The flip-flop: Utilitarian. Ubiquitous. Comfortable.

Perfect, in other words. Why mess with that?

The new store Flips at the Mall of America doesn't try. They do, however, present a dazzling collections of men's (up to size 16) and women's styles (up to size 11) in unprecedented variety: leather, rubber, vegan (and recyclable), beaded, sequined, bedazzled, blingy, glittery, simple, hidden bottle openers, platform, flats, cushioned, memory foam -- ranging in price from $13 up to $95.

They've got everything from Havaianas and Fit-Flops to Tube Flops, which feature attached legwarmers (brilliant!). All styles are numbered and correspond to pull-out racks, organized by size.

You'll find flip-flops for any and every occasion (including weddings -- brides have special options). To open such a beachy store in midwinter in Minnesota was a gutsy move by locals Rudy Simondi and Gary Cary. However, vacationers (some aspirational) have flocked to the new spot as have those who want to exchange paper flops for snazzier flips after a pedi in the mall.

Those who already wear them as often as possible (if not in the snow) can pick a chichi option while those who hate to go anywhere without a few extra inches can show up at the pool without looking like they're trying too hard.

After all, they're only flip-flops, right?

Flips, Mall of America, 158 S Blvd (between Macy's and Bloomingdales), Bloomington, 952-698-4484.

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