Its floral embroidery is both feminine and summery. With flowers in pink, blue, and yellow on a hazel background, it will go with shorts or a light summer dress in just about any color. It has a rounded toe box, so your toes won’t be squished into a point, and the leather lining and insole will keep your feet comfortable. The leather sole will eventually scuff up a bit, providing sure footing. The multicolored embroidery will get you through the summer, while the hazel suede upper will carry you right into fall, and they’ll still look good with jeans or wool slacks. The thing I like best about them? They’re just pretty. They’re $429 at Zappos.com.

Even if they’ll work for more than one season, you may not want to spend that much on shoes right now, especially if your budget is stretched for a summer vacation. Not to worry. Try the Geox Donna Lola ballet flat, another shoe that will stay at the front of your closet for several months, if not year round. It has a patent leather upper, which will look just as great with any summer ensemble as it will with denim or slim black pants. The multicolored pattern gives you a lot of options, and if you look closely, there’s a subtle floral design imprinted on the upper. The heel and edge trim are solid-colored. I like it in this orange, a color that looks great in summer and fall, but it’s also available in light blue and fuschia. The cool thing about this shoe is it has a perforated sole system, designed to absorb and expel sweat without letting water in, so you can wear these on bare feet in the summer and stay cool. That’s definitely worth the $119.95 at Endless.com.

Another pretty and feminine option is Jessica Simpson’s Maloles ballet flat. It’s made for comfort with a rounded toe, lightly padded insole, textile lining, and rubber sole. Most comfortable of all, it features an elastic trim around the top, ensuring a comfortable and snug fit, so you don’t have to worry about them slipping off while walking, as some ballet flats tend to do. The turquoise and white floral pattern is perfect for summer, and the dark blue background means they’ll also look great with your fall wardrobe. They’re just $58.95 at Zappos.com.

The bag has a fabric upper, but not just any plain fabric. It’s covered in a mosaic-effect embroidery, in several hues of blue, from light turquoise at the bottom to dark cobalt at the top. The bottom of the bag has a cobalt patent panel to protect the fabric from wear and tear. The interior is lined with a jacquard fabric that mimics the embroidered pattern on the exterior, and also provides a back wall zip pocket, and a few slip pockets to hold smaller items. A magnetic closure keeps your items secure, and at 16 inches wide, 11 inches high, this bag will hold everything you need. If you prefer, it also comes in a fuschia color scheme. You got the shoes, now get the bag for just $228 at Endless.com.

Budget Saving Alternatives

A hobo bag is always a great addition to your wardrobe, whether you’re matching a pair of shoes or not. And in some cases, like this, the bag is pretty enough to buy whether it matches anything or not. The Lucky Brand Flutterby Billow patchwork tote is a beautiful combination of purple, red, chocolate brown, beige, and white, a list of colors that sound like they wouldn’t go together, but this bag makes them work. The bag is 80 percent suede and 20 percent leather, with a 100 percent textile lining. The single strap is decorated with tiny gold studs, which are subtle against the beige of the strap. The lining provides a few slip pockets for small items, while at 18 inches wide and 15 inches high, the bag can hold just about anything, even a change of clothes in case you get splashed at the beach or pool. Add some color to your wardrobe for just $179.99 at Piperlime.com.

When you want to go really casual, you need this Overland Equipment Lexington hobo bag. It’s reminiscent of 70s style, but still classic enough for everyday use. Not only that, it’s an environmentally friendly bag. The main part of the hobo bag is made from long-wearing hemp, a very sturdy material that will stand up to the elements. It’s printed with a beautiful green floral pattern in soy ink. The liner is organic cotton, with a zippered pocket, and the dual handles feel like leather, but are made from cork. At 20 inches wide, 15 inches high, this hobo bag can double as a weekender. Get it now for only $74 at Zappos.com.

The shoe isn’t just any old blue, though. The leather straps are turquoise and cobalt, bright and deep colors contrasting and complementing each other. And both colors look great against a tan, real or not. (Don’t forget your sunscreen.) The lining and insole are also leather, which will form to your foot through wearing, making them quite comfortable. The sole is synthetic, and has several ridged rows to prevent slipping, great for wet surfaces. The wedge heel is 3.5 inches high, which is great for making your legs look long and lean, but the .75-inch platform makes them feel a little lower than they are, so they’re easy to walk on. If you really want to get flashy, the shoe also comes in a gold and camel color combo. And you won’t be blue when you see the price. Normally, they’re $229, but right now they’re on sale for just $183 at Zappos.com.

Budget Saving Alternatives

Looking for a really fun summer shoe? Try the Charles David Jojo platform wedge. The heel is called a donut wedge because of the center cutout, which is kind of weird since it’s not round. Anyway, it’s a different take on a traditional wedge heel. The upper is leather, embossed with a crocodile print, perfect for sunny days in Florida, right? This gorgeous turquoise goes great with the dark brown platform sole, but it’s also available with white and dark brown uppers. The 3.5-inch heel only feels like 3 inches because of the .5-inch platform. The platform also gives the shoe a bit of stability, so your footing is sure, even with the donut wedge. These are also on sale, from $134.95 to $103.50 at Zappos.com.

Another great wedge sandal, but with a bit of a feminine touch, is the Rockport Roqueta. It has a floral printed satin upper, decorated with an oversized but simple buckle in a muted brass color. The cork wedge heel will put a little spring in your step, and also cushion your bare feet. The rubber sole also gives a little cushion while providing a non-slip surface. The shoe sits on a 3.25-inch heel, and a .5-inch platform. This azur floral is my favorite, but it also comes in black and white. At this price, you can get a pair in every color. They were $89.95, but they’re only $69.41 at Endless.com.

I had to do a double take. At first glance, the bag really looks like it’s made from strands of tightly woven straw. Upon closer inspection, it becomes obvious that it’s actually slender strands of tightly crocheted nappa leather. Even the straps are woven leather. I was amazed! If you didn’t know it, or if you just saw it from afar, you’d swear it’s straw. Stuart knows how to make a bag interesting, that’s for sure. The woven leather lays over a grosgrain lining in the same color, giving the bag a uniform look. On one strap is a leather logo tag, there’s no closure, and a dust bag is included. At 14.5 inches wide and 10 inches high, you really could fit all your beach essentials in it, although I don’t think you’d want to leave this bag lying in the sun and sand. It’s just too pretty for that. If you’re after the straw look, get it in natural, but if you want some color, it also comes in rojo (red), ecru, naranja (orange), and giallo (yellow). And if you’re after a good deal, it was $598, but is on sale for $512.72 at Endless.com.

Budget Saving Alternatives

Ok, yeah, that’s a splurge for a summer bag when maybe all you’re looking for is a tote. And maybe you prefer actual straw. Then check out the Brighton Henna straw tote. It’s made of woven straw with leather accents. There’s plenty of room to hold whatever you need to carry, and then some. Dual leather shoulder straps give the bag a nine-inch drop. It has a beaded dangle embellishment on the front, a platform bottom to keep it upright, and a magnetic snap closure inside. The interior is lined in a black and white jungle-floral print, and has a back wall zip pocket, a few slip pockets, and a key ring holder. The front of the bag has a beautiful panel embroidered with a funky yet feminine design that’s pure Brighton. Try it out for $205 at Zappos.com.

For those times when you just want a lightweight tote that you can throw everything in and go, whether you’re headed to the beach or out for a day of shopping, the Echo woven shopper is the way to go. The woven straw makes it a casual, laid back bag, and it’s just the right size to carry your essentials, but not be too bulky or in the way. The interior is lined, and there’s no closure. Dual straps give it a seven-inch drop, so you can carry it on your shoulder or by hand. I really like this fresh lime color—it would go great with these flip flops—but it also comes in black, straw (natural), hot pink, and magenta. Treat yourself and get a couple. It’s just $48 at Endless.com.

This shoe comes in black patent, light pearlized copper, and pearlized silver, but my favorite is the ruby sugar patent option. First, I just like the name—ruby sugar. Doesn’t that sound opulent and yummy? As the name suggests, it’s a deep red color, but here’s the other thing I like about them—the black stones that decorate the top of the sandal. The other color options all have coordinating stones. The ruby one is the only one with contrast, and it really makes the shoe stand out. The shiny black stones against the deep red add a classy touch that make the shoe acceptable to wear to even the swankiest night spot, even though it’s essentially a flip flop. The upper is leather, as is the fully padded lining. The bottom of the shoe has a non-skid island to help you keep your footing. With a one-inch heel, you’ll stay comfortable no matter where you wear these ruby slippers. They’re usually $188.95, but are on sale right now for just $117.43 at Zappos.com.

Budget Saving Alternatives

If you like a decorated shoe but a little more color, Steve Madden’s Iconic ornamented flip flop is another great choice. I love it in turquoise. The upper is fabric with a slight sheen, but it gets a lot more sparkle from the multicolored beads that adorn it. The beads cover a wide range of colors such as white, pale blue, turquoise, gold, and copper. Some have a matte finish, some are pearly, and others are translucent, giving the shoe a lot of dimension and shine with every turn of your foot. The shoe also comes in bronze. The low profile of the shoe, provided by the quarter-inch heel, helps fight fatigue, so you can go from a day walking on the boardwalk to an evening at a beachside club and be comfortable the whole time. Get it for $69.95 at Endless.com.

If you really want some sparkle in your walk, try the Guess Gratefuly ornamented flip flop. The fabric upper is embossed with a snake print, but what makes the shoe are the rhinestones that line the top. Large oval stones are interspersed with smaller rounds and trillions, and the center oval is surrounded by a twist of tiny translucent beads in a coordinating color. The footbed is covered with metallic material, flashing a bit of color with every flip and flop. This green is a very fresh, summery color, but it’s also available in pink, gold, and black. The rubber sole not only provides a bit of cushion, but will keep you from slipping. A half-inch heel gives just enough distance between you and the sidewalk, and keeps your legs comfortable while walking. Normally $69.95, they’re currently only $59.81 on Endless.com.

The name Jardin is very fitting. (You know that means “garden” in French, right? Spanish too, actually. But I digress.) Anyway, it’s fitting because of the fabric rosettes that line the center front of the bag. They’re a beautifully feminine touch to an already elegant bag. The bag is covered in white satin, and it’s lined with beige satin. The lining also has a back wall zip pocket, perfect for holding emergency funds if you decide to make a last minute run for it. At eleven inches wide and six inches high, it’s a bit on the large side for a clutch, but on the bright side, it has plenty of room to hold makeup for mid-reception touch-ups, and a cell phone so you can text those friends who couldn’t make it to the wedding. The magnetic snap closure keeps your belongings secure, and the detachable shoulder strap keeps your hands free, allowing the bag to make the transition from wedding to reception to honeymoon, if you so choose. It’s a splurge, but if you decide to get it, don’t wait—there are only two left at $450 on Zappos.com.

Budget Saving Alternatives

White is the traditional wedding dress color, but other colors are becoming more and more popular, most notably, pink. If you decide to go the nontraditional route like Mariska Hargitay did when she got married in 2004, or if you just choose pink accessories, the La Regale Short Slim Rhine Buckle clutch provides a beautiful finishing touch. It’s a very pale pink, so it’s understated, allowing you to shine the way a bride should. The bag does have a little of its own shine, though, in a rhinestone-embellished buckle on the front, a top snap closure, and a metal chain shoulder strap that provides a 7.5-inch drop. The bag is made from luminous satin, and is lined in the same fabric. The lining also has a back wall zip pocket. Don’t let the slim silhouette fool you, either. The back is ten inches wide, so there’s plenty of room to carry what you need. The bag also comes in red and lilac, so it can make a great bridesmaid accessory as well. You can easily buy more than one since it’s just $33 at Endless.com.

Ok, this bag doesn’t exactly match the blue ballet flats I talked about the other day, but it’s my favorite out of these three handbags for its simple yet very pretty style. Also from La Regale, the Junior Pleated Sequin Frame handbag is just the right combination of formal and flashy. It’s all satin, inside and out, with gorgeous pleated panels on the outside. The front of the bag also has delicate, alternating rows of translucent blue beads and bright blue sequins. The interior provides a back wall slip pocket, and plenty of room. The single strap, also satin, gives the bag a 5.75-inch drop, so rather than carrying it on the shoulder, I’d make it a wristlet. This beautiful bag can be your something blue, and then become an evening bag for years to come. Get it now. It’s normally $33, but is on sale for just $19.95 at Endless.com.

I think I’ve made it pretty obvious that Kate is one of my favorite designers, but not without good reason. I mean, just look at her stuff—it’s gorgeous! These sandals are no exception. They keep traditions alive with a 100 percent satin upper in bright wedding white. The bow at the vamp adds an extra feminine touch. Double elastic straps at the heel ensure that whether walking down the aisle, or dancing the night away at your reception, your shoes will stay put. When you’re dancing, you’ll also appreciate the padded leather footbed, leather lining, and leather outsole, all meant to form to your foot for superb comfort. The heel is only 2.75 inches high, also making for more long-term comfort. The best thing about them, though? They’re just beautiful. Complete your summer wedding ensemble for $295 at Piperlime.com.

Budget Saving Alternatives

Many weddings are all about tradition, but there are no longer any hard and fast rules saying you can’t break from tradition. Pink has become a popular wedding gown color in recent years, and not just the pastel color. Gwen Stefani’s dress had a fuschia border around the bottom that progressed to paler pinks and then white when she got married in 2002. You might not want to go that dark, but pale pink is flattering for just about any skin tone and hair color. Or you can just have pink accessories with your white gown. Start with these Badgley Mischka Chaz t-strap sandals. They’re a beautiful blush color, and are trimmed with raw-edged fabric rosettes. The upper is made from a softly sheened satin, and the sole is leather. A dainty buckle clasp at the ankle strap lets you customize the fit. They also come with a dust bag so you can preserve them along with the memories of your special day. The heels are four inches, so make sure your dress is the appropriate length. Get the blushing bride look for $215.95 from Endless.com.

A lot of planning goes into a wedding. Flowers, cake, music, keeping certain family members away from each other…good times. Something you might fail to consider is just how much time you’ll be spending on your feet. If you’re not accustomed to wearing heels, this can make for a lot of discomfort, just like those certain family members can. Seriously, no one wants to go on a honeymoon with blistered feet, right? Consider ballet flats as an alternative. And these can even be your something blue, although they also come in embroidered ivory. Shannon Britt’s Olivia flat is stunning in pale blue satin embossed with a gold paisley pattern. (You really need to take a closer look at this.) Its asymmetrical design makes it a unique addition to this special occasion, not to mention helping to keep your feet cool during your summer ceremony. With just a half-inch heel, you’ll be able to stand all day—taking photos, receiving guests, making the rounds at your reception—and never feel fatigued. The lining and sole are both leather, and the shoe is handmade in Italy, so you know it will fit like a dream. It’s also a limited edition, and it’s on sale, so don’t wait. Normally $354, you can get it now for just $193 at Zappos.com.

I think this bag speaks to the current 80s trend resurgence. It’s reminiscent of the early years in that decade, when punk went mainstream, and everyone knew who Sid and Nancy were. Like other renewed 80s trends, though, it has an added touch of class. This isn’t a bag you’d take into a mosh pit, but you can still make a bit of a rebellious statement with the studs that adorn it. The bag is made from genuine Italian leather and features gold hardware, including the hand-plated studs along the outer flap, top, and sides. It looks great in black, but also comes in creme. At 13 inches wide, it has enough space to hold the essentials, and maybe a few more studded accessories. Get your classy punk on for $635 at RebeccaMinkoff.com.

Budget Saving Alternatives

Yeah, that’s a bit pricey, especially for something that pays homage to the punk genre. You can still get a funky designer bag for less. Try Betsey Johnson’s Rock Stud-Y Tote. Again, it’s a classy rendition of punk style. Made from leather, it’s decorated with metal studs in strategic locations on the bag, allowing the studs to lend a punk vibe while being understated at the same time. Like most totes, the bag doesn’t have a top closure. It’s lined with lace-print fabric, and it has a tassel accent, both adding a feminine touch to the boxy bag. The bag is 15 inches wide, and the dual handles give it a seven-inch shoulder drop. This red is hot, but it also comes in black, grey, and ivory. Get it for $365 at Endless.com.

Make your punk rebellion complete by choosing this alternative. Kathy Van Zeeland’s Love Affair Shopper is made from synthetic leather, but still looks just as stylish as the other bags. At 13.5 inches wide, it has plenty of room for everything you need to carry, and the dual shoulder straps with their 10.5-inch drop make it comfortable to do so. The interior lining provides a back wall zip pocket, slip pockets, and a center zip divider. Studs accent the bag at key points, and along a belt that wraps around the top of the bag, ending in a designer nameplate, all of which are silver. The platform, embossed bottom keeps the bag steady no matter where you set it down. I like it in this lemon color, but it’s also available in black, white, and a geo floral pattern. Get punky without the Brewster for just $114 at Zappos.com.

Neon’s been updated a bit, though. It’s not all plastic accessories, bright eyeshadow, and glow-in-the-dark nail polish. Neon in the new millennium is a little classier, as well as classic. Cavalli’s platform sandals have ruched silk satin uppers, a delicate T-strap, and an adjustable ankle strap with a dainty buckle closure. The neon pink color isn’t the only thing that will draw attention, either. The shoes are lined in shiny silver, and the bottom of the T-strap is adorned with crystal-encrusted star charms that will sparkle with every step and turn of your foot. The 4.75-inch heel will lengthen your legs, while the one-inch platform will provide stability and comfort. These strappy sandals are definitely a splurge at $1,194.95 from Endless.com.

Budget Saving Alternatives

Want to join in the neon revolution, but your wallet still thinks it’s 1985? I have the solution. Two of them, in fact. First, check out this gorgeous Chinese Laundry Lites Out platform sandal in neon green. I love this shoe. The brightness of the neon green sole and heel, and the silver lining, is tempered by the multi-colored vamp and ankle strap. The satiny fabric is splashed with shades of red, pink, eggplant, gold, and a few other colors, all enhancing the green, making for a classy alternative to simple neon primaries. If you prefer something a little more understated, the shoe also comes in black, and natural leopard print. The bow at the vamp adds a super feminine touch, as does the 4.5 inch heel. It will only feel like 3.75 inches, though, with the .75-inch platform, so you can walk comfortably while looking fabulous. Take these Lites Out for a night out for just $69.95 at Endless.com.

There is something to be said, though, for classic 80s neon in bright, primary colors. Jessica Simpson’s Bonee platform slingback channels the days when Madonna was constantly in the news, and Footloose was making movie stars out of TV personalities. Wait a minute…wow, déjà vu. Anyway, this shoe’s neon blue upper is leather, and the slingback strap has an adjustable buckle closure for a custom and comfortable fit. The peep toe will show off a pedicure in a contrasting neon color—try a shocking pink or yellow with this blue. You can also get the shoe in blue Nile snake print, and dark tan. The insole is lined in silver, and is lightly padded, as is the toe box. These comfortable features sit on a man-made sole, a four-inch heel, and a one-inch platform. The shoes normally go for $88.95, but they’re on sale right now for only $40 at Endless.com.

The Hula Ida is made from heavy cotton canvas, but covered in a fun and flirty raffia fringe. I love the fuschia, but it also comes in natural and orange. I kind of wish Kate had mixed the fuschia and the orange fringe—wouldn’t that be a fun combination?!—but she does make up for it by having an orange lining in the fuschia bag, and vice versa. The natural bag has a chocolate brown lining. It also has italial vachetta cowhide trim at the top and a bamboo-look double handle. Along with a ksny logo blind embossed on a leather tag, the bag is trimmed with 14-karat light gold plated hardware. The Hula boasts interior double slide pockets and a zip pocket, and at nearly a foot wide and a foot tall, there is plenty of room for all your summer essentials. Swing by KateSpade.com and pick it up for $295.

Budget Saving Alternatives

The summer fun doesn’t have to end there. It’s just getting started. Check out this Inge wicker pinwheels large tote. This handbag features woven wicker pinwheels over a canvas shell, giving the handbag not just a unique design, but a sturdy frame as well. Inside, it has grosgrain lining, two slide pockets, a zip pocket, and a key fob. Outside, it has a magnetic snap closure, and a contrasting fringe detail, just for fun. The wicker pinwheels tote would go great with espadrilles. And you know what else is fun? Saving money. This bag usually goes for $425. It’s a steal right now for just $170 at Endless.com.

If you want a bag that goes easily from backyard barbecue to beach party, you might like the O’Neill Avalon tote. Made from burlap, it will stand up to heat, sand, and surf while keeping your belongings protected. The bag is printed in a fresh floral pattern in a color they call Canary, but that I think looks more like lemony sunshine. The platform bottom will keep the bag upright on just about any surface, and the top zip closure will keep everything in its place. It has dual faux leather shoulder straps that give the bag a ten-inch drop, so it’s easy to carry wherever you go. The interior lining provides a zip pocket, and the metal logo badge adds a shiny touch. You’ll find it for $45.50 at Zappos.com.