Image via Marais USA
It's summer, and although you might be spending more time at the office than at the beach, there's no reason your feet can't be on perma-vacation. Enter the glorious summer sandal.
Footwear trends upon us this season include jelly shoes, peep-toe clogs, printastic wedges, and, of course, the mandal. To further break it down, we've split the sandal-scape into under $100, under $300, and more than $300. Find yours after the jump.
UNDER $100
Ann Taylor: If you haven't checked out Ann Taylor since your mom dragged you in their for your first interview suit, take a minute to browse the shoe section. We were particularly drawn to the low wedges.
FarFetch: Though this ace e-tailer collects offerings from some of the most interesting boutiques around the world, the product is less wallet draining than you might expect. Find Melissa x Jason Wu, Report gladiator sandals, Ash, and Sam Edleman goods for under $100. We especially loved the leather flat sandals by Erotokritos.
Forever21: If you're down for $20 jelly shoes that make you look like an adult but feel like an awesome 12-year-old, head to Forever21. They recently launched a collaboration with Mel, the sister brand to Brazilian plastic-footwear giant Melissa, and all three colorways have already been tested and approved by at least one Racked editor.
Jildor Shoes: No matter how many times flip-flops get poo-pooed, we still don't understand how to successfully walk in the sand in anything but. Jildor has a wide selection of Havaianas for under $30, and as long as you don't wear them to work, there will be no judging of flip-flop purchases here.
Seychelles: This LA-based footwear brand is like Modcloth's older sister who finally kicked the scrapbooking habit. These sandals are still vintage-inspired pastel confections, but the kitsch has been dialed down a few notches to make them more office-appropriate.
Topshop: Sometimes it's tough to critically separate one trendy high-street brand's categories from another, but what makes Topshop stand out from, say, Zara, in terms of sandals is (a) the wider range and (b) the approachable styles. It's got your neon, animal printed, spiked, and studded needs covered for under a hundo, as well as your paired-down, earthy tones and mandals. It has jelly shoes. Head here for a sea of affordable options.
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$100 TO $300
Marais USA: A Brooklyn take on the classic French sandal, the majority of these go for between $110+ and $200 (though one cute $100 option, offered in six color ways, caught our eye, too.) Think of it as a more affordable A.P.C.
American Rag CIE: Not to be confused with the Macy's apparel brand geared toward our much younger selves, American Rag Compagnie is a West Coast specialty store that prides itself on an extensive line-up of industry-insider brands. Shop here for an eclectic sandal mix including Vivienne Westwood, Swedish Hasbeens, and Opening Ceremony.
Everlane: If you're still hedging on whether or not to buy a pair of mandals, let Everlane's summer sandal be your gateway drug. They just launched a single, simple pair that's flat and leathery, but decidedly less "mannish" then some of the other options we've been seeing recently.
Kurt Geiger: More of a wedge girl? You'll find a great selection of corked, wooden, and espadrille wedges alongside the usual strappy favorites at this European footwear destination. They're perfect for warm nights out, your standard barbecue, and more casual summer weddings.
Loeffler Randall: LR's sandals can be pretty, they can be feminine, and they can be endearingly off-beat. Either way, these guys are built to last. Browse the selection for solid finds that will pretty much guarantee compliments from all the girl crushes your life. Bonus: The spring/summer 2013 sale is in full swing.
No. 6: Clog lovers, meet clog paradise. There are old school clogs, denim clogs, moccasin clogs, and corset clogs. They don't come cheap, but if you're jonesing for moccasin peep-toes, you're probably not too worried about the price point. They'll run you $265 to $295.
Of a Kind: You guys! You GUYS! Of a Kind is offering it's very first shoe edition as of today! The pair up for grabs is designed by Proud Mary, and created by Moroccan artisans from raffia. They are light and airy but also sturdy, and perfect for this summer's beach trip. They were produced in limited number and are $20 cheaper at Of a Kind than through Proud Mary, so we have a feeling they won't last too long. Shop today if you like what you see.
Matches: This high-end UK retailer has a rep for being pricey. Maybe it's the amazing designer brands that it carries. Maybe it's because Gwyneth Paltrow has admitted to cracking a bottle of wine and browsing its contents. But in terms of sandals, there are plenty of unique and luxe items (Ancient Greek Sandals in particular) for under $150.
Yoox: This online shopping stalwart is great for checking in on what big-name designers have offered in seasons past—at major discounts. You'll find everything from Givenchy to Prada to Chloé to Marc Jacobs. Plus, there's a selection of lesser-known brands that are just begging to be mis-pronounced.
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$300+
Creatures of Comfort: As already noted, resort 2014 is showing mandals galore, but why wait until Christmas to jump on the trend? Creatures of Comfort is stocked to the brim with a slew of flat, leathery options that we're all going to have to learn how to love in the next couple of months.
Mill Mercantile: Mill Mercantile is the recently-created sister of Unionmade, a well-respected retail hotspot among the menswear set. It's as close to a men's store as a girl can get while still finding sizes that actually fit, which makes it the perfect place to cash in on sandals that will last more than one season. The emphasis is on high-quality, durable summer footwear, so if you're willing and able to shell out, it'll definitely be worth the investment.
Oak NYC: If you're not really into color, or print, or dainty little things, this is your playground. The hefty, strappy sandal selection here comes in one color (black) and has one motive (stomping around urban streets, preferably at night).
Shopbop: Oh, did you think you were going to get through a must-browse footwear list and not run across Shopbop? The inventory is vast, the price range is wide, and the potential for discovery something awesome is constant.
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