Giuseppe Zanotti E90250 Jeweled Sandal

I love it when a few hot trends come together all in one great accessory. Orange was a hot color this past spring, and it still is for the summer. Thong sandals are always good for summer, but this year they’re especially trendy. And if they’re either metallic or have some sort of embellishment on them, or they have a tribal look to them? Jackpot! Leave it to Giuseppe Zanotti to get it totally right with one shoe. This E90250 Jeweled Sandal is so gorgeous, I may just forgive Giuseppe for the alphanumeric—this time.

The Giuseppe Zanotti E90250 Jeweled Sandal combines several elements into one beautiful shoe. The delicate straps on the upper are metallic leather, in a deep, silvery color. They attach to the vamp with sturdy grommets. The vamp is made from suede in a fiery orange, adorned with a contrasting zig-zag stitch around the edges. The top of the sandal is embellished with a variety of stones in different sizes, shapes, and colors, all surrounding a large pyramid-shaped stone in the center. I love it. The footbed, and sole are also leather, and it’s all on a flat heel. These shoes are not made for walking, but for looking good. They’re quite a deal, too. Usually $649.95, they’re only $233.98 right now at Endless.com.

Budget Saving Alternative 1

Wow. There is no mistaking that these sandals are orange. The orangest orange you can get. They remind me of those gummy orange slice candies, they’re so orange. But the reason I like the Nanette Lepore Play Time thong sandal is the vamp. First, the strap has petal cutouts on the sides, which not only makes the sandal prettier, but gives you a little ventilation, which you’ll appreciate with the synthetic upper. Even better is the cluster of embellishments on the top of the vamp. It’s not just rhinestones or beads, like most shoe designers use. Lepore has incorporate seashells, which makes this the perfect summer sandal. You’ll also find turquoise beads, metallic gold beads, pearlized and matte coral beads, and pearls. You wouldn’t think it all goes together, but it does, beautifully. The sole is made from the same synthetic material as the rest of the sandal, so you’re really paying for that embellishment, and the name. It also comes in black, turquoise, and clear. The Play Time sandal is $98 at Zappos.com.

Budget Saving Alternative 2

I like Carlos Santana’s music ok, but I love his shoes. I doubt he’s actually the one personally designing any of them, but whomever he hired kicks ass. This Carlos by Carlos Santana Tahiti Flat proves it. The sole and upper of this thong sandal are man made, so it should appeal to vegans. Where it really stands out, though, is in the vamp embellishment. It’s adorned with clusters of multi-shaped, multi-faceted, clear and solid beads and stones, all in several shades of orange and dark yellow. It’s also available in a beautiful turquoise. Get both colors since it’s only $49.99 at heels.com.