Gladiator Gladness

I bought these black gladiator sandals about 8 or 9 years ago from UrbanOG for less than $20. I thought they were awesomely cool and unique and you didn’t see anyone wearing gladiator sandals at that time. I loved these babies so much that I styled them with a white sundress and an armband of flowers when I renewed my vows with J in May of 2010 (our actual wedding ceremony was in January of 2008. I wore black combat boots that day!).

These days, you can’t shop summer sandals in any shoe store or online store without being bombarded with about a thousand different options in gladiator sandals. I have to admit that mine are not my favorite…I have seen many other gladiator sandals that I like much better. But these, MY gladiator sandals, have sort of become a permanent fixture in my closet for almost a decade. They go into hibernation sometimes for a year or so, but they always make their way back out. And every time I wear them, I receive plenty of compliments. So I think I will keep these going for a while longer. Perhaps I will acquire a pair I like better next summer or perhaps gladiator sandals will fall out of trend in the next year or so. And will just tuck these back in their box and rekindle my on-again-off-again relationship during the next fashion cycle.

But for now, with a few more weeks of warm weather ahead, I think I may wear them once or twice more. I paired them earlier this week with dark wash denim shorts and a black and white print maxi tee shirt dress. The dress needs something underneath as the side slits are waist high. I think my gladiators added just enough extra excitement to keep an otherwise plain outfit interesting. And I was super comfortable and stayed cool in the 85 plus degree weather while running errands all day.

Have you joined the gladiator trend? How do you like to style your gladiators? Do they make you as glad as they make me? Also, do you have one (or a few) items in your closet that you just keep holding on to? I would love to hear from you!

Keeping it on the edge,

Shelbee