Long Live Emily Farra's Sexy Strappy Sandals
On the writer's summer shoe of choice
Every time I talk about my favorite ways brands show up on Substack, I always reference
And lucky for us, we have my friend Emily Farra, one of the brilliant minds behind the letter on Long Live today. You’ll get the idea just from hearing from her, but Emily is one of the most naturally chic women I know. Everything she wears, I immediately want to copy—see image below for proof. I’m sure you’ll feel just as inspired.
How long have you had this piece?
You could say I’ve been collecting them for 6+ years… I got my first pair of black suede Susans in 2018, wore them into the ground, and ultimately bought a replacement pair on Poshmark in 2021. Those are still going strong — Emme’s genius is that her shoes look delicate, but can withstand 20,000 steps, cracked sidewalks, grimy subways, the works. The stacked heel in particular makes a huge difference, and the leather quality is incredible.
Last year, I bought a new pair in metallic gold to wear to my twin sister Liz’s wedding. And now that I think about it… maybe I need them in espresso, too?
I’ve always loved a gladiator sandal — really any kind of ankle-wrap shoe; they’re more flattering! — but Emme’s are elegant, not earthy. Importantly, hers don’t crisscross over your feet; the effect is of a single leather cord snaking gracefully up your ankle. The details make all the difference: the toe ring, the metal caps, the oval footbed, and that sturdy heel.
Where did they come from?
Emme generously sent me my first pair; I was working at Vogue at the time, so I was lucky enough to meet her when she launched her brand. This was peak “ugly shoe” era, as you may recall, so Emme’s barely-there sandals were actually kind of radical. I loved them immediately; needless to say I was never a Crocs girl.
How much did you pay for them?
I’ve gotten a few pairs on Poshmark and The RealReal for around $100, but they retail for $425 — a price I can easily justify given their MVP status in my wardrobe. For the record, I’m not a big spender; it takes a lot for me to buy and keep anything these days. I tell you this not to pat myself on the back, but to emphasize how “worth it” Emme’s shoes are. (Though to some of you crazies, $425 will be a bargain — I won’t get into how insane luxury prices have gotten. $900 for PVC shoes!?)
How do you wear them?
Literally with everything. They’re a delicate complement to trousers, a no-brainer with summer dresses, and they instantly elevate a T-shirt and jeans. They work for evening and black tie, too — as proven at my sister’s wedding ;)
I’ve never been a heels girl, but in the months before the wedding, I made the conventional assumption that a heel would look “better” with my outfit: a mirrored Tory Burch skirt and strapless Toteme top. I tried several heels — including a pair by Emme called the Tobias, which is basically a heeled version of the Susan — and honestly, the Susans looked the best. They balanced my extremely extra skirt and (in my opinion) just looked cooler. When I told Emme, she agreed that she thinks flats are actually sexier for evening. And the cherry on top… I was comfortable all night.
What does it represent?
Cheesy as it sounds… community? Yes, Emme’s shoes have definitely saved me time and agony over the years. But I’ve also gotten to know her as a friend, even more so in the time since I left Vogue. It makes it an even greater joy to wear and support her brand.
In fact, I just made another purchase… I’m branching out with her Hope sandals, for the days I want sharper lines and no laces. Can confirm they are just as life-enhancing as the Susans.
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