I Bought Some Birks.

As the title above suggests, I finally caved and purchased some Birkenstocks. With ugly shoes reigning on the pavements - or for those lucky folk amongst us, strolling along a sunny beach - love 'em or hate 'em, Birks are back for Summer 2k14.

                   

A bit like the Marmite of the shoe world, they're not for everyone. But if they're good enough for Céline, Alexa and the rest of the fash industry, who am I to argue? Plus, I love Marmite. It seemed like a dead cert to me that I just had to add them to my Summer wardrobe family.



Comfort and style don't necessarily go hand in hand in the fashion world. I refuse to leave the house in jogging bottoms for one and I've only recently bought my first hoody. (A big step, I know.) This may sound ridiculous to some, yet, for me, this get-up is something that is purely reserved for days off at home. Well I've gotta keep up the glamour stakes somehow... However, with Birkenstocks and the 90's back on the fashion radar, I couldn't help but think that maybe, just maybe, practicality and style can go hand-in-hand.





Therefore the big question facing me over the past few weeks has been: To Birkenstock or not to Birkenstock. I decided to go with the former. And guess what, I don't regret it.

Perfect with jeans, cami dresses and tailored items, Birks might actually be my go-to shoe for all day-time occasions. I'll be wearing mine with an all-black outfit or paired down with jeans and a t-shirt - proper 90's style. Now I just need to a book a holiday to sunnier climes so I can pack my new favourite sandals... And leave the hoody and joggers combo at the back of the wardrobe for a week or two.



This is a revival I'm fully on board with. Classic, chic and comfortable. Where can I sign up for more?!

All images from: http://honestlywtf.com/sightings/birkenstock-revival/

Typography Crush

Typography has always been a great love of mine, along with the usual stuff like nutella, tea and brogues, of course. We've all seen the "You're just my type" greeting cards and posters in the shops, and whilst I wait for a tall, dark and handsome man to present me with said phrase, this quirky saying has never been more appropriate than for my next obsession. 

Jasmine Dowling  is an all round creative, a girl after my own heart. From blogging to designing with a little bit of prettiness thrown in for good measure, Dowling is a Freelance Graphic Designer following her dreams to make inspiring and attractive typography for like-minded people.

From prints and pillowcases to cushions and gift sets, Dowling creates designs suitable for home interiors, desk spaces or even as a gift for that special someone. Using phrases such as: "Good things happen to those who stay up late" and "She believed she could so she did" her work is most definitely inspiring and is something which resonates with me as I try to carve out my career path in the world.   

Her weapons of choice are nothing fancy either. Regular paper, Indian ink, a fine brush, water and a pencil are all it takes to create her masterpieces. With a monochrome colour palette, her designs are clean and bright and what's clear to see is that the simple, minimalist approach is showing no sign of slowing down. If anything, I'm embracing it even more.

Whilst I wait for some of my most favourite phrases by Dowling to come back in stock, I'll just have to make do by stalking her amazing, and of course, simple and minimal, Instagram feed. (which I seem to do on a daily basis anyway...)

I'll leave you with my new favourite word, meraki: 

(Click on the images to follow the links to more of Jasmine Dowling's work. Images from: http://www.jasminedowling.com/)