Well, we all know by now that the gladiator sandal is a considerable trend force this summer. Many of us are still debating their longevity, wondering if we will be able to wear them next year? Regardless, they are a fun trendy piece for summer. I think gladiator sandals in brown will be the most useful. They don't stand out too much and will be good for the boho look that comes back all the time. I think they can also be incorporated into the nautical look very easily, although maybe another color would be ideal for that. Metallics are great too, copper being a fun alternative to brown. I like silver and gold but probably wouldn't buy them, I can't see myself wearing them that much. I also like them in white, but white is seasonal and very trendy- so I have to consider that. Also I've seen a few girls in black patent gladiators, but I don't think they're as easy to utilize. And there are other colors that are fun, but you have to consider their ability to be reused once the trend ends.
Below I've picked some of my favorites using my favorite trendy website- CutesyGirl.
1. My favorite overall are these
Michael Antonio Hutt Flats. They are $26.99 and come in black, red, copper, gold, silver, and white. No brown unfortunately, but I feel that the shoe isn't too hardware (buckles) heavy and has more wear ability.
2. This
Wild Rose Egan01 Flat is a little more trendy with thicker straps and more hardware. I would be worried about the thick straps cutting my leg line too much and also it being re-wearable in the future, but at $9.99 thats not a huge issue. They come in yellow, orange, pink, silver, black, white, and tan.
3. This is the
Classified Retag Flat which also has more hardware but thinner straps, which I prefer. For $14.99 you can get it in black, brown, copper, and white.
4. If you like a little bit of a more simple style that isn't as heavy looking and re-wearable then these
Classified Lunar Flats might work well. They are only $7.99 and come in black, gold, silver, and white.
5. These are a different take on the gladiator flat and are a little more dressy. These
Qupid Benefit143b Flats are on sale for $8.99 and come in gold, silver, and black.
6. If you are scared of those straps cutting off your ankle this is a great gladiator inspired look, the
Steve Madden Azucar Flats in gold. They are $54.99, but they're a good brand and have much more longevity. They will definitely go beyond the gladiator trend.
7. My last pick is also a different take on the trend. They are
Steve Madden Knitte Flats in Silver for $59.99. They have a little wedge heel and are light on straps and hardware, so have more wear ability. I have a similar pair of Steve Maddens in white which are great for wearing everywhere. I like having the extra height also.
So... I think the key is to buy a trendy pair of gladiators froma throw-away brand for $7-15. If you want to invest in a better brand- make sure they are gladiator inspired and have more possibilities beyond the trend. And those ones that go all the way up your leg? Just keep away!
Wheee! Fun...
In my awesome red coat from Effie's Heart. I love this coat, its extremely versatile.
This look includes a very simply black stretch skirt I got at H&M for $6 very recently. The top is from Royal Love and I found it for $12 at T.J. Maxx. I love its beaded designs, it makes me think of a swanky jazz club.
I stole this idea from my friend's girlfriend. Wearing patterned tights over opaque tights. I found the floral tights at Forever 21, and the purple ones at T.J. Maxx. When I was at the T.J. Maxx in downtown San Francisco Recently I found oodles of unlabeled tights for $1 or $2 each. I was so happy, since I had anticipated buying them at Urban Outfitters...and they're alot more expensive! I have to say For Love 21 does have some cute ones too, but not much in the way of solid colors. My shoes are T-strap character shoes from Sansha. This 40s inspiration has got me raiding my dance shoe collection.
Close up of the beading on my shirt.
And my headband that I also found at For Love 21. I'm loving these headbands right now. Also not sure why I look so pissed off in all of these photos.... haha
I got my hair done all crazy... (At the SF Institute of Esthetics and Cosmetology). Top is Juicy Couture, Skirt is from Urban Outfitters (not sure of brand), Tights are from Ross, Booties are Bamboo. I love gray still!
Before I got my hair cut, after I dyed it all crazy. The dress is from the Mervyn's closing sale. I got it for my first Afro-Cuban Jazz concert at school. I had these really awesome Steve Madden booties too. But I'm sure you'll see them later!
1. Cardigans. I love this Fab Stripe Trim Cardi from Forever 21. Four different choices in color for only $13.50. I love the navy blue and the touch of muted yellow.
I must say I LOVE the packaging... I love anything Gwen Stefani touches. And I love Japanese Street Style. So yeah...
I think they are possibly office worthy in a trendy enough office, or mixed with other brands. (Also depending on the quality, if the look/feel cheap or not.) Also cute for going out, every day. I have always liked Candie's shoes, and generally the pairs I have bought in the past have been good quality. But it has been a few years. I do really like teal/brown dress. Overall there is alot of teal and metallic in the collection as well as a slight rocker chic vibe...which is easily toned down.
But when it comes right down to it- I couldn't find any super cheap copies that didn't make me want to curl into a ball. I think this is one of those things where its splurge... or not at all.
The Adidas site is good for work out clothing, but a little difficult to mix and match clothing between collections. Sears and Lands End are not very fashion forward and not worth the trouble. Hopefully we'll see more companies adopt this program. Another problem is that its almost impossible to layer clothing on this program.
