Four Gladiators and What to Wear For a Date with Craigslist

Don’t get me wrong, I love a gladiator. I wish I had one that worked.

I spent $650 on these Giuseppe Zanotti Women’s Gladiator Sandal last year and they just never worked. They always made me feel like Big Foot when I put them on, Maybe its the size 9 I sport, or the skinny ankle/wide foot ratio I was born with.

But a gladiator with a high heel, like the Sergio Rossi Momo Bis Painted Python Gladiator Sandal - that’s a different story. Now we’re talking sexy and tough, edgy and dangerous. Put these on and you will attract some very expensive attention.

In my dreams I am the woman who wears these Sergio Rossi Monochrome platform sandals with a short chiffon dress and a very important handbag to a very important job. These are for the few people left in the world who haven’t been bamboozled by Bernie. They won’t be buying them. Expensive shoes are going to be sitting on the shelves until sale breaks earlier than usual this year.

So I’m settling for these Dolce Vita Atlas Stud Banded Thong Slides. They’re tough and sweet and the color is different than the usual black/silver/gold gladiators I’m sick of. I’m buying these for the girl who got her ‘a$$ kicked’.

While I search Craigslist and hope that my horoscope is correct and things will change, these sandals seem sane.

Christian Louboutin Very Noeud Slingbacks

Dear Christian,

This is just to say I won’t be involved with you anymore. This relationship has been too painful. I must admit, I tried so hard to live up to your image. But the night I wore these to my daughters wedding, they slipped off my heels as I walked her down the aisle and left me hobbling like an old lady. I almost threw them in the wishing well.

It wasn’t the first time you caused me to play the fool. I wore a pair of your Very Prive’s to the casino and almost tumbled down the escalator. Then I did some asking around and found out you have a 60 percent return rate. Those odds are way too risky for me Christian.

And so my dear sexy Frenchman, I bid you adieu.

There are plenty of other fish in the sea.

Christian Louboutin Very Noeud slingbacks, $795

Don’t Call Me Chicken Little: Sigerson Morrison Suede Ankle Boot

It’s early fall and already the stores are starting to put great things on sale. With all the news about the economy you’d think the sky was falling. If it is, I want to be in a great pair of boots. My news says that the ankle boot will stick around longer than my 401k. And damn it, I still want something fun and sexy.

These booties are just the ticket for my Wall Street Blues. Wear them with a pencil skirt, balloon skirt, a sheath dress or a skinny pant for a polished yet sexy edge. A perfectly great fit this time from Sigerson who usually cuts their shoes very narrow. A four inch heel that’s actually comfy. Order your usual size.

Available at Saks Fifth Avenue

Economy Schmonomy: Dior’s Cannage Boot at Saks

This week everyone is veering to the side of practicality. Let’s face it, a good boot will cost you a good bit. There’s nothing sexier than a woman in a knee high black boot, and nothing more irritating than an
expensive boot that sits in your closet because you can’t walk in it.

That’s why these Dior Cannage Boots are my pick of the week. Not only are they drop dead gorgeous, they sport a 2.3/4 inch heel that you can actually walk, run, stand, or prance to work in and then out to dinner. The ever so slight slouch on this boot is just loose enough to make the leg look slim and still classy enough to suit up in. The best part is the padded insole, the secret to having a smile on your face at the end of the day.

Here’s the boot that won’t make you lay awake all night with buyers remorse.

Tory Burch ‘Briza’ Gladiator Sandal

As much as the fashion naysayers would like to imagine the gladiator trend as part of fashion history, it’s alive and well and coming in for resort 2008. Gladiators are here to stay. Tory Burch had the sense to put her emblem inside the shoe this time. This one is priced right and fabulous.

Women are still wearing sandals well into fall. The beauty of this one is the softened crackled leather with strategically placed studs for a clean classic line. Wear these with bubble shape dresses, a t-shirt dress with a boyfriend blazer, leggings and a long belted sweater, and of course, skinny jeans.

Shop more Tory by TRB at Saks Fifth Avenue.

A Gladiator Worth Fighting For: the Dior Extreme Cutout Sandal

They’ve been talked about and blogged about and they starred in Sex And The City. They’ve been waited for on waiting lists by the most illustrious fashionistas. They’re expensive and elaborate and as high-heeled as it gets. Every woman with a pair of skinny leg jeans or a pretty frock or an evening gown has to own them, no matter who or how she has to swindle. Use all of your feminine guiles to own these beautiful, sexy, and believe it or not, comfortable shoes. They are the GLADIATOR WORTH FIGHTING FOR.

Not Too Crazy: Miu Miu Platform Pumps

It seems designers got together and said, “What crazy things can we slap on shoes for these crazy ladies to buy at these utterly crazy prices? How about some flying buttresses, or some gargoyles? How about some knickknacks and doodads?” And I’ve been hating all of them. I just didn’t get it.

Until I saw these Miu Miu Platform Pumps.

Now I understand. I’ve seen the light; Miu Miu’s most delicious shade of berry with a sculpted resin heel that will translate into real life. Not too high, not too pointy, not too crazy. Just lovely.

$550, Saks Fifth Avenue

Pedro Garcia ‘Patrice’ Satin Sandals

My alter ego, Francesca The Tango Dancer, is packing these as we speak.

She’s leaving tonight for her trip to Buenos Aires with Pedro Garcia.

A slingback pump that will hold steady on the cobblestone streets by day. A sexy t-strap for the
mysterious dancehalls she’ll be skulking by night. She abides by no rules except one:

Always look sexy.

$468, My Theresa