Ralph Lauren Collection Finley Espadrille Sandal

When I was little, about seven years old, I had a Ralph Lauren polo shirt this exact shade of green. I loved that shirt. I wore it as often as possible, sometimes begging my mom to wash it before she was ready to do laundry so I could wear it again. Needless to say, it wasn’t long before my beloved polo shirt was no longer this vibrant shade of green, and started to look more like the inside of a kiwi fruit, and was just as fuzzy as the outside of one as well. I didn’t care. I wore it anyway. I don’t know what happened to that shirt. I think after a while, my mom probably hid it from me, making excuses about it being at the bottom of the laundry basket or something, until I kind of forgot about it, the way seven-year-olds with their short attention spans eventually will. But when I saw this Ralph Lauren Collection Finley Espadrille Sandal, the memory of that favorite shirt came rushing back. Ok, yeah, I know. I’m getting all sentimental and mushy here. The nostalgia is temporarily canceling out the snark. But I think it also shows that I had an eye for fashion early on, even if it was just a polo shirt I wore with my jeans when I was out playing kickball with the boys in my neighborhood, at which, I might add, I kicked ass.

Even the shoe’s description calls it preppy. It really is a throwback to the ’80s, although espadrilles never really go out of style. The traditional ones are great, and will always be around, but the updated styles are fun too, like this wedge heeled sandal. The straps are leather, covered on the outside with durable fabric in the same green. The lightly cushioned footbed is covered in leather as well. This all sits atop a jute-covered platform wedge, with a 4.5-inch heel, and 1.25-inch platform, and a rubberized sole. The ankle strap clasps with a dainty buckle, giving you the perfect fit. It also comes in navy so dark it looks black, but for spring and summer, I’d stick with the green. The Finley is $375 at Endless.com.

Budget Saving Alternative 1

Another trend making an appearance on shoes everywhere right now is metallic leather, which you’ll probably be seeing more of here pretty soon. For now, this Franco Sarto Cool Espadrille Sandal has an upper made of metallic nappa leather, but in this platino color, it looks more pearlized than metallic. I like it because it’s not quite white, but is still a great neutral to go with almost any spring outfit, even those spring dresses I talked about the other day. I don’t like white sandals. They remind me too much of the ones people buy for their babies and toddlers, or the ones old ladies wear with thick pantyhose. I was forced to wear them as a kid; I won’t be repeating that now, or forty years from now, thanks. Anyway, The other cool thing about the Cool is the colored stone embellishments, and the gold tone studs that adorn the wide T-strap. The stones are different colors, depending on what color sandal you choose. The Cool is also available in black a bunch of other weirdly named colors: celeste is blue; crema is tan; mogano is dark brown (don’t ask, I have no freaking idea); and talco is white, which, as I’ve already said I don’t like, but I do like the purple stones on that one, so I may be persuaded to make an exception. Maybe. But probably not. The footbed is lightly padded, the buckle closure is adjustable, the sole is rubber, and the wedge is covered in jute. It’s a little lower than the Finley, with a 3.25-inch heel, and a 1-inch platform. Get it for $89 at Zappos.com.

Budget Saving Alternative 2

If you want to go a little strappier, or a little greener and animal friendlier, try the Miss Me Mochi-11 Sandal. The upper straps are all synthetic, but look like leather, and are woven into a pretty medallion pattern on the top. The wedge is covered with natural jute, just like the other shoes, and boasts a 4.5-inch heel, and 1-inch platform. The higher heel will elongate your legs, adding a bit of sexiness whether you’re wearing a dress or shorts. The sole on these is kind of weird, though. Instead of rubber, which is the usual sole material on espadrilles of any kind, this one looks more like the sole you’d see on a pair of ballet flats. This also means it won’t be as flexible, and won’t give as much traction until you’ve scuffed it up a bit. It’s not enough to keep me from buying them at all, but it’s a small disappointment. The Mochi-11 makes up for it by being available in four other colors in addition to this red—black, brown, tan, and white—and by costing only $40.95. Get a couple of pairs at that price. You’ll find it at Endless.com.