Thursday, July 29, 2021

Opal, A Favorite Of Queen Victoria

The Virgin Rainbow is the world's most expensive opal.

Frankly I'm an opal come lately. This year while out researching jewelry, finally I see how beautiful opals are. Speaking practically, I can't buy every gemstone so maybe that's why I overlooked this fascinating gem for so long. The semi-precious stone is known to exist on Mars, and is reported to have been a favorite of Great Britain's Queen Victoria (who wore it and gave opal as gifts to her 5 daughters). Did the jewel's striking stream of iridescence catch Her Majesty's eye, then claim her heart? It seems so!


The necklace and ring courtesy of Angara.com

Opal is a ''hydrated amorphous'' form of the compound silicon dioxide (a/k/a silicaSiO2·nH2O). The gemstone has a high water content and is therefore classed as a mineraloid, as opposed to, the crystallite gems like diamonds, sapphires, rubies, emeralds or garnets, which are examples of minerals.

Opal forms when a mixture of water and silica travels over the earth and through rocks, including limonite, sandstone, rhyolite, marl and basalt, as well as, across decomposing fossils, depositing itself into the earth's natural cracks, and faults. It's a process that gets repeated again and again over time until opal forms. In fact, it takes 5 - 6 million years for 1 cm of opal to mature!

The white and crystal opal may be my favorites. I'd love to see all 5 colors LIVE on display.

There are 2 broad classes of opal: precious and common, and it's a mind-twister explaining the differences of opal within these two broad classes. Suffice it to say, precious opal has a play of color (iridescence), while common opal does not. Generally the play (or flashes) of color makes precious opal gemstone quality; yet common opal (including milk opal) can sometimes display color and be gemstone quality too. What is so phenomenal about opal is the variety of color and patterns of the different stones in both the precious and common classes -- it's vast and complex when studied by jewelers. Each stone is unique. Iridescent black opal tends to be rare and more expensive. Here's a link to explain in detail the secret of opal's colors.

Photo: Opal Auctions

Australia supplies the world with about 95% of its opal, most notably the black opal. Ethiopia is a fine source of jelly opal (it has a translucent background), although they tend to be hydrophanours, i.e., they are the most porous and therefore absorb liquids (like water, oils, creams, perfumes or sweat) easily, so you must be especially careful with them. What's more, some mining of opal occurs in the USA (in Nevada, Oregon and Idaho), central Mexico, the Czech Republic, Canada, Slovakia, Hungry, Turkey, Indonesia and Brazil to name several areas of the world where it is found. The US tends to have white opal, and Mexico the red, translucent fire opal.
Photo: FWC Jewelers of a Mexican Fire opal, which despite being translucent in appearance like crystallites is a soft stone like all opals.

Opal rates a 5.5 - 6.5 on Moh's Scale of Hardness, making it a soft gemstone that will scratch or break if abused. It's one reason I don't own it, but when you consider that pearls are softer, registering a 4.5 in hardness, and I take care of those, it's a poor reason not to buy it! Often cut as cabochons, with proper care, opals are tough enough to wear as jewelry.

Photo: Courtesy of Your Average Jeweler of uncut white opal. See the sidebar for a link to Andrew's YouTube videos. 

Opal is less expensive than emeralds, rubies, sapphires or diamonds, but likely about as old and certainly unique, eye-catching and gorgeous. The fact that it is found on Mars tells us there is water on the red planet and hints that perhaps there was/is some form of life also. For sure, the delicate gemstone is another marvel of Mother Nature enhanced by the artistry of man so we can wear it!
Extra tips on whether you should buy an opal: On a limited budget, only buy what you love. So if you love opal, yes, as it's less expensive than some other stones. But, jewelry is nothing more than a luxury, so always buy the gemstones you love even if you must wait to save up for them. If you have no fine jewelry, I'd start with pearls (earrings and a necklace) as they're lovely, a great value, classic and versatile. Later you can add your favorite gemstone.😊


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Monday, July 26, 2021

Target Your Skincare: Naturium

Photo: Yahoo

Although I try to give equal coverage to all the categories featured on the blog, I'm finding great affordable skincare lately and so won't hold back: A 3rd beauty blog (plus my thoughts) in a row.πŸ™‚ πŸ’‹

Target Express stores are opening all over Manhattan. As concerned as I am for Mom and Pop shops (which I also support), I can't deny liking the decent selection, convenience and savings on every day staples at the big box retailer. In the Target aisles, there are some top-notch skincare, including cleansers, serums and moisturizers costing $25 or less. The next time you go, take a look at Naturium. Online ... 31 products are listed. At the brick and mortar stores, what's available on any given day can be hit or miss, therefore if I see a frequently used item in stock on the shelf, I buy two.

Naturium is a skincare brand launched by Ben Bennett and Susan Yara in 2020. (In fact, Ms. Yara who is also a YouTube influencer, got in trouble with her fans by promoting the brand on her channel without telling them she is a co-owner!) The products are formulated to be natural, clean, non-toxic and green. They are vegan, except for the Intense Overnight Sleeping Cream which uses ethically sourced honey. Everything made is cruelty free, paragon free, skin-compatible, artificial fragrance-free, and dermatology tested. Naturium proudly follows science to continue to learn and improve its skincare. Sounds good, no?

Photo: hip2save
The most popular Naturium items include: Vitamin C Complex Serum, Retinol Complex Cream, Vitamin C Super Serum Plus, Niacinamide Gel Cream 5% and Niacinamide Serum 12% Plus Zinc. 

The cost of buying 5 products, even reasonably priced, adds up; so I recommend starting with the Vitamin C Complex for daytime use and Retinol Complex Cream for nighttime use. The pair is likely all you'll need. Consider the Vitamin Super C Serum Plus (it is a mixture of vitamin C and Retinol, hyaluronic acid and niacinamide) if you can only afford to buy a single face serum. Ideally, you want to use these ingredients separately, yet a better one (as a combo) than none! The other serums address individual skincare concerns that you may or may not have, so save your money when possible.

How impressive that a new beauty brand like Naturium started by a YouTube influencer, got Target to sell its products in such a short span of time! We all have brilliant ideas and dreams (just ask me!), but it takes luck, hard work, perseverance, connections and money to get them to market!πŸ’‹πŸ‘

A head's up: The next blog will introduce you to another gemstone. Watch this space on Thursday!


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Friday, July 23, 2021

RoC Retinol Correxion Line Smoothing Daily Serum


RoC Retinol Correction Line Smoothing Daily Serum is another effective retinol available at your local drugstore. In addition to drugstores, Walmart, Target, Amazon and Ulta also carry it, so it's easy to find and perhaps even catch a sale! I often say, choice is THE SAVVY SHOPPER'S  best friend. 

Now let's review what retinol is and what it does for aging skin: Retinol is the non-prescription derivative of prescription strength Retin-A, the gold standard in anti-aging skincare. With regular use, both retinol and Retin-A help speed up skin cell turnover, collagen production, plus lighten uneven skin tone and age spots. 

As it turns out, stronger (i.e., prescription strength Retin-A) isn't always better. What matters most is consistent use. The strength of Retin-A is something the skin tolerates only after a long period of use. Virgin skin can't tolerate it, and sensitive skin may never tolerate it. But non-prescription strength Retinol, used regularly, offers similar anti-aging properties with less of harsher Retin-A's unpleasant side effects. 

Not only does RoC's powerful Retinol Correxion Line Smoothing Daily Serum deliver anti-aging benefits, it provides serious hydration; and the retinol in this formula is time-released which preserves the effectiveness of the vitamin A derivative by keeping it stable so it can work over a 12-hour period. As a time-released formula, it is less likely to cause irritation. So if another retinol leaves your skin, dry, red and raw, this one should be more comfortable yet still work. What's more, while the retinol is working to smooth your lines and winkles, two moisturizing ingredients, ashwagandha and squalane deliver 12 hours of time-released hydration.

Many women like to apply a rich moisturizing night cream before bed, so a thicker cream formula is also available.

Anti-aging skincare can be super expensive, so put THE SAVVY SHOPPER'S recommended retinol brands on your radar. They start at good price points before promotions. Be sure to catch the sales to look your unlined best while staying in the green!


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Wednesday, July 21, 2021

Juno Antioxidant Superfood Face Oil


Customers are raving about 
Sunday Riley Juno Antioxidant Superfood Face  Oil on Amazon. With 82% of 5 star reviews, it's hard to ignore! The face oil contains cold pressed berry seed oils, namely: red raspberry, blueberry, blackberry, cranberry, black cumin and wild carrot. When added to moisturizers after washing your face, the face oil seals in the moisture to protect and brighten the skin. Many of its reviewers say using Juno makes their skin glow.

I don't go out of my way to buy face oil, yet have picked up 4 oz bottles of Rose Hip Oil, as well as, Rose Oil at excellent prices from T.J. Maxx, so I understand why customers would add a face oil (really it's a universal skin oil) to their skin care routines. I add my rose mix oil (a link to the 2nd one I have) to creams and lotions to winterize my skin for extra protection during the driest months of the year.

With its powerhouse of anti-oxidants, Juno is another contender. Its berry seed ingredients have the power to brighten the skin producing the glow customers are loving. Hydrated skin would appear to glow, or look its best, also.

The reason I'd give Juno a try is precisely because of its pure and clean berry seed ingredients and stellar customer reviews. Since so many people have used the oil on their faces without breakouts, I'd tend to trust it if I needed an extra face ointment to beat back Old Man Winter. Cold pressed plant ingredients in skin care is a plus!

So we have another brand to know about and perhaps ... just perhaps Juno will find its way to T.J. Maxx to be snatched up by me! So many great items end up there. Often I think T.J. Maxx is a fabulous marketing tool for merchants to get consumers to discover their products! Once you try and like it, you'll pay the full retail price if you must. Without bargain finds, cold pressed essential and berry oils are pricey!


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Monday, July 19, 2021

Exquisite Cotton Oxford or T-Shirts

LL Bean oxford shirts

For sure, cotton is a favorite fabric for a shirt. It's soft, fluffy, comfortable, durable and easy to machine wash and dry. Wear solo in summer, layered in winter, and you can't go wrong!


Good news: The cotton plant is plentiful worldwide. It grows in the Americas, Africa, Egypt, India and Australia, where it is picked and spun into yarn. India is the largest producer of cotton today, and the USA has been the largest exporter over the years.

Whether you need a dressy oxford shirt or a casual everyday t-shirt, now is a perfect time to add them to your wardrobe as the summer sales have begun.

Two competitors with equally stellar quality in apparel have fabulous offerings on both shirt styles. Personally, I turn to both merchants year after year:

1. For oxford shirts I'd go with L.L. Bean for a wider selection and a better sale price at this time. The retailer's dressy, classic oxford shirts are of 100% organic cotton that are soft and breathable.

2. Presently Lands' End has a greater selection of colors, plus is running an attractive sale on t-shirts. They are made of supima cotton (meaning extra long fibers) that feel smoother and take dye better than lesser quality cottons. The one thing about LE I dislike is, not all the colors have the same on-sale price. Perhaps I'm quibbling as there are 31 colors to match your wardrobe. I prefer the slightly-fitted, short sleeve, crewneck style, but customers have other choices and choice is always good! Different strokes for different folks.

Of the fabrics available in clothing, natural textiles like cotton, silk and linen last a long time, which make them excellent basics, as well as, investment pieces. Order the sales now and watch for the colors you desire, not yet on sale, lower in price later.


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Friday, July 16, 2021

Dr. Scholl's Ultra Hydrating Foot Mask


At first I thought a foot mask was silly and a waste of money, but my local CVS Pharmacy gave away a sample pack, so I took one. The pack contains one pair of slip-on-booties. So after you figure out how to get the plastic bootie open by pulling hard on the top seam to force it to part and split, producing an opening for you to slide your foot inside, you can decide for yourself. Inside the plastic bootie is a wet mixture of urea, hyaluronic acid, essential oils and a blend of moisturizing (shea butter, macadamia, coconut, olive) oils. Thankfully, there is no perfume, only a slight clean scent. Instructions say to wear the hydrating foot mask for 30 minutes.

Sure, you could blend your own foot mask with essential oils and creams, then slip your feet inside 2 generic plastic bags with the homemade potion -- but isn't it great when you decide not to make something yourself? Once in a while this blend is a lovely treat and not too expensive to soften and repair dry, rough abused feet. It achieves its claims of conditioning and smoothing skin that gets shoved into socks and shoes and sometimes takes a beating. Your toenails and foot cuticles benefit by absorbing some of the soothing formula also.
How are you spending your Friday?
What's more, you can reuse the plastic booties a 2nd time by storing them inside the generic plastic bag you now won't have to use on your foot because you let Dr. Scholl make the foot mask and booties for you. Dr. Scholl's Ultra Hydrating Foot Mask is worth the splurge! I'm not the spa pampering type. Still this very nice!


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Thursday, July 15, 2021

Fashion Jewelry I Like

Photo: Maevery

Let's begin this subject with the truth. Nowadays I don't buy fashion jewelry, yet bought it in my 20s. In my 20s I just needed something to wear daily for work and a few social events. Fashion jewelry was what I could afford. I also thought I had to change my jewelry often ... I don't feel that way today.

Photo: Spiritual Gloss
As I got older I decided to curate what I own: Possess fewer yet better pieces of jewelry that I love. So nowadays I don't do quantity. I decide what it is I love and buy only it. So I save up my money for a few more expensive pieces of fine (real gold with real gems) jewelry. In other words, I curate; get it; then stop buying. I still look, but am slow to pull the trigger! 

However, not all my readers are at this point in their lives. Moreover, fine jewelry doesn't make everyone's heart flutter.

Like designer handbags and shoes, jewelry is never an investment. All 3 examples are luxury buys. We never need luxury, we buy luxury because we like material things. Not everybody wishes to spend their money on fine jewelry just like not everybody wants to spend their money on a HermΓ¨s handbag. 

Photo: Maevery
So for those readers, I can recommend 3 fashion jewelry retailers I truly like and would wear if I still bought fashion jewelry. For your money, you get substantial gold plated pieces with small, real diamonds and precious stones that are sturdy and pretty. Often I see the brands promoted on YouTube channels by vloggers who are gifted them by the companies, which is a common, acceptable practice on YouTube. None of the 3 merchants sought me out, so my spotlight on their goods is independent and unbiased. Despite my overall bias against fashion jewelry, I love the creations of the following 3 companies


1) Ana Luisa - The company is carbon neutral, meaning they give back everything they take from nature to make their stylish, smart, modern and durable jewelry. 
2) Spiritual Gloss - They offer fair pricing for dainty 14k gold and diamond fine jewelry by cutting out the middle man. The heavier cuban chain (above rightπŸ‘†) is 14k gold plated brass. All 14k or 18k gold cuban chains are pricer, costing thousands of dollars. Think: Budget-friendly for an expensive look that won't tarnish!

3) Maevery - Contemporary, chic, classic and wearable designs, the metals are 14k and 18k gold plated. Another place to get rich looks for less. 

Perhaps you travel, ruin things, or don't wear expensive jewelry to certain places. When going the fashion jewelry route in life, what lovely, affordable and solid pieces that won't fall apart anytime soon!


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Monday, July 12, 2021

Diet: Safe, Simple And Sustainable

Photo: New York Times
When it comes to dieting I'm with Dr. Jen Ashton, a doctor on ABC News, who says, "A diet should be safe, simple and sustainable." Such sage advice! In my own life, I find if a meal consists of 30% protein I don't suffer with hunger, and I try to mix up the foods I eat over the course of a week. 

By habit, I eat 3 meals per day and a snack at night. I try very hard not to snack in-between meals, yet haven't be able to give up my nightly snack!

Photo: UNC Lenoir
Ideally, we're supposed to eat breakfast like a king, lunch like a prince and dinner like a pauper, but that order doesn't work for me. My order is eat breakfast like a pauper, lunch like a prince and dinner like a king. I suffer and star
ve if I eat dinner like a pauper! If in Europe I think I could adapt to eat lunch like a king and dinner like a prince, but never dinner like a pauper! It's easier for me to eat breakfast like a pauper.
Photo: Beauty on Raw

Another habit of mine is to alternate between different colors of fruits and vegetables each day, so for example, if I eat carrots and a banana one day, I have broccoli and a peach the next, followed by green beans and a pear on the 3rd day and cauliflower and an apple on the 4th. Strawberries, blueberries and raspberries are free food ... I can eat them as many times and days in a row as I desire.

Carbohydrates, such as bread, potatoes, rice, pasta and corn I hold off eating until dinner. The reason I do this is the more carbs (or starches) I eat, the hungrier I get. I hate being hungry in-between meals, as I'm sure everybody is! Younger, I made the mistake of consuming pretzels around 4 pm, which did nothing for me, but increase my appetite. Nowadays I'll have coffee or tea with milk if needed in the afternoon to prevent daytime snacking. This usually stops me from getting hunger until dinner.

Go to Healthline: eat and avoid
Yes, I eat sweets and drink wine, but not daily and not too often. They are treats. The wine I might have twice a month; and sweets (2 bites of chocolate; or an ice cream cone) perhaps twice a week. Luckily I'm more of a salt and/or cheese snacker, which I think is easier to incorporate into a meal. 

My cheat food, French fries, I eat every time I order a burger or fried fish platter regardless of time of day. No French fry gets left behind!πŸ”πŸŸπŸŸ

This summer, I'm eating smaller servings of meat than in the fall and winter and more plants. We'll see how it goes. I'm also leaning towards ketogenic foods (i.e., a keto diet) and will see what that does for me. I use the term leaning towards, because I need all my food groups to feel satisfied, but I'll eat the "avoid foods" in smaller amounts like one piece of bread, not two. A 3/4 cup of corn, not 1 1/2 cups; and no banana or rice (triple dipping) on the same day as bread, corn, or potatoes, etc. You get the idea! I select one starchy food per day; and cow's milk stays on the menu. 

Frankly I wish we didn't have to put so much damn thought into what we eat, but as we move into the different decades of our lives we do! A trifle of pie for the pie hole, less cake to partake!πŸ˜„ The weight is just too darn hard to get off, so it's better we don't put too many extra pounds on. Despite our more mindful eating habits, we still aren't as skinny as we once were when we could eat whatever the hell we liked! Yet, I refuse to give up and let myself go, and you should too. It's a matter of health and vanity. Yes, both ... I won't lie. Middle age spread begone! Don't come around here no more!!!🎡♩♪





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Wednesday, July 7, 2021

5 Summer Loose Dresses With Style

Photo: Fancyinn

When summer gets boiling hot, you don't want dresses grabbing you at the waist or wrapping around your legs. Yet every body part that must be covered can still be serenaded in style. The following 5 (under $40) go-anywhere-do-anything dresses -- are designed to keep fashionistas flushed (inexpensive), cool, and cute all summer long: 

1) Fancyinn Shift Dress with Pockets & Bell Sleeves - (See above imageπŸ‘†) - The ruffles and bell sleeves are feminine, girlie and fun. Pair with sandals, sneakers or ballet flats to dress it up or down.
2) Columbia Freezer III Dress - Usually I stay away from polyester in a dress ... unless it's designed by my favorite Japanese brand, Uniqlo (in their Airism tops and dresses); or this Freezer III dress with what is called advanced technology, i.e. a signature wicking fabric that pulls moisture away from the body to keep you dry and cool. In addition, this dress has UPF 30 in its fabric to block UVA and UVB rays.
3) Patagonia Alpine Valley Dress - Did you ever think you could buy a Patagonia dress for under $30? This Fair Trade Certified™  sewn dress is it! Made ultra-comfortable with soft cotton and a built-in bra. The brand is normally much more expensive!
4) FZ Fantastic Zone Summer T-Shirt Dress - Contains 65% cotton with 35% polyester to keep it soft and stretchy and wrinkle-free. With bonus swing pockets, the fit is loose but not baggy! How cute paired with a sunhat! 
5) Uniqlo's Cassie Byrne Camisole Dress - Must order up from your usual size, the retailer's quality is always top-notch and budget-friendly,  but recently their sizes are all over the place. I have dresses and tops that run from medium to extra large -- you never can tell what size to order anymore!

Uniqlo has a Marimekko collaboration dress with a substantial cotton fabric I love, but it's a wide and boxy-cut dress that goes below the knee, so I don't think I'd enjoy walking in it on a hot day. Tried-on, the dress looks shapeless too!  In spite of being 100% rayon, I prefer this Byrne Camisole dress that sits right above the knee.

These 5 versatile and comfortable dresses are all you'll ever need this summer ... with a few dollars left in the pockets for some ice cream!


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Monday, July 5, 2021

Weleda Offers A Century of Skin Care

Photo: Care To Beauty

Weleda is the world's leading maker of holistic, natural, organic and anthroposophical skincare, makeup and pharmaceuticals. The merchant is well-known for its baby and mother care products, as well as, its Weleda Skin Food line and homeopathic preparations. Arnica, birch, calendula, iris, lavender and wild rose are "leading plants" i.e., some of the main raw ingredients the company uses in their beauty treatments for their healing properties and to promote well being.

The vendor's name sounds odd to English-speaking ears. Founded in 1921, Weleda derives from the Germanic prophet and healer, Velda. Its philosophy is based on the principles of social thinker and educator Rudolf Steiner; and its botanical formulas aim to "awaken the skin's natural functions" as well as, balance the mind, body and spirit by only using the plants and components of nature.

The products are never tested on animals and contain no paragons or phthalates, synthetic fragrances or preservatives. The retailer promotes sustainability and respect for nature in its business practices.

In summary: After studying plants for 100 years, Weleda's ingredients are "certified natural per nature."

Sold at Target, Walmart and Costco, the Weleda beauty and skincare line includes a wide range of pure skin washes; rich moisturizers; body butters; lip balm; and antioxidant-rich-anti-aging treatments ... all created to nourish, support and re-balance the skin.

Its rubs remind me of what is commonly found in English and German pharmacies which tend to embrace alternative therapies in beauty potions. Not all the retailer's claims are supported by science, yet the price points are affordable for a garden of pure and rich skincare. Think: Superior moisturizers and body butters containing good clean ingredients for less! 


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Thursday, July 1, 2021

5 Walking Sandals With Arch Support + 2 for the Pool

Merrell Women's Sandspur Rose Leather Sandal

No longer do I make the mistake of wearing unsupportive sandals. Sure, I aim for cute and stylish, yet I've become a sensible shoe woman. I've crossed the rubicon, and there's no turning back! All my shoes, including my sandals, must be fit for walking miles on unforgiving concrete and thus support my feet. It's the numero uno quality I look for in footwear and will forgo style if necessary. That said, if I can find both fashion and foot doctor approved sandals, I'd buy them, but the shoes don't go home without function!

Nowadays all my shoes including sandals must have 4 details: 

1) Arch support - I have high aches. They scream for structure!

2) Stable heels - 1 & 2: Like peanut butter and jelly or locks and bagels. 

3) Leather uppers - Any shoes I've owned not made of leather have failed me. They don't conform to my feet, and they  don't let my feet breathe, so they get hot. I'm done with synthetic upper materials in shoes. Finito!

4) A firm yet soft foot bed - Forget rock hard. Finita!!πŸ˜‚ After a certain age, we start to lose the fat that pads the soles of our feet, so the cushioning must be in the footbed of our shoes. 

Now that we know what to look for, the following are 5 sandals to consider if you walk a lot on city pavement:

1) Merrell Women's Sandspur Rose Leather Sandal - Luckily I found these sandals on sale last winter, yet they start at a reasonable price, and many other Merrell styles have the same arch support and stable heels construction. These are super stylish on the feet!

2) Berkenstock Women's Arizona Soft Footbed Fashion Sandal - Super pricy and popular with men and women. For the money look for 100% upper leather with the soft footbed selection. Paying $100+ for synthetic Berkenshock sandals is crazy! Like the other sandals selected by THE SAVVY SHOPPER, this one conforms to the shape of your foot and heels. Comes in women's and unisex sizes.

3) Therafit Eva Women's Leather Adjustable Strap Slip On Sandal - For women who love slides. Offers superior arch support and deep heel cups for stability. 

4) Rockport Women's Briah Perf Sling Wedge Sandal - A garden party sandal, obviously not for hiking miles and miles in, but supportive and stable enough to get you to the party on public transit without the need to carry a change of shoes to the party. Full grain leather with a soft breathable interior including cushioned heels and a supportive outsole. The upper Nubuck leather is made to look new for the life of the shoes. Very affordable shoe, as well as, shoe brand!


5) Vionic Backstrap Sandal -Vionic sandals have built-in orthotic arch support that is especially supportive for plantar fasciitis sufferers. Like the other choices, the shoes are made to ease heel pain.

Bonus sandals for the beach and swimming pool: 

1) Arches Support Flip Flops - They are bonus sandals because they aren't leather; and according to podiatrists, you shouldn't walk long distances on city pavement in flip flops ever ... and yet, sometimes you must go near the water where leather would be ruined! 

To be honest, I wear $3 Old Navy flip flops, or $10 Crocs from T.J. Maxx at the beach or by the pool, as well as, around the house, but Arches have the podiatrist-favored real arch support and are made strong to last. After a season of wear the thongs sometimes break on my Old Navy and Croc flip flops ... once causing me to walk 2 blocks home barefoot in my neighborhood. Arches are reinforced to not have such inconvenient "blowouts."

2) LLSOARSS Plantar Fasciitis Feet Sandal With Arch Support - Customers claim they are as supportive as Vionic sandals for less. At times Amazon lists them as low as $12. LLSOARSS flip flops have superior arch support and are constructed to stop heel pain. They prevent sore and tired feet too. A few customers say they experience foot odor when wearing LLSOAESS, which won't happen if you save them for the pool.

The numero uno element of supportive sandals is met in this list of 5 sandals  plus 2 for the pool ... and with style!  Looks like we don't have to skip fashion this summer!πŸ–


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