By BROOKE WATSON
CONTRIBUTING WRITER
As exciting as an article about flip-flops sounded, finding inspiration about one of the most laid-back pieces of my wardrobe proved challenging.

Jillian Flynn of Dracut takes her flip-flops where most other footgear just can't cut it as she walks the coast of West Dennis Beach. Her Montego Bay Club Beach flip-flops from Payless Shoes cost $5.99. (Staff photo by PAUL BLACKMORE)

In a vain attempt, I put on my favorite flip-flops, a 6-year-old pair of navy blue Adidas Adissages (the ones with the massage nubs all over the foot bed), and stared at the ocean from Surf Drive beach in Falmouth.

I had about a dozen articles stacked in front of me: The New York Times Style section, an excerpt from Dailycandy.com, Sportswear International Magazine, even an article about a woman named Karyn Cortani who made her mark on the fashion world by designing and patenting a pair of flip-flop friendly nylons (yours for $12 from www.tohos.com).

I searched for an angle. I riffled through quotes from locals. I had asked them about flip-flops in every way possible. What was their favorite brand, favorite color? How many pairs did they have? Why were they passionate about them? What did they think of the new flip-flop "craze"?

People didn't look at me like I was crazy, but they just didn't get what the big deal was. "I live in flip-flops year round," laughed Sarah Dupont of Falmouth. "It's really nothing new."

Along with other locals, she could only smile at the fashion world's latest craze - the latest wardrobe essential, the latest "must have." Even the Academy Awards show caught on, putting Brazilian Havaianas, the self-touted "best rubber sandals of the world" in nominees' goodie bags this year. Theirs were bejeweled with Swarovski crystals; you can get them without the glam for around $12 at www.havaianas.com.