Calling all Chicsters! I have a shocking style announcement for Summer ’09- Comfort is in! Yep, I said the “C” word- comfortable, comfy! Remember that feeling of oooh, aahhh, rather than ow, why? (Yea, it’s been a while for me too)

It’s time to get back to casual comfy and leave tight and torturous with the last bite of cold. Now, I am not suggesting that y’all tear through the nearest EasySpirit (dis-gus-mo!) Silly stylistas! What I am trying to say is that the StyleGods have smiled down on us mere mortals by making fashion finally feel fabolous!

Let me beat you to the punch and say “Duh, sandals are always summer’s shoe-in shoe-gear.” But the styles for ’09 are anything but your average flippy-floppy. Forget rubber, ruffles are the new sandal standard. Along with snakeskin, some heavy metals, and more rosettes than an English Garden. Don’t be afraid of all the choices, HighEnders, Mama Mimi’s gonna give you her fave picks :)

Pour La Victoire’s Ella Zip Ruffle Flat is the ideal style for the girly-girl who’s got some sugar and spice. To say that I love the oversized ruffle is an understatement, because in reality I DIIIIIEEEEE for it! (Ya know, Rachel Zoe-style!) And the creamy vanilla color makes the shoe beyond HighEnd.

Ruffles of Fun *shopbop.com*

Hey all you, downtown hipsters, I’ve even got a look for you MGMT-listenin’, Brooklyn-livin’, colored skinnies-wearin’ members of our style society. With its bad-girl combo of gold pyramid studs and silver leather, Matt Bernson’s Barracuda Metallic Studded sandal is the perfect companion to your (faux) rebellious lifestyle. So, if you’re gonna “Damn the Man,” at least do it in uber-chicness.

Look at this f-in hipster *shopbop.com*

Getting back to the tres girly stuff, let me introduce you to my new lady- she’s a snakeskin beauty from my latest addiction Zara. I literally went into cardiac arrest when I spotted her on the glossy black shelves of the Euro superstore.  “MUST.HAVE.NOW,” I droned as I plopped down my (abused&overused) credit card. I’m equally obsessed with her oversized bow and the naughty-neutral-ness of her snakeskin print.

Snakecharmer

And to show you chicsters that summer isn’t sticking solely to sandals, I’m filling you in on some other haute flat fashions. These styles are not for the sartorially scared, but when pulled off correctly, be prepared for gobs of “Who’s that girl?” looks and whispers.

While the high-heeled Oxford ruled fashionista’s feet last fall/winter, its summer successor is a little more down-to-earth. Literally. The  updated Oxford is flat and boyish with a quirky twist. It’s the perfect style for the girl who lives to mix things up. Paired with a floral-print mini, the look is London-town chic. The shoes become delightfully dandy (a la”Talented Mr. Ripley”) when paired with skinnies and shorts. This glossy ivory pair by Pour La Victoire is making Mimi say “Boy, o boy!”

A Dandy Delight *shopbop.com*

Red Red Wine *openingceremony.us*

Another funkdafied flat style is this suede cut-out shoe by Opening Ceremony. Its not just the offbeat silhouette that puts this flat in a league of its own, but also its fire-engine red hue. Talk about gettin’ hot for the hot! Though suede for summer seems totally counter intuitive, the cut-outs provide a lil AC for your tootsies. Once again, I’m fantasizing about wearing all-white with this one pop of color.

So, come down from those platform pumps and the cutie booties and revel in the laid-back lovely of “Summer, summer, summertime!”