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Over the last couple of years, I’ve been introduced to the world of flip-flop fashions and faux pas by my teen-aged daughter.  I’m finding out that in her world, it is no longer acceptable to buy flip-flops in discount stores, or God forbid, The Dollar Store.  Honestly, I never thought those things were worth much more than a buck anyway. For years, the flip-flops I knew were merely functional and practical consisting of a foot shaped piece of compressed foam rubber with a V-shaped rubber strip stuck between your toes and a “made in China” sticker on the bottom. But I am learning now that there is so much I do not know about this must have summer accessory.  Flip-flops have turned into a fashion statement, status symbol and addiction for some.

When I was a kid most of my clothing and shoes came from stores like Two Guys, Bradlees and Caldor. For those of you that are not familiar with these extinct retailers, they were the mini Wal-marts of New Jersey during the 60’s and 70’s. If I was really lucky, Mom might splurge and get me some “good clothes” at Sears. Yeah, I know what you’re thinking. What teenager these days would be satisfied with clothing themselves in items purchased from a store that also sells lawn tractors and dishwashers? Can’t you just picture the eye rolls I would get if I even suggested it?

Anyway, back to the flip-flop phenomenon that’s taken hold of the hearts and feet of teenage girls.  My daughter approached me with a request to take her shopping for a pair of flip-flops, the kind that “everyone” was wearing, of course.  I figured, sure no problem.  She needed something other than sneakers and I knew she’d be getting use out of them at the beach over the summer.  She informed me that these flip-flops of her dreams were called “Rainbows” and could be found at a kiosk in the mall.  I asked her what was so special about these flip-flops and did she know how much they cost?  She went on and on about how comfortable they were and they came in lots of colors and they lasted a really long time and all her friends had them–some even had more than one pair in several different colors.  The price, however, was not included in her sales pitch.  That was my first clue that these flip-flops were far from the cheap bargain bin type I had grown up on.