My must have evening accessory

It's my favourite shoe.  The good old heeled gladiator sandal.  I've had a pair of these for five years and I still love them.  So much so that last year (if anyone recalls), I may have made a rather drastic three hour round trip to Bicester, less than 24 hours after I'd just been, to pick up a pair of Burberry gladiator sandals along with a dress that I had got home and totally regretted not buying the day previously.

And just to prove that it wasn't as crazy a trip as it might have seemed at the time, I wore them non stop last Summer. I was also over the moon to see that they still have them in Burberry for this season too.  

I wore them for the first time this Spring last night - they were the perfect shoes to go with my jumpsuit.  They also look great with jeans of all variety, printed trousers, capri pants, skirts and culottes. I'd draw the line at shorts personally.  And I think they're the perfect shoes to go with dresses for nights out in the Summer.  I've realised that I actually have a fair few parties and occasions coming up in the next couple of months which means I may may may have a pretty good excuse to go dress shopping.  But one thing I definitely do not need is a new pair of sandals - yes you read that correctly,  I do not need any new sandals (note - I did say sandals and not shoes..... I still have my heart set on gold courts.  Probably the Karen Millen ones.  Just waiting for a discount code - surely House of Fraser must be due for one of their offer days soon?) 

So in the meantime, I've had a look and randomly I can't find the Burberry Aviator Seftons online at all and, to be fair, they are ridiculously overpriced.  I can't remember what I paid at Bicester but it was A Lot.  

However, fear not, there are some great ones that I've come across so you don't have to spend the small fortune I did on getting some great shoes that will last you all Spring/Summer and probably into next year as well.  

The obvious choice and what I would consider to be a safe entry level shoe into the gladiator arena are the Leather Cage Sandals from M&S at £55

Whilst I was looking the other week, some of the best I found were in Nine West. 

Kurrious from Nine West in black £135 I will say I'd prefer it with a black heel. 


I love these which give a similar look but with more of a biker vibe and no buckles.  These would be my favourite.  (I really really REALLY love these.)

Kristilee Sandals from Nine West £125



Some excellent options from Mint Velvet. 

Black Lola Leather Strappy Sandals £99




I also love the neutral shade they have which would work so so well with the lighter Spring/Summer shades. 

Neutral Lola Leather Strappy Sandals £99





If you'd like some gold detail on your shoes and a good high heel, then these from Aldo might work. 

Aldo Radville Metal Detail Caged Heeled Sandals £70

Lace up cage style at Nine West.

Kenie sandals £135




Doesn't have to be black though - make a statement in colour. 

Miss KG Elvie Strappy Heeled Sandals £75

White Gina Strappy Sandals from Mint Velvet £99




They also do them in a black and white £24.99


Whilst we're pushing the boundaries, I must include these gold sandals from Dune.  So so useful - will go with everything.  

Dune Black Hattie Gold Metallic Sandals £129



Also available in black £129


So are you a gladiator (or at the very least, strappy) sandal fan?  If not, what sort of shoes do you wear in the Summer with dresses?  And whilst we're on the subject - boy am I looking forward to now having total justification for at least one new dress.  Off I go to start the research now.  And thank you for all your comments about the Mango orders - I've checked with my account and apparently it's "being prepared".... 

Here are the outfit pics from Friday and Saturday.  Loving this better weather.  As you can see I haven't "quite" embraced full on Summer footwear yet.