The Style Save No. 5
The best of summer shoe things discovered this week.
I am writing this fifth style save from my comfortably air conditioned room in high desert during the peak of festival week. Yes, Coachella is just down the way from our hotel, festival goers taking photos by the hotel pool before venturing out to the venue yet, nary a festival sound vibration to be felt aside from the chatter of excitement regarding the sounds to be heard upon arriving to the concert grounds. Not saying we are complaining but, a sort of curiosity lingers with the absence of the music echo and despite focusing on registering a slight concert note, only hearing the summer-like rustle of palm trees, swaying gently in the desert breeze.
The day’s heat has reached it’s max and it seemed like the perfect little moment to sneak away from the pool day only (my six year old’s orders, and whom, at this moment, has fallen deeply asleep for a much needed nap, and which I took full advantage of) for some respite from the afternoon’s swelter and, of course, to share my best of shoe things I have come across and seen about this week. Specifically, shoes of the summer variety, as clearly, I have skipped Spring altogether and jumped right into Summer. As of these past few years, I have become very much aligned with the all-in seasons ie: Winter and Summer, where one can either cozily wrap up in the all the lush layers one can throw on before looking like an overstuffed pillow or the current season of focus, where one can dress with light, airy, bright pieces and achieve the coolest look with little at all (by coolest, I mean both “cool girl” and “cool temps”).
Without further commentary, here are my top picks that made it to this week’s style save list, again all shoes and all chosen for their versatility and inherent coolness for the warm season ahead. The first, I am about to click on to order any minute now but first. . .
Sebago Boat Shoes
My ultimate summer shoe find (so far!) but, I just know that these will be a star go-to this summer season. These Sebago Jackman Boat Shoes won me over for two reasons:
They are vegan leather. I will be the first to admit that I usually forgo vegan leather or synthetic shoe anything and choose real leather or suede but!, when it comes to summer focused activities like Sailing weekly (got to love club regatta season!) a synthetic upper best aligns. If you really must go the leather/suede route, because maybe sailing is not your thing *and that is completely ok!* here, are some leather and suede options that may better compliment your holiday suit. I am partial to these classic camel suede Sebago’s (which I would have gone with if not for my ocean centered sports), these lush camel leather by G.H. Bass are as classic prep as they come and these Bass pale pink suede pair is a summer tan and light wash shorts match made in heaven.
They are sailing inspired. The bi-color rope detail v. the classic same toned leather tie gives them a cool update and one that exudes summer holiday (wherever your summer holidays may take you). I am already planning outfits around this pair for upcoming vacations in San Jose del Cabo and Hawaii. Focusing styling on earth based tones for the first and bright surf inspired details for the second. PS: I just clicked ordered. *excitement, ok and a little bit of clapping, abounds.*
Fisherman Sandals
Fun fact: I sourced a pair of croc-embossed light grey fisherman sandals way before they were on everyone’s style radar. I wore them pretty much every other day Summer - Fall with and without socks that year and then, proceeded to sell them on Vestiaire Collective. Another fun fact: I have been kicking myself (pun intended) ever since. If only to be able to step back in time. . .Well, I guess I just found this pair that may just take my mind off of my former pair. These ME+EM suede fisherman sandals come in the most lush tones of chocolate and cream, both of which are calling my name. Given I just ordered my Sebago Jackman boat shoes (still smiling over here from ear to ear), I will wait maybe until next month to get these (operative word, *maybe*). Call it a practice in styling restraint (practice as in practicing real hard every day, lol).
On the other end of the suede color spectrum, I found these bright green suede beauties on Etsy that also are perfection for summer (and when paired with denim, tiger stripes apparently - I mean the styling on the product page is just so good! Or denim/linen in white or cream tones). Plus, at $120, they are a mid-summer style dream.
Lastly, I would be remiss for not mentioning this luxe suede pair by none other than, The Row. Their quality and construction is beyond and the little pinhole detailing on the top of the suede is playful laid-back luxury at its finest. A summer investment option for sure but, the styling options, endless. I can envision these as a sporty chic styling with blazer and crisp denim and button down for the office to an elevated lounge pairing with airy cotton or linen matching sets for weekends.
Gladiator Sandals
Gladiator Sandals evoke so many things. From other worldly goddesses to bohemian cool at a festival (possibly with a grown up Sienna Miller styling). For me, they also bring summer style travel and adventures into full swing, they elongate the legs (a plus, if you’re 5’2” like me, iykyk) and have a veritable confidence brought with each step.
I have a seasons old pair, a snakeskin Stuart Weitzman pair from circa 2016 my Maui honeymoon, bought specifically as an edgy elevating piece for everything from shorts to skirts. A pair overcoming the odds, making it through what could have been an sartorially ill-fated hike through the Maui jungle - at end of said hike, let’s just say the snake print became more of a mud print - and with a jaw clenching episode of my husband hosing down the sandals (let’s just say I might have covered my eyes through the whole scene), they returned once again to their near-original state. Actually, their condition after said adventure is pretty darn good. PS: to be fair, I had no idea what we were getting ourselves into by going from shopping on the island to “let’s go take a look and see the entrance to the hike trail” and actually walking the entire trail. Happy to report that I am currently wearing these sandals, just as I write this article. *Don’t believe me? See image below taken today but don’t forget to scroll back and finish reading these sandal finds!* The sandals live on to be worn with a lovely patina of perfectly aged leather. This time, worn from the safety of dry desert conditions. With that, here are the some gladiator style sandal pairs I recommend for the season, they all exude summer glam, a sporty nature and an effortless luxury.
My top pick for their naturally minimalist vibe yet lush nature are the Johanna Ortiz Baquiana Leather Sandals pictured above. These are perfectly suited for shorts and blazers to an evening dress. Next up, Stuart Weitzman Camel Leather Sparta Gladiator Sandals for their almost thigh-high wrap up and elegant support strap up the sides of the leg. This Gianvito Rossi pair for their luxe boho glam appeal, I mean I can’t envision anything more leg elongating than a center strip of luxe stones with a minimalist gold strap. Legs for days! Finally, I found this pre-loved Valentino leather pair on TRR. In great condition and in a size 6.5 US, at $134 (a fraction of the retail price for Valentino) this is a star find if you are in the market for a gladiator style pair.
Ciao from the California desert and will report back soon with more summer finds and an upcoming summer beach holiday.
-Jazmín
*Seen here, present day, wearing those Maui 2016 jungle hiking adventure shoes now, as resort wear from our hotel in the desert. As a bonus, here are some Poshmark preloved finds for the exact SW snakeskin pair I’m wearing in gently pre-loved condition: size 7, 7.5, 9. You’re welcome :)
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