RI Beauty Expert: Summer Espadrilles
Saturday, June 06, 2015
If you were a young maiden living in Spain 4,000 years ago, chances are your feet were shod in espadrilles, the great Mediterranean “sneaker." Espadrilles were originally flat cotton shoes with jute rope bottoms – perfect for coastal environs with craggy terrain. French designer Yves St. Laurent introduced the espadrille wedge in the 1970’s and now in 2015, a revival is underway, thanks to the House of Chanel and their canvas version with the famous interlocking “C’s” branded on top. If you don’t have a $1,000 for Chanel, less expensive styles are popping up everywhere.
Flats
Nothing’s cuter with capris than a simple pair of flat espadrilles. The rubber covering the rope bottoms make them a great choice for pier-sitting and boating. They are also terrific for ease when running about town doing Saturday errands and are far less slippery than flip flops for sudden afternoon rain showers. Look for small floral prints to add sweetness to your shorts or white jeans. Faded nautical stripes look fabulous for laid-back style at the shore and beach and are kick-off friendly in the sand. And don’t discount the flat espadrille with summer shifts or t-shirt dresses. If you self-tanned your legs these past few weeks, you’ll love the easy carefree look.
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For the office, a sophisticated wedge espadrille says you’ve elegantly embraced balmy weather. Even with lightweight suits and tailored dresses, this casual shoe is chicly appropriate for 9 to 5. Choose Maryjane straps, ankle ties, or even lace-ups – all features that highlight an alluring tanned ankle. Feet can even handle the higher wedge espadrilles because of the extra-solid built-in heel support. If you normally limit yourself to two-inchers, you’ll be delighted with the legs-to-there look you’ll get with the taller wedge espadrille.
Go-Local
Check out Newport’s Sole Desire for UGG’s (yes, THAT UGG) super cute Jules espadrille. In black or cream, the charming bow in the back will steal your summer heart. Both sexy and refined, they will be your warm-weather darlings. Sole Desire, 131 Swinburne Row, Newport
For bohemian flair, choose The Mia Girl Wedge in cognac for a rich neutral that will see you through to fall. Shoe Dept. Encore, Emerald Square Mall, North Attleboro
Donna Macdonald is a freelance writer who covers topics of interest to women, especially in the fragrance, style, and beauty arena. She wrote marketing material for a women's book that hit the New York Times Bestseller list and netted her an up close and personal discussion on the Oprah Winfrey Show. Donna's current projects include a style/beauty book for women of a certain age and maintaining the global readership on her personal blog.
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