Birkenstocks are stylish?? - YouLookFab Forum

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Dressing

Birkenstocks are stylish??

Laura

(website)

Veteran

I just about fell off my chair while reading Kendall Farr's new book, Style Evolution. She recommends a Birkenstock sandal called the Gizeh - and not only does she recommend it, she says "For your stylist there is but one sandal style -- the Gizeh -- and I have worn it for years. It comes in narrow and wide widths, colored patent leathers, and metallic. Astonishingly sleek for what is technically an orthopedic shoe. I log fourteen-hour days on location in these babies."

I am DYING to know what Angie thinks of that advice!! Here's the sandal:

http://www.zappos.com/product/109117/color/156449

What do you think? Are they stylish and will they meet Angie's standards?

Dressing

20 replies

Latest reply was from yublocka

Patience

Veteran

Laura, maybe the book is journal style and that one was dated Apr 1?

I think once Angie recommended a particular pair of Birkenstocks for a warm weather house slipper. Anyway, I'm curious too. I *think* this particular sandal is casual appropriate but I'm not really sure either.

Actually, I once saw a woman wearing black patent Birkenstocks with a little rhinestone detail for a somewhat dressy Christmas party. I was a little taken aback but she was an older woman and I figured she was trying for comfort first.

shana

Veteran

Hmmm, maybe that explains all the buzz about Gizehs that I have seen on other boards. I have tried and failed to find a pair of birkenstocks that I like - I have small feet and they look like caveman/Flinstone shoes on me. I'm curious how the narrower widths would look. Most people that own them seem to love them. Personally, I think these would work for a casual look - and hey, they are a heck of a lot better than their ugly North American counterpart - crocs!

Laura

(website)

Veteran

I know, if this was an April Fool's entry on YLF I would feel so relieved! Just goes to show that different stylists have widely different opinions. Maybe Angie will agree on this one ... who knows?

I have never tried a pair of Birkenstocks. Even pre-YLF it wasn't my style. But never say never. If Angie gives the thumbs-up, maybe we'll all be sporting them this summer with loads of confidence and sass

Anonymous

I have had 2 pair of Birk's (the second pair came to me by incident) and for me they are nothing to write home about for comfort. They are just hard soled sandals. I know other people love them and wear nothing else. I much prefer the spring in the step that Dansko's provide.
I went through a period of time when I thought "comfort shoes" were cool but I am getting over it now.

Chris

I suppose allowances must be made for a "14 hrs on your feet sort of day". I have worked some very very long retail days (think Black Friday) and changed shoes 3 or 4 times in search of comfort. My best solution was to start and finish the day in a Calvin Klein "comfort fit" patent ballet flat - almost like a slipper on me.
I hate Birks but hose are the best looking, least Birk style I have seen.

I would love to see pics of the rest of her outfit!

Ariadne

Veteran

I've wondered about Angie's thoughts on this for quite a while. We'll have to remember to bump this thread for her when she gets back. I've seen Gizehs on lots of fashionable women, and in fashion magazines, for the past 2 years or so. I've also seen this style quite a bit:
http://www.zappos.com/product/7502010/color/1141

And how about this one?
http://www.zappos.com/product/7320947/color/51754

Rosie

Veteran

I actually like these particular shoes. I should come clean, though, that I do have a little bit of California granola that comes out every so often. I had a pair of Birks ages ago as they were really popular for a while where I lived. As far as comfort, they seem to either really work for people or they don't. For me they weren't great for lots of walking, just for regular casual days. Now that I've moved back to Northern California it seems appropriate to embrace the hippie in me.

Laura

(website)

Veteran

Remember the thread we had about Danskos? Angie said the clogs were not fab, but she posted a bunch of Dansko styles that were great. Maybe it's the same with Birks - that classic style that has the two wide straps with buckles might not be fab, but this one is.

I'll try to remember to bump this for Angie next week!

Elika

I just had to chime in after seeing this title. I actually own this style birkenstock (and also the 'madrid' version), because of some foot/leg problems I'm currently dealing with. Not only are they great for troublesome feet, they are also considered quite stylish over here and worn a lot by young and trendy women.

However, I think it's only these 'newer' styles that are considered ok, while most of the classic birkenstock types are imo just ugly. I love my gizeh sandals, but even with them I do have very strict guidelines for myself on which outfits they are appropriate to wear with (only very casual, and with a feminine touch to offset the clunkyness), and that includes having well groomed feet and painted toenails.

I know they're not the prettiest sandals around, but there are much, much worse ones too and the right style in a nice colour can be quite cute. Also, the gizeh style in metallic actually has a bit of a gladiator vibe to it, which helps the style factor along (I hope

Here's a link to give a visual of how cute they can be:

http://farm3.static.flickr.com.....aa.jpg?v=0

Rosie

Veteran

Elika - excellent points and wonderful photo! The feet and shoes look great there. Makes me want to go buy some.

merry77

Great photo, Elika! I love feet pictures like that. I agree that the Madrid and Gizeh in great colors are good options with the right offsetting touches and groomed feet.

LoP

Veteran

This style of Birkenstocks are everywhere in NL right now. I used to like them, but I think I saw one too many of them here that it is in my don't list.

Maya

Veteran

I don't think they're terrible. Sure they're not dainty and pretty, but let's face it: most dainty and pretty sandals are excruciating for walking long distances. These are not meant for a formal occasion, but I think they're fine for just running around in hot weather or going to the beach. Angie is pretty sympathetic to foot issues, so my guess is that she would accept these, if not enthusiastically.

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

I’m here! This is VERY interesting. Many of you have hit the nail on the head.

So truth be told, I have 4-6 clients running around in these as per my suggestion. Have you fainted yet? Style is a PACKAGE deal. First of all, the basic brown is harder to pull off in this style, but the patent, metallic and printed versions get my green light IF the rest of the ensemble is casually current and polished. Add a pretty buffed foot and you’re in business. My clients with a strong ethnic and boho dimension to their style look particularly good in these. I’d look ridiculous because they are totally NOT my look and I'd find them really uncomfortable, but they *can* work when the other style variables comply. I hope that makes sense.

bella

(website)

Veteran

I did faint a little!:) Thanks for chiming in Angie, nice to see your input.

susand

Yeah! Angie is back!!! We missed you!

Laura

(website)

Veteran

Yes Angie, I can see your point (after picking myself up from the floor). Like you, I don't think these are for me, but I could see someone looking stylish in them if they paid close attention to the rest of their ensemble.

yublocka

(website)

Veteran

Ok as a massive Birkie fan there is no way I can let a thread on them go, even if it is days old!!! I would say I wear my Birks 75% of the time when not at work. Even in winter I will try to wear them on warmer days. They are the most comfortable shoes I have ever worn.

My previous pair were the Gizeh's. At one stage a few years ago in Australia this style was very "in trend". You could even buy knock-off pairs at lower price stores. My Mum bought me a knock off pair, but they were *nowhere* near as comfy.

This is the style I have now, I think they look a bit "daintier".

http://www.zappos.com/product/7501903/color/133922

Although I think Angie has mentioned here that they are still high vamp, so not flattering. Here's a similar style that I will be curious about trying next time I need a pair (which won't be soon becuse they last forever!!!!)

http://www.zappos.com/product/7423572/color/3

Oooh I just realised I could see all the outfits I have worn them with on weardrobe. There's lots more pics I'm sure that just haven't been uploaded there too!!

http://www.weardrobe.com/cloth.....rkenstocks

Alright enough Birkies evangelism from me!!!

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

Tam you have a boho element and earthy edge to your look. You get away with wearing birkies! I would love to see you in a dainter style and perhaps a metallic colour (or colour). Is that a deal?

yublocka

(website)

Veteran

Angie, to steal your phrase, I am "tickled" to hear you say I get away with them. I truly could not live without them. I'm very curious about which of the styles that I posted are most ylf-worthy - the original Gizehs, the Mayari Birko-Flors (the ones I currently own) or the Piazza's (a cut down version).

The vamp of the Gizehs and the Mayari Birko-Flors is pretty much the same, but I see the Mayari Birko-Flors as dainter. Do you?

Come summer, I promise to try a dainter sandal as well. I now know my size in the Brulees, otherwise I may even *gasp* attempt something with a small heel. We'll see!!