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

Are you in need of some earrings that make you smile when you put them on?

How about earrings that make little kids go “look at what she’s wearing!”?

Then check out these adorable felted wool earrings from Etsy seller Ru Du Latvia:

I’m not sure which method of felting the designer uses to create the earrings, but you sure can’t beat them on the cute factor:-)

The earrings also come in a rainbow of different colors - you could wear a different color of bear every day of the week!

images: Ru Du Latvia

Do you have a nude coloured bag? Yesterday, Kori featured the Jimmy Choo Sky Patent Hobo. And while it’s a total eye catcher (hello, it’s Jimmy Choo!), it’s not exactly in everyone’s price range. I found a cute alternative that won’t be so hard on the wallet…

(Image: Bloomingdales)

The Andrew Marc Ballerina Alecia Hobo is a soft and supple leather hobo. The rich grained leather hobo features a braided shoulder strap and cool gunmetal hardware. Other details include pleating and two front zip pockets. It measures a roomy 15.5″W x 12.5″H x 6″D and the colour is quite lovely. This bag would look great with your summer outfits and compliment for you fall and winter ones, too.  If you’re not fond of the Nude shade, it’s also available in another versatile colour, Charcoal. Pick it up at Bloomingdales for $395

Betsey Johnson is one of my favorite designers these days (not that it’s a big surprise!) so I have to admit to feeling a pang when she announced that she’s considering retirement. Luckily, the brand will continue, with Eric Satori as the possible successor.  He has previously designed for Azzedine Alaïa, Vera Wang and Herve Leger.

image: Bauer Griffin

As long as he can continue to design whimsical, stylish clothes and accessories - I’m excited to see what he can bring to the table! After all, he’s got some pretty cool shoes to fill…

image: Betsey Johnson Official Store

“Patent Petals” frame purse, made from embossed black patent leather, with a chain strap.

For this week’s best of Sass, Style & Substance & fashion news!

• Splendicity Accessories
  Have fun with exotic details on fall’s hottest shoes!
• A Touch of Blusher
  A Touch of Blusher reviews Lancôme’s fall 2009 collection.

• Eat Smart Age Smart
  Sandra Bullock fitness secrets.
• Beauty Match
  You’re not getting any younger!
• STYLEnosh
  How to handle the best fashion dilemma: What to wear while you’re losing weight.

image: Stock.xchg

What’s 4th of July without the beautiful shade of crimson red! If you didn’t like the white handbags or the blue handbags, maybe these will pique your interest! A gorgeous red handbag is  just what you need to make your Independence Day outfit stand out in style.

(Image: Nordstrom)

Versace Patent Leather Shopper ($3705)

(Image: Nordstrom)

Tory Burch Bombe T Crinkled Leather Tote ($495)

(Image: Nordstrom)

Chloe Victoria Leather Tote ($1295)

(Image: Nordstrom)

Valentino Lacca Fleur Coated Canvas Satchel ($1495)

Aren’t they fantastic?  Picture any one of these beauties with a monochromatic ensemble and you’ll look as if you’ve stepped off the run way. Best of all, any of these bags would look amazing for the fall and winter seasons, too!

Want to show your patriotic pride this weekend?

Need a few tips to get you started in the right direction?

Let me help…

image: Amazon

American flag fanny pack?

Bad!

image: Zappos

Wickedly sexy high heels from Moschino?

Good!

Those are from Moschino’s “Cheap & Chic” line of shoes and feature a patent leather and fabric upper, accented with a tiny little red bow.

Ask yourself, would I wear this on any day of the year?  If the answer is yes, go ahead and have fun with it!  If you’re buying an accessory that’s going to sit in the closet for the next 364 days, maybe think twice…

Inspired by the upcoming 4th of July holiday festivities, I showed you a lovely selection of white handbags to work into your ensembles. Today, we will delve into the beautiful blue handbags available right now at Bergdorf Goodman…

(Image: Bergdorf Goodman)

Fendi Medium Classic Baguette ($1010)

(Image: Bergdorf Goodman)

Chloe Heloise Braided Hobo ($1595)

(Image: Bergdorf Goodman)

Gucci Icon Bit Medium Shoulder Bag ($1390)

(Image: Bergdorf Goodman)

Marc by Marc Jacobs Totally Turnlock Aidan Bowler ($398)

Just like your favourite pair of jeans, these pretty blue bags will go with just about any outfit and occasion. I don’t know about you but I don’t see a lot of blue handbags when I’m out and about and that’s unfortunate because blue is such a pretty shade. Do you have a blue bag? Which one of the above would you pick?

I just found the most beautiful headbands from BeSomethingNew on Etsy.  All of the headbands are handmade with a delicate, antique, and feminine feel.  Most of the headbands use materials like lace, silk flowers, beads, and pearls and some have unique pieces like vintage cameos, netting, glass beads, and metal charms.

There are so many headband designers out there, but these pieces truly stand out as unique and beautiful to me.  They have a muted color palette and sophisticated style.  I think these headbands would be the perfect accessory to wear to a summer wedding.  You could wear one of these with romantic loose curls and a light and flowing dress.

There are tons of gorgeous headbands on the BeSomethingNew site on Etsy, but here are my favorites:

Summer Time Collage in Turquoise and Orange Headband $25

Vintage Glass Flowers and Antique Pearls Leaf Headband $39

Feeling Blue Rose Headband $42

Green Rose, Lace and Cameo Headband $34

There is a great sale on Paul Smith women’s sunglasses at online discount designer retailer Gilt Groupe.  These stylish sunglasses in some of my favorite trends for summer are on sale for up to 70% off!

I have been posting a lot about sales on Gilt Groupe lately because I think it’s a really great site, but if you are unfamiliar with it you can check it out with my invitation.

The Paul Smith sunglasses featured at Gilt Groupe are on sale until Sunday, July 5 at midnight.  I love the colored plastic frames with oversized lenses.  Here are my picks from the sale:

Image: Gilt Groupe

Paul Smith Gradient Sunglasses in Purple $108 (reg. $325)

I love this color!  Unique and vibrant colors are in this summer, so these are an amazing price for a great style.

Image: Gilt Groupe

Paul Smith Aviator Frames $98 (reg. $325)

This a great verions of the classic black plastic aviator that is in style this summer.  These are similar to the Carrera sunglasses that are so popular in Europe.

Image: Gilt Groupe

Paul Smith Oversized Square Sunglasses $98 (reg. $325)

Again, a ridiculous price for designer Paul Smith sunglasses.  I love the color combination in these with the deep forest green and the amber tortoise shell.  These are a smaller size so they would fit on many face shapes.