It always surprises me to see women wearing very casual foam flip flops to locations that might normally require a little bit more dressing up.

Yes, they’re comfy, but if you feel the need to wear makeup or do something other than a messy pony tail with your hair, maybe it’s time to change shoes?

And besides, foot specialists aren’t usually big fans of flip flops either…

Need some style ideas for a sandal that’s going to be as comfy as your old flip flops, but with a dash more flair?

A low heel and ankle strap means this thong sandal by Emilio Pucci will give you a little more support for your summer fun.

These sandals from Anne Klein have a padded insole and flexible sole to keep you strolling in style.

The “Delphi” sandal by Nina features a combination leather and rubber sole for comfort and lots of great decorative accents for summer fun.

images: Zappos

Andre Leon Talley recently wrote an article for Vogue, praising the style of women who wear flats and low heels.

Despite the sex appeal of a towering stiletto, I’ve got to agree - I’m a life-long devotee of the low heel.  At 5′10″, I’m not exactly need in of a boost in height.  At the end of the day, I prefer a shoe that doesn’t leave me in pain.

And besides, who decided that flats and low heels can’t be sexy?  Take a look at this strappy gold kid “Fabulous” sandal from Stuart Weitzman and see if you’ll change your mind:

Go for candy-colored patent leather and peep-toes with the “Elly” by Cole Haan:

Need something a little less… colorful?  The elegant “Dash” by Franco Sarto is a sleek, wearable peep-toe with a 2 inch heel.

images: Zappos

I am absolutely obsessed with Melissa plastic shoes right now.  They are comfortable, weatherproof, cute, good for the environment, unique…I mean, is there really more I can say?  These are the absolute perfect shoes for the summer!  I already have three pairs in different styles and colors and I just want more!

Melissa Campana Zig Zag Flat in Black

Melissa Plastic Dreams is a Brazilian shoe company that makes these amazing shoes out of sustainably harvested rubber.  The shoes are formed as one piece of pliable plastic, so they are soft and mold to your feet as you wear them.  Besides being amazingly cute with unique styles and colors, these are also great to wear in the rain.  They are waterproof, which also means that they can be easily washed with soap and water (no foot odor!).

Brooklyn boutique Epaulet is doing an amazing giveaway on Splendicity.  Epaulet has the most complete online collection of Melissa shoes that I have found…I basically get all of my shoes there now.  One lucky reader will win their own pair of Melissa Zig Zag Campana Flats in Black!  These are probably the most popular style of Melissa shoes, so it’s a great way to start out your collection.  They have a distinct and unique abstract basketweave pattern that wraps the shoe.  I swear you just need one pair and you will be hooked!

To enter the contest you must leave a comment on this post by Wednesday, June 17 at 11:59pm answering the question: What will you wear with your Melissa Zig Zag Campana Flats?  One winner will be randomly selected and will receive one pair of Melissa Zig Zag Campana Flats in Black from Epaulet in their size.  U.S. addresses only please.

Good luck!  And make sure to check out Epaulet’s online store to see the full collection of Melissa shoes that are available!

UPDATE: This giveaway has closed.  The winner has been notified.  If you would like to buy a pair of Melissa Zig Zag Campana Flats please visit Epaulet.

Do you need a new pair of flats for your Memorial Day weekend?

Check out these cute ornamented flats from Calvin Klein!  The “Lebra” is a leather flat with bold, chunky beads on the toes:

If the coral is a little too bright for you, it also comes in black:

Or if you prefer, you can also find the Lebra in kelly green and bright, sunny yellow as well.  The insole is lightly padded to make walking all day on the beach or boardwalk a breeze.

image: Zappos

It’s finally happened.

I don’t actually hate gladiator sandals anymore.  I guess they’ve been around long enough that they’re growing on me…

I think the “Celtic” sandal by Dolce Vita is actually a pretty hot looking shoe:

Sexy, strappy - could the gladiator actually be appealing to me?

Of course, the “Croww” sandal is pretty much guaranteed to give me instant stump-itude - and I’m just shy of  six feet tall, so that takes work!

I guess the key for me is to avoid the high ankle straps…

images: Zappos

Today was one of those days that ended up with me running from one end of the city to another.

And I need to go out again this evening as well…

Today is not the day for heels.  Today is a day for a sleek, low heel shoe like the charming “Candy” from Stuart Weitzman:

The patent leather, peep toe and flat ribbon bow keep the shoe from looking frumpy, while the 1 - 3/4″ heel means you can walk in comfort.

image: Zappos

Okay, so the phrase “elegant simplicity” isn’t neccessarily the first one that comes to mind when you mention the name Alexander McQueen, the UK’s bad boy designer.

But check out the sleek lines and clean design of these flat patent leather sandals:

If the black is a little too austere, check out the fun hot pink version:

The sandals are accented with a narrow metal band, engraved with “Alexander McQueen”, running down the front of the instep.

images: Zappos Couture

Did you know that depending on how leather is tanned, it can actually be considered an eco-friendly product?

Some tanning methods are pretty toxic, but vegetable tan leather is generally considered the safest process.  It leaves the leather with a great finish that works well for shoes and boots.

Besides - leather is a renewable resource, unlike most synthetic shoes, which are made from petroleum products!

Check out Born’s line of fun, flowered shoes - available in the flat “Plumeria” from Zappos:

Or the “Hibiscus” from Zappos, which sports a 3 - 1/4″ heel:

images: Zappos

All fashionistas covet the red soles associated with Christian Louboutin shoes. But, what happens if you can’t walk in the heels or just don’t want to splurge for the heels?

You can do several things! You can save up for those heels you walk past every time you go into Neiman Marcus or, if, you are like me and just can’t stand walking in heels check out these snazzy little flats from Christian Louboutin and Blufly.com

These Gold Leather ‘Egypt Air’ Suede Detail Sandals are on my must have list. They are gold and creme with an open toe. You’ll also save 45% on these sandals. They are $295 from the original $432.

If you’re more of a silver fan, check out these Silver Satin ‘Mar’ flats . They’re beautiful. There’s a half inch heel, but not enough for me to consider them heels, or for me to turn my nose at them. The silver detailing at the toe is stunning. These are $269 which is a savings of 51%.

Color, color, color. I have to have a pair of shoes in almost every neutral color to go with all my clothes. That’s just perfect for these Ballerina ‘Tag’ flats that come in a variety of colors; from magenta to bronze. They have a square toe with a leather trim and we would never forget the red sole. These are $323 marked down from $595. That’s a savings of 46%!

Make sure you picks these up these smaller prices soon though. If you shop at Bluefly.com you know that one day the price is there, and the next the price is gone.

Photos from: Bluefly.com

I first fell in love with Indigo shoes by Clarks when I bought a pair of gorgeous wine-colored suede boots - with pink flowers stitched up the legs.  Yummy!

Clarks has put a lot of time and effort into making their Indigo collection feminine, wearable and fashionable - check out their new collection!

Pretty in polka-dots with the “Garbo“:

Elegant butterflies and patent leather with the “Dharma”

Feminine bows and rhinestones embedded in the sole make the “Basquiat” picture-perfect:

images: Solestruck