This month, along with many others, I'll be planning my summer holiday. In an ideal world (or if I win this week's lottery - fingers crossed) I'll be jetting off to Brazil. Realistically, I may be staying a little closer to home -I'm calling it a staycation. Without a doubt you can appreciate the appeal of Brazil; beautiful football, beautiful beaches and even more beautiful people - I'm not convinced Margate can compete.

However, in order to recreate the feel of Brazil I will be walking the streets of London in my new sandals from Brazilian supermodel, Giselle Bundchen's Ipanema Seed collection. The sandals are ultra comfortable as they are made from butter soft pvc which moulds to the wearers feet and a percentage of the profits are donated to the 'Forest of The Future' programme which is working to save the remaining Brazilian Atlantic rainforest before it's lost to deforestation. Speaking at the launch of the 2009 range in Madrid last month, Giselle spoke about her reasons for being involved with Ipanema sandals, "In my native Brazil I have seen the effects of deforestation and felt I had to do something."

If you're considering an affordable gift for your chick, I would suggest you pay a visit to the UK's official online store for Ipanema sandals at www.ipanemaflipflops.co.uk. As well as stocking the entire range of Ipanema sandals (men, women's and children's), the site also offers free postage and packaging within the UK. If you are watching the pennies you can always try your luck on this month's Competitions & Special Offers page where we are giving away free sandals to our readers (www.crumbsformen.com/map-win-a-pair-of-ipanema-flip-flops.html).

My personal favourites are the 'Life' Sandals, modelled here by Giselle, priced at £18 UK. They are available in seven colours and are machine washable. Your chick may not be supermodel material but at least she can look like one from the ankle down while she gets her toes out for the lads.

The 'Beans' Special Edition Sandal costs £18 and is available in 4 shimmering colours; sizes 3-8.


My next purchase from the site will be the Ikatu Sandal, which has a detachable ankle strap - almost like having two pairs for the price of one. The Kidedje Indians, who live in the forests of the Xingu River, inspired the design but I think they are just as suitable for more urban dwellers. These are available in black, gold or white and priced at a more than reasonable £17.99.

Check in next month for more gift ideas.

Written by donna@crumbsformen.com