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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.

When we approached the kiosk decorated in a rainbow of “Rainbows” I could here my credit card whimpering through the walls of my purse.  I discovered that these must-have teen status symbols cost more than my last tank full of gas.  As I gave my daughter, “the Mom look”, with my eyebrows raised, arms folded and head slightly cocked, she proceeded to plead and bargain with me. It went something like this. “Mom, I swear I will wear them everyday and not ask for another pair of shoes until I outgrow these first…and I’ll help out more around the house. Please Mom…please….please.”

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So, with a heavy sigh, I approved the purchase and watched my peer pressured teen as she tried on several pairs before making her selection with overwhelming joy.  I must admit, she kept her promise of wearing them everyday for months, even into the cooler days of fall until we decided that frostbitten toes were not a good thing.  As winter was approaching, I became a student of yet another footwear trend taking hold of the local teens.  My daughter proceeded to educate me on the benefits and comforts of this awesome pair of boots that she just had to have to make it through the bitter winter days ahead.  When I found out their brand name I assumed it was directly linked to the reaction of the parents who are talked into paying for them. For example, “UGG!! You’ve got to be kidding! Why do these cost so much?” 

I’m still unsure how these footwear fads catch on with kids this age. Do other parents not have budgets to adhere to or basic common sense when it comes to the priorities of their family finances, or should I blame the celebrity teens that flaunt their fancy footwear on magazine covers and music videos? 

Upon some discussion, we decided to put the boot request on the back burner and re-visit it again before Christmas.  If my daughter still wanted them so badly in a month from now I would comply. I justified in my mind that it would be the one ”major gift” she received that year along with a few more affordable stocking-stuffers from her wish-list and she was perfectly happy with that arrangement and couldn’t wait to open the box on Christmas morning. 

When the weather turned warm again, the boots lost their appeal and I was once again back in flip-flop school learning about all the great designer brands available with rhinestones and charms and beads, oh my!!  I have to admit it’s fun to shop for these things with a young woman who hasn’t learned the value of money and the consequences of overspending on fads and frivolous items.  I am grateful however, that we are shopping for ”flip-flops” and not “thongs”* which by today’s definition, are an entirely different fashion accessory, which hopefully will not come up for discussion anytime soon! 

*NOTE:  Flip-flops were sometimes referred to as “thongs” several decades ago.