Okay, so shoes are a necessity, that we know, but they are also one of the simplest and quickest ways to transform your outfit from basic to bold, from simple to statement, from casual to cool. With that said, we are so excited to present you with our latest edition of Chic Shoe Buys and a varied assortment of amazing footwear finds—from python-print loafers through to colorful platform heels. Ready? Click through to check out the shoes we are coveting the most this month and make sure you take notes as there are plenty of fab finds inside!

So, to start, we can’t think of a better way to begin your summer shoe shopping than with a burst of color. With that said, we have four super-colorful options for you today. The first is Zara’s Woven Thong Sandals ($100). Not only will this inject your best summer outfit with a pretty intense dose of color, but woven accessories are having a moment right now, meaning that this shoe checks all the right boxes. Who can say no to that? It is also hard to resist Aldo’s Brendle Sandals ($40). We love the pops of color, but we also love a flat sandal. After all, when you are spending your entire day out in the sun, a heel can be a little too much to handle. Another amazing flat sandal is Dolce Vita’s Archer Metal Sandals ($69). These sandals are very popular right now—they have been spotted on a slew of celebrities—and with good reason. They come in a variety of colors and prints (we love the python print pictured above) and they are super flattering with both dresses and skinny jeans. Now, if you love the colorful python print on the Archer Sandals, you are also likely to love Nine West’s Open Sesame Flats ($49). These balance a smart, preppy silhouette with a bold python shell, making them perfect for the girl who needs an option for day and night.

Now, if you want a neutral shoe this summer, there is no need to despair—we have four amazing options for you. Right now, we are obsessed with Vera Wang Lavender’s Taryn Wedges ($150). The beige color gives this shoe a simple feel, but don’t be fooled—this is a shoe you will find yourself wearing all summer long simply because it will go with everything. We, however, would opt for a retro vibe by pairing it with a midi skirt and blouse. We are equally obsessed with Rosegold’s Patola Slingbacks ($80). They have a similar vibe to the Taryn Wedge, but thanks to the fun and playful print, they are likely to light up any outfit you wear. With that said, we certainly suggest you make these the focus of your outfit by pairing these with a maxi dress that has a long slit up one side or even a pair of dressy shorts. Another shoe that is certain to draw attention to your feet is Surface to Air’s Louna Art Deco V2 Heels ($490). The architectural silhouette makes this shoe just as much a piece of artwork as it does a shoe. With that said, we suggest letting it stand out by pairing it with a simple little black dress. Last, but certainly not least, we have Ash’s Cool Suede Colorblock Wedge Sneakers ($329). These are clearly unlike the rest of our picks this month, but they are here for a good reason. Not only are wedge sneakers the shoe du jour right now, but they are surprisingly flattering (thanks to the hidden wedge). On that note, whether you have a sporty side or not, we’re sure everyone can find something to love in today’s story.

Look how gorgeous Nicole Richie looked at the 40th Annual Fifi Awards last night in New York City. Nicole wore a black lace Emilio Pucci dress, which she paired with a House of Harlow 1960 clutch and black pumps. We like her bold straight-off-the-runway look. What do you think of Nicole’s latest red carpet ensemble?

Photos: Getty Images

• Watch Karl Lagerfeld and Snoop Dogg star in electropop star Jean Roch’s new music video “St-Tropez.”
• And now read Karl’s thoughts on luxury, style and the Queen’s jubilee.
• Take a look inside the home of Tabitha Simmons.
• Learn more about Charlotte Casiraghi.
• Here is Scott Schuman’s latest profile.
• Watch a video about Rachel Zoe’s new collection.

There is no doubt about it: summer is on the horizon, despite what the East Coast weather might be telling you. If you, like us, are yearning to get into beach bum mode, you can start by checking out Free People’s special Here Comes The Sun lookbook. Starring Martha Hunt, the book offers visual pointers on how to live the beach bum lifestyle in an ultra-stylish way—whether that means layering an oversized tee over a pair of denim shorts, wearing a tie-dye dress that emphasizes your beachy hair, or pairing lightweight sweaters with shorts for a sunset walk. To check out the lookbook, click inside, or head to FreePeople.com to shop.

ALEXANDER WANG
• Receive free express shipping when you use the code FREESHIP05 at checkout. Expires 5/24.

BANANA REPUBLIC
• Take 30% off when you use the code BREXCUSE at checkout. Expires 5/22 at 11.59pm.

BATH & BODY WORKS
• Receive free shipping when you spend $25 or more and use the code SPRINGSHIP at checkout. Expires 5/22 at 11.59pm.
• Take up to 50% off select items. Expires 5/28.

KOHL’S
• Take an extra 15% off shoes and sandals when you use the code A2SAVE15 at checkout. Expires 5/24.
• Receive free shipping when you spend $75 or more. Expires 5/27.

LEE JEANS
• Take an extra 20% off when you use the code EXTRA20 at checkout. Expires 5/22 at 11.59pm.

RACHEL COMEY
• Take 20% off when you use the code PROMO20 at checkout. For a limited time only.

REISS
• Take 30% off select items. Expires 5/23.

THE LIMITED
• Buy any top or any pair of pants or shorts and get a second pair for 50% off. Expires 5/24.

A slinky pink dress layered under a white jacket. A crisp white blazer paired with tailored trousers and a smart button-down shirt. A tweedy jacket coupled with a slouchy tee and denim shorts. A silky white dress with swirls of bright yellow. A sheer black maxi dress with a slit up to the thigh. These are just some of the looks that you can find in Mango’s summer 2012 catalog, which is online now and ready to shop. And with Kate Moss posing front and center in the aforementioned looks, it will be pretty hard to resist whipping out your credit card. With that said, you can check out the full catalog now at Mango.com. Don’t say we didn’t warn you.

MAC Cosmetics is always launching amazing nail polish colors, but the problem is they are more often than not limited edition hues. Happily, that is about to change. In July, MAC will launch a permanent collection of nail polishes and there will be 30 different shades to choose from, plus a clear polish. The colors, naturally, will run the gamut from neat neutrals like beige and ballerina pink through to bold colors like tangerine and hot pink through to metallic and glitters. In other words, there is a color for everyone and you will never have to worry about it being discontinued. With that said, the permanent collection will be available at stores like Nordstrom and MAC Cosmetics on July 5. Each bottle will retail for $16.

• Israeli model Bar Refaeli has topped Maxim’s Hot 100 list. [Just Jared]

• Britney Spears is reportedly releasing a new fragrance in September. [ONTD]

• British brand Coast tapped Elettra Wiedemann to model its summer collection. [Telegraph.co.uk]

• Gucci has won its trademark battle with Guess. [Vogue UK]

• Former supermodel Janice Dickinson is hunting for a new home. [NY Mag]

• Images of Lisa Perry’s limited edition Jeff Koons collection have been revealed. [SheFinds]

• CNBC will air a documentary on J Crew’s CEO Mickey Drexler on Thursday. [NY Mag]

• Jessica Michault is leaving her post at the International Herald Tribune and is now editor in chief of NowFashion.com. [WWD]

• The custom Prada dress Carey Mulligan wore to the Met Gala has been sold for $2,950, with proceeds going to Oxfam. [Vogue UK]

• The Queen’s shoes are worn in by a servant before she ever puts them on, one of her long-time dress designers, Stewart Parvin, has revealed. [Vogue UK]

• The first Yves Saint Laurent designs by new creative director Hedi Slimane will be seen by buyers only. [WWD]

Photo: Getty Images

We have rounded up the best flash sale events from across the web. Here is what is happening today.

• Belle & Clive: Fendi, Jeffrey Campbell, Jimmy Choo
• Beyond The Rack (Invite: RollingStone10): Badgley Mischka, Betsey Johnson
• Century 21: Boutique 9, So Low
• Gilt Groupe: Kate Spade New York
• HauteLook: Dolce Vita, Erica Anenberg, Jessica Simpson
• Ideeli: 7 For All Mankind, BB Dakota, Ray-Ban
• Ivory Trunk: Black Tie Event
• LuxeYard: Kalorik, Turkish Towels
• Mintbox: Intermix, Sephora
• MyHabit: Billy Reid, Donna Morgan
• One Kings Lane (Get $15 on sign up!): Gray Malin, Surya
• Rue La La: French Connection, Roberto Cavalli
• The Sample Sale: A.B.S by Allen Schwartz
• Vente-Privée: Mulholland

If you want to take it down a notch this summer but you find it hard to resist a designer label, your feelings can now meet in the middle thanks to the upcoming Missoni for Havaianas capsule collection. Yes, the two brands have once again teamed up on a selection of fun, printed flip-flops that are perfect for the warmer months. There are four styles to choose from and each one features a colorful Missoni print. Better yet, every pair is eco-friendly—the flip-flops have been made using recycled rubber—and every pair is unisex so you can share with your better half or BFF. With that said, the collection will be available in June at stores like Bloomingdale’s and Nordstrom. A word of warning: these are likely to sell out fast!