Tapeet by Vicini Y00058 Sandal

Orange! I love it. It’s also one of the hot colors for summer. And why wouldn’t it be? It’s perfect for summer. Bright, cheery, and depending on the shade, can make you think of everything from a juicy orange to a cool creamsicle. I’ve been throwing out orange here and there, but decided to focus on it today with some great, strappy sandals after I ran across this first one. I had never heard of Tapeet by Vicini, but after doing a little reading, it became apparent why the brand appealed to me so much. It’s an offshoot of Giuseppe Zanotti! Apparently, the designer wanted a new, younger, hipper brand, so he launched this subsidiary in 2005. I’m not sure why, since I’ve never thought of Zanotti as an old, stodgy brand in any way. Just look through this blog, and you’ll see his name quite a bit. I love his stuff. But hey, who am I to argue when a designer comes out with a great new label with even more fabulous stuff for me to buy? Well, at least to covet. One thing Zanotti didn’t change was the alphanumeric naming of the line’s products, as evidenced by this shoe being called the Tapeet by Vicini Y00058 Sandal.

This sandal is strappy, but austere. Not too much, not too little. I mean, I wouldn’t go walking for miles and miles in them, but with just a 1.5-inch heel, they’d manage just fine for a day at the boardwalk, or even an evening out. Pair them with shorts or capris during the day, or slip them on with a light skirt at night, and they’ll look great either way. The upper and sole are both leather. The strap is knotted right at the vamp, and then adorned with small silver- and gold-tone metal rings for a bit of shine. The adjustable buckle is also gold-tone metal, and gives you a custom fit. The heel is wide enough to provide stability, too. If you’re game to try it out, it’s on sale, down from $350 to $240.06 at Endless.com.

Budget Saving Alternative 1

Now, as I’ve said before, when I’m looking around at things to feature on the blog, I do take into account the reviews people leave for them. Even if something looks really pretty, I’m not going to write about it if it’s crap. I don’t always have the opportunity to personally try out everything I include here. Are you kidding? If I did, I’d be writing this from a cardboard box. Some things I own, some things I plan or want to own, and some things I try out at the store if I can. And other times, I rely on recommendations from friends, or, as I mentioned, on the reviews other shoppers write. That said, this Franco Sarto Tonga Low Heel Sandal did not get a very good review online. Why am I still including it? Because the reviewers were, well, not too bright. Look at this sandal. Does it look to you like it’s made for walking? I didn’t think so. In addition, one of the complaints was that the shoe slips and slides a lot. That really sounds to me like either the person bought the wrong size, or they didn’t have the buckle fastened tightly enough, or both. But hey, it’s going to be up to you whether you try it out or not. As far as looks go, it’s a cute sandal. The upper is leather, while the sole is rubber, so the sandal will conform to your foot, and you’ll have flexibility and stability. The 1.5-inch heel is a little kittenish, but wider than usual, so that will also add to the stability with walking or standing. The straps are smooth, leather, the toebox is sueded, and the heel is covered in patent, giving the shoe a nice combination of textures. It goes for $79.95 at Endless.com.

Budget Saving Alternative 2

If you want to go a little lower in the heel, check out this Nina Duane sandal. The heel is just five eighths of an inch high, and is covered in the same orange patent leather as the straps and toe box. The lightly cushions footbed is covered with a reptile-embossed leather panel in a muted gold. An adjustable buckle allows for the perfect fit, and the leather sole will give good traction after proper scuffing. While I do like the rhinestone-encrusted embellishments at the vamp, they concern me a little because they’re barrel-shaped, and not flat on the bottom. It seems like that might be uncomfortable on the top of the foot. If that section of the strap is loose enough, it shouldn’t be a problem, but you don’t want it to be too loose, or the shoe won’t fit properly. Just something to keep in mind. In addition to orange, the Duane comes in black or pink patent, gunmetal or silver metallic smooth leather, or a brown speckled leopard print leather that is just hideous with the rhinestone embellishments. Avoid that one, but try any of the others for just $79.95 at Zappos.com.