Holiday Week – The Birkenstocks

When I was about 15, my mum bought us matching Birkenstocks from TK Maxx. I had a pink pair, she had a yellow pair. We wore them all summer long, until the leather practically moulded to our feet and they became the most comfortable shoes ever.

I was really sad when Birkenstocks suddenly fell out of fashion favour and everyone started wearing bits of plastic strapped to their feet with nothing more than a bit of twine. Birkenstocks were reliable, sturdy and would never allow you to trip and fall on a cobbled street (damn you flip flops). So when they made a reappearance on the Celine catwalk and subsequently all over the high street, I was first in line for a new pair.

Dress, Topshop | Birkenstocks, c/o Sarenza | Bag, Gap | Hat, Gap | Sunglasses, Orla Kiely

I went for the ‘Sydney’ style in patent white and I absolutely love them. I will admit they gave me a nasty blister on the first wear, but that’s the thing with Birkenstocks – you’ve got to prove you’re serious before they reward you with everlasting comfort. Now I’ve worn them in they’re like lovely leather slippers.

I wore my Birkes with a simple white sundress from Topshop for a jaunt across the river to Portugal. We had use of a motorised dinghy while in Spain which was awesome for flitting to another country (and timezone!) and eating lunch with a view of the harbour. Bliss.