The Item I Wear to Death: My Black Lace-Up Sandals
A love story that will withstand time.
![Clothing, White, Jeans, Blazer, Footwear, Street fashion, Fashion, Outerwear, Shoe, Jacket,](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/8PVLUPZF9GzQDawixtUzrW-415-80.jpg)
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.
Stay In The Know
Marie Claire email subscribers get intel on fashion and beauty trends, hot-off-the-press celebrity news, and more. Sign up here.
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
MORE ITEMS WE LOVE
Zoe is a contributing writer at MarieClaire.com; she covers celebrity and news. She loves sneakers and nicely organized bookshelves.
-
Zendaya Delivers a Podium-Worthy Pre-Olympics Gown
She's shining brighter than the City of Lights.
By Halie LeSavage Published
-
'Love Island USA' Star Kenny Rodriguez Is Not "Playing Around" with His and JaNa Craig's Romance Outside of the Villa
The prince and princess of season 6 have remained the cutest couple since filming wrapped.
By Quinci LeGardye Published
-
So Many Celebrity Beauty Favorites Are in Nordstrom's Anniversary Sale
Shop Jennifer Lopez, Meghan Markle, and Kaia Gerber's beloved picks.
By Julia Marzovilla Published
-
30 Linen Pieces From Nordstrom’s Sale for a Seamless Summer to Fall Transition
Shop breezy dresses and airy pants for versatile summer and autumn outfits.
By Lauren Tappan Published
-
7 Make-My-Life-Easier Items I'm Buying From the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale
Grab these must-haves before it's too late.
By Nikki Ogunnaike Published
-
The Best Summer Work Shoes Don’t Have To Scream ‘Corporate'
Footwear that means business in the best way possible.
By Lauren Tappan Published
-
34 Chic Vacation Essentials Hiding in Nordstrom's Anniversary Sale
Don't board the plane without packing these items first.
By Lauren Tappan Last updated
-
The Boxer Shorts Trend Offers a Realistic Take on Lingerie Dressing
How the borrowed-from-the-boys bottom became a hero summer piece with endless style potential.
By Emma Childs Published
-
Fashion Girls Are Destined to Wear the J.Crew x Maryam Nassir Zadeh Collaboration on Vacation
Beloved indie designer Maryam Nassir Zadeh translated her essentials into the ultimate packing list.
By Halie LeSavage Published
-
I'm a Style Editor—50 Last-Minute Prime Day Fashion Deals to Grab Before Tomorrow
Grab these on-sale items before it’s too late.
By Lauren Tappan Last updated
-
Fashion Editors Share the Best Work Dresses From Their Summer Uniform
From classic wrap silhouettes to breezy linens, these are the expert-approved styles we're wearing on repeat.
By Lauren Tappan Published