. . . BACK TO REALITY

READY TO WEAR

Strappy sandals are fantastically sexy to wear and they keep your feet cool. Depending on the colour and style, they need not be relegated to the back of the wardrobe at the end of the summer but can be worn throughout the year as an evening shoe. The shops are awash with choice and with sale time upon us, prices may be even lower than quoted here.

OFFICE: pink satin disco dolly sandal, pounds 44.99; black suede "fifi" maribou trim sandal (below left), pounds 46.99; flat black patent trojan sandal, pounds 23.99; flat tan leather "roman sandal" (right), pounds 19.99. Sizes 3-8, for stockists and mail order 0181 838 4344.

RUSSELL & BROMLEY: Their very high-heeled leather sandal in a host of great colours (such as fake snake and fuschia pink), at pounds 69.99 and the satin strappy alternative, pounds 115 make great evening/occasion shoes and sell out as soon as they hit the shops. Sizes 3-7, stores nationwide, inquiries 0171 629 6903.

SHELLYS: Plaited strappy sandal on 2in heel in black patent, pounds 34.99; very strappy sandal with 2in heel in black, white or pink patent, pounds 34.99. Sizes 3-8 from Shellys, 266-270 Regents Street, London W1 and branches. Mail order 0181 450 0066.

RAVEL: Grecian sandals in white, gold or silver, pounds 24.99; 2in heel very strappy sandal in red, black, white, silver or beige nubuck, pounds 36.99; 2 inch perspex heeled strappy sandal in black or white, pounds 24.99. Sizes 3-8. Ravel branches nationwide, inquiries 0171 631 0224.

PIED A TERRE: Flat brocade thong sandal in silver or black, pounds 59, all branches; mid heel fabric 3-strap sandal in black or tan, pounds 79, all branches; high heel, thin strappy mule in black, white or silver leather, pounds 79, selected branches. Sizes 36-40, inquiries on 0171 491 3857. AB