Sometimes, we learn things best when we learn them the hard way.
My Mom and sister whisked me away one afternoon in search of thai food (which we thoroughly enjoyed at Chinoise, down the street) and then, onward to one of the most relaxing, luxurious experiences a girl can have on a rainy weekday afternoon: a pedicure.
Prior to our arrival, we decided to stop by Chocolopolis and snap up a whole bunch of artisan truffles and caramels because, damnit, we were going to enjoy our consumption and sloth while shamelessly eating amazing chocolate. Wouldn’t you?
So we sit in the chairs, we get a massage from the jetstream footbaths, and read crappy magazines (confession: I was actually going through my e-mail… I fail at relaxing on a regular basis and this was no exception), and voila – we have amazing toes and they are shiny and perfect.
…Except for the part where I don’t own any open-toe shoes that are under 3″.
It was pouring down rain, and the sidewalks were puddling up like a girls’ night popcorn bowl during a Ryan Gosling movie. I brought… Converse Chuck Taylors. The exchange of glances between me and the impending foam sandals awaiting my outstretched hand was a long one. I picked the purple swirl pattern, for the record. While my girls gently and quickly slid their adorable feet into their even more adorable sandals, I tried to hide behind one of those mammoth chairs to hide the fact that I HAVE NO IDEA HOW TO PUT THESE $&#@ING THINGS ON.
While walking through the rain in foam flip-flops and freshly painted toes, it dawned on me: I should probably invest in some sandals.
And by “invest,” I obviously mean “as little as possible.” That being said, I’m fairly sure I also need four different pairs, being that rubber flip flops are not an “every occasion” kind of thing. And I plan to get pedicures in… various… situations? Whatever, just roll with it.
The Classic
Havaianas Slim Black | $24
Not only will these last you for years, but I’ve heard rave after rave about how comfortable they are, and how the toe-piece doesn’t rub your toes raw! What an awful feeling that is…
Edgy
Jessica Simpson DANSON Sandal | $79
These are perfect! I love the multi-buckle (as seen on my MIA Viking Wedges!), and there is NO threat of polish destruction with that much open foot space! Plus, it has a zipper in the back for easy access. (That was all kinds of primed for a “that’s what she said.”)
The “I Am Fashiony”
Technical, working title. For the trend-adoring, height-of-the-moment girl.
Topshop Panama Pink Espadrilles | £70
You’re damn right that’s a flatform. Hey, this blog isn’t only about things that I want to put on my own body – if it were, no one would read it. I have horrible taste. These are for the girl who has a blast following trends and trying new, terrifying things… like flatforms. You have to admit, when it comes to ideal post-pedicure-wear, these are pretty good. Don’t hate.
The Minimalist
Report Renae Sandals | $48
I gravitate towards sandals like these. In my most apprehensive, I think about “what can I wear these with?” “What if I want to blend in and not be all noticeable with my shoes?” (Trust me, fielding the “OH MY GOD, I loooooove your shoooooooes!” comments does, in fact, get tiring.) Minimalist sandals like this (particularly in black) feel like a class-step up from the Havaianas above (& hopefully just as comfy).
The Not-Really-Sandals Sandals
Calvin Klein Jeans Lynn Sandals | $69.95
You know you love them. You can’t call them sandals – but they are sandals. You can’t call them “wedges”… but they are wedges. They serve no purpose other than to look badass, and they do a damn good job of it.