Burberry Espadrille

I realized that I’ve been talking about flat sandals a lot lately. I wear them quite a bit in the summer because I’m outside a lot more, and do a lot more walking. I also talked about espadrilles a while back. Specifically, espadrille sandals, which I love. I was thinking, though, that it might be nice to have some summery sandals for evenings out. And if you’re going to go out, and maybe wear a nice, flouncy skirt, you want your legs to look long and lean, which means heels. The solution? Espadrille wedge heel sandals! In hot summer colors and materials! Espadrilles don’t always have to be cotton and jute. A lot of designers have experimented with putting other fabrics over the jute-covered heels. They also don’t always have to be solid-colored, although that’s how espadrilles originally started out. And you know what I recently found out? The man responsible for espadrilles with high heels was Yves Saint Laurent! He started the trend in the ’60s. There, now you’ve learned something. Who says you can’t be snarky and educational at the same time? So let’s get to it, and start with this Burberry Espadrille.

It does have the traditional fabric upper, but it’s in a pretty multi-shade pink and white print from the vamp straps, to the slingback, to the covered wedge and platform. The tea rose pink and white together is a fresh, bright combination that can easily go from day to night. The slender ankle straps are white, and the footbed is edged with braided rope. The lining and sole are leather for both comfort and quality. The 4.5-inch wedge heel tapers down into a 1.5-inch platform, which offers a bit of an offset to the heel. Because they’re made by Burberry, they cost more than traditional espadrilles. Get them for $495 at Zappos.com.

Budget Saving Alternative 1

Now, this shoe I would reserve for evening, and I have to admit, I probably wouldn’t have thought to make an espadrille with sating, but it seems to work. The Pura Lopez M206 Espadrille Wedge has a shiny satin upper of thin straps woven together in a delicate T-strap design. The ankle strap closes with a dainty, adjustable buckle. All the straps, and the footbed are lined with leather, and the footbed is also edged with satin. It all sits atop a braided jute wedge heel, and a rubber sole which provides traction and stability. The 1.25-inch offsets the 4.5-inch heel. In addition to this gorgeous lavender color called lila, this espadrille comes in makeup, which is a blush pink color. The best thing about this shoe? The price is greatly reduced. Normally $299.95, you can get the Pura Lopez espadrille for just $113.98 at Endless.com. Apparently, it runs about a half-size small, so order accordingly.

Budget Saving Alternative 2

Want to be a little flashier when you go out? I said flashier, not flasher. Get your mind outta the gutter. Where do you go out?! Anyway, I’m diggin’ this Miss me Heart-12 Open Toe Slingback Wedge in fuchsia. The synthetic patent straps add shine to every step. The ankle strap adjusts with a silver-tone metal buckle, and the vamp descends into an open toe, so make sure your pedi is fresh. You could probably get away with wearing this one during the day, but with a five-inch heel and 1.5-inch platform, I think it’s best suited to warm evenings out. Get it for $59.95 at Endless.com.