June 30, 2014

Slides for a Reason x

Slides/sandals with socks were objects of such disdain in my youth: Only worn by tourists from lands that fashion forgot. But now they’re the sheep-shoe of the moment…and why not? They’re the model of languid self-possession with sleepy, knowing eyes. It’s that edgy, loose type of cool..a button casually left undone rather than a mini skirt and teetering heels…Birks are the reigning royalty. The ones with white soles have particular appeal..shame my feet don’t like them, but there’re plenty of other options..

(From here)

Some with that extra element of something to elevate them from the ordinary..

(From here)

I like the way they mix with tailored suits – poise, power, grace. And the ability to run..

(The Adidas originals JS Wing slides in black and white – from 2011, but you might find on Ebay..)

It’s what makes fashion so fascinating: That visceral force and ever changing skyline where something can be so rejected one decade makes a complete turn around the next..

But comfort and style needs embracing: I dare someone to sit next to me and tell me it isn’t true….

Laters, Kate x

30 comments

June 30, 2014 - 10:54 am dievca

I’m strange in that I don’t mind classic Dr. Scholl leather slides, but I (still) cannot tolerate Birkenstock slides.
But, those ‘windowpane’ pants—are killer!
- July 1, 2014 - 9:03 am Maison Bentley Style
  
  They look similar to a pair Pull and Bear had… xxx
  - July 1, 2014 - 10:41 am dievca
    
    New Brand for me! Hurrah and Thank You. XO
June 30, 2014 - 11:07 am KerryCan

But we still mustn’t wear them with socks, right? Just checking . . . 😉
- July 1, 2014 - 9:04 am Maison Bentley Style
  
  How do you keep the shoes on is what I want to know..there’s slides n slides……! xxx
June 30, 2014 - 11:44 am andreannadais

I love those trousers! Wish I could wear white without collecting every bit of food item i’d eaten throughout the day (I’m so messy sulk). x
- July 1, 2014 - 9:04 am Maison Bentley Style
  
  Hehe..although I’m a fan of bleach..and there’s only one colour it works with! xxx
  - July 1, 2014 - 9:27 am andreannadais
    
    thank god for bleach!
June 30, 2014 - 11:58 am tessriapaul

Wishing I’d kept mine from when I was younger haha! Fashion is a funny thing. Great post yet again xx
- July 1, 2014 - 9:05 am Maison Bentley Style
  
  Now they would’ve been beautifully worn in…sigh. Foresight is a wonderful thing – and so is storage space! xxx
June 30, 2014 - 12:00 pm motherhendiaries

Love my Birks (I have several pair) … also a recent convert to (don’t laugh) FitFlops, particularly for long days sightseeing on cobblestone streets. You feel not a bump of road, not so much as a hint of a blister. Brilliant. But never with socks, btw… ever. 😀
- July 1, 2014 - 9:07 am Maison Bentley Style
  
  I do love the fact that this fashion love is about comfort..like all the loose, boxy clothes out there and the mo..I’m so there! Maybe this’ll be my decade and I’ll never leave it! (although I do remember thinking this about the eighties…hmmmmmm) xxx
June 30, 2014 - 12:01 pm FashionD

I see this popping up EVERYWHERE. I’m close to getting myself a pair, especially since I don’t like flip flops too much :-p
- July 1, 2014 - 9:08 am Maison Bentley Style
  
  Go try them on..see if they work for you..the moulded sole didn’t for me..but then I’m rather drawn to the addidas slides with wings, if only I could find a pair in my size! xxx
  - July 1, 2014 - 1:23 pm FashionD
    
    haha i most certainly will! i love how they have started to come out with different prints and materials too instead of just leather or suede!
June 30, 2014 - 12:08 pm Lia in Brussels

Birks and the like are exactly what we need for Brussels’ cobblestone streets. But, I’m with Dievca here, my favourite are still Dr Scholls xxx
- July 1, 2014 - 9:10 am Maison Bentley Style
  
  Dr Scholls remind me of Italians on the beach…I found the wooden sole a bit heavy in the flip-flop action – prefer my Hasbeens..but I do admire anyone who’s sussed them out and worn them in.. xxx
June 30, 2014 - 12:52 pm Sean Smithson

Oooh, I’m not sure Kate. They still look a tad strange to me. But then again, I know nothing about fashion!
- July 1, 2014 - 9:11 am Maison Bentley Style
  
  What?! those wings – those Addidas flights of fancy don’t appeal..I’m shocked! xxx
June 30, 2014 - 3:18 pm Glasses Girl Fashion Princess

Admittedly I’ve purchased about four pair of such in different colours. Simply can’t get enough and my tootsies are so happy!
- July 1, 2014 - 9:12 am Maison Bentley Style
  
  I’m jealous… xxx
June 30, 2014 - 6:17 pm The Fashion Huntress

It’s a thing! They are comin’ back! Not sure if I’m going to grab a pair, but they are definitely growing on me!
- July 1, 2014 - 9:12 am Maison Bentley Style
  
  You can do it! You’re feet will love you forever (probably!) xxx
June 30, 2014 - 8:16 pm iftheshoefits

I had a tough time breaking in a pair of Birkis – the blisters were into double figures but I’m so glad I persevered. My feet now love them and I have multiple pairs in different styles & colours.
- July 1, 2014 - 9:13 am Maison Bentley Style
  
  I’m impressed – that’s dedication..I found the ridge in the sole towards the arch just a ridge too far..but I do wish it wasn’t so… xxx
June 30, 2014 - 8:56 pm stylencritics

i love them!!
- July 1, 2014 - 9:14 am Maison Bentley Style
  
  I think they are that shoe designed for non-smelly summer feet..another bonus! xxx
June 30, 2014 - 10:17 pm kirsty warman

I was given a pair a few years ago, but have only worn them a few times – purely due to them being hot pink. Freaks me out, when I look down. The white, so simply, stylish and you know they will be comfortable. Kxx
- July 1, 2014 - 9:15 am Maison Bentley Style
  
  True – wouldn’t be my first choice..but with an all black outfit..or all blue?? or dying them?? Might be worth a try… xxx
  - July 2, 2014 - 2:55 am kirsty warman
    
    I will look into dying them – thanks Kate! x