Stylish with Substance

The brand new, thong-like, sandals with "toe loops" are the best summer shoes of this season. The shoe that really sums up the attraction is Don Ciccillo's Metallic Flat Sandal. Its ankle wrapping is elegant, and with its "crystal trimmed silver metal ornament" on the toe loop, its priced at a well-deserved $475.

Need something a little less expensive?

The best representation I found was Naughty Monkey's Gladiator ( which does not have an elegant name for a woman's shoe). It is made of genuine leather, scores high with buyers for comfort and will only set you back $49.95.

My dear cousin, Jacqueline, called yesterday evening to announce to my mother and me that she is engaged. She has a very attractive square-cut diamond (I know that's one of the first things you'd wonder about).

I'm so happy for her, and surprisingly not at all jealous! I mean I’m probably 98% happy, maybe 2% jealous. And I mean what’s 2%? That’s nothing.

So, I've gone on a little bit of bridal gown and shoe perusing. Bridal shoes are atrocious, I'll have to get back to you on alternatives to them. (For myself, I want dream designer shoes, forget "bridal.") But let me tell you, I found a few designer gowns that are quite lovely!

BTW, a sign of love is when the couple gain identical weight together. Thus I am including gowns that show off a curvy figure. They are most appealing to me, as well. Okay, well, maybe 10% jealous.

The first is by a small scale designer, Reem Acra (misspelled at the boutique I perused as Reema Acra), and has gorgeous bead detail, as well as its beautiful shape. The second is Vera Wang, which has a full and womanly shape, but sports grandmotherly lace by the neck. As for the shape, I'd say that the first gown would be better suited for my cousin. (And I'd like something more like the Vera Wang, for myself.)

I can look for myself, but it either keeps me from being jealous, or will bring on severe depression and deep sobs in the night. Hey hey, I'm gonna find love. That’s what makes it so easy for me to be 80% happy!

Congratulations and good luck to the couple!