On to a more important topic: sandals!
Fellas, there is a fine line between embarrassing and sexy open-toed footwear, and we are going to walk it.
NO: Adventure Sandals.
YES: Gladiators.
Since I’m beginning to embrace the fact that I can’t, with a straight face, wear boots year-round, I figure why not spend the money on nicer sandals?
There are plenty of options. I have been pinning a ton of them, so make sure to check out that board.
In Tampa and the South, you’ll mostly see Havianas and Rainbow flip flops. These are considered staples.
The Brazilian brand of rubber thongs are inexpensive, durable, and come in a bunch of punchy hues. California-based Rainbow makes more substantial leather shoes that have a lifetime guarantee of construction quality.
But let’s think outside that box.
If you’d like a subtle change from standard two-strap thongs, to raise a couple of eyebrows at the BBQ, you might consider…
K. Jacques. This brand specializes in leather sandals, and are hand made in France. Is there anything else to say?
I’ve been lusting over these Ralph Lauren canvas thongs, as another variation. Made in Spain.
They also come in a black sole with various colors of neon straps.
Moving away from this shape, you can find plenty of back-less slides. Less for walking, more for brief trips to fetch sunblock and drinks with little umbrellas in them.
For a decidedly pool-ready look, try Dan Ward.
This season, Dolce & Gabbana makes some adventurous woven-leather slides that evoke shopping in a dusty medina.
Or, having lunch.
I’ve always loved the look of strappy, fully-buckled sandals the most. I grew up on rope sandals. Wore them everywhere and hated washing them, though they stunk.
This resulted in their premature disposal at the end of the summer each year. Tear…
In the spirit of those jesus sandals, I’ve had my eyes on these Jimmy Choos for a bit – though at $600 they are quite lushhhhurious. Also come in camo.
Of course, with anything strappy, you can easily look too feminine. If you don’t exercise your legs, and have pale calves…read on.
Thicker straps are more rugged, and from a classic men’s footwear brand, Salvatore Ferragamo. You won’t be mistaken for wearing espadrilles in these.
Ted Baker makes a more accessible pair, with a zingy blue sole.
Now, here are my absolute favorite this season. Holy Grail, here…
Just kidding 😉
I can’t go through all my 2014 favorites – see my Pinterest page for a curated selection. And, get in touch if you want to discuss the pros and cons of a rubber vs. leather thong, or a buckled vs. slide sandal. Cheers!
2 comments
I love The Jimmy Choos’s, but $500 on a sandal is too much for me. Where are the affordable style options?
Randy – check my Pinterest page (http://www.pinterest.com/atenglish/open-toes/) for ideas. I have a range of options across all prices. And, there are a ton of sales going on now, so a bunch of the more expensive sandals are half price.