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Haute Alpine Couture: Spring into sandal season

Jennifer Geisman
Special to the Weekly
The Casey Peep-Toe Bootie ($310, SOLS), is an alpine couturist’s fashion fantasy, as it combines showing off pristinely pedicured toes and taps into our inner cowboy roots.
Special to the Weekly |

Spring has sprung and, before you know it, it will be time to take your little piggies out of hibernation and give them some vitamin D. No one sees your feet until the flowers bloom, and as the weather begins to warm up, your toes will fall head-over-heels with sandal season. During the winter, we pay zero attention to our feet, but now is the time to toss your bulky boots into the back of the closet, pedi-up your digits and strap on one of the season’s hautest sandal trends.

Spring debuts

The resurrected gladiator sandal seems to have nine lives. Now, don’t get all Russell Crowe on us. This spring’s version of the gladiator is one that is sleek and sophisticated, minus the dust. Designer Lisa LeCroy makes her Vail Valley debut this spring with a collection of fabulous shoes that will have you walking a little slower to ensure gawking on the village catwalk. Featuring black and ivory snake, the Sienna Sandal with Olympia Gladiator ($495, SOLS) swanks a peek-a-boo charm that will give your look an edge. If you are weary of the full-leg strap on, then opt for the Leah Sandal ($255, SOLS), a black and white Nappa hand-stitched sandal with an ankle strap and just the right amount of heel. Pair both with the season’s mini or maxi dresses to draw attention to your silhouette and shoes.



European architecture, antique doorknobs and textures that reflect equestrian and western styles often inspire LeCroy’s designs, so it is no wonder that we were corps perdu when the Casey Peep-Toe Bootie ($310, SOLS) caught our eye. The honey Nappa with ivory whipstitch is an alpine couturist’s fashion fantasy, as it combines showing off pristinely pedicured toes and taps into our inner cowboy roots. If the boot version is a bit too stifling, then the Sbicca Vintage Coyote wood-heel sandal ($69.99, Colorado Footwear) is the perfect combo of chunky and peep toe. Featuring burnished buckle and accents, this slingback heel will give you height and style.

Although the American release of Nicole Kidman’s “Grace of Monaco” has been delayed indefinitely, you don’t have to give up your springtime opportunity of gracing your feet with the princess’ favorite Italian sandals, Canfora of Capri. A high-priority on the iconic glamour-scale of Princess Margaret, American-born Greek soprano Maria Callas and, of course, Grace Kelly, the notorious made-to-measure sandal shop has brought its ready-to-wear collection to the mountains. The Danielle Sandal ($425, Gorsuch) in pink is the epitome of simple elegance and features hand-stitched leather opaque stones. The Jamila Sandal ($378, Gorsuch) in multi-colored crystals will complement your spring whites and garden party dresses. Luxuriously opulent and picture-perfect with spring’s nautical navy, sorbet orange and, of course, the I-can’t-seem-to-let-go-of-my-black-dress black, the Ines Chain Sandal ($450, Gorsuch) is a hand-stitched leather T-strap of large interlacing metal rings.

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The Canfora price tag a little out of reach? Choose a spring superlative that adds a bounce to your step and don a splendidly-posh pair of Seychelles Any Old Time Sandals ($65, Cashmere & Coco) topped with a pyramid-stud applique.

Flip Over flip flops

When you hear the bubble gum pop of your flip flops, you know it’s time for sunny, carefree days. The Tory Burch flip flops ($50, Perch Vail) with tassel or in sunny-side-up yellow are an off-duty weekend must-wear. Mega-comfy and super stylish, these flippers can easily be taken on the go (as in on your way to a pedicure appointment) or apres hike. If you’re looking for a little more height to show off the season’s wide-leg pants trend, then the Tory Burch Thandie wedge flip flops ($60, Perch) with a vibrant orange stripe is the choice for you.

When it’s not about rating high on the chic radar, but you still want to incorporate style into your more functional flip flop, we adore the Chaco ReversiFlip ($60, Colorado Footwear). This flip flop gives you a chance to put your fashion stamp on a more durable shoe with the interchangeable straps ($20, Colorado Footwear), which come in several colors and feature a cushioned footbed. If Earth Day is conjuring up eco-friendly activities, note that the Chaco ReversiFlip is made with a non-marking EcoTread outsole and contains 25 percent recycled rubber content.

Spring awakenings

Your toes are slowly waking up after a long winter of being crammed into ski boots and always chilled. It’s time to slough away the winter sleep and get them warm-weather-ready for their spring season unveiling. Once your feet are buffed to baby-butt smoothness, arouse the spirit of a tropical vacation and paint your toes with one of the vibrant Carnaval-inspired polishes from the Rio Rush Collection by Gucci Westman for Revlon. The sexy Equator Rio Rush Revlon nail enamel ($4.99, Wal-Mart, Walgreens) collection features four new shades Gold Goddess, Copa Sunset, Carioca Crush and Oi Beautiful.


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