewter sandals have turquoise straps and silver buckle straps. These sandals have a robotic feel to them, which makes them perfect for a night on the town. Try them with a little black dress or a loose silk tank top and slim slacks. Get ready to turn heads when wearing the Matiko sandals.
The Tarissa sandals from Pour La Victoire come in neutral shades, but the orange pair are ideal for spring and summer. Orange works with camel and dark denim, as well as red, yellow and white. Pairing color with color is a welcomed trend for 2011, so don’t be afraid to mix bright hues when putting together an outfit for the Tarissa sandals. The Tarissa sandals have straps across the top of the foot and a zipper at back. The platform is more subtle than the other two sandals featured, but the wedge heel is still dramatic enough to be on trend for the season.
Samantha Cabrera
Nothing gets you in the mood for spring quite like a pair of bold ‘n’ beautiful yellow shoes. Whether its flats, pumps or strappy sandals, the following styles are sure to put a spring in your step (and further confirm that my puns are terrible!)
Best Yellow Flat:
What’s not to love about the Sweet Caroline by Chinese Laundry, a barely-there ballerina flat which features a yellow PVC upper that includes exposed side panels and a closed toe accented with an oversized velvet ribbon bow. And the best part? These shoes are available for under $40! Read more »