BirkenLove

I saw this article in Vogue a few weeks (months?) back and kind of took issue with it. On the one hand, it was great to see Birkenstocks (and sandals with actual support in general) being touted as something more than uniform for folk-festival-attending-hippie-dippy types. On the other hand, it was horrible to see them being touted as a "high fashion" choice - but only in fancy prints and certain styles. The article was then brought back to my attention when a blog I follow "caved" and bought her first pair - and seemed seriously conflicted about it.

I've been wearing Birkenstocks since Grade 12. It took me (at least) 12 months to find the perfect pair.

They had three straps (Florida is the style, if you were wondering) and came in a fantastic orange pattern. They also happened to be on sale for $66 at the end of the season, and to this day (7 years later) I've only ever seen one other person wearing Birks of the same pattern. They are one of a kind, have been completely resoled, and I had a strap fixed too. I will do everything I can to wear these babies forever.

I also own two pairs of two-strap (classic Arizona style) and a pair of clogs (I'm a four-season Birk-wearing girl), and am constantly lusting after some new pair or another. I have a problem.

And so, to see Birkenstocks coming to light as the "it" footwear of the moment by a group other than high school seniors, college kids, "hipsters" (defined however you should choose) and all around casual people...kind of hit me somewhere.

Birkenstocks are, to me, more about a lifestyle than a fashion choice. I wear them because I a- need the support, and b- think they are easy and go with everything in most situations. I feel like they should be an easy choice - not something stressed over and debated. You should love your Birks. Love your Birks and they will love you. Birkenstocks should not be about finding a pair in cool patterns, with some glitz and sparkle. Find the pair that fits your foot, fits your style, and fits your day-to-day life.

As a friend said to me recently "I'm just not laid-back enough to pull them off, so I stick with my flip flops." They don't work for her, and she doesn't push it. To me, that's what it should be all about.