Birkenstock

Trend report: what to wear for SS21



Hermès SS21

God I’m so bloody ready for spring, aren’t you? Granted I mean actual spring more than fashion spring but fashion spring is a good start. I was wondering if we’d see big changes for SS21 but I don’t think our post-Covid reality has quite revealed itself yet. So consider my spring post more of a general round-up of things I’m eyeing at the moment…

1/ TALISMAN JEWELLERY.
Meaningful charms, amulets and talismans feel right for these pearl-clutching times and I’ve certainly found myself reaching for my dad’s old gold rings that I wear on a chain whenever I feel like I need some tactile reassurance. I’ve also been revisiting Tina Chow jewellery on Pinterest, along with the equally sculptural pendants of 1970s Elsa Peretti (below). (more…)



Buy it now: wellness sandals for every budget



Jean Shrimpton by Bailey 1972

I hope you enjoyed my shorts and sweaters post. If you missed it, it’s here.

We’re now in peak shorts season and with that… sandals. ‘Wellness sandals’ are still going strong, either the footbed versions or the retro pancake-flat leather variety. Did you know you should vary your heel heights to optimise foot health? I was told this years ago in my Converse-everyday wearing days, and obviously didn’t listen. But it’s true, you should vary between flat and elevated, to give your feet the best workout.

Anyway, the sale notifications have started to ping so now is a good time to shop. Whether you’re into Birkenstocks, Tevas, Ancient Greeks, or M&S equivalents, there are lots of sensible sandals to accompany the shorts.

While Birkenstock Arizonas* were the indoor shoe of lockdown spring, I also like them as a smart outdoor sandal with a classic red or magenta pedi. (Side note: if you’re looking for the best foot file in the world, get this Margaret Dabbs one.) I also like the minimalist Birkenstock Madrid slide with its clean single bar silhouette. The cork sole* (£56) is the old school version, and the all-black*  (£220) is the luxe version. The one-colour cross-strap Sienna slide (£310) is also very appealing in black.

M&S has quite a few classic footbed sandals around the £20-£30 with some on sale now. I like these M&S Collection navy leather ones (currently £18) or slightly jazzier, these animal-print leather sandals (currently £36). Or for something super-nostalgic, there are these flat leather sandals in tan and red (currently £23.60).

Church’s seems to be dipping a toe in the footbed pool with these rugged multi strap sandals, while Suicoke* from Japan is the chic version of a Teva sandal with its moulded footbed but more refined silhouette. I prefer the thinner soled variety to the chunky platform ones.

NOW CLICK BELOW TO SHOP THE POST. (I MAY EARN A COMMISSION ON THE BASKET VALUE OF ITEMS BOUGHT*)…

WORDS: Disneyrollergirl/Navaz Batliwalla
IMAGE: Jean Shrimpton by David Bailey
NOTE: Most images are digitally enhanced. Some posts use affiliate links* and PR samples. Please read my privacy and cookies policy here

CLICK HERE to get Disneyrollergirl blog posts straight to your inbox once a week
CLICK HERE to buy my book The New Garconne: How to be a Modern Gentlewoman



Workwear and the new normal



The Flair Index Birkenstocks

Who is winning the WFH wardrobe wars so far? According to my Insta feed, it looks like Birkenstocks are in the lead. No surprise there as they straddle wellness wear and fashion rather nicely.

For Instagram’s minimalist set, the default uniform is Birkenstocks*, socks, (cashmere) joggers and an elevated knit or sweat. M Magazine’s Suzanne Koller (below 1) has been proudly sporting her Raey cashmere PJs and Birkenstocks combo on Insta, while Brittany Bathgate (below 2) is no stranger to a sweats and Birks uniform. (more…)



Shop the post: The late, late gift guide



Hermes Vinyl boombox in swift calfskin and streaming canvas

I don’t think I’ve ever been able to get a gift guide up in time so maybe don’t consider this a gift guide. Maybe it’s more of a self-gifting guide. Or a ‘what to spend your Christmas money on in January’ guide.

Anyhoo, here’s a collection of things that have caught my eye that are useful, beautiful, or somewhere in between. I like supporting new and indie businesses, traditional heritage companies and projects by friends. And obviously I can never resist a book or two… (more…)