The Flip-Flopper

Some people seem to irrationally and passionately hate flip-flops. Personally, I think they are great although they are a tad casual for the situations where many people wear them. Flip-flops at the beach? Great. Flip-flops at your cousin's formal wedding? Not so great. Avid flip-flop fans will tell you that they wear them at all times because they are so comfortable. (This is the same logic that Ugg- and Croc-wearing individuals also use as well.) There are a million cute and comfortable sandals out there just waiting to replace your sometimes overly laid-back Reefs and Rainbows. Here are a few contenders:
These are my favorite. I love the starfish detail on these Stuart Weitzman's. They also have a small heel for those girls who hate really flat shoes. Just right for a vacation in the Turks and Caicos or maybe just the local seafood restaurant.

Tropical green slides are also a great bet. I especially like the ankle strap details. I would avoid these if you suffer from "cankles." So sad. I would pair these with khaki Bermuda shorts and bright green top.

Seaside-inspired espadrilles are just right for a weekend at the shore. This pair will be right at home on the boardwalk. Just remember your LL Bean or Vineyard Vines tote and you are set. Oh and remember, it is summer, eat all the ice cream you want!

Finally, here are some red J.Crew slides that are also begging to replace your tired flip-flops. The leather soles make them uber comfortable. They come in a few colors but this red really pops. I have a red coral necklace that would match this pair perfectly. Put on a sweet sundress, grab a boy, and head out for a date... at least your feet won't be in pain by the third minute! The boy may be another story, try to pick one that won't bore you to death.

Don't worry, your flip-flops will never know you are cheating on them with these sexy flats. I promise.

Flat But Not Dull

I wear flats for many reasons. They are cuter than tennis shoes but still comfortable. They easily transition from casual to dressy. But mostly, I love to wear flats because I am tall. When I put on even three-inch heels I will be crossing into six feet tall. While feeling like giant may be fun at times, it gets awkward having everyone but the basketball team looking up at you.

This pair of Circa flats are just plain adorable. I love polka dots; these pull them off perfectly. Circa shoes are generally good quality and wear well. I also like that it has a small heel for extra support. Sometimes I feel with absolutely heelless shoes it can be tough to walk long distances.


Bright colors for shoes are so fun! These Marc by Marc Jacobs beauties caught my eye. Pairing them with a skirt seems ideal. (Show 'em off!) I would leave these until the snow and slush of winter passes, unless you are luck enough to live in the balmy south.


Pointy-toed pairs can help to dress up an outfit. I have a few ensembles that would be completed by these Jessica Bennett mary janes. While the black is the most versatile, they also come in grey, chocolate, and tan. These shoes would be just as at home at that trendy new bar as at the not-so-exciting office.


And for the preppy set: some cheery yellow, moccasin-inspired skimmers. You may even already have a matching Lacoste polo to wear with these Kate Spade shoes. These are sure to help you win your next croquet game... or at least let you lose stylishly.

I guess Tom Friedman was right, the world really is flat.