E-Mail This Article to a Friend We’re jammin’ Jellies make a comeback BY KATE COHEN

WHEN TRENDS OF the ’80s began to re-emerge a few years ago, naive fashionistas would ask each other sarcastically, "What’s next, jellies?" As a matter of fact, yes. The footwear, notorious for the suffocating agony it caused when worn in the heat of summer, went the way of goomie bracelets long ago, but plastic is experiencing a revival this summer, and not only for the feet.

The traditional faux-basket-weave-style shoe has surfaced at a variety of stores, and its plastic offspring aren’t far behind. Berks offers the Miss Me Jello ($14.99) and kitten-heel pump Tailor ($29.99), as well as the sneaker-style Puma Jelly Flop ($30) sandal. Jasmine Sola sells On Your Feet’s classic Jammie ($20), as well as Lei’s Sparklee ($29), a ballet flat with thin elastic straps. True to form, Urban Outfitters is slightly less conventional, offering Penny Kenny clear-plastic open-toe wedge heels ($70) and BC American Pie heels with cut-out dots ($34). Mudo has JC Bedazz slide sandals ($69) and Agape flip-flops ($39), while Steve Madden gets in on the act with Gelato ($29.99), a studded mule; Pretti ($39.95), a T-strap sandal; and Gel ($19.99), a completely plastic knock-off of a Dr. Scholl’s sandal. Speaking of, Thom Brown has the real deal with a jelly-strap flat ($29.99) and Kenneth Cole Reaction’s T-strap Jelly Berry ($39.99). The Gap offers flip-flops ($14.50) and more-traditional tan rubber sandals with jelly straps ($19.50).

When it comes to accessories, too, plastic is apparently the new leather. Totes, purses, and clutches are everywhere, and if you pick one up in a store it starts to make sense: they’re bright, durable, and waterproof. And, like most things plastic (except, perhaps, credit cards), inexpensive. Old Navy offers a solid tote ($10), clutch, ($5) and belt ($5.99), while the Gap has prints and solids in the form of a zip case ($9.50), hobo ($29.50), and tote ($19.50). Berks sells a range of handbags ($26–$30), as does Jasmine, some studded with initials ($18–$24), others plain ($20–$48), as well as clutches that mimic crocodile skin ($32), buckle bracelets ($8–$18), and wallets ($22). Find large jelly totes with leather detailing at J. Crew ($24) and Ann Taylor Loft ($29–$49), and an army of Liz Claiborne handbags and totes ($11.99–$34.99) at Filene’s.

Summer trends are like the season: they heat up quickly and seem to fly by. It’s about time one came around that was as cheap, accessible, and enjoyable as plastic. Just be sure to stock up on another classic plastic item — band-aids — before hitting the streets.

Where to find it:

• Ann Taylor Loft, various locations; www.anntaylorloft.com.

• Berks, 50 JFK Street, Cambridge, (617) 492-9511.

• Filene’s, various locations; www.filenes.com.

• Gap, various locations; www.gap.com.

• Jasmine Sola, 329 Newbury Street, Boston, (617) 437-8465; 35 Brattle Street, Cambridge, (617) 547-3173.

• J. Crew, various locations; www.jcrew.com.

• Mudo Clothing, 9 JFK Street, Cambridge, (617) 876-8846.

• Old Navy, various locations; www.oldnavy.com.

• Urban Outfitters, various locations; www.urbanoutfitters.com.

• Steve Madden, 324A Newbury Street, Boston, (617) 262-4600; CambridgeSide Galleria, Cambridge, (617) 374-9952; www.stevemadden.com.

• Thom Brown, 331 Newbury Street, Boston, (617) 266-8722; CambridgeSide Galleria, Cambridge, (617) 374-9894.