Go Buy Now: Spring Shoes
On a recent lazy afternoon when we should have been finishing budgets and unpacking boxes in our new office, we found ourselves doing a little virtual shoe shopping instead. Our inability to correctly prioritize what we should be working on does have at least one upside. We uncovered a boatload of beautiful shoes during our "research recess" and happily assembled this story with some our favorite finds.
There are many theatrical, dazzling, and over-the-top footwear options this season, but sometimes you want something a little more restrained than, say, six-inch Giuseppe Zanotti Cut-Out Wedges
, for example. Our selections are basic without being boring and will thoughtfully supplement any shoe collection (full or sparse alike).
1. Acne Iman Platform Oxford Pump ($519)
We are obsessed anew with Acne Jeans thanks to their latest addition to the shoe universe. It’s difficult to accurately communicate how cool these beige distressed suede lace-ups are without sounding brainwashed. Just trust us when we tell you they’re sublime, from their leather laces to their peep toes, and very Chloe Sevigny to boot.
2. Proenza Schouler Strappy Stud Sandals
($725)
We like any shoe that looks like it could draw blood, and these runway sandals from Proenza Schouler are no exception to that rule. We give the makers of this shoe two thumbs up for the black cracked leather straps (especially the worn-in patina) and the medieval studs on the stacked heel. Talk about tough love...
3. ASOS Leather Cut-Out Flat Sandal ($80)
A lady cannot live in heels alone (though some of us like to try), so for those moments when one doesn’t want the adjective “vertiginous” applied to their shoes we’d like to suggest these simple sandals. The metallic trim is a nice touch, as is the wide weave of the leather straps.
4. Steven by Steve Madden Banglez Sandals
($129.95)
Etro fans, pay attention, because the latest offering from Steve Madden could have been torn from the fashion house’s most recent runway show. The leather gladiators are embellished with multi-tone metal studs and come in white, as shown, silver, and black. (Technically it comes in gold too, but we prefer the other options.)
5. Nine West Heech Sandals ($89)
Thrilled doesn’t even begin to describe the office reaction when we spotted these simple gladiator wedges. They’re a guilt-free version of a celebrity-favorite Balenciaga sandal (as seen on Nicole Richie and Mary Kate Olsen) and an immediate must-buy.
6. Cynthia Vincent Dinah Sandals
($200)
Another super sharp spring shoe we’re mooning over is the triple buckle Dinah Sandal by Cynthia Vincent. It’s particularly wearable in the above tobacco color and is an excellent combination of form and function.
7. Sigerson Morrison 7802 Flats ($469)
Everyone’s been screaming about the Balenciaga high-heeled, black-and-white, leather sandal boots for months now, but they’re just so ridiculously hard to wear. Price and lack of availability aside, that is a case of the shoes wearing you, not you wearing shoes, if you know what we mean. That said, we have a not-so-secret crush on these woven Sigerson Morrison flats. The detailing makes what could be another ho-hum pair of black ballet flats something special and timeless.
There are many theatrical, dazzling, and over-the-top footwear options this season, but sometimes you want something a little more restrained than, say, six-inch Giuseppe Zanotti Cut-Out Wedges
1. Acne Iman Platform Oxford Pump ($519)
We are obsessed anew with Acne Jeans thanks to their latest addition to the shoe universe. It’s difficult to accurately communicate how cool these beige distressed suede lace-ups are without sounding brainwashed. Just trust us when we tell you they’re sublime, from their leather laces to their peep toes, and very Chloe Sevigny to boot.
2. Proenza Schouler Strappy Stud Sandals
We like any shoe that looks like it could draw blood, and these runway sandals from Proenza Schouler are no exception to that rule. We give the makers of this shoe two thumbs up for the black cracked leather straps (especially the worn-in patina) and the medieval studs on the stacked heel. Talk about tough love...
3. ASOS Leather Cut-Out Flat Sandal ($80)
A lady cannot live in heels alone (though some of us like to try), so for those moments when one doesn’t want the adjective “vertiginous” applied to their shoes we’d like to suggest these simple sandals. The metallic trim is a nice touch, as is the wide weave of the leather straps.
4. Steven by Steve Madden Banglez Sandals
Etro fans, pay attention, because the latest offering from Steve Madden could have been torn from the fashion house’s most recent runway show. The leather gladiators are embellished with multi-tone metal studs and come in white, as shown, silver, and black. (Technically it comes in gold too, but we prefer the other options.)
5. Nine West Heech Sandals ($89)
Thrilled doesn’t even begin to describe the office reaction when we spotted these simple gladiator wedges. They’re a guilt-free version of a celebrity-favorite Balenciaga sandal (as seen on Nicole Richie and Mary Kate Olsen) and an immediate must-buy.
6. Cynthia Vincent Dinah Sandals
Another super sharp spring shoe we’re mooning over is the triple buckle Dinah Sandal by Cynthia Vincent. It’s particularly wearable in the above tobacco color and is an excellent combination of form and function.
7. Sigerson Morrison 7802 Flats ($469)
Everyone’s been screaming about the Balenciaga high-heeled, black-and-white, leather sandal boots for months now, but they’re just so ridiculously hard to wear. Price and lack of availability aside, that is a case of the shoes wearing you, not you wearing shoes, if you know what we mean. That said, we have a not-so-secret crush on these woven Sigerson Morrison flats. The detailing makes what could be another ho-hum pair of black ballet flats something special and timeless.
Vero Moda has a super cute beige pair of gladiator flats, and theyre only 40 euros... im considering getting them, but im concerned about whether or not theyre going to be wearable past this year...
Posted by: Caroline | 2008-05-07 19:16:06
i feel poor
Posted by: Erin O'Mara | 2008-05-07 00:25:23
I have the Heech hehehe!!! I bought them in black (I wanted them in brown too but my size was sold out!) THEY ARE JUST AMAZING!!!! super comfy, stunning and versatile ! I can wear them with everything, they are my favortie shoes for this summer. I received thousands of complements when I wear them. To carrie who wants them. I called Nine west costumer service. They checked which store had them for me and I had to call the store. I received the shoes 4 days after. WOW! DO IT NOW!!!!! Ok now I NEEEDDDDDDDD the asos sandals!!
Posted by: Tamara | 2008-05-06 23:10:38
Thanks! I just like that the Heech sandal you can dress them up or down and they are wedges which usually equals more comfort...
Posted by: Carrie | 2008-05-06 22:58:54
i found the perfect pair of summer sandals at target, that are actually comfortable! they look like they are from urban outfitters. they are called the tanya strappy sandal, and come in a lot of different colors. a must buy in my opinion if you dont want to waste a bundle of cash on sandals that you are going to be wearing everyday. http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/41jj08MZuQL._SS260_.jpg
Posted by: valerie | 2008-05-06 22:36:21
i guess i may be a bit modest, or not so willing to be a fashion sheep, but i am not really into the whole in-your-face gladiator sandals. i find them un-flattering in so many ways. although, i am totally LOVING oxfords at the moment. peace&love :]
Posted by: valerie | 2008-05-06 22:30:40
love 1, 2 and 7...add some boots and that could be my entire season shoe wardrobe. here's a tip, gladiators are for amazon legs. THEY MAKE YOUR LEGS LOOK SHORT!!! those nine wests are hideous. thanks wwwd
Posted by: sarah | 2008-05-06 22:01:34
the Heech sandlals are cute, but a little too trendy for my taste... right now i like sandals with a twist on the gladiator trend, i think they more fashion-forward
Posted by: julie | 2008-05-06 17:23:19
i loove the cynthia vincent ones.
Posted by: racherr | 2008-05-06 15:23:52
love the acne heels! i was crazy in love with the heech sandals and was so happy to see them at a fraction of the price, compared to the balenciaga ones. they are pretty much identical and so so comfortable. i don't think it's fair for people to say that they're played out, or "monkey see monkey do" don't knock 'em til you try 'em! they really do look great on.
Posted by: bellaharo | 2008-05-06 14:14:33
If only pair number 1 wasn't such a God awful colour/pattern... D= The Proenzer Schouler heels are amazing, though!
Posted by: Amy | 2008-05-06 14:02:11
I hope the gladiator sandal never goes out of style. www.rebeccalbrown.tumblr.com
Posted by: Bex | 2008-05-06 13:46:45
So this post and all the to-do over the Heech sandal (are they cute or ugly, a great basic shoe or over-played) made me think of my boyfriend's spot-on reaction to my own pair of strappy wedge gladiator-esque sandals: "So, are those your Jesus as a stripper shoes?" The unprejudiced comment from the fashion uninitiated always makes me remember how rediculous fashion is...which is part of why I love it so much:)
Posted by: Carkles | 2008-05-06 13:39:58
love the Proenza Schouler pumps. can't. deal. www.RunawayGallery.com
Posted by: RunawayGallery | 2008-05-06 13:02:19
Ah, so cute! Love them all...hate #1 - surprisingly, i love the nine west ones...but hate nine west....conundrum!
Posted by: loveMaegan.com | 2008-05-06 12:14:14
jurisprudent. it's not monkey see monkey do, they just look great on everyone. try them on. they go with everything :D
Posted by: LL | 2008-05-06 12:09:56
The ASOS are beautiful! I do need another pair or strappy sandals for the spring/summer...good call. check out my blog at http://omowrites.blogspot.com THANKS!!
Posted by: Samantha | 2008-05-06 10:57:58
The NW Heech sandals arent sold out, there's plenty in store & online. Theyre pretty comfy too.
Posted by: tracy | 2008-05-06 10:52:47
Check out the Venus sandal on FreePeople.com, along with many other strappy versions...
Posted by: Megan | 2008-05-06 10:31:22
The Heech sandals are sold out? Good! Because they are so played out. Check out any fashion blog from FashionToast to Chictopia--everybody and their mama is sporting a pair. I guess monkey see, monkey do, is where it's at these days...
Posted by: Jurisprudent | 2008-05-06 10:19:13
I just bought the Heech sandals yday and they were the last pair in my size!
Posted by: Diana | 2008-05-06 09:55:09
I bought mine online Friday on Amazon.com and they had this SPECTACULAR special wherein if you bought certain Nine West sandals, they were $20 off the listed price ($89) AAAAAND I had the option of getting free shipping too. RIDICULOUS!!! I'm getting them in the mail today!!!! :)
Posted by: omg | 2008-05-06 09:30:21
I got my Heech sandals online!!! Ninewest.com .. they have them on Zappos.com too. I love mine!!!! I love all the sandals in this entry!! www.livefdpretty.com
Posted by: Crista | 2008-05-06 06:29:28
Love everything but number 7. The Heech sandals are sold out? I didn't think they would - but wow. I saw a girl wearing them the other day and thought "Wow, someone actually bought them." Not that I think they look ugly, I just didn't think I'd see anyone in them.
Posted by: eye | 2008-05-06 04:12:16
The Heech sandals are sold out everywhere!! I saw them on ebay for $180 dollars...where else can i find them???
Posted by: Carrie | 2008-05-06 02:04:09