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My Shopping Mission: Help eBay Obsessed Find Some New Shoes!

Emily Hsieh

So here's the email I got from Jenn the other day:

Dearest Emily,

AP [ed note: she's referring to her husband] and I are going to Paris with friends at the end of this month and I need cute shoes, but annoyingly, I need very specific cute shoes:

1. They need to be comfortable enough that I can walk in them all day and not get blisters on the bottoms of my feet.

2. They need to be cute enough to wear with dresses and jeans and shorts and basically everything so I both look like a stylish lady *and* not the irritating girl who has to change before dinner.

3. They need to be inexpensive because, well, I'm cheap.

Can you help? You are AWESOME at this.

xo, JR

I think this situation calls for flat sandals--they're so versatile, and you can walk miles in them. They also pack really well, so even if she takes a couple pairs she'll still have plenty of room to smuggle some yummy French cheese back for me in her suitcase! I like ones that have a pretty simple silhouette, though a bit of embellishment would be good to satisfy Jenn's day-to-night criteria. I've looked all over and tracked down a bunch of options, all of which I'd have thought cost more than they do. Behold: my very first slideshow!

* Stay tuned: Weirdly, Cristina in beauty emailed me yet another vacation sandal query the same day! I'm still conducting her search, but be on the lookout...

  • Jessica Simpson Carros Sandal, $67.95. Intricate beading gives these a cool tribal spin, and I love the multiple straps criss-crossing the ankles.

  • F Troupe Sandal, $116. The straps are made of elastic, which seems like it'd be extra comfortable, and I'm always a sucker for a bright red shoe.

  • Gap Backless T-Strap Sandal, $39.50. Again, love the exotic beading, and the chocolate and turquoise color combination is always a favorite.

  • Lauren Moffatt Urban Outfitters Bedford Sandal, $158. Yes, there's a heel, but it's a minimal wedge that I actually think you could get around all day in, especially with the cushioned footbed. The textured leather has a cool, shagreen-ish effect.

  • Matiko Suede Gladiators, $125. These look like they'd hold your feet securely in place, and they're made of suede, which is extra gentle on your skin. The soft grey color is a nice counterpoint to the toughness of the style.

  • Vignotti Sandal, $89. I can't think of anything these sandals wouldn't look great with.

  • Dolce Vita Inca, $118. Braided leather has a subtly '70s vibe. PS: These also come in navy and chestnut brown--both really good options.

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