super sandals


I've just returned from a week-long holiday in Hawaii (the north shore of Oahu, to be exact) and dealing with post-vacation flotsam: multiple suitcases to unpack, carry-ons filled with sand and half-eaten snacks, along with stacks and stacks of mail. At least my own suitcase is unpacked (I did it last night as soon as I put the kids to bed!), and the process was relatively quick given my vacation wardrobe consisted of kaftans, shorts, dresses, and shoes. Make that shoe. Besides my running sneakers, I brought a single pair of simple thong sandals, which I literally wore non-stop during the entire trip. They're an old J.Crew pair from last year that are no longer available, but they look similar to the ones above, and proved themselves to be sand-to-city chic. In other words, they stood up to climbing craggy lava rocks and bopping around Waikiki. The only thing is that after this trip they don't have much mileage left, so now I am in the market for another pair. I've narrowed down my options to these by Michael Kors, Prada (the same shoe worn by the woman on the right), Topshop (in brown), and J.Crew. Thoughts or other ideas welcome!

P.S. Look out for vacation pics and highlights shortly!

Photo: The Sartorialist

24 comments

Sara G. said...

I think the cut of shoes is really important and the Prada's look very flattering on Viviana. I would choose those if you plan to really wear them.
I bought a pair of K Jacques this summer that I love. They are surprisingly comfortable and are narrow and elegant.

Anonymous said...

FYI the topshop link seems to be going to the Nordstrom page.

Marlien Rentmeester said...

Thanks for catching that! I fixed it.

M&M said...

Sam Edelman also makes a nice, inexpensive pair in a huge variety of colors

http://www.zappos.com/sam-edelman-gigi-almond?zfcTest=fcl%3A0

or K. Jacques (more of an investment but in my experience well worth the $$)

Alissa said...

I love the Kors sandal. Slim, silver, chic. Perfect!

Anonymous said...

I like the lower ankle strap- like the Prada- it looks really flattering. However, I think I'd go with the Topshop or the Kors - the Prada looks really narrow even on the woman's foot in this photo. I like the Cyrille T-Strap at Jcrew -has that low profile and it's 25% off. My husband and I just got back from Kauai (missing it already) and I wish I had these sandals! Thanks for the great tip. They truly are versatile, aren't they?

Kristin said...

Go for the JCrew. I bought in navy and adore them. The double strap is different. And, they are not as pricey. Love your blog!

Anonymous said...

Still going to Nordstrom site but cute shoes!

Laurie said...

I think the Michael Kors are best for the price (on sale) and Prada is best if money s no object and your feet are on the narrow side.

Anonymous said...

Loving the double strap on the ones from jcrew, definitely adds to the simplicity of the sandal.

Anonymous said...

i love the la botte gardienne or k. jacques sandals too. simple and elegant

Usha said...

Agree with Laurie that the Prada ones look a little narrow (and dare I say a little flimsy?). May not work for the wear and tear of NYC streets alas!

Cute shoes nevertheless!

www.indulgingmywanderlust.com

Aracely @ Mama Fashion Files said...

These are all great options. The J.Crew pair are my fave, not to mention they're on sale with an addtional 30% off! I'm all about a good sale! :) I have a similar DV by dolce vita pair that I've had for over a year and are my go to for casual days.

Anonymous said...

Running out to get the Sam Edelman Gigi's before my trip to Boston (saddle And leopard!)... Thank you! :)

Anonymous said...

Love the maroon skirt with blue pockets (girl on right). Anyone know where that's from ?

Anonymous said...

Feel in love with this Frye pair in the color cognac.

http://www.zappos.com/frye-rachel-t-sandal-bronze-veg-tan?zfcTest=fcl%3A3

I wear them all the time and they are super comfy (after a couple wearings since the ankle strap on my right foot needed to break in a little).

Love them so much, thinking I might get them in black also.

Anonymous said...

I am so rough on sandals during the summer, I would opt for the Sam Edelman line at Target! They did some that look very similar to the GiGi sandal for half the price, and you won't feel guilty getting a new set of sandals next summer :)

jenny said...

i have the archer sandal from dolce vita in nude, gold and black and they've taken me from india to the maldives and back again. they are still in perfect condition and will be worn all summer long! www.yoursoulstyle.com #yoursoulstyle

Marlien Rentmeester said...

Wow! Thank you all for the amazing advice and suggestions. With all these great options, I will definitely have to get more than one pair!

Anonymous said...

I am always cautious to buy ankle strap shoes as I have wider ankles. (Darn cartIlage). Is it still the rule that those of us with less than skinny ankles should avoid anything with a strap?

Anonymous said...

I'm obsessed with these ones that come straight fro Italy. http://www.canfora.com/en/11-basic
(Best thing is that you can print out a copy of each shoes size so you can hold up to your feet and be certain you order the correct size.) Most comfortable shoes ever!

Anonymous said...

I have not-so-thin ankles myself and I go with gladiator or a bit of a higher ankle strap....this t-strap sandal just hits at the wrong place for me, I find...or a flip flop for more casual days....

Emily said...

I am a big fan of K Jacques St Tropez- the Picon leather sandal is pretty simple and they are well made and last forever! You can order any color through their site (albeit outdated!)... Love your blog!!!

Norma said...

Your sandals are really cute. I just bought a great pair of sandals from Burlington Coat Factory. They are really stylish, but the prices were to die for. They were HALF what I had seen them go for in the other stores.

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