I’m hoping to create a little shoe magic. You know the kind. Dorothy clicking the ruby slippers three times and finding herself back home. Cinderella leaving the glass slipper behind and marrying Prince Charming. I don’t need anything that dramatic, and I certainly don’t want to be transported home. Actually, I am looking for a little alternative magic. Like if I buy cute summer sandals, I will be able to get out and use them this summer.
Shoes may not be able to transport you to other places, but they can make you feel like you are somewhere else. Every year, summer sandals do precisely that for me. I wear new summer sandals and voila. I feel like I am on vacation, or at least I could be. This year that feeling seems more critical than ever.
Can’t Live in Flip Flops
I’ve been living in flip flops. This CA girl loves her flip flops (I dedicated a whole post to my favorite flip flops), but I cannot live in flip flops alone. To add the feel of summer to my homebody life, I rounded up my summer sandal picks for 2020.
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Summer Sandal Picks
- Bueno Jackson Toe Strap Sandal – Ok. These look like elevated flip flops, which they kind of are, but a toe strap sandal is big for 2020, and I love the pink. I ordered these as soon as I saw them.
- Loeffler Randall Emilia Pleated Knot Mules – These shoes are a party all by themselves. LR makes the best shoes. I love the vibrant stripe on this crinkle print. These shoes consistently get compliments, and I love them so much. I bought them in leopard, which is like a neutral. Available in flat, mid (pictured), and high heels, these mules are super fabulous.
- Frye Carson Ankle Zip – This classic sandal will never go out of style. I purchased this shoe probably five years ago, and I just bought a new pair because I love them so much. They are also super comfortable and one of the few pairs of sandals I wore in Europe. Frye is tried and true for me. I know that I wear an 8.5, and that never changes regardless of what style of shoe. I love the consistency of style and quality.
- Ash Pacific Studded Sandal – I’ve had my eye on this sandal for a while. Typically, I’m drawn to the black, but this summer, I am feeling all the feels for brown or luggage colored leather. It just feels so fresh. I plan to wear brown sandals with anything I would typically wear black. It will give every outfit a modern feel.
- Dr. Scholl’s Original Collection Sandal – Over the years, this classic clog sandal has been in and out of my closet. My last pair was white, and I purchased it in the early 2000s. Clogs have made a major come back since then almost 20 years ago. Can that be right? Again, I am feeling the tan leather. The vibe is boho retro. You can’t go wrong with the classic Dr. Scholl’s.
- Frye Felix Sandal – Another Frye sandal on my list. I love Frye. The quality is impeccable, and the styles aren’t trendy. You will wear these shoes for years. This pair has a lighter leather that will age to a perfect patina over time.
- Sole Society Serifyna Wedge – Nine times out of ten, if I am going to wear a heeled sandal in summer, I want it to be a wedge heel. They are just so much more comfortable. The Serifyna wedge has an easy, walkable heel (2 1/4 in) and strappy styling, which is perfect for shorts or dresses. These cuties are 40% off at Nordstrom right now.
- Aeyde Katti Slip-On Sandal – To freshen up your 2020 look, skip white and embrace cream. Off-white is hot for summer. Build a monochromatic look upon these sleek slides for a fashion-forward outfit.
- Soludos Eloise Espadrille – Espadrilles are ubiquitous with summer now. They have moved beyond a trend and are now staples of every summer wardrobe. Soludos make some of the most affordable espadrilles on the market. On their web site, Soludos states, “they make thoughtfully crafted shoes and accessories that happily move you through the world with style and ease.” I love that they say happily. Their shoes and accessories do make me happy.
- Cole Haan Anika Sandal – Another toe strap option. This one by Cole Haan. I have the black, and they are Cole Haan comfortable! Sadly, the other colors mix prints that I don’t like as well. The cream and black are plain leather.
- Lucky Brand Carston Espadrille – Lucky Brand landed in my lucky number 11 spot just by chance. I think it is a sign that I should go ahead and buy these espadrilles. It doesn’t hurt that they are 40% off at Nordstrom right now and available in 9 colors.
- Loeffler Randall Eveline Sandal – I’m a fan of all things LR. These simple slides are perfect for every day. They will add style to any outfit from cut-off jeans to your favorite summer dress. The leather color is ideal for substituting for black sandals with all your favorite looks.
- Toni Pons EXL-P Espadrille – Toni Pons is synonymous with espadrilles. Devotees swear by his sandals as the most comfortable espadrilles available. The company was established in Spain in 1946 and continues to craft its sandals there. I love this style with a sandal upper and espadrille bottom. Alas, they are only available in white and black. I would already own them if they came in tan. Check out Toni Pons for all sorts of fabulous espadrille styles.
Of course, I believe in magic. We are never too old to still believe. I believe in the magic of a shoe transforming an outfit into something extra, the magic of a kind word or deed, and the magic of nature. So pick a pair and give in to the magic. A summer sandal can instantly bring that ‘no cares in the world’ summer vibe into your life even when we are all just hanging around the house.
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