Seriously…how did that happen?
Recently, Nigel and I celebrated our wedding anniversary! We were just babies when we got married and thought the world was our oyster! In reality, I think we probably just played house for the first few years. After a couple of years, Nigel was working second shift (which is from about 3:00 in the afternoon until about 11:30 in the evening). I worked days. We saw each other on the weekends if he wasn’t working overtime! I honestly don’t remember what I did with my time. This was before cable tv and home computers were de rigueur. We have been together for almost fifty years…yeah, wrap your brains around that one…I sure can’t. Like I said, how did that happen?
And, how did that happen?
If you follow me on Instagram (and if you don’t, here I am), you already know I am now a Brand Ambassador for Sarah Flint shoes. I’m going to be honest here and tell you I reached out to them. I am just an ordinary person who looks very little like almost everyone you see on the ‘Gram who is a Brand Ambassador for Sarah Flint! I was quite literally shocked when they accepted me as a Brand Ambassador. This post is not sponsored by Sarah Flint, but the Mirjana Wedge 80s (also seen here) were gifted to me. I do have requirements I must meet as a result of that gift. None of those requirements are to be dishonest about the shoes.
A little history…
I had been seeing Sarah Flint shoes on many other bloggers and people on Instagram. Everyone raved about the comfort and the quality. Having dealt with foot issues for more than a decade, I was interested in this brand that claims comfort and style. Sarah Flint is a real person who passionately loves shoes! She originally studied at the Parsons School of Design but switched to FIT when she realized she only wanted to design shoes. While at FIT, Flint interned at Proenza Schouler. After moving to Italy, she then studied at Ars Sutoria which is a patternmaking and prototyping school (source).
A little more…
During the time she was in Italy, Sarah Flint studied under Darren Spaziani and Richard Siccardi. After returning to New York, Flint nannied in the afternoons and designed in the mornings. She also put together a business plan in order to more successfully (than others, that is) approach Siccardi with the idea of working with her to develop her own line of footwear. Armed with the knowledge she’d gained from studying and working in Italian footwear factories, Flint drew together an impressive board of advisors (including Desiree Gruber of Project Runway fame) and convince Siccardi to partner with her. Thus Sarah Flint Shoes was born! Originally, the shoes were sold in boutiques as well as Barneys and Bloomingdales, retailing for several hundred dollars.
How did that happen?
Initially, Sarah Flint shoes retailed from $600 to as high as $1,800! But, in 2017, Flint decided to take a big risk. She was already a success. Customers included Lady Gaga, Meghan Markle, Amal Clooney, and Blake Lively. Why would she take such a risk? Flint felt she was missing out on something…a connection with her customers. That year, she chose a new path forward…one that would save her customers hundreds while retaining the same quality. Flint decided to cut out the middle man and go with direct to consumer marketing. By doing so, she cut the cost of the shoes in half.
But, why spend it?
I’m not going to lie to you. These shoes still sell for hundreds of dollars. They are, however, hundreds of dollars less than they could be! While living, studying, and working in Italy, Sarah Flint forged a relationship with the same factories producing Manolo Blahnik shoes! These family-owned factories have been producing quality leather goods for years. They are craftsman of the highest caliber. And, these same factories do produce goods selling for twice the price of a pair of Sarah Flint shoes. My particular sandals are from the Sustainable Steps collection which means many of the components are either recycled, produced with little to no waste, and made with other natural textiles.
My honest review…
Honestly, these are some of the most comfortable shoes I have ever worn. That anatomical arch support is amazing! My left foot has been reconstructed so my arch is mechanically there, but extra support is always a good thing! I was a bit worried about how high these are. The platform offsets the height of the heel. My only problem is I’m almost eye level with Nigel…actually, that may be his problem! Those cute signature bows can also be adjusted if you have sensitive toes like I do. I haven’t had any blisters or rubbing occur when I wear these wedges. With the exception of the price, I have absolutely no qualms in recommending these sandals and this company. And, where else can you get a card with the signature of the craftsman who made your shoes?
The Lewk!
One of the things I’ve seen other bloggers post about is how to add pizzazz or class to an inexpensive piece. Well, that’s just what I’ve done today! This white dress cost a whole dollar! It was on sale, and I used rewards from my card. Nigel bought the mosaic turquoise bracelet and earrings for me on business trips to the Southwest. The necklace is an oldy but a goody from J Jill. I’ve been wanting a straw belt for sometime. When I saw this at Target, I pounced! I hadn’t intended to wear a belt with this dress, but, for once, my short waist made for a good fashion choice!
June 10 on the 10th Reminder!
I’m sure you can tell from the first graphic! June’s theme is vacations. Schools around here have been out for a couple of weeks now. That means vacations are on lots of people’s minds, including mine! Please plan to join me for a link up on the tenth. What’s that you say? You don’t have a blog? No biggie! You can drop all or some of your answers in the comments.
Affiliate links and such:
Just a reminder that Marsha in the Middle may use an affiliate link. Those links are usually italicized. If you click or make a purchase from an italicized link I provide, I may receive a small commission at no cost to you. Thank you for your support. Like I said, I’m a Brand Ambassador for Sarah Flint shoes, and you can use SARAHFLINT-BAMARSHA for $50 off your first pair. As of right now, I also have an affiliate code for Kantha Bae! Use MarshaintheMiddle in the promo code box for $5 off any order (excluding Bestie restocks)! In case you didn’t know, bloggers must disclose the use of affiliate links. That’s why I include this in each post.
Wrap it up, Marsha!
Never in a million years did I think the Sarah Flint company would want to work with me. I am not glamorous (I am stylish, though), and I don’t have a huge Instagram following. I think the company is about real women, though. I also believe the company is trying to grow as a brand even though it is recognized around the world. I am also very much impressed by this young woman…Sarah Flint is in her early 30s and has accomplished so much! If you are interested in a pair of Sarah Flint shoes and want more information, feel free to contact me. If you’re ready for the splurge, you can use my code as a Brand Ambassador: SARAHFLINT-BAMARSHA and receive $50 off your first pair. And, if you’re really interested, message me for more information about becoming a Brand Ambassador yourself! So, can we talk? Do you pair expensive with less expensive items? Have you ever splurged on something and loved it or hated it? Please leave a comment or two, and we can talk. I’d love to hear from you. And, a huge thank you to my subscribers! I am so grateful to all of you.
Where you can find me:
Linking up with Nancy’s Fashion Style, My Bijou LIfe, Fine-Whatever, Is This Mutton, Shelbee on the Edge, Chez Mireile, The Grey Brunette, and Away from the Blue. I also link up with This Blonde’s Shopping Bag, Doused in Pink, Being a Wordsmith, and Mummabstylish. Please check out these wonderful ladies and their blogs! I’m also a co-host on the Weekend Traffic Jam (here). And, of course, you can now find me here on the last Friday of the month! I also am a co-host for Ageless Style on the third Thursday of the month and Songful Style on the last Monday of the month. I also co-host Final Friday Print Mixing with Michelle on the last Friday of the month. I do hope you’ll check out all of these blogs and link parties!
I just love this entire look Marsha…the belt is perfect and the turquoise jewelry really sets it off.
Many of my friends have been promoting the Sarah Flint shoes, and most have never shown the arch support. I think that is an important factor!!
XOOX
Jodie
http://www.jtouchofstyle.com
Oh, Jodie, that arch support is what sold me on this particular pair! I mean it hits right at the perfect spot! I’m not sure all of the shoes have this particular support. I’d love to get a pair of the Natalie flats, but I don’t think they have the arch support.
Thanks for the compliments…I’ll take them!
That dress for one dollar! Wow, that’s what I call a bargain. Congratulations on your anniversary and you being ambassador! Those wedges are gorgeous! We are surrounded with trees here, just outside our garden. When I look out of my window it’s all bright green I see, love it!
Thanks, Nancy! Yep, a $1 dress is something to celebrate, right? Nigel and I have been married so long we know what each other is thinking most of the time! I keep looking out my windows now and seeing the green and realizing in a few short weeks, I will be looking at dirt until the grass comes in. I hope I can get my trees in this fall!
Happy anniversary to you and Nigel! I love this white dress on you and the belt is fabulous. Your Sarah Flint sandals are so gorgeous, too. Good for you reaching out and getting the brand ambassadorship! I think we all want to see these things styled by real women who can give authentic reviews!
Shelbee
Thanks, Shelbee! I am lucky that Nigel continues to put up with me (and vice versa)! Aren’t these sandals cool? They are even more comfortable than they are gorgeous! I was nervous about reaching out but figured nothing ventured, nothing gained, right? Well, they’re definitely getting a real woman with an honest review here!
I’m so glad you reached out to this brand! I adore these wedges and the gorgeous look you paired with them. Happy Anniversary!
https://www.kathrineeldridge.com
Thanks, Kathrine! I truly was shocked when they accepted me as a Brand Ambassador! But, these wedges…oh, my gosh are they comfortable!
I love your whole outfit! I have started investing more money in my shoes these past few years and am finding that it often does make a huge difference in comfort and support!
You are wise, Joanne! I taught on concrete for so many years. I’m sure that led to most of my foot problems. I wish someone had told me to wear good supportive shoes back then.
Thanks so much!
I was a SF Ambassador for a year and I agree – the shoes really are something special. I love the ones you got – I got the perfect sandal and it is a shoe that I wear for special occasions, so comfy and pretty. I’ve never owned a pair of such expensive shoes in all my life – and I never will again probably, ha! But they are really so good. I think it’s just hard for anyone to understand that and take the chance to buy them online without trying them first, ya know?
That white dress is perfection on you and for $1??? OMG. Love it belted.
Happy Anniversary, the years do fly by, don’t they?
xo,
Kellyann
Oh, Kellyann! I know exactly what you’re saying. I never in a million years would have thought I’d have a pair of shoes like this! And, basically, they are designer shoes, right? I considered the perfect sandal, but I didn’t know if I would really wear them that often. I keep looking at those Natalie flats and the slingbacks.
I was pretty happy to get that dress for $1! I have been on the hunt for a white dress this summer. I’m not sure this is the one, but for $1 who can complain!!
This is such a sweet summery look, Marsha! And congrats on the Sarah Flint ambassadorship- and good for you for reaching out! You never know until you ask. And now look at you! Styling these super cute sandals perfectly on your blog, and staying comfy whilst doing so! I have heard such good things about Sarah Flint and now I think I need to invest in a pair of my own!
I’m wearing a prairie dress fit for twirling in my new post and I hope you’ll check it out!
-Ashley
Thanks so much, Ashley! I just checked out your post! You look gorgeous in that smocked dress…I cannot resist a good smocked dress! Please let me know if I can help you pick out a pair of Sarah Flint shoes! I can swear by the wedges…so dang comfortable!!
Yay for new shoes! My mom told me my first phrase as a toddler was “new shoes!” Haha! That hasn’t stopped since! Your wedges are stunning! I’m sure they will get lots of wear this summer!
It’s funny you say that, Laura! When I was growing up (back in the days when you had mom and pop shoe stores), my mom finally made my dad start taking me shoe shopping because I was so picky! I think we probably only got one or two pairs of shoes a year unless our feet grew so shoe shopping was important! I love these wedges so much…they are so very comfortable!
Thanks, Laura, for coming by!
Probably one of my favorite look of yours from the white dress to all of the accessories! I am so impressed with you reaching out to companies and becoming brand ambassador. There are a couple I would like to do that with and may just get the courage in the fall when things settle down around here.
http://www.chezmireillefashiontravelmom.com
Thanks, Mireille! I was really surprised at how the color changed due to the lighting! I’ve been looking for a white dress. This isn’t THE one, but for $1, I couldn’t resist! Yes, you should definitely give it a try…all they can do is say no!
Happy Anniversary! You look fabulous in this outfit and your sandals are gorgeous!
xoxo
Lovely
http://www.mynameislovely.com
Thanks so much, Lovely!
Congratulations on your anniversary! Love the summer dress. I especially like how you styled it with the belt and necklace.
Carol
http://www.scribblingboomer.com
Thanks so much, Carol! I cannot believe how many years it’s been! And, I do like the dress so much better with the belt! I didn’t really intend to wear one!
Marsha, this is a fabulous look! I love it! And congrats to you and Nigel on your anniversary! Your Sarah Flint shoes are lovely. While I’ve never had such an expensive pair of shoes, I have found the higher priced ones (like l’artiste for example) do off er a better fit and more support. I pair whatever I think works together, regardless of cost.
Michelle
https://mybijoulifeonline.com
Thanks, Michelle! I know exactly what you mean! I was really shocked when I was accepted as a brand ambassador and realized I would receive a pair of shoes! I would love to have another pair, but I could buy several pairs of L’Artiste shoes, right?
Congratulations on your anniversary. My husband says it just means your happy, whenever I wonder about how long we’ve been together and it doesn’t feel like that….#TrafficJamWeekend
Thanks so much! Your husband sounds like a smart man!
What a fabulous dress!! And what a bargain. You have accessorized it perfectly. Love the belt and those shoes!! I have very high arches and have a lot of pain across the top of one foot. Anything with straps is IFFy for me. But I certainly love those on you.
And happy anniversary to you kids!! Almost 50 years together is quite an amazing feat. Bravo!!
Thanks so much, Leslie! It hasn’t all been roses and chocolates! But, we’re kinda stuck together now. Isn’t this dress amazing. It looks just as good without the belt and doesn’t need a slip!! Ah, feet…they can be the bain of our existence, right?
Love everything about this post. I’m 33 years in and sometimes I too wonder how did we get here? But I’m a baby compared to you.
Love the hair, the dress, and the shoes and I would love to know more about becoming a brand ambassador. Feel free to email me when you get a chance.
I’m stopping by from #Isthismutton linkup.
Thank you so much, Nylse! I’m so glad you’re visiting from Gail’s blog! Congratulations on 33 years! Isn’t it amazing how quickly the time passes? I did send you an email regarding the brand ambassador program. Let me know if you don’t receive it, or if you have more questions!
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