Despite my shopaholic tendencies (occupational hazard, TBH), I’ve become pretty good at practicing self-control with my spending—because, well, I have no other choice. I would be in straight-up financial ruin if I hit “add to cart” on every impressive Amazon deal or retailer sale that came across my desk.
Howevs, I have one fatal flaw: If I see a 50% off sale, I’m gonna shop it (and justify the subsequent purchases as “research” for my dear, beloved readers!!!!). Really, it’s the selfless thing to do, right? Which brings me to the inevitable: Steve Madden just dropped a surprise summer shoe sale and it’s packed with markdowns so good it would be financially irresponsible to ignore them. Trust me, I have a PhD in girl math.
Now that that’s settled, let’s discuss what really matters—aka everything I’m adding to my online cart. I’m embracing the flip-flop trend with an elevated $42 pair that has a square-toe design, comfy thong strap, and leather detailing that sets them apart from more casual rubber styles, and snagging my favorite sandals in another print too (while they’re just $35). The navy striped iteration of the Hadyn slides feels very coastal grandaughter-meets-yacht club nepo baby in the best way.
Fall isn’t too far away either, besties, which means it’s the perf opportunity to start upgrading your boot collection. This style, for example, is giving functional baddie—they’re technically a waterproof rain boot but cool enough to wear pretty much whenevs—and this under-$60 moto pair feels like a must-have given the price tag alone. Oh, and these chestnut suede boots?? They’ve been in my cart for months. $70 is a steal when you consider their original $180 price tag.
While there’s not an official end date for the summer sale (at least that I could find), sizes are going out of stock fast—in fact, two pairs I had my eye on sold out between the time I added them to my cart and was ready to check out. Don’t make the same mistake. <3>
Megan Schaltegger is an NYC-based writer. She loves strong coffee, eating her way through the Manhattan food scene, and her dog, Murray. She promises not to talk about herself in third person IRL.
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