Bracelets and/or anklets for straps – is this the new thing in roman sandals?

New sandal arrivals are showing more and more of this style and here are just 3 of them:

Giuseppe Zanotti E00327s

They brought out the bling for these Giuseppe Zanotti roman sandals. And for a whopping $1,360, there better be real gold or silver on those bracelet straps!

7 For All Mankind Caprice

Here’s something a little bit more subdued (but still relatively expensive at $250.00). The “bracelets” are decorated with sparkly studs to give an illusion of opulence and to probably justify that 250-dollar price tag. But it’s not very successful on these roman sandals because don’t they look like hair ties from afar? There are scrunchies even sparklier than these.

Steven Atone

These sandals from Steven by Steve Madden are the cheapest of the three but this is the only one that doesn’t look like you’re wearing your mother’s jewelry or hair ties on your ankles. The antique-finish studs aren’t glaringly calling for attention – except of course if you purchase the yellow or red colors of these sandals. $119.95.

Are you liking the bracelet strap trend on roman sandals? Or do you think bracelets should stick to staying on arms and wrists where they belong?

Purchase the ones featured here on Zappos.com.

Ashley Tisdale

Jessica Stroup

Ashley Tisdale Vs. Jessica Stroup

Ashley Tisdale is with her music director boyfriend Scott Speer at the LAX International Airport in this photo dated Nov. 14, 2009.  She shows us how to put together a relaxed yet stylish travel outfit: a black boat neck pocket tee with acid wash jeans, and finish off the look with accessories such as red Ray-Ban wayfarers, a Fendi Zucca Spy bag, and Steven by Steve Madden Bliz roman sandals. Ashley coolly went through security and chilled out with the boyfriend at the departure lounge in this 80s-inspired getup.

Jessica Stroup wears the Steven by Steve Madden Bliz roman sandals as Erin Silver, her character in the TV show 90210. Worn clearly for a scene filmed at the beach, Jessica matches the studded roman sandals with a Marc by Marc Jacobs one piece chevron swimsuit and Current/Elliot trash wash cut off shorts. She carries around a requisite bottle of water to keep cool on that hot summer day.

Each outfit looks great for each occasion, but we have to give it to Ashley Tisdale for this one. Even though she is head to toe in 80s clothes, she manages to make everything look up to date. The roman sandals are a great choice for traveling, as they’re easier to pull on and off than let’s say sneakers or boots. Also, Jessica Stroup’s choice to wear studded roman sandals at the beach is a bit too much – imagine the weird tan lines after an afternoon of wearing them.

Steven by Steve Madden Bliz roman sandals

So who wore it  better for you? Ashley Tisdale or Jessica Stroup?

The typical Roman sandals have multiple horizontal straps that cross the feet and ankles. These straps are usually thick, giving a rather masculine appeal to the shoes. These horizontal straps can also reduce the height of a person as it cuts across. This is precisely why a lot of celebrities wear their Roman or Gladiator sandals with short outfits – to compensate for the loss in height caused by the horizontally inclined straps!

Typical design of flat Roman sandals from Diba USA

For the women who are averse to wearing Roman sandals because they find it a little masculine for their taste, or simply because they are scared it will make them look short, a good alternative is to purchase strapped thong sandals.

Yes ladies, strapped thong sandals (I am pertaining to the ones with straps at the back, NOT the slip-on type with open back), also belong to the Roman sandal group.

Strapped thong sandals are more vertically inclined and are relatively less strappy. With only two (2) front straps shaped like a V, or just one front strap shaped like a T,  these sandals actually make you look taller as it shows more of your skin.

The thong straps are generally thinner. Combine this with the V or T shape, the sandals look very feminine. Wearing these shoes will not only help you look taller, but also sexier. If you’re a little short on height, be sure to purchase the ones with back straps that fall just below the ankle or just along the heel.

Here are a couple of style suggestions for you:

Type Z Signal White Thong Sandals

Dolce Vita Able Thong Sandals

Steven Cosma Thong Sandals