10 Best Summer Flip Flops

One thing we left off our summer guide: Flip flops! We're so grateful for Betty Confidential for picking the 10 Best Summer Flip Flops and doing the work for us. Our fave are these gladiator-style flips from Old Navy.

Priscilla Queen of the Desert Manolo Blahnik's

Priscilla Queen of the Desert is now a Broadway musical, filled with eye-popping costumes, the best 1970s dance tunes and fabulous dance numbers to go along with them. In Australia, where it takes place and the show opened, it holds the record for the most successful musical ever.

In celebration of all that glam, Manolo Blahnik created a silver patent leather Mary Jane high-heeled shoe with a Swarovski crystal button. A giant version of the shoe makes an appearance in and on Priscilla (the van), and you can buy one in your size at the flagship store in New York.

A Manolo Blahnik-designed silver shoe charm is available at the Palace Theater, Priscilla Queen of the Desert's home.

A portion of the sale of each benefits Bette Middler's New York Restoration Project. The group is near and dear to us as it takes care of the park down the street from our home.

Priscilla Queen of the Desert opens on March 20. Buy tickets here.

Shoe photos are courtesy of TheaterMania.com

Alice + Olivia for Keds

Don't you hate when you have to chose between cute shoes and ones you can walk more than a block in without crippling yourself? Let's all give a mental thanks to Stacey Bendet, Alice + Olivia designer for creating these flirty, sequined Keds.

They're available for $88, exclusively at Neiman Marcus stores.

Gisele's Ipanema Flip Flops

New mom Gisele Bundchen launched her latest line of Ipanema flip flops, a collaboration with Grendene, Brazil's largest shoe company. The line was inspired by ocean and sea life. "Nature is very close to my heart, and it is important for me that people who buy my flip flops are mad aware of the environment," Gisele told WWD.

To that end, a portion of the proceeds of the sale of the Ipanema line will go to a project that helps turtle hatchlings find their way to the sea.

Limited Editon Coachella Flip Flops

Our favorite flip flop line, Havianas, is partnering with one of our favorite hotel chains, the Ace Hotel, to slip these limited edition flip flops into their minibar, just in time for Coachella.

The design of the Ace Hotel and Swim Club Palm Springs limited edition flip-flops and packaging area a tribute to the original Havaianas design from 1962. (Who knew Havis were that old?) Each pair features a pin modeled after the hotel’s signature coyote mascot.

We couldn't imagine better footwear to rock out to Gossip, Charlotte Gainsbourg, MGMT and many, many more.

Not going to Coachella? Follow JSG's friend, Jamie Stone on Twitter for her Coachella updates this weekend.

Cynthia Vincent for Target

We were so enthusiastic about the Liberty of London for Target collection we practically shouted from the rooftop.  Cynthia Vincent's new line of shoes for Target which goes on sale April 18th to June 1st, 2010 may be just as good.  Here are three pairs of shoes we'd like in our closets:

Brown Gladiator Wedge for $29.99

Pink Studded Thong for $24.99

And a Black Strappy Heel for $29.99

Target doesn't have a good track record when it comes to comfort and their shoe designs.  We're hoping these pass the test.  Want to see more?  Check out www.target.com/cynthiavincent.

Eco-Friendly Shoes

Yesterday we shared our favorite eco-friendly bags, today we're all about shoes that are good for the earth. First up:

Reef's T-Strap Sandals
These beauties are made of recycled leather by Ugandan refugees.

Simple CARat Sneakers
These are easy to slip on and off at a security checkpoint, but are more fun than basic Keds. Plus, you get bragging rights--these are made out of recycle tires.

Toms Shoes
Then, of course, they're the classic Toms Shoes. Tom's gives a pair of shoes to a child in need for every pair sold! Many of the shoes are linen and vegan.

Wedge Sandals for Spring

There's no heel that's easier to walk in than the platform wedge- they are stable and they make your legs look a mile long.  We found tons of the at the stores this season: some with cork wedges, some with wood (slightly clunkier to wear) and some with suede covered wedges.  Here are some our the standouts:

This Michael Kors metallic wedge would go with everything from short shorts to jeans and dresses.  At $135, the price is very do-able!

Tory Burch has a suede covered heel that's edgy and sophisticated:

This laser cutout wedge from Pour la Victoire will turn some heads:

These Vera Wang wedges show a little less skin than a sandal- perfect for the springtime and in a color that will look fresh with anything.

The Jimmy Choo woven wedge is a fresh twist on the classic Christian Louboutin platform.

The Jimmy Choo Hunter Boot

With the foot of snow on the ground and Fashion Week starting today, we made a mad dash yesterday to buy a pair of Hunter Wellies. For the uninitiated, Hunters are rubber boots that were originally designed for soldiers in World War I who were fighting in flooded trenches —and have become the fave boot of NYCers on rainy, slushy or snowy days. We're admittedly late to the Hunter party, which is probably why every website we checked was out sold out in our size. We couldn't even find a knock off to fit our size 7 foot.

Enter the Jimmy Choo Hunter Boot. At $395, it's close to four times the cost of the original, but with that crocodile print we would be sure to impress even the most discerning of door men or clip board Nazi. Plus, they have them in our size. Available at Jimmy Choo.com.

If you're in NYC tonight, catch Tamara Mellon at Saks from 5 to 6 pm.

Net-A-Porter Win a Wardrobe contest

To celebrate its one millionth order, Net-A-Porter is giving away a $40,000 shopping spree. For those who aren't good with math, that equals about 60 pairs of Christian Louboutins! The contest runs through February 11. On your mark, get set, go!

What Shoes to Wear on the Plane

Shoes for a Plane by Jet Set Girls featuring Frye shoes

With airport security becoming ever more challenging, the last thing you want to deal with is a pair or strappy sandals or dominatrix boots when it's your time to walk through the metal detector. But that doesn't mean you have to resign yourself to wearing sneakers every time you fly.

Our pics for shoes to wear on the plane are a low boot--good if you want to wear socks to protect your feet from the bare airport floor; a funky slip on high-heeled shoe for the girl who never wears flats; a sequined and denim ballet slipper because it combines two of our favorite things; finally, if you're going to go with a sneaker, at least make it a trim city sneak in a chic color like these Pumas.

Read more about the new TSA Security Measures.

Items in this set:
Frye Allie Softy Pump at Zappos.com, $192
Coconuts Night Life Flats, $59
Gabriella Rocha Chyanelle at Zappos.com, $100
Speeder Mesh Running Shoes - Puma Online Shop, $36

Holiday Gift Ideas - Last Minute Gifts

Considering that only 60 percent of you had started Christmas shopping before last Thursday and the snowy weekend didn't help matters for all you East Coasters, we can all benefit from style guru Robert Verdi's tutorial on last minute gift ideas.

We basically haven't taken off the Portolano cashmere set of hat, scarf and mittens since we received it.  It's Robert's pick for the "Chic Commuter," and we certainly qualify! We love the periwinkle color. It's not the safe choice of cream or black, but is surprisingly flattering to many skin tones and hair colors. That's JSG's Annie, above, with Carolyn, modeling the popcorn stitch set.


True confession: We've never owned a pair of Uggs. But apparently they're still the hot holiday gift—and with good reason. As the legions of Uggs fans can attest, these boots are ultra warm and comfy. We're putting a pair of the slippers on our wish list.

Not sure what to get the hostess with the mostess? Robert recommends cookies from
Tasty Morsels Bakery. He's sending all his celeb friends cookies in the shape of his head (pictured top). Because, really, what else is there to give those obnoxious friends who already have everything they could ever possibly want, much less need?

For more of Robert Verdi's last minute gift ideas, check out RVTIPS on twitter.

This review was based on a free sample.

Holiday Gift Ideas - Sex and the City Flats

We’ve been bringing you lots of tidbits about the upcoming Sex and the City movie. Now, we stumbled upon these great new Sex and the City-inspired flats. They are dressy enough to wear out and comfy enough to make your feet happy. Wear them out all day, or even tuck them in your purse for later on in the night when your heels just won’t do anymore. These ballet flats are fun, stylish and perfect for traveling!

There are six different colors to pick from at $64.99 each. Four of the styles are modeled after each of Sex and the City’s leading ladies – Carrie, Charlotte, Samantha and Miranda. Two additional choices are available in black satin or hot pink. Carrie's, (above), is reminiscent of her infamous tutu and love of giant flowers, while Samantha's (below) is a sexy metallic snakeskin. These make great holiday gifts for your girlfriends.



You can order these “After Party Shoes” at the HBO Shop in New York City, or online at hbo.com/store. We say that these shoes don’t have to wait until the party is over. The hard part is picking which pair we like best!

Uggs Art & Sole Auction

If we didn't convince you to give up your Ugg's in favor of Anna Sui's FitFlop boots, perhaps you're willing to consider one-of-a-kind Uggs from Manolo Blahnik, Betsey Johnson, Stuart Weitzman and more. The boots are being auctioned today through December 14 with proceeds benefiting St. Jude Children's Research Hospital in Memphis. Find them at Uggaustralia.com.

Our faves are Eugenia Kim's faux fur trimmed Ugg's


and the Rafe rocker Ugg's.

Anna Sui for Fit Flop

Too embarrassed to keep wearing your Uggs, but not ready to give up the warmth and comfort? Trade up to a pair of Anna Sui Shakoha Boot FitFlop. According to W Magazine, Anna and Marcia Kilgore, FlipFlop creator and founder of Bliss Spas, ran into each other at Garren Salon. Turns out the pair go way back (Anna recommended Garren to Marcia back in the day) and Marica asked Anna to create a pair of FitFlop boots.

The suede and shearling boots look just as cozy as a pair of Uggs, but the stud detailing and tassel give them the edge fashion wise. The boots also have the same MicrowobbleboardTM midsole that the FitFlops do that is supposed to tone legs as you walk. We couldn't imagine sliding out of a more perfect boot in the security line at the airport on the way to our next ski trip. Telluride, anyone?

The Anna Sui Shakoha Boot FitFlop is available on Net-a-Porter. Get yours fast--only 1,500 of the limited edition boots were made.

Barbie Has Cankles?

Our jaw dropped when we read in Monday's WWD that shoe designer Christian Louboutin was redesigning Barbie—she of the 39-21-33 figure—because, as his spokesperson says, "He found her ankles were too fat.” While we might covet the mini Louboutin boxes for the shoes that reportedly come with the trimmer Barbie, we definitely won't be buying this doll for any of the girls in our life. Louboutin should stick to designing shoes—and champagne glasses for variety.

Louboutin's Champagne Shoe

We love Champagne almost as much as we love shoes. Or is it that we love shoes almost as much as we love Champagne? Thanks to Louboutin and Piper Heidsieck, we don't have to choose. Thanks to the folks over at Ideeli for filling us in on this stiletto Champagne glass. It's on our wish list!

Bachelorette Party: Vegas Shoes

Aside from your dress for your Vegas trip or bachelorette party, the next most important thing are the shoes you pack for Vegas. Given that it's Vegas, you may need to sacrifice some comfort for sex appeal.

Vegas shoes: Dominatrix-Style Stilettos
Strap on these black studded 4.5" Jimmy Choos and we promise you won't have to wait in line for any clubs!


Vegas Shoes: Metallic High-Heeled Sandals
Our love affair with gold goes way, way back--and with good reason. It goes with anything and is sure to get you noticed, even in a city as flashy as Vegas.
Vegas Shoes: Sexy Booties
Hope has been lusting after the L.A.M.B. Tuxedo booties for weeks now. These ruffled booties are provocative enough for Vegas with peeptoes and cutout sides, yet practical enough for everyday when paired with tights.
Vegas Shoes: Thigh High Boots
We can only wish we had legs worthy of thigh high boots. If you do, wear these for us—please!

Vegas Shoes: Fringe Sandals
Because the only thing more fun than fringe sandals are red fringe Louboutin sandals!


Remember to pack more than one pair of going out shoes: Dancing two nights in a row in the same pair of Vegas shoes can be murder on your feet!

Custom Flip Flops

When asked about our best secret for packing, we always say: Limit your shoes. Now with the new SwitchFlops, that rule can go out the window! With interchangeable straps, you can create many customized flip flops without the bulk of extra shoes in your suitcase.

Start by matching a shoe sole color (black, tan, white, brown, blue or pink) with your favorite style — kitten heel, flat or wedge (starting at $35). While each flip flop is already fashioned with a pretty strap, you can also purchase additional styles from a huge selection of interchangeable straps (starting at $12). From metallic rhinestone buttons to vibrant floral prints, a Velcro design makes it easy to switch out straps within seconds to match any outfit or mood. With so many colors and combinations, you can create a flip flop for every occasion!

We can thank designer Lindsay Phillips for this genius concept that stemmed from a high school art project. We give her an A+ for granting flip flops so much versatility. Visit Switchflops.com to design your own shoes … and don’t forget a few extra straps. You can order online, or find a retailer near you. We're currently being tempted by the brown Taylor wedge and Jenna strap combo.

Like the idea but want a dressier shoe? Check out these sandals with interchangeable straps.

L.A.M.B. Accessories Spring 2010

At the L.A.M.B. show, we weren't able to get close enough to take photos of the models, but we did get up close and personal with the shoes and bags. Heart the pink one on top.

Check out the shoe on the lower left:


Zebra print we would actually wear.