For whatever reason, we find that we wear heels more during winter than in any other season. When summer finally arrives, it’s like a breath of fresh air…for our hooves. Ahh, summer. Finally, a few months where we give our feet a break, put away the high-heeled pumps, and break out the flat sandals. Our toes are free to wiggle, are heels and arches are able to stretch out, and the dogs finally stop barking. While we totally love a traditional pair of flip-flops, from the dressed-down version (Havianas) to the dressed-up (bejeweled metallics from J. Crew), we’re psyched about all the other available flat sandals on the market. Ten of our favorites, after the jump! [Click the images for more information.]

The temperature may or may not be warming up in your neck of the woods, but you’ve probably thought about—maybe even dreamed about—what shoes you’re going to wear this summer. (One of my favorite things about summer is that I don’t have to wear socks.) But before you start wearing flip-flops every day, know this: You need to ease your feet into whatever shoes you want to wear. Your feet get used to wearing heels, or boots, or whatever your footwear of choice happens to be, so they need a little time to adjust to something new. And, even if you have a favorite pair of shoes, try to alternate what you wear, and don’t forget to stretch your calves after wearing a pair of flat shoes for a while, as they can “strain the achilles tendon that runs from the back of the heel, and also the calf muscles in the back of the leg,” said Mike O’Neill, a spokesperson for the Society of Chiropodists and Podiatrists in the U.K. Or just go barefoot. [The Guardian, U.K. and New York Magazine]

Catherine and I wear dresses about four out of five work days, and not because we’re trying to dress up, be fancy pants, and impress anyone. We just like them. A lot. After the jump, some summer dresses we really like. Now if only our office building would turn the damned air-conditioning down. We’re freezing.

We picked a few things from Ikea’s new summer collection to help you with your first warm-weather party. Just add mojitos.