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17th May 2013

Love/Hate: Birkenstocks

Fashion - By Alexandra Stedman
I wore a pair of bronze Birkenstocks whilst travelling in 2006 for an entire summer. I loved them and possibly couldn’t have seen all that I saw if it wasn’t for those sole saviours.

7 years on, and I’m back in them again…but for some they still have the backlash of naff tourist about them. I posted a photo on Instagram and got a real mixed response.

It’s shallow, I know, but the real reason I bought a pair was not because I suddenly remembered how comfortable (and useful) they were but when I noticed them in the Celine S/S 13 show…

Celine S/S 13 (style.com)
It’s simple: I want to look like Daria. And be comfortable whilst doing it.

French Vogue, photographed by David Sims
Wearing my Birkenstocks whilst travelling in Berlin, 2006

2013: Sunglasses, Valentino. Sweater, Cos. Bag and trousers, Zara. Birkenstocks
Feel free to add both negative or positive comments – I won’t be offended!

By Alexandra Stedman

Fashion Editor, Blogger, Realist

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Comments

  1. Applebypie says

    17th May 2013 at 7:33 am

    I think they look great. The only reason i don't wear them is I have a wonky toe that rubs on the end 🙁 Don't worry about what people think – go with what you want!!

    Reply
    • AS says

      17th May 2013 at 10:18 pm

      Oh no – that IS unfortunate! They take a while to get used to but loving them again…

      Reply
  2. Flo says

    17th May 2013 at 9:20 am

    I think they're really great and you look lovely! I have always secretly wanted a pair of Birkenstocks and I think I will finally get some this summer. There is nothing better than having comfy feet!

    Reply
    • AS says

      17th May 2013 at 10:18 pm

      And this is definitely the year for comfy flats – these AND trainers are in fashion – yay!

      Reply
  3. Mandy says

    17th May 2013 at 9:25 am

    I like – It was 2004 when my passion started – Silver South of France, will dig them out now x

    Reply
    • AS says

      17th May 2013 at 10:18 pm

      They sound gooooood

      Reply
  4. Lafashionfolie says

    17th May 2013 at 10:39 am

    I have to admit, I think they're ugly shoes and I don't like them on the Celine catwalk & or in any of the editorial images you've shared here. BUT the way you have styled them nearly convinces me; that outfit is super wearable, chic and comfy. Fab as usual.

    Sophie x

    http://www.lafashionfolie.com/

    Reply
    • AS says

      17th May 2013 at 10:19 pm

      Thank you! For someone who hates them, that means a lot 🙂 x

      Reply
  5. Anonymous says

    17th May 2013 at 10:48 am

    I think you look really good in them. The thing about clothes, shoes and bags is that it is the wearer that makes them look good not the other way around. Advertisers know this but consumers hardly at all.

    Reply
  6. Hannah says

    17th May 2013 at 10:54 am

    I too lived in a pair while traveling a few years back. When they eventually died, I bought a second pair but they didn't seem so great back in the UK for some reason! I dug them out last summer though and am firmly back in love with them! They're bright yellow with one bar over the toes. I love how you've styled yours up, but I don't think anyone can pull them off with socks a la the French Vogue pic. Ugh!

    Reply
    • AS says

      17th May 2013 at 10:20 pm

      It is a strong look!! And I for one definitely won't be trying mine with socks!

      Reply
  7. Rachel Healy says

    17th May 2013 at 1:33 pm

    I love them and think they look super stylish on your photo! I have been wearing thte 'Madrid' style for years and have purchased in many colours, metallics always seen the most versatile to me! Long Live Birkies!

    Reply
    • AS says

      17th May 2013 at 10:21 pm

      Metallics are always a good call. I'm doing a post later on this week about the new (cheaper) range of Swedish Hasbeens, which are essentially comfy, cool clogs. The silver pair seem to be calling me…

      Reply
  8. Andrea says

    17th May 2013 at 7:41 pm

    I love my birkenstocks – I think I have had them for about 5-6 yrs. They are as much as staple in my shoe wardrobe as a ballerina pump, classic court or riding boot. Every year I turf them out of the wardrobe and if I'm traveling abroad on a sun holiday 9 times out of 10 they get worn more often than my 'pretty' sandals. 🙂

    Reply
    • AS says

      17th May 2013 at 10:22 pm

      I always usually stick to Havaianas on holiday but this year, as we're sightseeing in Japan, I think it calls for a more sturdy, sensible Birkenstock…long may it continue!

      Reply
  9. Aja says

    18th May 2013 at 3:24 pm

    I will never not have a pair of Birkenstock clogs in my wardrobe. I am sold for life. (So is my Dad).

    Reply
    • AS says

      25th May 2013 at 4:26 pm

      Love this! Too sweet.

      Reply
  10. Atelier Buffo says

    18th May 2013 at 6:15 pm

    Love Birkenstock! They make me immediately feel the holidays mood!

    Reply
    • AS says

      25th May 2013 at 4:27 pm

      Although I have only worn them once since I bought them…willing the sun to come out!

      Reply
  11. Anonymous says

    18th May 2013 at 9:59 pm

    Birkenstocks are best shoes ever! There is no reason not to wear them! If the combination is right they also look great! Thumbs up for your style WITH Birkenstock!!!

    Reply
  12. Not Just A Pretty Dress says

    19th May 2013 at 5:20 pm

    I'm a fan of Birkenstock because they are practical shoes and so comfortable when travelling. They have a couple of models that are more 'feminine' and I'm sure you'll be able to style them in a fab way! I have to admit that, even if I'm partial to anything by Celine – well anything by Phoebe Philo… – I found the combination of Birkenstock and fur a bit ridiculous. In my humble opinion, the original ones are much better…Caterina

    Reply
    • AS says

      25th May 2013 at 4:26 pm

      Completely! It's such a weird mix of humble and indulgence….don't mess with a classic, I suppose!

      Reply
  13. Selina says

    20th May 2013 at 9:39 am

    I love Birkenstocks! And just as a frugal FYI, there are TONS of them in TK Maxx at the moment (many diff colours) at £25/pair…a nice saving on the £40 you'd normally pay.

    Reply
    • AS says

      25th May 2013 at 4:25 pm

      Oh my gosh, didn't even think – what a great tip!

      Reply
  14. Kate B says

    20th May 2013 at 11:37 am

    I used to love them – I bought a new pair every summer for about 3 years and wore them to death. When I've gone back to them they feel so clumpy on my feet compared to what I normally wear these days! I love how you've styled yours, I think if I wasn't going on just a beach holiday this year and I was doing more travelling round I'd be tempted x

    Reply
    • AS says

      25th May 2013 at 4:25 pm

      Just a beach holiday sounds dreamy about now! Get the sand between your toes!

      Reply
  15. Romy A says

    25th May 2013 at 4:55 pm

    Love love them.

    http://www.riyabellavintage.com/

    Reply
  16. Mummy, Wife and Chaos says

    1st June 2013 at 7:36 am

    Ha I like them and like you I have had them a long time. Since before baby no1 so at least 10 years. I remember queuing up to buy two pairs! Crazy. So I dug out my first pair-black still going strong-and I couldn't wear them! Perhaps I need a new pair!

    Reply

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