Ever since I caught a glimpse of the Dries Van Notes S/S 08 sandals on the end of the denim-covered legs of Judy Aldridge… I’ve been kind of obsessed. I love the bright colors, the straps, and the casual cool of the designer slingback which, of course, I can’t even dream of affording. (Also, good luck finding them for sale somewhere – Lord knows I’ve tried!)

While strappy shoes generally intimidate me (images of blisters, rubbed-raw skin, and after-shoe-removal indentations haunt me still…), I definitely enjoy the funky class that embellished or loud sandals bring to the party. You can toss them below an otherwise “ehh…” dress, or just like Judy does with jeans of any state, worn casually with some serious visual interest at the feet.

My criteria (you should probably get use to this Miss-Elle’s-Dad influenced method of shopping – breaking it down to the basics!):

• Colorful somehow. Whether it’s straps, the sole, the overall color… Whatever. Just has to be colorful.
• Embellishments will do. A jeweled T-strap, just at the toe, shells, rocks, people – it’s all good stuff.
• No taller than 3.5″! I want to wear these all over town.
• Sandal shape is preferable, as these will be the official “summer ’09″ sandals.
• I’m not particularly partial when it comes to the type of heel involved. Wedges are fine, stacked heels are fine… Just no stilettos.
• The shoes must have some type of heel anchoring mechanism (i.e. not mules). If I’m going to be walking in these, I can have and shoe-loss episodes… I need to be strapped in!

After searching for a while, I noticed exactly how hard it is to find a classic, embellished/funky shoe that’s not based in a neutral color like black, brown or silver/gold metallic.

So let’s see what we did find!

Nine West Moochy Sandal
$78.95 $55.14

The Good: Color options forever, very strappy, very… blue.
The Bad: Lack of rockin’ embellishment… Though the knots are nice. Also, the slingback strap looks awfully thin… Thin like razor-wire. *cringe*

Restricted Khiara Heel Sandal
$64.95 $54.14

The Good: LOVE the orange/brown combo, really sturdy-looking heel, I dig the saltwater sandal style
The Bad: Well, there’s literally no embellishment here… And cork heels are kind of tacky, in my opinion. I’m also a little iffy on the patent leather. I already have one pair of orange patent leather shoes, and I’m not sure if I need two…

Nine West Doverly Sandal
$79.95

The Good: I don’t have yellow shoes, and this lemony yellow is GORGEOUS! The straps are really visually interesting, and the heel is structural, yet cool.
The Bad: I’m not really down with the champagne-colored satin sheen alongside the bright yellow. It makes it all look just a little country club.

Apepazza Andorra Wedge Sandal
$128.95 $59

The Good: Definite embellishment! Loving the ins and outs of the straps, and the heel looks cozy.
The Bad: I’m not a huge purple person. Literally and figuratively. I’m not sure that purple shoe + wedge heel would look anything other than “struggling fashionable geriatric”.

London Underground Happy Mediator Sandal
$98.95 $54.42

The Good: Love. The. Color. Love the stacked heel and I’ve been wanting peep-toe, slingback booties forever.
The Bad: These are peep-toe, slingback booties. Why did I include these again?

FRYE Dolly Woven Sandal
$198 $93.88

The Good: In a previous life, my name was Dolly. Also, these have a REALLY similar shape to the Dries pair I love, and the metallic isn’t horrifying.
The Bad: Wooden soles send a tiny shiver up my spine.

Kenneth Cole Reaction Know Best T-Strap Sandal
$79.95 $69.90

The Good: Same cute saltwater sandal style as the Khiara heels above. Really into the embellishment on these, and the straps are adorable. 3″ heel? Nice!
The Bad: Purple. =(

So? Which is the victor? I vote: The Kenneth Coles (last) or the Frye “Dolly” sandals. I can get down with purple if they’re in an adorable shape like those. The Kenneth Cole sandals are just perfect – no ifs and or buts about it!

Which would you choose? Are you into the idea of “loud sandals”?

Technorati Tags: dries van noten, heeled sandals, loud sandals, summer shoes

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