I think every lady out there needs to make a promise to herself right now: do not wear flip flops this summer unless you absolutely cannot get around it. In other words, you should only wear them while you are in a public shower or you are going to the beach. When going to the office or enjoying a night out on the town with your friends, you should leave the flip flops at home. Don’t take this the wrong way, because we definitely enjoy some open footwear on those torturous hot and humid days, but flip flops have the ability to almost instantly downgrade someone’s look. Not only that, but flip flops are extremely dangerous. I can’t tell you how many butts I have seen smack the ground because of flip flops.

Instead of sporting some flip flops this summer, why not wear T-strap sandals, instead? You will still have that open feeling that you love about flip flops, but you will have more support. Flip flops are unappealing, in my opinion, because it makes your foot look as if it has been cut in half. However, a T-strap sandal actually gives your foot a longer look and so do those nude-colored sandals.

If you want to be a little bit more covered, try wearing some gladiator type sandals. Those are perfect for just about any type of occasion you could imagine. Get rid of those boring flip flops and try something new.

While the political rivals had a field day this week with Ann Romney’s nearly $1,000 blouse, it appears Ann Romney is not the only presidential candidate’s wife with expensive taste. Despite her penchant for more affordable clothing, First Lady Michelle Obama has quite a pricey wardrobe  herself.

Ann Romney with presidential candidate husband Mitt Romney

From Balenciaga and Helmut Lang to Michael Kors and Marchesa, the first lady has been known to wear some big name, and expensive designer fashions. Last week alone, Mrs. Obama was  scene in two different L’Wren Scott cardigans, with price tags between $2,000 and $3,000.

Last Thursday, Mrs. Obama wore the designer’s peach embroidered cardigan to a  White House event, Take Your Child To Work Day. The very next day she wore similar piece, this one white with red to greet troops at Fort Stewart, in Georgia, with the president.

It should be noted, however, that Mrs. Obama is also well-known for boosting sales at the more affordable J. Crew and has been seen shopping at the discount store Target.

Tampa Bay Fashion Week

Tampa Bay Fashion Week is now accepting applicants for Tampa Bay Fashion Week 2012, featuring 2013 Spring/Summer Collections.

The deadline for all applications is June 1, 2012.

If you are interested in showing your collection at Tampa Bay Fashion Week 2012, please e-mail designer@fashionweektampabay.com for application, registration and fees. Please be sure to provide your full name and website information so they may view your collection. Thank you!

Fashion designers looking to showcase their 2013 collection should do so before June 1, 2012 to be part of the high-fashion and artistic energy.  Tampa Bay Fashion Week epitomizes the fashion scene inFlorida’s Bay Area with an annual event that celebratesTampaBay’s unique style. This event brings talented fashion and accessories designers to The Bay Area to showcase their work for local, regional and national retail buyers, boutique owners and consumers.

Mix, mingle and make industry connections with fashion designers, boutique owners, store managers, models, stylists, hair & make-up artists, talent/modeling agents, fashion media and bloggers, photographers, fashion show producers and more!

Request your application online now by visiting FashionWeekTampaBay.com and clicking on the Designer tab.