By Donna Thornton/News Editor
When Fibi & Clo, a New York husband and wife team, started designing “bling sandals’ they didn’t have wedding parties in mind, Kimberly Astin said, and neither did she when she began selling the shoes about a year ago.
But with the growing trend toward destination weddings, and outdoor weddings or unconventional sites like barns or farm settings, Astin said another trend grew.
Brides started looking for shoes that were beautiful and practical.
“When your wedding is outdoors you don’t want to hear heels that are going to be digging into the ground,” Astin said.
Fibi & Clo offers a line of flats and wedges that bring plenty of sparkle that won’t be a struggle to wear through a wedding and reception.
“They’re like jewelry for your feet,” Astin said. “They are perfect for the honeymoon, too.”
The line of shoes includes the South Hampton – a waterproof sandal that looks dressy but can withstand the beach, the pool side, even the shower, making it especially good for honeymoons. Another sandal has blue stones.
“Some brides use the sandals as their ‘something blue,’” Astin said.
Other designs popular with brides are the Love Knot, the Cascade and the Monaco – a sandal with Austrian crystals that sells for $99.50. Other shoes are even more affordable. Wedges run $59.50 and flats are $49.50. The waterproof South Hampton is $29.50.
Astin sells the shoes at parties – which give hostesses the opportunity to earn discounts or even free shoes.
“Some brides are using those for bridesmaids parties,” Astin said and some buy the shoes as bridesmaids gifts.
“It makes a great gift, because they can wear them all summer.
“They don’t get thrown into a drawer,” Astin said.
Several of the shoes are available as a wedge or a flat, and in a variety of colors.
“These are high-end designer shoes,” Astin said. The sandals are great for any occasion, and their comfort makes them perfect for wedding parties – inside or outdoors.
“You don’t have to see brides dancing barefoot or in flip-flops at their receptions anymore.”