Picture Perfect Summer Sandals

I decided to call in the expert on this post.  My friend Nicole has a shoe collection that probably rivals Kim Kardashian (I know nothing about the Kardashians but I am assuming they own a lot of shoes).  I invited her to write about her favorite summer sandals and her choices blew me away (hint... 4 & 6).  Enjoy and happy spring!     

I am a complete shoe fanatic. Ask Colleen, my shoe collection is borderline embarrassing. It's gotten to the point where my mother flat out refuses to buy me a pair of shoes. The great thing about them, I've found, is their reliability. Shoes will never let you down, unless you count blisters…but I refuse to. My obsessive collection stems from my need to follow new season styles. As such, I introduce you to my new favorite shoe for summer: the natural, strappy, (not too high) heel. Now the perfect thing about natural heels is that they can last from spring to fall. This style in particular is good for every day use - pair it with a summer dress or flowy skirt, maybe even a pair of white denim shorts (post memorial day, of course). Here are the contestants for my perfect summer shoe.

1.  Dolce Vita "Elka":  The only problem I have with this shoe is its price. If only Dolce Vita's main brand could keep the prices of DV, ah if only. However, the laser designs add a special touch to the shoe, making it particularly appropriate for the summer. I especially love the mirrored heel. Although it limits your accessorizing, I prefer gold for the summer anyways. Think of it as a way of imitating the sun.



2.  J. Crew "Mari": To be honest, I hated these when I saw them online. They look old lady-ish and in no way stylish, but when I saw them in person they were actually adorable. The problem with the website is that they don't show the shoe on a foot, if they did you would get what I mean. The straps add a nice effect to your foot and the color is the perfect tint of brown, (Ignore the fact that it's called Portobello Mushroom).

3.  Rachel Zoe "Brooklyn":  These are very similar to the Dolce Vita ones, but a little more classic. They are very simple, save the buckle, which adds a nice modern effect to the shoe. The mirrored heel has the same effect it does on Elka, but the matching of that to the buckle makes it a little more cohesive. These would be great for a night out during the summer, while Elka would be better for the day. Also, we have the same problem of them being Rachel Zoe, so of course they aren't going to be exactly affordable.

4.  Cole Haan "Minetta":  Ah, Cole Haan. If I could live in Cole Haan's, I would. They are simply the most comfortable, adorable, classic shoes ever. I generally shop at their outlet, because they have less daring styles than the normal shoe, and at a lower price, but here, I've made an exception. These shoes are both daring and classic. The strap over the toes is closer to orange than a brown, adding a nice pop of color to the shoes, while maintaining the natural look. Also, the ankle stapes are very simple and practical. I simply love these.  Colleen here, I added the blue ones despite not being "natural colored" because I love, love, love them.  

5.  DVF "Opal": Now, these have been around for a while, they keep popping up in different colors. They're very trendy, and have a nice modern art look with the tiered wedge. They're not a low heel, but i forgive this, because their wedges. The one thing I have to say about these, however, is hold off until the end of summer, because they are guaranteed to get marked down.

6.  DV "Jury":  Last, but not least, a DV heel. These are the new version of a last season shoe, (which I own). They are the most practical, easy shoes ever. I wear them at least once a week during the summer. They make my legs look amazing and they are so comfortable. I'm not sure about the new style, maybe the silver links are a little much, but if you look at dresses online for the summer (especially on Nordstroms or Bloomies websites) you will see models wearing them, thus proving their versatility. As a plus, they're only $99!!