Planner Goals: How 6 Boss Ladies Stay Organized and Personalize Their Planners

Sarah Vogt
Aug 22, 2017

Are you having major planner envy too? We’ve been seeing so many creative planners popping up on Instagram in the last couple of months. Check out the likes of @lifebywhitney, @boho.berry, and @tinyrayofsunshine to see what you’ve been missing out on. That leads us to ask the question: How can we personalize our own planner?

We started by asking some of the most creative ladies we know — our very own online class teachers. We reached out to them for tips on how they personalize their planners, and they even shared supplies that they love and why having an organized (and cute!) planner has helped them be the boss ladies they are today.

Read more about what our teachers had to say about their personal planners below.

AMY TANGERINE

Amy is the creative director, designer, and founder of Amy Tangerine. You’ll find all kinds of paper crafts, fashion designs, and creative projects on her site. She also stays busy with collaborations ranging from custom scrapbooks to consulting services.

With so much stuff on her plate, this is how Amy stays organized:

“What I love about planning on paper is that there are no rules. You can choose to decorate as little or as much as you’d like. Because this quote was inspiring to me, I decided to add a personal touch using my stamps.”

“Don’t be afraid of using your favorite supplies. Whether they be pens and markers (I LOVE Tombow) to scrapbooking die cuts and stickers. Use the things that motivate you and make you happy. As a lover of lists, I decided to incorporate my crafty projects and goals alongside this bold statement.”

Want to learn more about decorating on paper? Take Amy’s Modern Scrapbooking online class.

Planner photos via @amytangerine.

COURTNEY BURDEN

Courtney is a blogger by night (and weekends). But during the day, she’s an elementary school art teacher in Atlanta. With a love for art and painting, she started the #iliketoARTYhard hashtag. It’s meant to be a space to share work and inspire others to pursue arts and crafts. It was such a hit that Courtney decided to turn her creative projects into a gig. Today, she has the StudiOH Shoppe, where you can buy handmade and hand-painted products.

How does Courtney stay inspired? By making sure she’s organized:

“I feel more motivated when I look at my journal and it’s filled with happy, positive reminders that I CAN ACHIEVE MY GOALS!”

“Bullet journaling helps me focus on my to-do’s rather than having to adhere to a tight schedule of things all day. And that is what I am all about these days — developing and living by healthy routines.”

Learn how to add paint elements to your planner (or other everyday objects) by taking Courtney’s Intro to Acrylic Painting online class.

More tips from Courtney can be found here. Planner photos via @myfriendcourt.

LAUREN ESSL

Lauren is a bringing a modern twist to the art of calligraphy. Her full-service studio showcases all her gorgeous calligraphy designs. This includes custom wedding invitations, the day-of-event paper goods, and more! When she’s not in the studio, you can find Lauren sharing her passion for calligraphy with others. She offers workshops and online classes to those who are interested in learning.

How does Lauren make this a full-time job? With everything she has going on, it’s super important for her to write things down. Here’s how Lauren makes her planner her own:

“I like to pencil in a lot of things because… plans change. But for the big, fun things in life, I love to get out my calligraphy pens and write it down in a special way. The bright colors give me a constant reminder that I have something to look forward to.”

“Stickers. Don’t mind that I’m in my early 30s. Stickers are still fun.”

“Call me old-fashioned, but I do actually still keep a planner. If I don’t physically write it down, I forget about it. Rather than check my phone at night, I’ll look at my planner to see what’s in-store for the following day.”

Want to learn calligraphy? Take Lauren’s beginner-friendly Calligraphy 101 online class.

Planner photos via @hannahwilliamsphotos.

MAXIE MCCOY

Maxie is a writer and motivational speaker. Her goal is to help others find their full potential. She does this by developing videos and coaching sessions to help others tap into the power of inspired living. She’s also developed resources on sites like Business Insider, Levo League, and Huffington Post.

With so many events on her calendar, here’s how Maxie tries to keep it simple:

“Because I’m on a plane weekly, I have to keep my planner small and minimal. Every Sunday night I fill in my upcoming week using whatever is in my bag — pens, markers, highlighters. Each day I write in what absolutely must get done for that day. And the “me” time I’m scheduling in (like workouts, wine dates, etc).”

“When it comes to planners, I think you absolutely have to find a format that works for you and your lifestyle. While I love the big beautiful planners with a million decorations, it’s just not feasible to lug around the world. And although digital would be the most minimal way to go, it doesn’t fulfill my handwritten-everything obsession. I think the best kind of planner is one you’ll stick to — which is likely the same one most aligned with how you like to live your life.”

Need more of Maxie’s tips on being productive? Take her How to Boost Your Productivity online class.

Planner photos via @maxiemccoy.

LAUREN FITZMAURICE

Also known as “Ren,” Lauren is a lefty letterer from Kentucky and the founder of Remade Calligraphy. She loves helping others learn to letter by offering resources on her blog. If that’s not enough, Lauren is also a mom, wife, full-time teacher, and an ambassador for Tombow USA.

As you can imagine, Lauren has quite a busy schedule. Here’s how she stays sane in the process:

“In the everyday craziness of life, my planner is my happy place. When personalizing, I definitely believe that more is more. I love adding in bright colors, bold stickers, and fun lettering!”

“When I begin to personalize my planner, I, of course, start with adding in lettering to make it unique and my own. Tombow brush pens and pencils are my favorites for adding color and details into my planner.”

“Whether I’m adding in a note or attaching a colorful embellishment, I love to use Tombow adhesives to personalize my planner. A great adhesive keeps everything in its place. Washi tape also adds a lot of fun when spicing up a page with a lettered quote or filling in a blank space.”

Want to add hand lettering to your planner? Check out Lauren’s Lettering for Lefties class. Not a lefty? We have all kinds of lettering classes that you can take.

Planner photos bvia @renmadecalligraphy.

NICOLE MIYUKI SANTO

Nicole is not just a lettering artist. She’s also a graphic designer, illustrator, and a teacher. So let’s just start by saying she’s super busy. One day she could be up late lettering for a wedding. The next day she might be brainstorming with a small business owner on a creative project. And if she’s hopping on a plane for travel, she definitely makes time to squeeze in a yoga session before that.

So how does she keep it all together? Here’s how Nicole using her planner to make sure she’s focusing on what’s important:

“When it comes to my planner, I like to keep it bright. My to-do list gets long, overwhelming and often hard to look at each time I need to add something. But doing it in color — that’s the answer. It also helps me to color code by project. Yes, highlighters are in my desk drawer and I use them in my planner.”

“Add in a few brush pens and writing the big things in brush lettering, and that to do list/calendar can feel like something fun to come back to.”

Personalize your planner by learning brush lettering. Start by taking Nicole’s Waterbrush Lettering online class.

Planner photos via @nicolemiyuki.

It’s clear: These creative boss ladies have super busy schedules. But when it comes down to it, it’s the little things that have helped them be super productive. By using a planner and system that works for them, they’ve been able to stay organized even with their busy day-to-day. #plannergoals

Have you been looking around for a cute planner and planner accessories? Check out our new planner line at Target.

3 Crazy Cool Uses for Brit + Co Planner Accessories

Maddie here, sayin’ hey hi and hello! As you can see by our Brit + Co planner line (available at Target, yippee!), we love a good stationery accessory. What I love even MORE is an accessory that can work double duty. After I decked out my B+C planner to the nines, I thought of some other applications for those leftover embellishments. Scroll on to see three nifty uses for some of my favorite #BritxTarget accessories.

1. Add letters to your… shoes?! You know those alphabet stickers I can’t stop talking about? Turns out they’re the sassy accessory I didn’t know my shoes needed!

2. Use photo corners in your sketchbook. Artists, try this simple exercise: Place an inspo photo on the left side of your sketchbook with our photo corners (FYI: They do zero damage to the photo!) and quickly paint or sketch the photo on the right. I love doing this exercise with vacation photos — like I did with that pic of North Carolina countryside above.

3. Add a stick-on fabric patch to a ballcap. These babies are *that* sticky, my friends. I’ve already added ‘em to this hat, my duffel bag, and my denim jacket. And I have no intention of slowing down :)

There you have it! Three unconventional uses for some bangin’ stationery accessories. You have so much personalization ahead of you. Plan on!

How have you used your Brit + Co accessories? We wanna see! Post a pic on Instagram with the hashtag #BritxTarget so we can take a peek.

Photography: Kurt Andre

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15 Stunning Zillow Houses For Sale That Only Chuck And Blair Could Afford

I love looking at Zillow listings as much as the best of us, but absolutely nobody loves daydreaming about all the outrageously beautiful (and costly) houses for sale more than my mother-in-law. She finds the most gorgeous gems across the country, saving them all for when she inevitably wins the lottery (if anyone would, it's her TBH) and can take her pick of the housing litter. Instead of gatekeeping these jaw-dropping homes, I had her send them my way so I can share them with you! So without further ado, here are 15 of most insanely stunning — and insanely expensive — Zillow houses for sale right now.

Beach Houses

Image via Zillow

East Hampton Beach Cottage

Cost: $44,500,000

The Hamptons are known for their clean, chic shingle architectural style, and this "cottage" is no exception to that. And while I absolutely adore the inside of this home, it's the grounds that really get me at the end of the day. Think about all the beautiful backyard dinner parties you could throw!

Image via Zillow

Destin Beach House Destination

Cost: $4,100,000​

Who needs a time share in Destin when you could own all this?! This airy, beautiful house takes coastal home style to the next level. I love the sandy, earthy tones paired with the light blues and open space. And for less than 10% of the Bridgehampton beauty above, this is basically a steal, right? 😉​

Image via Zillow

Marvelous Marco Island Getaway

Cost: $5,450,000

I vacation on Marco every year with my in-laws, but I can PROMISE you our one-bedroom timeshare (that I love) isn't anywhere near this stunning super home. Swipe through photos to see how gorgeously staged this multi-million dollar home is — I promise it won't disappoint!

Image via Zillow

Laguna Beach Beauty

Cost: $21,500,000

Obviously Laguna Beach is known for so much more than the hit MTV show, but I can't untangle the two. So in my mind, this is the home Lauren Conrad's parents worked on in Season 1 Episode 1 — a $20+ million dollar stunner that I would later stare at on Zillow. It's not true, but wouldn't it be fun?

Image via Zillow

California Dream House

Cost: $55,000,000

Not only is this a dream house because of how it looks, but also because I could only afford this in my literal wildest dreams. Unless someone decides to discover me on the New York streets for the funny, talented gal my parents think I am, this is strictly a mood board manifestation moment. (But, what if?!)

Image via Zillow

At Home In The Hamptons

Cost: $79,995,000

Oh, how I could wax poetic about this $80 million Bridgehampton beauty. Shall I compare thee to a summer's day? Ya know...the one I would love to have in this very house? Just lounging, living luxuriously? That imaginary inheritance I daydream about could reaaaaaally come in handy right about now.

Image via Zillow

Fantastic Florida Beach Cottage

Cost: $9,950,000

In case you can't tell, none of these homes are "cottages" outside of their aesthetic. While this six bedroom, four bathroom may look humbler than the rest, the cost should indicate what we're working with here. Each room is so perfectly curated, and to have all this right in the heart of Naples is absolutely everything. I could see myself sitting by that fire for SURE.

Condos & Townhouses

Image via Zillow

Gorgeous Georgetown Condo

Cost: $5,495,000

DC is more than just Capitol Hill, and this Georgetown Condo proves it! The natural light, the natural wood accents, and the big, airy rooms make this home a welcomed reprieve in on of the busier U.S. cities. And while you're getting a lot in a small package (three bedrooms for $5+ million...😭), you're really paying for the neighborhood. Georgetown really is full of beautiful townhouses, great restaurants and bars, and overall good vibes.

Image via Zillow

Upper East Side Excellence

Cost: $65,000,000

Hello, Upper East Siders...Zillow Girl here! All jokes aside, this $65 million townhouse is giving all the old money luxe that Chuck Bass and Blair Waldorf would settle into quite nicely. The molding, the wraparound staircases, and the sheer size alone are something else, but the biggest surprise here? TEN BATHROOMS. TEN!!!!!!

Image via Zillow

Totally Airy Brooklyn Townhouse

Cost: $6,950,000

Good new, girls! This totally killer townhouse had a $300,000 price cut last month, bringing it to...just under $7 million! While I try to fix my eye twitch after writing that, scroll through to see the gorgeousness that is this literal mid-century modern four-story home. It's like a little (big) oasis in the middle of the big city!

Image via Zillow

Beautiful Turn-Of-The-Century Brooklyn Townhouse

Cost: $6,995,000

I've said it once and I'll say it again: Carroll Gardens in my dream neighborhood. It's got all the Brooklyn charm with its brilliant brownstones, lively dining scene, and tree-lined streets. Plus, it's so incredibly close to Prospect Park for all your summer strolls with the kids or the dogs or yourself or whomever! And while I could go on and on about the location, the townhouse itself is kitschy with it's mix of classic and modern details.

Mountain And Lake Houses

Image via Zillow

Charming Wyoming Ranch House

Cost: $8,199,000

It feels a little silly to call a nearly $10 million home "charming," but here we are. This modern ranch-style mountain house looks unassuming from the outside. And the four-bedroom inside is really nice, too, don't get me wrong. But what really makes this worth it, if I had to guess? The freaking VIEW. Can you imagine sipping your coffee and staring off into that horizon every morning? Yes, please. I would like one of these.

Image via Zillow

Cozy North Carolina Castle

​Cost: $7,500,000

Ah yes, nothing cozier than a literal castle-sized house in Appalachia. In all seriousness, the dark wood accents give you that almost cabin-esque feel that the mountain range so obviously calls for. With 10 bedrooms, this is the perfect retreat for your family get-togethers! You can enjoy each other's company across the estate, or you could...find a little hiding spot and nobody would know the wiser. 😉​

Image via Zillow

Sante Fe Getaway

Cost: $3,375,000

The most affordable of the bunch, this single-story Sante Fe residence is a dream-come-true! You've got lake views, trails, and even a golf course if that's your thing! My personal favorite part of this lovely little home, however, is the wine cellar. Can you imagine being like, "Yeah, just go grab a bottle from the wine cellar"?! Like I said, dream-come-freaking-true!

Image via Zillow

Lovely Michigan Lake House

Cost: $3,649,000

The windows alone are enough to make this house the dreamiest escape, let alone the private and super exclusive access to Lake Michigan. This home may only have three bedrooms and four bathrooms, but each room feels intentional, spacious, and utterly luxurious. I'd definitely dip my toes in that water!

Looking for more home inspo? Sign up for our weekly email newsletter, and be sure to check out our storefront!

Header image via Zillow

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11 Creative Ways to Take a Digital Detox

While we love how much technology has benefited our daily lives, there are some days when the constant buzzing and beeping of our tech can drive even the most put-together lady insane. So this week, we’re turning off our push notifications, logging off our social media, and taking the digital detox we desperately need. Here are 11 creative ways to take a digital detox to minimize stress, kickstart your creativity, and unglue yourself from your smartphone.

1. Start using a paper planner. We’re totally guilty of using our iCal or Google Calendar to track our every move, but using a paper planner actually has a few surprising benefits for your brain. In fact, we’ve fallen in love with retro physical planners so much that we’ve even created our own line of customizable planners at Target, complete with ring-bound planners, binders, inserts, and fun planner goodies. Snag ’em while they last!

2. Invest in a really interesting book. Instead of scrolling through Instagram to unwind from a stressful work day, we suggest getting lost in a really good book. Here are a few new adult and young adult books to check out. You can never go wrong by picking up a well-loved classic at your local thrift store either.

3. Take a walk around your neighborhood on your lunch break. When it’s finally time to get up from our office chair and indulge in some nosh, the first thing we usually do is frantically scroll through all the notifications we’ve missed. But this week, we’re mixing things up by leaving the office and going for a leisurely stroll around the block instead, while our phones chill on our desk. Just make sure to bring a watch with you so you know when to start heading back.

4. Treat yourself to a physical cookbook. We love the idea of thumbing through a gorgeously photographed cookbook, but we usually end up searching Google for the quickest dinner or meal prep recipes instead. This week, we’re treating ourselves to a brand new cookbook and putting in a little pre-planning effort so we’re not tempted to look up recipes, ingredient swaps, or troubleshooting tips on the fly.

5. Buy a battery-powered alarm clock. We all know the struggle of trying to resist the temptation of our phones the moment we wake up. To combat the habit, we’re investing in a battery-powered alarm clock (we love the Newgate Clocks Covent Alarm Clock ($38), but a dollar store find will also work) and charging our phone in another room. Treat yourself to a little tech-free time in the morning, lady!

6. Take a tech-free weekend getaway. When the work week is over, it’s time for some much-needed rest and rejuvenation. So instead of spending the entire weekend on your mobile, we suggest planning a road trip where you stash away your tech for emergency use only. Whether you travel with your boo or your gals, having a tech-free travel day is a great way to recharge and reconnect with your loved ones.

7. Test out a film or instant camera for a week. Trust us — your Instagram feed can take a breather for seven days. Instead of snapping 40 pics of the same scene with your smartphone, try using a film or instant camera. It may take some getting used to, but we guarantee you’ll love learning a new skill and having a physical reminder of your awesome week.

8. Break out the guitar or recorder. If you already play an instrument, substitute making music the old-school way for rocking out to your Spotify playlists. And if you don’t already know how to tickle the keys or jam out on the clarinet, we suggest picking up a cheap recorder or harmonica and a beginner’s guide and learning a few basic skills whenever you’re tempted to browse iTunes.

9. Host a wine and board games night. Instead of having all your friends over to binge Netflix, try a boozy game night. We suggest instituting a no-tech policy for all attendees. Solidarity, sister!

10. Write snail mail cards. Everyone likes getting mail, and a tech detox is the perfect opportunity to experiment with your lettering skills and treat your friends and family to a little postal surprise. Plus, we love that this gives us an excuse to invest in cute stationery — or better yet, craft some ourselves.

11. Ditch your fitness app and take a run around your community. We totally agree that a whole week of cardio sounds dreadful, but we’re taking this opportunity to replace our app workouts with a leisurely run around our neighborhood. Not only is it a great way to explore your community, but running outside also lets you set your own route and challenge yourself based on your fitness ability.

What are some creative ways that you take a digital detox? Tweet us by mentioning @BritandCo.

Brit + Co may at times use affiliate links to promote products sold by others, but always offers genuine editorial recommendations.

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Shonda Rhimes Is Still Sad This “Princess Diaries 2” Scene Got Cut

Sequels that are just as good, if not better, than the original movie are one in a million, but if you ask me, Princess Diaries 2: Royal Engagement definitely tops the list. Anne Hathaway brings a whole new spunk and adultified sass to the freshly 21-year-old Mia Thermopolis, and Julie Andrews shines as Queen Clarisse! (Both on the karaoke stage and off ;)). Not to mention the movie also gave us the blueprint for contemporary enemies to lovers: Nicholas and Mia!

While Bridgerton producer Shonda Rhimes wasn't involved with the first movie, she was the writer for the second — and TBH, that's definitely a reason it's so good!

Image via Frederick M. Brown/Getty Images

"I thought [Princess Diaries 2] would be a really fun thing to do and it turned out to be great," she tells Variety. "I always think it's funny now because I'm working with Julie Andrews now on Bridgerton, but I also spent time writing her as a queen in that movie, and so it was kind of great to get to work with her both times. It's also sort of come full circle in a weird way."

Shonda Rhimes goes on to explain one cut scene she remembers really fondly — and how Andrews' expert performance made it even more heartbreaking to cut. "That was pretty much one of my favorite scenes," she says. "It was this moment where Julie Andrews [has] had her heart broken, and some staff comes in and they start to ask her a question and she screams, 'Do I never get a moment to myself?!' and it was such an amazing moment the way she played it, and the elegance with which she did it. It's really about the pain of being a queen."

"She did it so well," Rhimes continues. "But in general, honestly, she's the nicest person you will ever meet and she was so nice to me, I was nervous to meet her, I was shaking, [but she's] so lovely."

After Julie Andrews sent the sweetest graduation gift to a fan, I'm not surprised to hear how incredible she is. I still have my fingers crossed that we'll see Julie Andrews in The Princess Diaries 3 — and that Shonda Rhimes will return as screenwriter.

What's your favorite scene from the Princess Diaries movies? The mattress surfing scene in Princess Diaries 2 is definitely one of the best movie moments of all time. If you're feeling nostalgic, check out 6 Nostalgic Movies That Feel Like Summer Vacation!

Lead image via Walt Disney Pictures/Buena Vista

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The 5 Most Comfortable Walking Sandals For Summer, Ranked

‘Tis the season to finally ditch our boots for something on the lighter side: sandals! Sandals season is the best season because it means putting the final touches on our outfits isn’t a total pain (ahem, looking at you, shoelaces and straps).

Warmer weather undoubtedly means more outside time, but we don’t necessarily want to be trodding around in heavy, sweaty walking shoes. That’s where walking sandals come in!

Sandalsneed to be comfy if we’re gonna be walking around in them. Our criteria for the perfect pair of walking sandals includes being able to withstand hours (and miles) of wear without any rubbing, sliding, or blistering. Of course, they need to be cute, too. Style is very hard to sacrifice when it comes to walking sandals, so we definitely prefer ours to be compatible with a variety of different outfits – from casual to more dressed-up.

The B+C team has tried and tested so many types of walking sandals over the years, and these 5 pairs came out on top for their ability to check the boxes for comfort, practicality, and style! Scroll on for thorough reviews of our go-to walking sandals.

Teva Women's Midform Universal Sandals

Comfort: 5/5

For B+C Head of Content, Ali, the Tevas Midform walking sandals are peak comfort. They boast a super soft foam footbed that has heel cupping and elevation around the arches for additional support.

“I’ve worn my Tevas to the ground,” she says. “The inch height boost is appreciated as someone who’s 5-feet 2-inches and they’re incredibly sturdy and cushiony.”

Practicality: 5/5

Ali can walk miles on miles in these easy walking sandals.

“They’ve become my quintessential everyday casual shoe for running L.A. errands like walking my dog, heading to the farmer’s market, and grabbing coffee.”

Although they’re super dependable, Ali feels like the several years of “constant use” from her Teva Midform walking sandals have lost some of their arch support.

Style: 5/5

The Teva Midform sandals are pretty no-frills, but they’re still stylish for today’s age. The 1 ¼-inch height falls somewhere in between flats and platforms, making a fairly casual statement. The thick, adjustable velcro straps that wrap around the toes and low ankle are secure and match with pretty much anything.

They also come in a variety of colorways to suit your own personal style, though the all-black pick is likely the most versatile of them all.

One of the best parts about these walking sandals is their approachable pricing. This black pair is just $65.

Chacos Z Sandals

Comfort: 4/5

The classic Chacos Z Sandals – once you actually break them in – are extremely comfortable, since the footbed tends to meld against the shape of your foot.

To B+C Creative Assistant, Meredith (that’s me!), the break-in period is crucial for Chacos, but it’s not a real pain. Once she wore hers just two times, they softened up and fit smoothly.

Practicality: 4/5

Meredith thinks these Chaco walking sandals are practical for a number of reasons: they work on dry land and in the water, they’re durable to stand up to off-road terrain, and they don’t slip a single bit.

“They work so well as water shoes,” Meredith says. “I’ll wear them on long lake days and I don’t ever have to take them off, even when I’m out of the water.”

The Chacos Z Sandals flaunt a thick, durable rubber sole with their signature ChacoGrip™ layer on the bottom that has a “good amount” of tread, according to Meredith.

The adjustable straps that swarm the big toe, top of the foot, and ankle are amazing at keeping her feet in place with every step.

“I definitely recommend getting your Chacos fitted by an expert and/or tinkering around with the perfect fit yourself,” she says. “It can be hard to find it, but once you have it, you won’t have to worry about adjusting the straps again.”

Although they can withstand weathering pretty well, they’re not all that great for all-day wear. Meredith has gauged over time (she’s had her Chacos for 6 years) that they’re “walkable for a day, but I wouldn’t hike in them.”

Style: 4/5

The Chacos Z sandals are ideal for someone who has more of a granola girl style. They flaunt more technical details (like the chunky sole and noticeable tread), so they’re obviously not as fashion-forward as the Doc Martens or Tevas of the world.

Still, these walking sandals come in a ton of different colors, plus you don’t have to snag the Z-style. Chacos sells a variety of shoe silhouettes with the same comfort levels!

Chaco sandals can be an investment (ranging from $75-$110), but they last a long time. Meredith hasn’t noticed any huge signs of wear over the six years she’s worn them!

OluKai ‘Aka Sandals

Comfort: 5/5

These walking sandals from OluKai changed everything Meredith thought she knew about flip flops. And well, they’re not even quite flip flops, either. They’re like flip flops, but elevated, really.

The ‘Aka silhouette boasts a carefully-crafted footbed that feels as durable as the Chacos sandals, which says a lot for such a lightweight shoe. On top of that, they have a very soft footbed that Meredith is obsessed with since it provides more support than your average slip-on sandal.

Practicality: 4/5

“For a pool day, these are absolutely practical,” Meredith says.

These walking sandals are crafted from a water-resistant material that doesn’t soak up water, but rather, repels it.

This aspect makes them an easy go-to for summer days spent outside.

As far as the actual walking, there’s not rubbing or chafing to be found. The easygoing straps keep the feet in place but don’t feel utterly tight or uncomfortable.

Style: 5/5

The style of these walking sandals is minimal, but adorable. They flaunt some super thin straps (still durable) that knot at the top. Plus, they are shoppable in a handful of other vibrant colors for only $70.

Birkenstock Arizona Sandals

Comfort: 3/5

Ahh, Birks. They’re so classic! Like Chacos, Meredith really had to break in her pair of Birkenstock Arizona sandals for literal weeks before they started to feel just right.

“The cork footbed is supposed to adapt to your step over time, though it takes a while,” according to Meredith.

On the other hand, the wide buckled straps are quite welcoming and have never rubbed her feet the wrong way. They cover a good amount of the foot, so you’re not left with skin sticking out or being pinched weirdly.

Practicality: 3/5

These walking sandals aren’t quite made to go the distance, according to Meredith.

“I'd rather have these on for a quick errand, rather than wandering around for hours at the farmer’s market,” she says. “Maybe I just haven’t broken them in enough yet, though.”

Their flat sole doesn’t have much tread, making it a challenge to navigate any surface that’s not an inside floor or pavement.

Style: 4/5

These Birkenstock walking sandals are the ultimate casual, cool girl shoe. They match with shorts, skirts, pants, and everything in between. They’ve come to have such a classic, unmistakable look, so the brand recognition also boosts their chicness.

These sandals come in a handful of different colors for $110.

Doc Marten Blaire Slide Sandals

Comfort: 3/5

Meredith has been rocking with these Doc Marten sandals since last summer, and she ranks their comfort a total of 3 out of 5. The straps are the main factor that takes away from their overall comfort, since they often rub and give her blisters in very specific places.

Each of the three straps is adjustable, and though she’s toyed with different levels of tightness, they just don’t fit Meredith’s feet right.

The cushy footbed gains a few points back for these walking sandals. Meredith does appreciate the platformed shape for short periods of wear, like getting groceries or stopping by the craft store.

Practicality: 2/5

Since their comfort level is close to intolerable for long periods of wear, Meredith can’t really endorse these walking sandals’ practicality.

“They’re super cute, but I just can’t have them on all day,” she says. “I wish they fit me better than they do.”

Style: 5/5

While the comfort and practicality categories are severely lacking, the cuteness factor of the Doc Marten Blaire Slide Sandals is undeniable.

As a Doc Marten boot enthusiast, Meredith was drawn to them for their easy-to-pair color palette and signature Doc Marten details, like the black leather and yellow stitching.

The Doc Marten Blaire Slide Sandals go for $100.

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