On the heels of the "Sex and the City," you have to ask yourself what would Carrie Bradshaw wear? The movie got me thinking about everything fashion, including shoes ... specifically those Manolos.

Unfortunately, most of us don't have that kind of budget, but that doesn't mean you can't sport some of the hottest trends in shoes. Even stores like Target or Payless have budget conscious versions of the big trends.

Web photo (ENLARGE)

Dolce Vita's thong sandal.

Lauren White, owner of Monkee's of Greenville, says that the hottest shoes for summer 2008 are gladiator sandals, thongs and wedges.

Wedges, which have been popular the past couple of summers, are more comfortable than before and provide a good way to get some height. These shoes look great paired with city shorts, skirts and even dresses.

Thongs — or flip-flops — have been a summer mainstay for years and this season is no different. Besides the basic Rainbow's and Reef's casual flip-flops, more dressy thongs are summer appropriate as well. Picking up a pair in gold or silver will help them go with just about any outfit.

Celebrities like the girls of "Sex and the City" have really made the strappy, flat gladiator sandals very popular. These shoes in metallics are the most popular but for even more bling, pick up a pair of gladiators embellished with rhinestones, perfect for a special occasion.

"You cannot go wrong with a gold or silver pair of sandals. Bright colors and prints are also big," White said.

Shoes that make a statement in a print or bright color can spice up the most basic ensemble.

White said if she had to pick five pairs of shoes for the whole summer, she would pick; Dolce Vita thong sandals because they are stylish and comfortable, metallic Jack Rogers because they are classic, Tory Burch flats in metallic or colors because they are versatile, Eric Javits cork wedges for comfort and a pair Havaiana flip-flops.

Updates

Pink will be moving to 637 Red Banks Road in Arlington Village, next to Pizzazz.

Moxie will offer extended summer hours July 5 through Aug. 30. The store will be open from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Saturdays. From 6-8 p.m. on Saturdays this summer Moxie will stay open late and feature a cocktail hour. The boutique also will be accepting clothes for My Sister's Closet and the Pitt County Family Violence Shelter. Bring in a bag of clothes of at least five items and receive 20 percent off any one item at Moxie.

On Aug. 31, Moxie will hold a Back to School Fashion at 8 p.m. hosted by Starlight Café. The show will feature Backdoor Skatepark clothing and music by The Spirit Molecule. Check out mixer's August issue for more details.

What's hot and what not to wear? Beth Gunderson can be contacted at egunderson@coxnc.com or 329-9590.