wht summer extravaganza – shoes

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Nothing makes it easier to add the latest summer style to your look than a fierce pair of shoes! If you can’t afford to update your wardrobe this season, adding a bold pair of shoes with a striking shape or color to your ensemble, can make last years tank top look completely of-the-moment. We’re rounding up some of the hottest looks for Summer 2009 that are sure to add a punch of sizzling style to any wardrobe.

And, since we know we are all watching our expenses these days; we’re showing you the hot trends in three different price ranges, so that regardless of budget everyone will be able to afford the shoes of the season!

There’s no doubt about it, the biggest trend in footwear this season is the Gladiator Sandal. Honestly, I still haven’t been completely won over by the look. While I love the bold look and intricate straps, many styles look a little too bulky on my feet. Plus, I’m short and the above the heel wrapping straps make my short, stubby legs look more… well, short and stubby. There’s hope for us shorter girls, look for styles that keep the straps on the thin side and below the ankle and you can wear this trend. For all you lucky tall ladies out there, pick up the boldest pair you can and strut your way through the summer!

Bring on the Bargains
ModCloth Andromeda Sandals$34.99
These flat, black Greek inspired sandals (left) with cute brass details are made of man made materials and are a steal at less than 35 bucks.
Balance that Budget
Macy’s Aerosoles “Athens” Gladiator Sandal $69.00
You always get comfort and quality in a pair of Aerosoles and these “Athens” Sandals (center) will be sure to add a spring to your step! This bold style features a slight heel, brass medallion details, leather uppers, and an adjustable ankle strap.
Busting the Bank
Macy’s Coach Geralynn Sandal $188
Bust open the piggy bank for these delicately detailed yet powerful, patent leather sandals (right) with high ankle straps and a unique weave. Get them in white to truly stand out in a crowd.

Another big trend is shoes this season are the classic wedge heeled shoes. The vintage style looks fresh this season mixed with bright colors and summer prints. Add some sexy style (and a few inches to your height) with this leg lengthening and slimming shoe!

Bring on the Bargains
ModCloth Orchard Wedges $ 29.99
These adorable peep toed wedges with a vintage inspired apple print (left) will bring a smile to your face! Wear them with everything from jeans to your favorite thrift store dress – we’re sure they will be the apple of your eye this summer.
Balance that Budget
Matiko Footwear Shaunte Platform in Fuchsia $ 72
Combining the wedge heel with a bright pop of color means you get two of the biggest trends of the summer in one pair of sweet and sassy shoes. The eye popping fuchsia colored pair (center) has peep toes, an delicate ankle strap and a 4 ½ heel; yowza!
Busting the Bank
Diane von Furstenberg Golden Twist Vamp Suede Wedge Sandal $196
Turn the heat way up with these red hot suede wedge sandals (right) from the ever fashionable Diane von Furstenberg. The bow detail keeps things sweet while the color and shape ratchets up the sexiness. If you’re looking for a pair of heels to catch your mans eye and add some strut to you walk, we’ve found the perfect pair.

Ahh, the sneaker. Regardless of trends and style, the all mighty sneaker will always have a place in your closet. A comfy pair is essential to any wardrobe and is a necessity to get the most fun out of any summer.

Bring on the Bargains
ModCloth Daffodil Shoes $ 17.99
A super simple, no-frills style sneaker in a soft lemony yellow hue (left) is perfect for the season. At under $20 a pair, these may well be your best bargain of the summer.
Balance that Budget
Converse Women’s All Star Light Ox $ 42
We first fell in love with Converse sneakers seeing them on the feet of Ponyboy in The Outsiders. When we entered high school they were the sneaker of choice for the skater boys and punk rock kids. Twenty years on and they are still the sign of laid back, effortless cool. These pink sneakers (center) are the perfect “pick me up” shoe when you want both fun and comfort.
Busting the Bank
Macy’s Adidas “Sailing Light W” Sneaker $70
Well, we’re not really busting the bank at only $70 a pop, but we couldn’t go too wild on a staple like sneakers. Trust us, this particular hue of green (right) will be the color of the moment, any moment now (just check out the fonts on the latest Vogue cover). Get yours now and catch the trend as it begins!

Author

  • tyna

    Tyna is a former editor of we heart this that worries about becoming a crazy cat lady, reads at least a book a week, checks in at a Flyers fan forum every morning and is forever organizing her closets and drawers. skin tone: NW 20/25 skin type: combination favorite beauty product: eye shadows and lip balms

12 Comments

  1. Why do I always like the expensive ones? Those Orchard wedges are pretty cute too, though – and that color would definitely carry you into fall!

  2. I just can’t get down with the Gladiators. I’ll be happy when this trend is over. But wedges, I have always loved a wedge! Those Diane von Furstenberg’s are divine. So pin-up looking.

    And wow, how reasonable is Mod Cloth? Love it.

  3. I can’t do gladiator sandles because they make me look like I have cankles. It’s just a really unfortunate look for me and anybody not an Olsen twin. Maybe it’s a little unfortunate for them, too :P
    Summer, to me, is a great pedicure and my Bernardo sandals. They have some trendy styles, but I gravitate to their more classic styles like the Matrix and Miami. Jackie O owned 16 different colors of the Miami sandal. If you can find them in glove leather, you are in for a treat—they are ridiculously soft and comfy. Yes, they average about $99 a pair, but if you go to their sale section, you can pick up some styles for as low as $9.99. Check it out, ladies!
    http://www.bernardofootwear.com

  4. P.S. Bernardos are only offered in whole sizes and run a little short, so round up a size if you’re in between

  5. Oh good, I thought I was the only one that had problems with the gladiator trend! After looking at a hundred different versions of them for this post, I warmed up a bit to them. Just to get a pair that are cut low enough around the ankle so I don’t look too stumpy!
    And Stef, Mod Cloth is really awesome, huh? Great, unique clothing and shoes at decent prices.

  6. I can’t rock a gladiator either! I have seen some of them look cute on certain gals, but I can’t get down with them either. I look at those and just think it looks like someone invaded the old costume boxes from the Samson and Delilah movie from 1949.

    Mod Cloth is SO Adorable and Reasonable. I love their dresses and those Orchard Wedges are so dear!

    I’m drooling over these shoes I can’t afford from my fav. John Fluevog http://www.fluevog.com/code/?w%5B0%5D=attribute%3AWomens&w%5B1%5D=order%3Afresh&pp=1&view=detail&p=17&colourID=2508

    Maybe they’ll go on sale by August?! Wishful shoe thinking =)

  7. I love the gladiator look! I have 2 pairs so far….and I’m really like the Mod Cloth Andromeda Sandals! I’m pretty tall so that helps out. Some of my friends ask me if I brought my spear to help fight lions off but whatever, they are comfy and I’m happy this trend is still in!

    I can’t get into the wedge style….I feel like a Clydesdale horse tromping around, frantically grasping for a wall to balance myself so I won’t tip over.

    But I do like those green sneakers….I just bought a bicycle and need some cute new smooth sneakers to go with them….*rubs hands together mischievously*

  8. So I am very guilty of being a shoeaholic! I have more shoes then Stef has lipglosses! I recently purchased these to die for MK’s using a 20% code I can no longer remember.
    http://www.shoes.com/Shopping/ProductDetails.aspx?p=EC1143808&pg=5088888
    I also have found my solution to the gladiator trend in these flip flops that because they are goldish in color and not completly a flip flop I’m declaring them by gladiator trend item http://www.famousfootwear.com/Shopping/ProductDetails.aspx?p=73568&pg=1017711

  9. Aren’t they adorable! and only $36 I think I’m about to impulse buy them :)

  10. kimbercakes says:

    Love those Mod Cloth wedges! I can get down with a heel if it’s a wedge! LOVE!

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