Hottest Summer Sandals for 2009: Gladiators Flats & High Heel Shoes

So you're breaking out your bikinis, tank tops and shorts, and you suddenly realize your dilemma: the trendy girl in you has filled up your closet full of boots from the winter season. You have no idea where you're sandals are or even if they're still in style. No need to fear, the gladiators are here! We loved them so much last year that we're going for round 2. Now I must admit, I wasn't exactly used to them last year. I'm short a girl, so wearing gladiators that went up my ankles made my legs look even shorter than it already does. Too much shoe and not enough leg. Well luckily, you can find sandals that are inspired by the gladiators, but doesn't necessarily have to crawl up so high. It's mainly a concern if you're wearing flat sandals. I found that gladiator platform heels, even wrapped around my ankle, still elongated my legs. You still get the height and you're forced to flex your calf muscles, making your legs look very sexy.

Gladiator Flat Sandals
If you've been blessed with longer legs, opt for comfortable gladiator flats if you don't need the added height. They're great for going to the beach, going shopping and even for evening events. Gladiators draw attention to your legs and they can be sexy and strong at the same time. You can go super strappy, wear ones with ankle cuffs, or even flat gladiator boots. For someone who's shorter, go the conservative route. Find gladiators that have thinner, fewer straps. You can still add interest with beaded details, rhinestones, snakeskin patterns, or bright colors. All of these will draw attention to your well pedicured feet without taking away from your legs. Here are my picks for flat gladiator sandals for people of all heights:

Gladiator High Heels
Get used to walking in them, because every girl looks better in heels. I personally love love love platform heels because they are so much more comfortable. I recently bought gladiator heels that are extremely strappy, but the straps are shoe string thin, giving it a more lacey look. Tres hot! If you're comfortable in heels, wear them to work or even to lunch with your girlfriends. And definitely wear them when you're out to the club. Here are my favorite picks for super hot gladiator heels. (BTW, can you say "YUM" to those Cherry Red Vince Camuto's and those hot pink Christian Louboutins?!)

Stylish and Trendy Vegan Handbags

What exactly is a vegan handbag? Is it a handbag that doesn't eat animal products or by products? While...yes, but it's much more than that. It means no animals were harmed in the making of your trendy purse that you love to throw a bunch of crap in. Of course we know leather is cow skin, but did you know suede is too? It's made from the inner hide of leather. If you're looking to find alternatives, there's plenty of gorgeous handbags that don't harm any animals. That's right, no cows, worms, crocodiles, alligators, ostriches (yes there are ostrich leathers), snakes, minks, rabbits, or any other furry and not so furry animals harmed. None!

 
Here are my top picks of stylish non-leather handbags for under $150:

If you have a little more to budget for this socially-conscious, animal-friendly trend, here are my choices for vegan bags $250 and up:

Where To Get Lauren Conrad’s 2 Finger Knuckle Name Ring

 

First the rappers did it and it was more of a guy thing to do. Then Gwen Stefani did it and it seemed like she was the only one that could pull it off. But when Lauren Conrad did it on The Hills, it became more preppy and trendy. I'm talking about the two finger name ring, or otherwise known as the knuckle ring. It's a cute spin off of the "Carrie" necklace that Carrie Bradshaw wears on Sex and the City. For about $50, you can purchase your own personalized ring like Lauren's on ebay. It makes a great gift to yourself or for a girlfriend. It's unique, personal, trendy and any Hills fan would love to have one of their own.

If you like the idea of the two finger ring, but you're not a big fan of wearing a name tag, here are a few cute alternatives. But for the exact replica of Lauren's ring, ebay is definitely the way to go!

How To Dress Like Lauren Conrad

Lauren Conrad is MTV's sweetheart. She's the kind of shy, overachiever, loyal best friend that'll let you borrow anything from her closet. In which case, jackpot! The girl has style! Whether it's a day at the office or walking the red carpet, Lauren always keeps it chic and classy. She plays it pretty safe, but I think people in everyday life are pretty conservative with their style. Simple style can still be great style. Let's dissect and achieve some of Lauren's most popular looks on any budget.

#1: Business Casual Look
Work clothes can be pretty bland and boring. Realistically, you can't go crazy and wear anything laced, or netted, or too wild and crazy without starting office rumors. So how exactly do you spice up your work wardrobe without having to worry about signing up for unemployment? Well, take a tip from Lauren Conrad herself. She might've worn this outfit for the Letterman show, but you can definitely wear this to work. Here she sports high rise, wide legged, trouser pants, with a ruffled blouse. Simple, cute and conservative. But with that, she adds a cropped leather jacket, and a chunky studded belt to rock out the look just a little, without looking like she's going to jump on a motorcycle with Justin Bobby. She keeps it high end and classy with a small Chanel long chained purse. I love how she wears blue pants instead of traditional black. Black pants with a black jacket is way too predictable. Choosing something as simple as blue pants gives it a little twist -- it shows you know what you're doing and your not afraid of fashion. By the way, if you recognize Lauren's belt, it's the same one Carrie wore in the Sex and the City movie. Sooooo hot!

 

#2: Daytime Look
As I've mentioned so many times before, it's hard to have a cute daytime look. There are millions of paparazzi photos that prove Britney Spears has a hard time finding a cute daytime look as well. Most of us just throw on a t-shirt and jeans...not much thought goes into our outfit after that. Well, keep the jeans. But in order to show you're still trendy even if it's just for a trip to the bank, choose something like this chiffon silk blouse Lauren's wearing. It's figure friendly and very forgiving, and the shoulder cutouts are so hot this year. You see cutouts in swimwear and on dresses, so why not tops? Pair it with straight or skinny jeans, add a pop of color with a bag, accessorize with a long gold necklace, slide on some comfortable flat sandals and you're all set. You can do withdrawals at the ATM in style. Oh and if the paparazzi are snapping shots of you while you're doing that, be sure you cover your face with aviators.

 

#3: Evening Look
Lauren Conrad has been known to go out on the town with Audrina, Brody and the gang many of times. The best part about going out with friends is dressing up for the occasion. Whether you're just having a quiet dinner or you're hitting the clubs, it's all about dressing to impress. How often do you just wear jeans and a cute top? Snoozefest. Try what Lauren's wearing here. It's a simple red, see through tunic with a black belt, black peep toe pumps and a black shoulder bag. I love how she accessorized with a long purple feather necklace. A perfect touch of color and texture making this a more unique look for a night out on the town.

 

#4: Red Carpet Look
Lauren always knows how to keep it simple with a touch of trendiness. It's no different on the red carpet. This mini dress she's wearing is just a simple white and silver dress. But the ultra low neckline and the bottom of the dress being a foil material makes it more fun. This dress is hard to directly duplicate. My advice is to find a white, low sweetheart cut tank top with a silver sequin skirt. That foil look is hard to achieve, but sequins gives the same texture and shine that would give you the same idea. Depending on the occasion, you can pair it with silver sequined shows and give a pop of color with a soft pink sequin clutch. The key to Lauren Conrad's style is to look young, fresh and super fun without being too over the top!