THE 'F' IS FOR FASHION:

THINK SIMPLE FOR SUMMER STYLE (Brooke Showell, Long Island Press)

The flip-flop is one of this summer's biggest trends, having made its way into the season's most fashionable footwear. Rubber thongs are casual, comfortable, practical and inexpensive. Once strictly a beach statement, this laid-back look now appeals to all ages for all occasions. New Yorkers wear flip-flops with a bikini on the Montauk shore, or with a sundress on Madison Avenue. Even Sarah Michelle Gellar showed off white flip-flops with her Vera Wang wedding gown. Right now, there are no limitations when it comes to summer sandals.

Flip-flops range from high-end Helmut Lang rubber thongs and kitten-heeled Sigerson Morrison sandals to everyday options by J.Crew, Old Navy and Target. Adidas' high-tech flip-flops and the surf-friendly Reef Smoothy Sandals offer sportier selections for guys. But like all trends, the flip-flop has taken a trendy turn.

Who'd have thought Sen. Kerry's spectacular nuancing would spark a fashion revival? Doesn't hold a candle to Al Gore inventing the Internet though.