
In our biweekly series, our editors will be sharing "the one item they wear to death," whether it be a basic white tee or a super-trendy jumpsuit. Prepare yourself (and your credit card) for some guilt-free shopping.
Two years ago, I fell in love with a pair of black, lace-up sandals—the kind of love that withstands time. (In the most literal sense, since these shoes have been by my side for 730 days and counting.) The Vagabond sandals are an integral part of my life, taking me from the city to the beach and from work to class.
I knew right away this was not going to be a fleeting love—they looked like they'd go with everything (and they do, as evidenced by my photos, ahead). I tromped around with one sandal on my left foot and my old white sneaker on my right. I looked in the mirror, I wiggled my toes, I fell deeper in love.
They are sturdy enough to delay death itself: The soles are made of extra grippy rubber; the thick laces that wrap around my ankles don't slide down. The shoe’s soft, worn-in leather (definitely fake, but still soft) keeps me from getting blisters. I have seriously walked miles in them. Those miles we’ve spent together have only made us closer, while, in other shoes, I finish long walks in a hate-filled cloud.
These qualities make them the perfect city shoe. I strolled over to Mud Coffee in the East Village in my black sandals:
I made them work for my Marie Claire internship with white jeans, a tee, and a black cardigan. The chunky yet delicate sandals added an interesting detail to the otherwise simple outfit.
The sandals transition easily into "going out" shoes at night. I wore them, here, with lightly washed jeans, a lingerie-style cami, and a long blazer to a bar in Brooklyn.
Although Vagabond, tragically, doesn't carry these particular sandals online anymore, I found a similar pair at Madewell. May you become as enchanted with your pair of black sandals as I am with mine.
Madewell boardwalk lace-up sandal, $60 SHOP IT (opens in new tab)
MORE ITEMS WE LOVE
Zoe is a contributing writer at MarieClaire.com; she covers celebrity and news. She loves sneakers and nicely organized bookshelves.
-
The 11 Best New Korean Movies of 2023 (So Far)
Several can't-miss thrillers are headed to the big screen this year.
By Quinci LeGardye
-
How To Spice Up A Relationship
Four simple ways to reinvigorate that spark.
By Gabrielle Ulubay
-
Doja Cat Is Red Hot for Schiaparelli's Spring 2023 Couture Show
The singer made an entrance in 30,000 red Swarovski crystals.
By Sara Holzman
-
What I Wear to Work: Rosh Mahtani
The London-based jewelry designer makes her pieces the focus of her outfits.
By Sara Holzman
-
Fashion Test Drive: Canada Goose x Reformation's Mila Puffer
Our Style Editor takes a coat from the collab out into the wild.
By Emma Childs
-
The 19 Best Winter Dresses For 2023
They'll bat away your winter blues.
By Julia Marzovilla
-
The 16 Best Sweater Vests for Women to Bundle Up In
This is not your grandpa's vest (sorry—still love you, Pop Pop).
By Julia Marzovilla
-
The 12 Best Fleece-Lined Leggings in 2023, According to Editors
They'll keep you warm this winter—we promise.
By Julia Marzovilla
-
The 16 Best Turtlenecks for Women in 2023
Your favorite winter basic just got a lot less basic.
By Emma Childs
-
The 17 Best Leather Jackets for Women in 2023
Will take them all, thanks!
By Sara Holzman
-
The 12 Best Leather Totes for Women in 2023
The unsung heroine of your bag collection.
By Brooke Knappenberger