Stay Lifted, Y'all!

Why your summer shoes matter in Manhattan (...and every other borough).

If you wear flip-flops or sandals in and around New York City, I think you’re gross. And yes, sometimes (keyword) I wear them too. Which means, yes, I also think I’m gross. I contain multitudes. Shoot me.

But if you’re anything like me, or like one of the other psychopaths willing to raw-dog their feet through boroughs, then you know the risks. You leave the house in sandals or slides, and there’s truly no turning back. You will encounter mystery puddles. You will feel many-a-corner(s) of the sidewalk. And by the time you’re back home, your feet will be black :)

Source Unknown.

Long Live

’s

Erika Veurink

just dropped a standout newsletter on chic summer footwear alternatives to the tired old sandal. All of this to say: your summer shoes matter. A flimsy thong might work on a beach, but in this town? You need tread. Arch support. Integrity. HEIGHT! Closed-toed doesn’t mean you’ve given up; it means you’ve evolved. It’s still hot girl summer, just with more sole.

Here’s where I’d buy in:

Espadrilles:

Clockwise: Kazu Tourer Transparent Sunnies, Thelma Pleated Top, The Marseille Wedge Leather Colors Oliva Green Tonal, Saint Midi Skirt, Braided Shoulder Bag.

I’ll say it once and I’ll say it again: girls who wear espadrilles are CLASS! ACTS! There are so many silhouettes and heel heights that you could spend an entire summer in just espadrilles and be set. The flat lace-up ones are basically sandals, but you get a little more toe coverage thanks to the vamp. And the wedge styles, with that higher pitch? They are unsurprisingly perfect for day-to-night (hate that phrase, but it’s true). I can clock a full day in a wedged espadrille, no problem. Anyways, is my “I work in shoes” showing?

Clockwise: The Lauren Lace Up Linen Colors Poppy Orange, The Marseille Wedge Leather Colors Flamenco Red Tonal, The Smoking Espadrille, Wilson Natural Brown Espadrille.

Search Terms: Lace Up Espadrilles, Ankle Wrap Espadrilles, Flat Espadrille Sandals, Canvas Espadrilles, Mediterranean Style Shoes, Summer Espadrilles, Espadrille Wedges, Colorful Espadrilles, Spanish Espadrilles, Ribbon Tie Espadrilles, Espadrille Flats, Rope Sole Shoes, Vacation Espadrilles, Espadrille Slip Ons, Jute Sole Espadrilles, Handmade Espadrilles, Boho Espadrilles, Espadrilles With Bows.

Vulcanized Sneakers:

Clockwise: Carnation Scrunchie, Washed Effect Text Plush Sweatshirt, Takeyoshi Altitude Master Ivory Sunnies, Classic Athletic Shorts, Loeffler Randall Cooper Mary Janes.

When I was a child, I became hyper-fixated on Lords of Dogtown by way of Tony Hawk making skateboarding, like, a household thing. Which, to no one’s surprise, meant that the second we had to go back-to-school shopping, I was practically dragging my mother to the Vans store. I like to think that this sort of silhouette never goes out of style in the same way that a boat shoe has kind of always been around? This type of sneak is both functional and cool. A total no-brainer.

Wear them with trousers for a relaxed-but-refined look, or go sportier with a pair of shorts. I like these from Horse Sport and these from Relax Lacrosse. Top with a vintage tee and you’re set!

Clockwise: Vans Slip On Sneaker, Terra Vulca Lace-Up Sneaker In Suede, Cooper Mary Jane Sneaker, 1993 Center Hi Top Sneaker.

Search Terms: Slip On Sneakers, Checkerboard Vans, Canvas Skate Shoes, Retro Slip Ons, Suede Low Top Sneakers, Gum Sole Sneakers, Classic Trainers, Minimalist Sneakers, Mary Jane Sneakers, Canvas Mary Janes, Ballet Sneakers, Buckle Flats, High Top Canvas Sneakers, PF Flyers, Retro High Tops, Black Canvas Sneakers, Vintage Basketball Shoes, Heritage Style Sneakers.

Ballet Flats:

Clockwise: Dance Ballerinas, Cha Cha Midi Dress In Bloom, Guizio Knit Bandana In Black, Drawstring Bucket Bag Leather Black.

Classic in the way an espadrille is, the ballet flat is timeless, French, deceptively simple and built to last. From Brigitte Bardot in Repetto to every It-girl in Chanel, they’ve managed to toe the line (sorry) between delicate and practical for decades. They’re unfussy, polished and… drumroll please… actually deliver on that elusive *~day-to-night~* promise.

Personally, I’d keep it super sweet: pair yours with a vintage baby-doll nightgown and a basic straw bag. Effortless, AH!

Clockwise: Cendrillon Ballerinas, Dance Ballerina Crinkle Silver, Leonie Chocolate Cream Woven Ballet Flat, Neoprene Bailarina In White.

Search Terms: Leather Ballet Flats, Round Toe Ballet Flats, Classic Ballerinas, Red Ballet Flats, Metallic Ballet Flats, Silver Ballet Shoes, Woven Ballet Flats, Checkered Flats, Mary Jane Ballet Flats, Elastic Strap Flats, Mesh Ballet Flats, White Ballet Flats, French Girl Ballet Flats, Minimalist Flats, Dainty Ballet Flats, Vintage Style Ballerinas, Soft Sole Ballet Shoes, Flat Bow Ballet Flats.

Wedges:

Clockwise: Dries Fitted Lace Bra, Red Linen Overshirt, Rice Sack Bag, Deep Thong Wedge in Silver, High Rise Ponte Capris.

When it’s above 70 and sunny, New Yorkers become fucking feral. Suddenly, everyone and their mother is outside and every curb becomes a perch for a Vesper Martini. You’re booked! You’re busy! Which means whatever you’re wearing better hold TF up.

If you’re dealing with the heat on a night out, I’m begging you: wear a wedge. Not cork. Not raffia. I mean a proper going-out wedge. Because the moment the heat hits, comfort becomes essential. And if you have an ounce of self-respect, you’ll wear something that won’t make it worse. The right wedge keeps you lifted, pulled together and comfortable.

While MNZ has had her finger on this pulse (hot), this silhouette is without a doubt having a moment. Courtney’s been stomping around in a cute-ass pair from Aquazzura, and honestly? Color me influenced (and broke). Anyway, here are a few that fit the bill:

Aquazzura Women’s Tati Wedge Sandals, Beep Thong Sandal Wedge, Navy Lido Wedge Heeled Sandals, Jeffrey Campbell Kassandra Wedge Sandals.

Search Terms: Y2K Wedge Sandals, Metallic Wedge Heels, Platform Wedges, Ankle Strap Wedges, Tortoise Shell Wedges, Leopard Print Wedges, Slingback Wedge Sandals, Satin Wedge Heels, Sculptural Wedges, Minimal Wedge Sandals, 2000s Wedge Sandals, Bright Pink Heels, Retro Wedge Shoes, Designer Wedge Sandals, Kitten Wedge Sandals, Architectural Wedges, Statement Heels, Strappy Wedge Sandals.

Anyway, get out there!!!! <3