Gianluca Soldi
$295
Bargain Find
With a calendar full of summer bashes, I needed some hot evening sandals. At Té Casan, there were sparkly shoes everywhere. My favorite was a deep-plum pair by Gianluca Soldi. As the shop clerk treated me to a cup of tea, I tried on the satin sandal with Swarovski crystals. The criss-crossing straps elongated my leg, and the heel was sturdy enough to hold up through a night of dancing. 382 W. Broadway, nr. Spring St.; 212-584-8000.
Marc Jacobs
$695
After a quick bite at the fifth-floor in-house café, I hit Saks’ high-end shoe department. I had to try on these black-patent-leather thong sandals by Marc Jacobs because I could pair them with even the plainest outfits. Though my toes were fully displayed, all I could see were the oversize, clear gems. However, I decided to glue some rhinestones onto old sandals and save some cash.611 Fifth Ave., at 50th St.; 212-753-4000.
Jimmy Choo
$580
At Jimmy Choo, there was a pair of blue sling-backs just in for the new season. The leather was super soft and I loved the silver piping that would catch the light perfectly at Bookmarks’ rooftop bar. Plus the heel shaped my calves nicely, despite being only a couple inches high. Sadly, the peep-toed shoe was too narrow and squished my toes painfully. 645 Fifth Ave., at 51st St.; 212-593-0800.
Calvin Klein
$1500
After so much walking I opted for some flats at Calvin Klein. Most weren’t dressy enough for nighttime. Luckily, these silver Swarovski crystal flats from the Collection line looked just as swanky as their ankle-breaking competitors. Buckling the ankle strap, I was amazed by how comfortable they were. I love wearing flats at night because I can barhop nonstop without the morning-after blisters. 654 Madison Ave., at 60th St.; 212-292-9000.
Christian Louboutin
$750
Splurge Find
At Christian Louboutin, I fell in love with a pair of T-strap sandals with a clear, crystal buckle at the ankle. Done in crepe satin, the shoe felt elegant yet comfortable. Though the “Ernesta” style was also available in pink and black, I had to try on the bright candy-apple-green. They were so eye-catching even my guy friends would notice them. 59 Horatio St., at Greenwich St.; 212-255-1910.
Stuart Weitzman
$585
After browsing the racks at Stuart Weitzman I found a sparkly pair almost as blinding as the chandelier hanging from the ceiling. The black satin sandals with huge crystal bows at the toe were really cute—a little too cute, in fact. And the fit was terrible: My heel kept sliding out as I walked around the store. Unless I wanted to readjust them throughout the night, these weren’t going to be my pick. 625 Madison Ave., nr. 59th St.; 212-750-2555.
Yves Saint Laurent
$640
Inside the hectic Bergdorf Goodman shoe department, I had to wait forever to get these Yves Saint Laurent wedges in a size seven. The cream canvas upper with a shoelace tie made the pair wearable during the day, but the glam, gold wedge heels were party-ready. Pairing them with a little white dress and some gold chains, I was ready for a night out. On closer inspection however, I was startled to see how large the thick straps made my ankles appear. If I wanted that look, I’d spend my summer at Billy’s Bakery. 754 Fifth Ave., at 57th St.; 212-753-7300.
Beverly Feldman
$175
Uptown at Beverly Feldman, I tried on a few pairs of flats before giving into my stiletto urgings. While the sandal was dubbed “Fireball,” it was more girlie-girl than wild child. The hand-beaded white flowers, stacked heel, and pale pink snakeskin made for a tooth-achingly sweet combination. What wasn’t so innocent was the overly-friendly salesman who inquired what parties I was planning on hitting in the shoes later that night. I bolted, leaving him and the shoes behind. 7 W. 56th St., nr. Fifth Ave.; 212-484-0000.