Late Summer, Part 1: Five Fave Shoes
The Kids Might Be Going Back to School, but If You Aren’t …
We are almost into the post-tourist season. Some nationalities are only now getting ready to take their beach holidays en masse (read The French, Italians, Germans?). In fact, September is when you can find some of the more economical travel deals. I recall some of my own past vacations to Jamaica and Portugal to be just perfect during this time in terms of climate and crowds. Pro-tip: if you can stomach the date, September 11 continues to offer cheaper flights compared to other days in the month.
The photo above is from the beloved island of Santa Catalina, just off our California shores, from a three-day weekend we spent there one mid-October. The point being: don’t hang up your summer gear too quickly if you want to stretch out the feels a bit longer!
Five Fave Ladies’ Slip-Ons for Hot & Sandy Days
If you like to be a little funky with your shoes, particularly in the form of chunky soles, then you just might be a kindred spirit when it comes to summer slip-on shoes for women. Here on the ranch, bare feet are no option if you are stepping out to let the dog do its business or need to water the potted trees. It’s not too different from keeping your tootsies protected while trekking across a searing-hot beach. For the latter, depending on your level of coordination, I can recommend at least three or four of the pairs in the pic above, and here they are:
Kay Canvas Slip-On Sneakers – I simply adore these cute faux-sneakers that you slip-on instead of lacing up. They are a sporty look that I have paired with shorts, skirts, dresses, and beachwear. I have nearly worn them out from use, but their sturdy soles have stayed intact and I have walked many miles in them. This is a great bet for the beach, keeping your feet elevated off the sand and the grit away from your toes, with a decent amount of arch support.
Baxie Silk Platform Mules – Black Textured – I’ll be honest that the size of the heels on these black mules was a little intimidating when I received them in the mail. It was definitely a little more elevation than I was looking for, but the “silk” and the “texture” material felt very nice on my skin and they are quite possibly the cushiony-est pair of shoes I’ve ever had. So I frequently use them on flat surfaces like our pool deck or pair them with wide-leg pants to feel especially elongated. I have also managed them on uneven surfaces, and if you do take them to the beach you will get a great calf workout.
Both the mules and the sneakers are manufactured by Charles & Keith, a brand first founded in 1996 in Singapore. They are already on sale this late in the season 👍 and you can save an additional 10% off if you sign up for their newsletter or email. Outside of the US, you can find a few more of the sneaker options if they ship to your individual area.
Venise Leather Flip Flop by K Jacques – now here is a shoe with an interesting bit of history. Several years ago, I found a green pair of these sandals in a Banana Republic bargain bin for just $10! A rare find for a shoe any way you slice it. At first glance, they may seem unsuitable for summer walking, but they were worn by yours truly on an extended trip through Europe and I cannot believe how well they held up across multiple countries and beyond. The leather insole molded to my instep for surprising comfort and support. The straps stayed put throughout my coastal adventures. Shopping around for them now, with the average price over $120 USD, I see I landed an even more amazing bargain than I first thought. For that reason, I linked to a quality second-hand pair from E-Bay above. There are a few still left in the cheery green color at Banana Republic domestically and at K Jacques directly in “Naturel”. Grab some if you can!
My final obsession for simple slides is the Freeport Shearling by L.L. Bean at $74.99 USD. The furry lining may not won’t work for anyone who is super heat-sensitive under the sun, but I love the coziness and convenience if I’m popping out early morning or late evening. The saddle-colored suede suits the rustic feel of the ranch, but I have worn these things all over town for any casual outings or errands. They have what’s called an “anatomically-shaped B-Bound®” midsole, which provides great padding for your heels. I have juxtaposed this pair in the image below with an old-time favorite of mine, the Cozy Slipper Bootie Pile Fleece.
Before living at Rancho Los Venados, L.L. Bean (most famous for rugged, outdoor-inspired rustic wear) was not a go-to brand for me. To be fair, though, I liked to check out their catalogs for winter holiday PJ’s and beanies.
That’s when I first found the Cozy Slippers, and I’m now onto my second pair. For being styled somewhat as a moccasin, I was extremely pleased with how long these lasted while I lugged them outdoors for quick trips in various weather and terrain. They will keep your feet warm throughout the colder months and also have an excellent level of comfort in the midsole. From what I know of the footwear so far, I highly recommend.
That’s that for the sassy slip-on summary, ladies. Stay tuned for “Late Summer, Part 2,” when we’ll move from what’s on our feet to what we’re still wearing in the water before calling time on the sunny season.
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