go with the flojo's

Ahhh, the lazy days of summer--kicking back at the beach, pina colada in hand, leafing through a juicy novel as the tide ripples at your feet.

You wish! Try zipping around the city, hauling your toddler to gym class, racing back to pick up your preschooler from camp and take him to the playground for an hour, then running home to start dinner and the nighttime routine. If that sounds more like what your summer will entail, you'll need lightweight, comfortable shoes that will keep you on the go--whether you're at the market, at the playground, or getting to and fro.

I love the Pixie style flip-flop ($22) from the Flojo's collection--it's simple and versatile, especially in refreshing summer white (it comes in black and brown too). It has a cool silver and gray, flower/vine patterned sole, so when you slip them off to sit on the mat during your kid's music class, you can show off the pretty pattern. And talk about comfort. The straps don't dig and there's a slight wedge at the sole so you get a bit of a lift but won't strain your calf muscles the way you do with a higher wedge. The only problem is, my two-and-a-half year old daughter loves them as much as I do so I have to hide them when she's playing dress up. Also, check out the Miranda ($26), a braided-strap sandal with soft, intertwining straps and a henna-esque foot bed design (available in chestnut or black).

To see the full Flojo's collection (including surfer-inspired styles for men), go to www.flojos.com.

holiday looks: foot fetish

So you've been on your feet all day...and you're still expected to wear heels all night long at that New Year's Eve party. Don't shy away from your favorite pair of stilettos. Amazing Arches ($6.95 per pair) from Foot Petals will cushion your feet and make you feel comfortable way past midnight, giving footwear that previously didn't work for you a second chance. The extra padding sticks to your shoes and cushions every part of your foot, creating a virtual arch for flat feet and offering much-needed stabilization. The best part: It works with your body's natural shock absorption system to reduce foot fatigue. Go to www.footpetals.com to purchase a pair. But don't check out before grabbing a pair of Heavenly Heelz ($4.95-$18.95) too. They are total lifesavers! I recently went to a store to buy a pair of high heels I was eyeing for months. When I tried them on, my heel kept slipping out of the back of the shoes. Thanks to Heavenly Heelz, I can step out in style once again.

first-class seats

We all know the drill: You get the kids dressed and pile them into the car for a long drive. Not even 20 miles into it, your nine month old's bottle leaks all over the infant car seat and your toddler throws up his lunch...we're talking projectile! Thankfully, you've packed a spare set of clothes for each. Double thankfully, you've just installed your new Dressy Dribbles car seat covers. I know, you're thinking car seat covers? A little much, right? But when you find yourself in this predicament, you'll be glad you decided to invest. They snap right onto your infant or toddler car seat and come off easily so you can throw them in the washing machine when they need a cleaning. The best part: They are beautifully made and feel luxurious to the touch. I put mine down on the couch for a minute and my 16 month old daughter put her head down on it and went to sleep. Made of quality minky, denim, cotton and satin fabrics, it's the only car seat cover that snaps on and off so you don't have to rethread the car seat straps every time you remove it. All styles are reversible so you get two patterns in one; matching canopy covers and blankets are also available. My favorite: The Miracle ($50; shown here), a purple flower Asian brocade with reversible lavender minky. Available at http://www.dressydribbles.com. For a more affordable version, check out the Dressy Dribbles line for Target which features a pink or blue cotton/denim style for only $29.99! Go to www.target.com to make your purchase.