Summer Must-Haves: Havaiannas

It doesn't matter how often you wear heels, or how often you claim how "comfortable" they are, the flip-flop is the comfort-food of footwear. It's easy, low-key, and the closest thing to walking around barefoot (yet without the hillbilly factor). My hands-down, tried-and-true favorite is the brazilian brand Havaianas. Those Brazilians know their sandals.

These flip flops are sturdier than your standard pair, hold up for an entire summer (even with everday wear), and best of all: no toe chafing! This is a biggie for me concidering every other pair seem to rub in that spot between the big toe and the other toes. Concidering the generally cheap price of other flip-flops, these may seem like a pricey pair ($15), yet they are worth the money for the comfort and the ease (not to mention the fantasy of that perfect Brazilian cabana on the beach that I seem to daydream about whenever I wear them!)

what do YOU think?: Balenciaga's sporty stilletto

Balenciaga Fall 2007

A very odd trend appeared on the Balenciaga runway this fall season, no doubt making the audience question whether they were at a fashion show or the roller rink. This bright, clunky shoe appears to be the illegitimate child of a roller skate and a stiletto, a strange hybrid of sport and style. Perhaps the fierce athletic styling of the 80's is back with a vengeance after years of minimalism, boho-chic, and retro-glam.

So, what do YOU think, is it couture or just clunk?

picture courtesy of http://www.style.com/fashionshows/collections/F2007RTW/detail/thumb/BALENCIA

Floppz

Spring Break has officially begun! For many the next week will be all about relaxing, letting loose, and having fun. For those of you beach-go-ers, the first fashion must is an amazing pair of flip flops that will define your laid-back look while you scuff around from going to the beach, to shopping, to restaurants, and to anywhere else that qualifies as marking a great vacation.

That is why these cute Floppz are the perfect complement to your relaxed yet effortless style. These sturdy flip-flops are customizable, from the foot bed down to the beading and other whimsical embellishments available to set you apart from the rest of those beach-y, sandy feet. And for all of you sports, school, and team fanatics out there, you can give a shout-out to your respective activity or show just how zealous of a fan you are, and it's a great alternative to the comfy but oh-so-predictable team t-shirt. And all this creative customization won't cost you a leg and a foot (hehe,) with prices starting in the $10 range!

Finally, that perfect pedicure is so worth it.

Savvy Shopper: Clear

Chanel vs. Nine West

For Spring, Chanel's head designer, Karl Lagerfeld, had in mind a very unique muse: Airport Security. The controversial topic inspired the sharply futuristic clear accessories adorning many of the most covetable accessories seen this spring. In a world in which we lose a bit more of our privacy each and every day, this trend seems to fit into place. Yet in the shape of a beautiful handbag or a skyscraper-tall wedge, clear takes on a chic, luminescent quality that goes with anything.

Even though this trend is all about transparency, your money does not have to disappear in order to stay stylish. Nine West has recently designed many beautiful and affordable options that are sleek alternatives to the staggering prices of their luxury counterparts. I am especially loving the lady-like yet edgy chain-link shoulder bag and white-hot patent-leather wedges.

Yet enter this trend with a word of caution. If you choose a cute, clear bag, than please do the world a favor and keep your unmentionable objects hidden in either a small, opaque compartment or leave them at home. This is not the way to showcase any disagreeable purse junk that we all have tended to collect in the trendy oversize purses of recent seasons.

Don't let your style disappear this spring, make it clear instead!

All runway pictures courtesy of http://www.style.com/fashionshows/collections/S2007RTW/detail/thumb/CHANEL?trend=&page=1