I love floral embellishments -- especially when they happen to be on a pair of thong sandals. They're such a great way to add a bit of femininity to a style that can sometimes seem sporty or too casual.

Ranging from fun and flirty to really, really pretty, this week's 5 For Friday is all about thong sandals with floral embellishments.

Above: Donald J Pliner 'Nemi', Image: Zappos.com (Buy Direct)

Above: Enzo Angiolini 'Tebeto', Image: Endless.com (Buy Direct)

Above: Dr. Scholl's Iris, Image: FootSmart.com (Buy Direct)

Above: Roper Jeweled Wedge Sandal, Image: Zappos.com (Buy Direct)

Pictured at Top: Brighton 'Astor', Image: Zappos.com (Buy Direct)

Between looking for unique styles and sizes, and searching for older footwear from classic designers, I tend to browse a lot of vintage shoe sites. Every once in a while, I come across one that's really special for one reason or another. Today, I'm going to share with you a site that I actually didn't come across on my own. Rather -- and fortunately -- the site's owner contacted me -- and I'm so glad he did.

AVintageSole.com is run by a man who grew up in the footwear industry, and it's different from other vintage shoe sites I've visited for a couple of reasons. First, they only sell shoes -- so they have lots, and lots of them. And, secondly -- also most impressively -- the vintage shoes they do offer have never been worn.

I know!

It's difficult to believe, but so cool to browse women's shoe styles from the 1940s, 50s, and 60s and see styles that look as if they've just been unboxed, because they have just been unboxed. Actually, in some cases, they are still in their original boxes, but you know what i mean.

What quickly becomes apparent while browsing AVintageSole.com, is that they really just don't make shoes like they used to. If you've ever slipped into a pair of mid-century shoes, you already know this, but sometimes, when you're looking at previously-loved footwear from the past, it can be easy to forget, since you're more focused in on whether that little tear or mark will distract from the overall beauty of the shoes. Since the shoes at A Vintage Sole are in mint condition, their quality is apparent -- even in pictures, and even though most of the available styles and brands weren't particularly high-priced in their day. Below are a few images from A Vintage Sole to illustrate the point.

Another thing that was absolutely unique about browsing this vintage shoe site was the range of sizes and widths that are available. Since the owners are often dealing with the manufacturers of the shoes, styles are often available in more than one size.

For a fun browse, more information, or to place an order, be sure to check out one of the links below.

• AVintageSole.com
• Frequently Asked Questions

Pictured:

• Top: Grace Walker 'Ballancia' suede pumps from the 1950s
• Center Top: 'Gabby' faux snakeskin spectator pumps from the 1940s
• Center Middle: 'Polly' 4" suede Mary Jane heels from the 1940s
• Center Bottom:'Tally' patent leather mod slingback pumps from the 1960s

All photos courtesy of AVintageSole.com

Anyone who's read more than one of my articles probably knows that I'm a big fan of colorful footwear. I'm especially smitten with certain shades of red and pink, but really, I just love color. Often, that color comes from solid-colored shoes, or from shoes that feature a multi-colored print. And while both of those options are great, there's something extra special about a pair of color-block shoes (shoes that feature distinct areas of different colors).

A few years ago, color-blocked footwear was all the rage, and while you can still find a decent selection of these types of shoes, they're not nearly as prevalent as they were then. Which is really a shame, considering good use of color shouldn't really be a trendy sort of thing. Yes, pinks will be big one year, and oranges the next, but really, colors that work well on you should always be a part of your wardrobe.

In addition to the fact that color block shoes will work with any of the colors represented in the shoes themselves, there's another great thing about multi-colored footwear: it adds a stylish pop of color to any neutral outfit. Kind of liking putting turquoise pillows on a gray sofa. You get the idea.

Anyway, my love for color-blocking now established, I give you this week's 5 for Friday: color block shoes.

Above: Boutique 9 Linya, Image: ShoeBuy.com (Buy Direct)

Above: Guess 'Edee 2', Image: Heels.com (Buy Direct)

Above: Sam Edelman 'Sophie', Image: Endless.com (Buy Direct)

Above: Luxury Rebel 'Judith', Image: Endless.com (Buy Direct)

Pictured at Top: Joan & David 'Deanza', Image: Zappos.com (Buy Direct)

If you've been looking to jump on the wedge sneakers bandwagon, but you've had trouble finding them here in the United States, where the trend hasn't quite caught fire like is has in the U.K. and some other European countries, then I'm about to make your day: Heels.com is now carrying Blink shoes, which means: high heel sneaker wedges, in lots of blocky color combinations.

At this time, I believe they're the only online retailer in the States that is stocking the brand, and they have a great selection. So, if you're feeling all trendy, be sure to pop on over and have a look.

Pictured: Blink 'Adirr' (Buy Direct)
Image: Heels.com