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

Today is Canada Day, when Canadians celebrate our country’s birthday.

I thought it would be fun to share some red and white (the colors on the Canadian flag) accessory picks.  After all, there are lots of ways to be patriotic - you don’t need to wear a pair of flag shoes

image: Zappos

Red & white striped bangle bracelet by Betsey Johnson.

image: Zappos

Patent leather “Naomi” low heel peep-toes by RSVP.

image: Etsy

Striped cotton tote by Sinem Inugur.

image: Etsy

“Coco” necklace, made with a red lucite heart and white faceted opalite beads by Cloverbelle.

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.

L.A.M.B. has added another embellishment to the seasons’ already heavily embellished shoes.

Feathers!

That’s right, their high heel “Leslie” is adorned with a combination of Pearl Guinea Keet feathers and sparkling paillettes.

The feathery footware is available in black leather:

Or grey leather;

I would personally recommend these as a “sunny weather only shoe” and for heaven’s sakes - don’t make the pigeons angry - they might take personal offence at you sporting prettier feathers than they are!

image: Zappos

Do you want people to remember your shoes as much as your face when you walk into a room?

You’re not afraid of being bold with accessories, right?

I think I have the shoe for you…

That is the “Idionis” high heel sandal by Beverly Feldman.   It’s a combination of embossed faux-snakeskin leather, hair-on animal print leather and brocade fabric - all trimmed with bronze leather piping.

And yes, it is a lot of look.

This is not the sandal to wear while carrying an oversized patent tote or while covered in jewelry.  Go restrained everywhere else and you should be fierce - rather than over the top…

image: Nordstrom

I feel every woman needs a pair of red heels. They instantly transform an outfit and make a girl feel extra sexy. Depending on the outfit it can be worn in the office, out and about and of course to a swanky party. Even the Wizard of Oz’s Dorothy had a pair and we all know how special those were!

(Image: Neiman Marcus)

Channel her inner Dorothy with these fantastic Glittered Platform Pumps by none other than Christian Louboutin. They’re amazing aren’t they?  The colour is called ‘Oxblood’ and it’s also available in a dark navy or ‘Marine’. The glitter gives it a cool texture and the peep toes amp up the sexiness. Gorgeous! These lovely shoes will run you $775 at Neiman Marcus. Small price to pay for a killer pair of Christian Louboutin heels.

Have you heard about “Sole Perspective” yet?

It’s a brand-new reality tv show, but instead of fashion - the focus is on shoes!

“Drawing from the design competition elements of shows like Project Runway and America’s Next Top Model, as well as corporate driven marketing challenges from The Apprentice, Sole Perspective will provide a never-before-seen inside look into the world of footwear design and shoemaking, one of the most influential areas of the fashion industry today.  In addition, it will leverage the intense drama of a top shelf competition reality format, shepherded by one of the top reality producers in the business.”

Stay tuned for more information!

photo and quote courtesy of BC11

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

The decisions have been made, the handbags and shoes have been judged and it’s almost time for the 2009 Independent Handbag Designer Awards ceremony to happen.

You can get in on the action and vote for your favorite designer in the “best student made”, “best handmade”, “green”, “socially responsible” and more.

The finalists will have a chance a chance to win apprenticeships, sewing machines and even a chance to have their designs produced commercially.

The awards take place in New York city on June 17th at the New York Historical Society.

image: Independent Handbag Designer Awards

Do you want to really wow your sister, mom, best friend or heck, yourself?! Then get these fabulous Lanvin heels! They’re amazingly beautiful and impractical, but they look like so much fun! And the best part of all are the heels!

Let these Lanvin Satin Ankle Strap Pumps do all the talking for you.

Lanvin Satin Ankle Strap Pumps (Net-A-Porter)

Dress up that slinky little black dress with these babies and you’re good to go.  The blush colour of these heels are perfect for Spring and Summer. The ankle strap fastens with an easy snap and the inside and sole is made of leather.

Swarovski crystals embellish the 4″ silver heels - let them watch you walk away. ;)  Get them now at Net-A-Porter for $1530. And they’ll arrive in this pretty blue Lanvin box, perfect for gift giving!

(Images: Net-A-Porter)