Beaded Flip Flops

Bowing to our sacred sentiments

Divine intervention is never discounted here, even in these globalised, secular times.

Occasionally, mass market designers have made the mistake of sticking an image of Goddess Lakshmi on a bikini or Lord Ganesha on flip-flops, thinking that our love for such images is akin to the Americans' for their flag which they proudly wear in all forms.

Luxury marketers are far more perceptive. It pays to give reverential bow to our sacred sentiments, especially with more and more Indians peppering the international rich lists.

The recently launched Caran d'Ache limited edition solid silver Balaji pen (adding to its Artiste collection repertoire of Buddha, Ganesha and Shiva) one such sweetly timed gambit.

The 108 individually numbered fountain pens for Rs 4.5 lakh each and an equal number of rollerball pens at Rs 3.95 lakh each should be snapped up in no time, considering that in 2010 alone devotees poured in some Rs 575 crore worth of cash offerings at Balaji's famed temple in Tirumala.

With such generous believers, the penmaker may not be able to even churn out its made-on-order-only gold and diamond versions of the pen for Rs 23 lakh and Rs 38 lakh each, respectively, fast enough!

There is scarcely a moneyed Indian home these days that does not feature a pleasantly pastoral Radha Krishna, serenely sated Ganesha, or Lakshmi from Lladro. Or maybe they prefer the same deities as designed by Daum. It could be called the coming of age of the Indian buyer, who is no longer compelled to buy bucolic shepherdesses or other such favourite western porcelain subjects.

Or the coming of age of the western seller, who now must look beyond time-tested stereotypes to appeal to culturally secure and assertive new markets...

Paisleys, caparisoned elephants and languid maharajas on scarves and other accessories have an obvious broad appeal in India and for Indophiles everywhere but the time is ripe to be more specific.

Bulgari's 'Chandra' collection is classic but intellectual; Chitra Subramaniam's Swiss-made Panchang watch (which displays rahukalam) and Judith Leiber's crystal-beaded Ganesh minaudiere purse are more direct. Jaeger-LeCoultre's Reverso watch with an enamelled Lord Ram is another clever nod to the enduring appeal of the Hindu pantheon. It may not be long, therefore, before Cartier creates a bejewelled Balaji pendant. It would be a great his and hers gift with the Balaji pen.

Sandals Pewter | Ladies Shoes online

Sandals Pewter

Are you looking for something distinctive in shoes and sandals this summer? Tired of plain summer flipflops and sandals? Want to be fashionable and up to the minute ? Beaded sandals are the latest hot favourite, chosen by your favourite stars. Beaded sandals can be bought in different shapes and designs to go with all your summer clothes. Beaded flip flop sandals are a wonderful substitute for your basic, boring standard Flip Flops , with beautiful silver or pewter beaded straps – ideal for the beach with a matching bikini and wrap to get you noticed and add some style or with a floaty skirt for unfussy elegance.

If you would like something a little more up market, beaded flat sandals could be what you’re looking for. The simplest designs are similar to a flip flop as they have toe posts, although they will be beaded, but sometimes they have leather uppers and soles which makes these sandals much more hardwearing and stylish. You can find many styles of beading to choose from, you can have small, delicate beads or outsized, bolder beads in different arrangements, or even one large flamboyant bead.

You can choose from a choice of colours for the base sandal and the beading, a good choice for a sandal you want to wear with anything would be Brown Leather with pewter or silver beading, or if you’re feeling flamboyant you could opt for  something much bolder like a gold sandal with coloured beads. These sandals would look great with a pair of jeans or light summer trousers, with red polished toenails to set them off, or you might wear them with a light, summer skirt for a casual summer evening barbecue.

More complex types of flat beaded sandals often have a beaded ankle strap attached to the straps, or several thinner straps that fasten about the ankle. These ‘tribal’ styles usually have lots more beads in elaborate designs and multi colours, giving you the latest style. These sandals would be more suitable for extended wear and for walking further, and would look great with light trousers for sight seeing. They would also be perfect when you want a classier look for a less casual party or barbecue.

An alternative popular style is the gladiator or cage sandal, with multiple straps and several ankle straps, again richly beaded, frequently with studs and many colours of bead.

If you’re not comfortable in flat sandals and you prefer more height, then beaded wedge sandals should be better for you. Usually made from leather wedge sandals will give you height and can look great with skirts and light trousers.

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