Friday Shoe Day: Gladiator's Unite!

Do gladiator's unite? I don't know, it sounded powerful so I went with it.

So, as long as you've been paying attention you are aware that gladiator sandals are "all the rage" this spring and you are aware that I respect the trend, although some styles are clinically insane and of no use to a human foot but some are more subtle and sleek. I of course prefer the latter. Some of the crazier styles of gladiator will be tolerated because it's a big step to go with a trend and try and rock it. I guarantee if I saw a girl downtown rocking a semi-extreme style of gladiator I would give her major props.

You can go flat and you can go high, you can go with a hint of the trend and you can go trendtastic (I made that word up...genius, I know). I of course being the kind and gentle soul that I am will give you a shoe reflecting each. Onward:

A flat gladiator simple: This is by N.Y.L.A. and her name is "Hassan" awww, how ethnic and not racist at all (please, you wasps can't come up with something better than Hassan?). I love the metallics for this style, I think it gives the trend a lighter feeling, I think the darker leathers in this style are very...costume-ish. This would be great with, bermudas, sundress, straight leg jeans and shorter skirts...may as well show of those gams with these attention grabbing shoes.$64.95

Jessica Simpson. To be honest, who really knows if she designs these shoes or has any part of anything besides slapping her name on it before it goes to stores. But I really like this style, I think it's simple, sweet and has the trendy edge. I of course am into the gold, I've embraced it...some still don't like gold but gold is just as popular as silver ever was back in the 90's. Gold does look better on more olive skin tones...or tanerxic's. Either way, I really like this version, her name is "Zahara" and she runs $68.95.

Next up is a little bit more trendtastic with "Gilda" from Sam Edelman. This is a black and white python embossed leather and has much more of an actual gladiator feel. $84.95

WARNING EXTREME FLAT: Hello, going overboard with a trend and you look like an idiot, nice to meet you, I'm a SANE PERSON. These are just too good for words. If you bought these I loathe you. You are dumb and obviously have no fashion sense, you just think you do by buying expensive things that someone said is trendy and you have no personal style..at all. Stuart Weitzman, how could you? You are known for your gorgeous bridal shoes among other things, but really? These? Seriously? I hope you took somewhat of a financial hit to teach you a lesson. These went from $255 to $127.99 fast on Amazon. There's no way I would pay that kind of money for people to make fun of me in public...I'm pretty sure I could pull that off for free.

Gladiator heels: I will again, start with the subtle and go up from there and of course end with a gladiator heel that will leave tears of laughter in your eyes.

Now these are a slight nod to the gladiator and honestly I'm mostly impressed with what they are made out of; natural cork punctuated with perforation and nail-head details, there's also a metal trim around the open toe box. Really creative and beautiful, I love seeing everyday things created into something beautiful. Donald J. Pliner created this sandal called "Naiya" ans she's $290.

Next up is a creation by Gwen Stefani from L.A.M.B. This little number is called "Goldy" aww, at least it's not Muhammad. I really love the buckles on both sides, it gives it that trend feel and I love metallic leather for this season...I realize I already said that once. Of course, I don't really know what you would wear the gladiator heel with besides a dress of some sort, I think it would look weird with a skirt. Hmm, skinny or straight leg jeans would look amazing too. $295.

This sandal is starting to branch out into the...too much of a good thing area. This shoe has what three different colors...four if you count the lining. The buckles are bulky and in your face along with the contrasting of the straps on the black. Not to mention the 1" platform with the 4" wooden heel. A bit too much Chie Mahara especially for a cool $395.
WARNING EXTREME HEEL:This my friends is truly laughable. Unless you like to play gladiator games in the bedroom (if you know what I mean) these shall not be purchased by anyone who is not a stripper, the end, no further discussion. And if you are a stripper you should be able to afford these for a mere $89.

Well, I hope you became a little more comfy with gladiators, I think with the right choice for you, you could totally rock this trend this spring and summer, I'm eyeing the Jessica Simpson's myself.

*Also, I'm thinking about changing Fantasy Friday up a bit, perhaps not just shoes, lets be honest, I'm a girl, I desire many, many things I can't afford, namely, shoes, clothes and purses. I have a few ideas and I think I will start trying them out. I'll put a poll up for some feedback and feel free to leave comments with suggestions and things you've been wanting to see. Also if you're ever trying to find one of these shoes, leave me a comment and I can get back to you with the best place to buy them.*

Happy Weekend!