FashBlog.com

By Christina VanGinkel

Are you looking for the hottest beach gear to wear on your next trip to the lake or pool? Look no further! I discovered what does have to be one of the coolest trends to hit the sand in a long time. Barefoot Beach Sandals are beaded sandals without the shoe part. Instead of beads on a sandal, the beads are free form and you just wear them on your feet.

Because they are so simple to make, you can purchase beads and cording in colors to match your swimsuits or short sets and you can create a pair to match all of your outfits. If you happen to be having a beach wedding in your future, these would be the perfect accessory to finish off your wedding day ensemble, and you will have no worries about tripping in heals on the beach! A pair constructed in small pearls or crystals will make your casual wedding attire extra special. Beach party attendees will also appreciate a pair of these done up in crystals or other elegant beads. That is the great thing about these. Just create your pair with the outfit in mind, and you can be casual, elegant, or anywhere in between by just choosing the right beads!

I have seen pairs assembled of leather cording with larger beads incorporated onto the cording, and some made completely of seed beads. The greatest thing about them though is how simple they truly are to make. The basic design of them is that a loop of cord or seed beads comes around your second toe. The loop is closed, in the same manner as a ring. It then comes up over the top of your foot in a simple pattern, and it widens a bit as it reaches your ankle. It splits here again and wraps around your ankle to be held in place. Other than the small loop around your toe, no part of the sandal is actually on the bottom part of your foot. It is a completely decorative ensemble.

I think the best part of this whole idea is as they are handcrafted, it will be extremely easy to create matching accessories. What could be cuter for a young girl than to be sporting a pair of these at the beach and have a beach towel with matching beaded fringe? Who ever said beach towels could not have a touch of whimsy? Better yet, a small beaded purse to sling around ones shoulder to carry change for the concession stand. I think that teenagers and little girls would even get a kick out of a pair of these with a swimsuit trimmed out in beads to match.

The ideas that a simple pair of barefoot sandals has inspired is amazing. Summer attire is always best when it brings out the fun, creative side of its wearer. When it also has the potential to pull together outfit after outfit by simply changing the color and type and bead it is constructed of, is even more amazing. Show your fun side, and make yourself a few pairs to match your summer wardrobe!