I have a lot of shoes. I stopped counting at 65 pairs (plus sneakers). I won’t go back to count them–since the last count, I added, gave away, and shuffled shoes, so god  knows what’s in there. However, this lush abundance is shamefully devoid of one essential staple of the summer wardrobe.

The Espadrille.

The espadrille is a glorious, carefree, breezy, flirtatious, no fuss-no-muss kinda shoe. A seasonal type of shoe, no doubt–and traditionally, they’re not supposed to last you more than the summer, I think–but it has its merits. They’re cheap, they’re breathable, they’re comfortable, and are perfect for a summer at the beach.

Of course, my tastes run a little more expensive than that, unfortunately. I do not favor ankle straps–or should I say, the do not favor me, as in they do not take kindly to my legs, shortening them and making them feel like sausage casings. So, I need the type of espadrilles so made that they will stay securely on my feet without the aid of ankle straps. Right now, I want these espadrilles so much that it hurts:

The Stuart Weitzman ‘Applause’ espadrilles are on sale now at Beren Shoes–$168, down from $240. So cute I get goosebumps! I do worry about that 2 3/4-inch wedge, though. I know that means nothing to most of you, but me, I’ve learnt my lesson. If it ain’t comfortable, don’t bother. These sort of look comfortable, though. And adorable. Yum!

The other pair I have my eyes on is this Paul Smith ‘Kraftwerk’ slingback espadrille,  $240 on Zappos:

Isn’t that poppy print to die for? A little pricey, but vewy vewy pwetty.

In all honesty though, these are a little bit hoity-toity for the kind of laid-back summer wear I have in mind. I’m thinking Pare Gabia espadrilles would be perfect for my purposes. Anthropologie has a few styles on sale, too:

I could also go for these Pare Gabia flat striped espadrilles, $59 at Barefoot Tess:

All I know, the espadrille-less situation of my shoe-closet is intolerable and must be remedied immediately. Off I go!