I was a single woman this weekend. Out on the town. And I met someone special.

Okay, let me clarify. My husband got tickets to the Daytime Emmy’s. So, while he was in L.A., I stayed in Cincinnati and got in a little extra girl time.

My friend Aymie and I went to a champagne tasting class at The Party Source’s EQ cooking school (which was really great – I highly recommend it!) then back to her loft for some sushi.

It was at her loft that I met them.

They were shy and humble, just hanging out in the corner of the room. They caught my eye but I didn’t want to stare. I couldn’t help myself. So, I leaned over and asked Aymie about them. “Pretty cute. What’s their story? Are they from around here?” I casually inquire as my heart beats faster.

Aymie proceeds to walk over and pick up these beautiful red leather espadrilles I had been eyeing for the past hour and brings them closer. She puts them on – she just happened to be wearing a perfectly matching red top – and they were even more adorable on! Then she tells me they’re super comfortable. I’m in shock, feeling light-headed and about to start convulsing until I find a pair for myself.

At this point she should have told me to sit down. But she didn’t. She continued and blindsided me with the completely unexpected! She explains that she got them from a friend of a friend who works at Crocs. Yes, these immaculate creations were CROCS!

That night, I rushed home to visit the Crocs Web site and order a pair for myself. Unfortunately, this is the closest thing I could find to the red wonders I had spent such a lovely evening with. (Not quite as cute, so I didn’t make any purchases)

Talking with Aymie later, I found out that the espadrilles were probably prototypes of something Crocs may come out with in Spring 2010. The company is apparently shifting their focus away from the traditional Croc style shoe (Thank God. Sorry if I offend any Croc wearers out there. They’re only attractive on four-year-olds). And they’re expanding into quite a delectable range of young, hip and fashionable lines.

The YOU by Crocs™ is my favorite line, as it features things like cork wedge heels, peep toes and snake skin print on genuine leather. They range from $89 to $99, so in terms of price, they’re right up there with Steve Madden look-a-likes. Aymie as my witness, these new Crocs compete in the style department (SM still has them beat here though) but blow any other fashion-forward shoe away in the comfort department.

Sacrifice for beauty no longer, ladies. Go hunt down some Crocs today and thank me later.