You wouldn’t think it, judging from Melbourne’s crappy weather right now, but yes, summer IS just around the corner. Which makes you think of heading to the beach and how to spend those lazy long hot holidays using the least amount of energy possible.

Popping in to one of my fave local shops lately, I spied a fabulously comfy looking summer shoe option – aptly named after the store that sells them – Belle and Beans.

Belle & Beans, Martin Street – Brighton

Nova Healy, Belle and Beans owner

Take out the word ‘and’, and there you have it – Belle Beans – the idea for which designer and shop owner Nova Healy says sprang from one of life’s major dilemmas. Basically, Nova loves wearing thongs (flip-flops is the term for overseas readers) to the beach, but hates having to go have and change footwear to then head to a bar or the pub. How could she solve this heinous difficulty? Where could she find something suitable to wear on her feet that would suit both beach AND the bar?

Belle Beans shoes

The solution was simple. MAKE THEM YOURSELF! ‘I wanted something for comfort and for style. Something that was fun for summer,’ she said. ‘We’ve got eight colours, including  green, orange, pink, navy, black, and red and it comes in eight sizes.’

Nova says the design caters for both teenagers and more mature women. Best of all is the PVC, which is incredibly soft to wear. ‘We tested lots of plastics to find the right substance. It took a while to get it right but these are just as comfy as slipping on a pair of thongs and they don’t ‘sweat’,’ she said.

Red or navy?

Belle Beans are also affordable with the retail price being just $39.95. Already they’re being snapped up by stores across Australia. If you’d like to find out where you can pick up a pair, go to Nova’s website at www.belleandbeansshoes.com.au or pop in to her store at 142c Martin Street, Brighton, Victoria. Your feet will be glad you did!