THIS LUXURY SHOE CLASSIC WILL ALWAYS REMAIN A WEARABLE TREND

“I put all my jewelry just to go to the bodega, and I keep it with me just so that I’m feeling safer. Fendi on my body, but my feet is in Bottega”…who knows that song? Every time I hear Whole Lotta Money by Recording Artist Bia, I can’t help but to think about the iconic and very duplicated woven mule shoe popularized by the well-known Italian fashion brand Bottega Veneta. Whether in the form of high-heels or flats, the showstopper LIDO MULE has become a classic summer shoe style for the past 2 or 3 years featured in practically all shades of the rainbow. It’s seen everywhere and even replicated by other footwear brands who wanted to jump on this trendy bandwagon.

Just google: woven sandals heels, braided stiletto mules or braided sandals.

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I don’t blame other brands for replicating this luxury stiletto. Some brands created their own braided sandal to sell at a more affordable price. But if you have the extra coin, go for the original hitmaker because this fashion statement piece is well worth the long-term investment not just in style but in comfort. I hear the Bottega Woven Lido Mules are quite cozy on the sole and sides of the feet, making them super convenient on date night or afternoon errand running.

Are Mini Bags Fashionably Convenient or Just Impractical?

While I may daydream of these high-end babies stacked in rows of various colors throughout my closet, it’s more practical right now for me to buy a similar style. Even if I can’t find an exact duplicate of the Bottega Lido sandal, I want to at least take creative inspiration and shop the woven sandal category.

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Braided Sandals are Here to Stay

Not too long ago I was on a hunt for cute Bottega Veneta mule dupes and found these stunners by Vince Camuto called the Brelaine Woven-Strap Mule, which is the ultimate dupe for the lido mule because they favor the original so much. As I was trying to find more “look-alikes” online at various prices, my eyes were glued on a new style still in the woven category, the braided sandal.

Steve Madden’s Kenley Braided Heels are incredibly stylish and will make any OOTD pop with class, sass and edge. I just knew I had to try them on my feet before summer ends. My little sister saw me saving the link in the citrus-lime-green color and surprised me with them a couple weeks later! The citron shade is practically sold out, but you can get a restock here. If you’re seriously interested in this beautiful trendy shade you should buy it on Amazon before it sells out again. Of course the Kenley heel looks phenomenal in all hues of the rainbow. I think I’ll pick up taupe or pearly white because these make fabulous neutrals in the warmer seasons.

SHOP STEVE MADDEN KENLEY BRAIDED HEEL | CITRON

How do the Kenley Braided Heels fit? Quite snug. For me, it’s not to the point that I’m uncomfortable. The shoe literally fits my foot with nothing hanging off the front or back. If you want a little breathing room go up 1/2 a size but if you know you might need some width, go up 1 full shoe size in the Steve Madden Kenley heels.

Even though it’s not the classic Bottega Lido, these little darlings by Steve Madden are a shoe trend themselves because they boost any outfit with its luxury features and bold shades. I can see myself wearing these colorful Kenley Heels to brunch, the movies, a concert or a quick errand run to Target and the outdoor mall.

The other day my sister and I went to a coffee shop to try a Tiramisu iced coffee. Listen, I felt like Carrie from Sex and The City strutting the streets in an unconventional fashion piece as if the street was my runway. As my heel hit the pavement, the shoes glistened in the sun with every step along the way.

DISCOVER YOURSELF THROUGH STYLE?

On the verge of lemon-lime, these braided sandals paired incredibly well with my new AJ McLean Smoke merch tee, cheetah print skirt, Ava Dean Beauty Here Comes the Fun neon yellow/green nail polish and You Are My Sunshine pale-yellow nail polish on my fingers along with Loco for Cocoa Polish on my toes, gold chain necklace, bar necklace, a quilted handbag and safety pin earrings.

The details in this outfit is a full expression of things I like to emphasize through my style. I absolutely felt like myself. Isn’t it amazing an outfit can help you discover yourself through style?! Check out how it brightened my classic summer go-to look of a high-split skirt and graphic tee!

2023 Dupes for Bottega Veneta Lido Mule

Are you inspired by the Bottega Veneta braided sandal trend? Curious about wear to shop a dupe of these cute woven sandals? I compiled a list:

Other Cute Woven & Braided Sandals You Must Shop

Not really into buying the fake because you prefer the real thing? However if those Bottega Veneta mules are your style but out of your price range yet you like the woven sandal and braided heel look, I linked more cute shoes to shop below: