Sunday, April 7, 2013

Style Over 50: Show-Stopping Sandals

Nine West Flo Sandal - Size 7


I'm on the hunt for a new pair of sandals. I still intend to wear last year's pair, which I love. But three other, older pairs of sandals got the heave-ho at the end of last summer. So lately, I've been perusing the web at home and fashion mags at the beauty parlor, checking out my sandal options for this spring. And what I'm seeing are sandals with big personalities--multi-colored sandals and ones covered with jewels, metals or beads. The Nine West Flo Sandal - Size 7 ($79 in Sizes 5-11 and 5 color schemes) at the top of this post is a perfect example. Many, many shoe designers and brands have included bejeweled and colorful footwear in their spring collections, so you shouldn't have any trouble finding them. For this post, I've included a sample of my favorite sandal styles from my sponsors--easyspirit.com, Nine West and Shopbop.com--to give you some ideas. To take a peek, click...


COLOR-BLOCKED
Since turning 50, I've started wearing a lot more dresses and separates that are simple, tailored and in muted or monochromatic colors. To avoid looking too ho-hum, I like to add accessories--scarves, belts, coats and shoes--with color, texture and/or patterns. That's why I'm so excited about the spring sandals with bold colors, multi-tones and decorative elements--in other words, show-stopping sandals. And what's really great: Many of the fun styles are either flats or with a mid-height (2 1/2" or less) heel.

Here are a few multi-toned styles from the huge selection of very cool designs at shopbop.com...
Boutique 9 Piraya Colorblock Sandals
Boutique 9 Piraya Colorblock Sandals ($79)


I'm not even sure what category these next Sam Edelman Gable Strappy Flat Sandals ($100) fit into. The trendy gladiator sandal includes different colors and patterns, including just a hit of animal print. All I can say for sure is that they're bound to be noticed.
Sam Edelman Gable Strappy Flat Sandals
United Nude Equalizer Flat Sandals
United Nude Equalizer Flat Sandals ($180)
Luxury Rebel Shoes Anita Patent Sandals
Luxury Rebel Shoes Anita Patent Sandals ($138)



I like the edgy yellow-grey color scheme of these comfortable Easy Spirit Responda Shoes - Size 7 ($69) in Sizes 5-12. Available in 5 color schemes.


Easy Spirit Responda Shoes - Size 7


JEWEL-DRIPPING
The thing I love about the bejeweled sandals is the varying degrees of bling, making some styles perfect for daytime and others just right for evening. For example, here's a trendy gladiator style with the jewels around the heel. They offer subtle dazzle that won't blind you or anyone else.

Nine West Breezeann Sandal - Size 7

Nine West Breezeann Sandal - Size 7 ($59) in three colors and Sizes 5-10.


The subtle bling of these Badgley Mischka Courtney Jeweled Sandals ($150) make them perfect for daytime. However, I think they'd look great at night, don't you?

Badgley Mischka Courtney Jeweled Sandals



Or how about this ultra-feminine  Nine West Offcourse Sandal - Size 7 ($79) for a formal evening?  Available in Sizes 5-12.

Nine West Offcourse Sandal - Size 7


BAUBLE ALTERNATIVES
This season's decorative sandals aren't limited to bold colors and big jewels. For over 50 women who want a special sandal, but aren't crazy about razzle-dazzle rhinestones, there are styles decorated with beads and metals. Here's a couple of examples.

Nine West Dominico Sandal - Size 7.5

Nine West Breezeann Sandal - Size 7 ($59) in 2 colors and Sizes 5-11.




And for those women, like me, how can't get enough black and white, there's these ROSEGOLD Louis Studded Wedge Sandals ($138)
ROSEGOLD Louis Studded Wedge Sandals

Happy Sandal Weather!