Gucci: $325 Sanuk: $65 Hugo Boss: $55

April 12, 2005 Flops to Flip For Whether you gave them up in favor of Tivas or -- more tragically -- office-appropriate loafers, it's time to reconsider the shoes you once called "thongs." As the mercury rises, fashionistos are bottoming off their silhouettes with the footwear with minimalist appeal. Flip-flops are slapping heels of the well-heeled all over Los Angeles. The shoe has long been a staple of the California look. Surfers and beech-goers statewide would be hard pressed to give up the feeling of foot liberation flip-flops afford. So what's changed? This year's flip-flop is tonier than ever. Styles from Gucci and Prada use rich leathers to dress-up the So Cal classic. Meanwhile Hugo Boss designs keep it casual with an emphasis on color. A quick warning here: Flip-flops alone do not an outfit make. Peeking out from under a pair Seven jeans the shoe says, "Even in denim, I'm a fashion god." But pair them with a Hawaiian shirt -- another California fashion classic -- and you're two decades late for the Jimmy Buffet concert. We found these flip flops at: Fred Segal 8100 Melrose Ave. West Hollywood Tel: 323.655.3734