When I saw this Cole Haan sandal from the Spring 2010 report last year, I immediately fell in love.

Cole Haan Air Gwaltney

Initially, I thought the layers on the T were really made of metal plates, but after visiting the Cole Haan website, I soon realized it was actually made of patent leather. I was quite disappointed, but I did see the reason why it couldn’t be made of metal; the thin plates could slice into the skin as you walk and that would really really hurt.

This didn’t stop me from looking for an alternative, though. Thankfully, I found one in the Jeffrey Campbell Nena Sandal

Jeffrey Campbell Nena Sandal in Pewter

Jeffrey Campbell Nena Sandal in Bronze

The Jeffrey Campbell Nena Sandal is fully decorated with small rectangular metal beads from the T to the ankle strap. The closure is not a buckle but a metal hook with chain. Don’t you just love this one? And my favorite part is that it is currently on sale at Singer22.com for only US$69!

If you prefer the Air Gwaltney however, you can purchase the White or Black Patent from Cole Haan’s website. It retails for US$148. The Gunmetal is no longer available.

We’re on a color high here at My Roman Sandals! This article began as a blog post about colorful roman sandals but in my quest to search for them, two very different hues slowly started coming out as the most used: turquoise blue and chartreuse yellow.

Pantone declared turquoise as the color of 2010 so I wasn’t surprised to see it on a lot of roman sandals and other types of shoes. But chartreuse? Mimosa, a shade of yellow, was the Pantone color of 2009, so maybe they were leftover fabric or something. Anyway, I’m not one to turn down yellow especially on such happy-looking spring sandals, and besides, yellow does look good when set against blue.

Which do you prefer – chartreuse yellow roman sandals … :

Jeffrey Campbell Roman 2 Studded Suede Sandals

Twelfth St. by Cynthia Vincent Murray Zip Thong Sandals

Boutique 9 Glory Jeweled Suede Sandals

… or turquoise blue roman sandals? :

Twelfth St. by Cynthia Vincent Coco Woven Flat Sandals

Twelfth St. by Cynthia Vincent Murray Zip Thong Sandals

Diane von Furstenberg Kamala Slash Toe Ring Sandals

Some of these sandals have both yellow and blue colors (like the Twelfth St. by Cynthia Vincent Murray Zip Thong Sandals) which makes deciding over which color to pick even harder!

All sandals above may be purchased through Shopbop.com.

Are you one of those people who have fought the urge to own a pair of gladiator sandals since its appearance?

Are you now finding it even more difficult to resist the temptation to buy a pair, now that this shoe trend keeps on resurrecting itself season after season?

Are you now dying to own a pair but don’t have single clue how to wear it?

Well, I’m here to help you with your dilemma. Go ahead and buy the shoes.

But make sure you pick the right pair.

Remember that the multiple horizontal straps of gladiator sandals cut the length of your legs (making you lose inches in height), that’s why it will be best to purchase something that is of nude or beige coloring, one that will not stand out and will just blend with your skin tone. Besides, a neutral color is also versatile, allowing you the liberty to use the sandals with many different outfits.

Also, try to pick a pair with thin straps. Because the thicker the straps are, the more masculine the sandals will look.

Now allow me to help you with your next dilemma – how to wear the sandals.

It is quite an easy feat so no need to worry. You can start with these 5 seasoned gladiator-looks:

Hard-core Casual

You can go downright casual with your flat Roman sandals by pairing it with a Tee and some short shorts

Three Dots Essentials Light S/S Scoop Neck

Rip Curl Berkley Denim Shorts

Stuart Weitzman Donuts in Almond Butter Calf

Smart Casual

Just because they’re flat doesn’t mean you can’t up the look. Pair your flat Roman sandals with some skinny denims and a hippie blouse for a more smart casual appeal

Joie Sebelia

7 for All Mankind Gwenevere w/ Squiggle in Soho Rise

Burberry Metallic Rivets Flat T-strap Thong in Dark Gold

Mini Sexy

Pair your flat Roman sandals with a mini-dress or tunic for that tough but sexy look

Gabriella Rocha Sidnie

Kate Spade Ines in Old Gold Metallic Nappa

Maxi Pretty

Pair your flat Roman sandals with a maxi dress for a more dressed up look. You can even go as far as wearing a long asymmetric jersey dress to look like a Roman goddess

O’Neill Sienna Cover-up

Juicy Couture Morgen in Plantino Metallic Nappa

Roman Preppy

Look preppy in flat Roman sandals by wearing it with a white button-down shirt and some khaki shorts. Belt it wherever you like, and finish off the whole look with a nice pair of earrings

Not Your Daughters Jeans 3/4 Sleeve Shirt

Fossil Beveled Buckle

Volcom Frochickie 5″ Shorts

Lucky Brand Quilted Kaleidoscope Melting Pot Hoop Earrings

Daniblack Becks in Cognac Soft Grain Nappa/Antique Brass Rings