The Gladiator

Way back in ancient Rome, gladiators were used as entertainment for thousands of spectators, fighting, often to the death! Besides the gruesome fighting one thing that stands out about gladiators are their fighting gear. It consisted of loincloths, helmets, chest armor, and who could forget the strappy "gladiator" sandals.

Nothing is new under the sun, so I'm not surprised that gladiators have swung back into rotation as one of this spring/summer's hottest shoe trends. I'm not saying you have to fight to your death in order to strap these multiple buckle flats but trust me when you wear these sandals they will get you noticed.

You can find gladiators aka "Jesus sandals" just about anywhere these days. Check out some of the  pairs I've seen.

GLADIATORS
You can find these high top gladiator sandals at Aldo (Canada, online). This multi - strap high top gladiator is super fly, has an back zip for easy access, and comes in two awesome colors: black and cognac. Its $150 price tag is a little steep for a fashionista on a budget, however, you will be sure to turn heads in these beauties.

CANADA DCS: 12-05-01in Black
http://www.aldoshoes.com/us/women/sandals/flats/95078467-canada/97

CANADA DCS: 12-05-01in Cognac
http://www.aldoshoes.com/us/women/sandals/flats/95078467-canada/97

Chinese Laundry provides a pair of gladiators in this bold scarlet color. The coolest part about these gladiator inspired sandals are not the fact that you can loop and tie them however you please, but that they are jelly sandals. They deem a modest price tag of $40 so they won't hurt your wallet.

Loop - O - Rama in Red
http://www.chineselaundry.com/products2.cfm/ID/1961/attr1/5775?utm_medium=Affiliate&utm_campaign=CJ&utm_source=CJ

These Kenneth Cole gladiator - style heels add a bit of flare with a 5" stacked heel and tie up detail. They can add any element of surprise to a cute skirt or flirty dress. They come in at a $160 price tag so you may have to save up for the purchase, but they will be well worth the wait.

Grand Stand Sandal in Black
http://www.kennethcole.com/product/index.jsp?productId=12242178&om=affiliate

Now that you've seen a few examples of the gladiator sandals you may be saying, they look nice but what should I wear with them? I'm glad you asked! Ali to the rescue! Here are a few ideas to create a vision board for your new gladiators sandals/heels.


GLADIATOR PREP PRINCESS
This gladiator prep princess look gives you a little glimpse of prep with this rose colored blazer, a bit of rock -n-roll with the graphic tank and leather shorts, and a little edge with the over the knee gladiator heels. You can wear this outfit during a night out on the town with your boo or to a concert with a group of friends! No matter where you decide you will be sure to look HOT!

Gladiator Prep by alifashionsense featuring t by alexander wang

Monki patterned shirt, $20 / Chloé , $1,835 / T By Alexander Wang , $630 / Tom Ford black high heel boots / Quilted handbag / Retro eyewear


CASUAL WEEKEND GLADIATOR
This is a casual look that you can throw on while running errands on the weekend. You can go shopping or attend weekend brunch with your girls all while looking put together! I love the how the pastel pants dress up the denim jacket and the metallic gladiators add a little extra bling!

Casual Weekend Gladiator by alifashionsense featuring quilted handbags

Mango shirt, $14 / AG Adriano Goldschmied vintage jean jacket, $420 / Chloé / Charlotte Russe gladiator sandals / ALDO quilted handbag / Essie nail polish


Hopefully these outfits have given you some ideas how to pair your gladiators. So get to it ladies :) I'm sure you will all look fly once you throw them on.