My Mom is Southern, so growing up, we had three kinds of clothes: church clothes, school clothes and play clothes.  This was a radical departure from the rest of my friends who just had clothes and a church dress.  And unlike the other children, we also had two kinds of shoes: shoes and “junkers.” 

Junkers were the inexpensive shoes that were worn when playing in the mud, painting the house, cleaning horse stalls and rafting on the river. Basically, they were shoes that could be destroyed without fear of reprisal for ruining our clothes.  Most of my junker shoes came from Payless or were worn out regular shoes, but after looking at the website last night, Payless shoes have come along way from the junkers that I used to wear when we gardened.

Alice + Olivia Jazz Oxfords (Payless, $30)

Not so very long ago, I featured some Oxford shoes in the 10th Commandment, and some of you were not feeling the 1920s Rewind.  But I think these flats are a trendy and cute alternative to the tradition summer shoes.  I think the blush colored shoes would be really cute with charcoal grey laces and a grey skirt.

Lela Rose Bow Flat (Payless, $30)

Lime and chartreuse are hot this summer.  If you want a dash of citrus without looking like a neon sign, try these adorable Lela Rose flats.  They would look great with a navy dress or skinny jeans.  Why not have a pop of color that really pops?

Christian Siriano Slim Sandal (Payless, $30)

Project Runway fans know that these soft metallic sandals are fierce! (I couldn’t resist.)  They’re delicate design and neutral tone make them the perfect go anywhere, wear with anything sandal.  I may swing by Metro Center and pick up a pair on my way home.