What is it with women and flip and flops? When did a slab of rubber with a piece of plastic fixed between your two toes become a wardrobe staple beyond the beach?  And by all means, tell me, when did these iconic symbols of leisure time become acceptable wares in an office environment?

Flip Flops as a viable wardrobe piece is a fashion conundrum that vexes me daily.  You see, after a nearly eight year hiatus I have re-entered to the workforce.  Yes, in this climate of perpetual job losses and falling Dows I have somehow secured an actual job.  How exactly this happened continues to befuddle me, after all, I am that woman (we all know her) who has spent much of the last several years wiping noses, making lunches, kissing away tears, cleaning knee scrapes and hauling toddlers and tweens to and from Chuckie Cheese, the zoo, to the playground, the mall and everyplace in between.

I was that now clichéd woman turned professional turned mother who opted to “step out” of the full time workforce and “step in” to “non –stop parenting” and flip flops.  You know THAT women, the super educated (ivy league undergraduate, ivy league graduate) one that both the feminists love to hate and the Christian fundamentalist love to exalt.  I have occupied the somewhat controversial role of stay-at-home motherhood.  Ugh, I said it.  And yep that was me.

So now…let’s get back to “flip-flop nation.”  Here I am, THAT mom who has re-entered the workforce only to be assaulted daily with the SLAP SLAP SLAP SLIDE noise of an army of flip-flops walking just outside my office door.  Yes flip-flops, even with the rise of the gladiator sandal, the embellished thong sandal and the classic espadrille, it seems they are the preferred shoe, particularly for the sub twenty five years old population, to wear to work.  At least this is true where I work and this work reality more than any other, truly makes my head spin.

In an attempt at full disclosure I must admit that I do in fact work for a University.  You may suspect a University culture is by nature casual, informal and even flip flop friendly.  Well perhaps if you are a student flip flops rule the day, but for us in University Administration—my new day job—it is my contention that flip-flops need to stay at home with the beach cover up and Banana Boat 75 SPF sunscreen lotion. Forgive me as I do not intend to serve as the flip-flop police but this reality is one of many current surprises during my foray back into the workforce.  I assure you, many more will follow.

To my fairly young fashionista (and some not so young), I ask you, “do you really think your old navy chocolate flip flops are the best compliment to your off the rack combo from Barneys Co-Op?”  No matter if it’s 200 degrees and sunny and your feet are searing; trust me, there are prettier, sturdier and undoubtedly, quieter shoes for you.

Hot Plate:  A monthly column that offers a few cultural insights, quips and observations on the topsy-turvy, always evolving, hot and cool life of one J. Lynn Livingston.