My Name Is Gladiator...Sandal

I really love the movie Gladiator. Sure, it's super bloody and violent and historically inaccurate. But the drama! The emotion! The shoes! Okay, that last one's a stretch, but seriously, the gladiator sandal is everywhere this season, dear readers. I'm no slave to the latest fashions, but if you don't caeser-pon this trend you'll be sorry. Okay. I'm done with the pun-based humor. For this blog...

Anyway, there's one pair of gladiators that I've been coveting since they first hit the pages of fashion magazines back in January: Stuart Weitzman's Gladio sandals in metallic silver.

There are several reasons I love these sandals. First, they come in N, M, and W widths in size 4.5 through 12, including 11.5M, which is my size. Yes! Finding that size it so rare, but not as rare as a size 10.5W or 4.5N, probably. My point being, they could fit just about anyone. Second, they come in silver or pale gold, which will flatter everyone from the palest of ivory (yours truly) to the darkest of ebony (say, Alek Wek. Have you seen her line of leather handbags yet? They're very chic). Nice. Third, Stuart Weitzman shoes are not cheap (these currently retail for $265 on zappos.com), but they are extremely high quality and last for a looooong time. I still own - and wear - the first pair I purchased as an eighteen-year-old sales girl back in Indianapolis in 1998.

Maybe these sandals are rebate-check worthy. I haven't decided yet. If I could scoop up a pair at Goodwill, I would. Most Goodwill's, though, are a season ahead (I picked out those fabulous Spring Look Book clothes this winter, for example), so while I purchased a killer pair of leopard-print pointed-toe like-new Nine West flats last week, sandals won't be out for a few months. So I need a back-up plan for my beloved Stuart Weitzman's...

They're way more casual, but I've had my eye on these Earth sandals for the last couple of seasons. Sure, they're kinda ugly-cute, but have you ever worn a pair? They have this "negative heel" technology that's incredibly comfortable and sorta works out your legs all at the same time. I have a pair of patent-leather mary janes that look good with trousers in the wintertime, you see.

So this pair has a fun metallic finish and they're $109. Not exactly inexpensive, but less than half the price of my dream sandals above. I think these would look great with a long printed maxi-dress and some metallic earrings. But I'm still not convinced...

Yes! I've found it. The perfect option for my current budget: Simply Vera Vera Wang Jewels Gladiator Sandals. They come in a size 11 (that's work) are on sale from kohls.com for only $35.99 (that's definitely work) and they look both cute and comfortable. Done.

They come in a metallic gray color, which is very versatile, and the faux-jewel detail in dressy enough for a more formal occasion. I've purchased a few of the Vera Vera Wang items from Kohl's and the quality has been decidedly spotty. A dress I purchased on clearance is easily one of the go-to items in my closet, but two of the cardigans I paid nearly full price for are practically falling apart after being dry cleaned. But I might take a chance on these sandals. At least until that rebate comes through!

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