Introducing my 1st “Bubble Break”…CLOGS
SOAP AS FASHION, issue #5
An Intellectual Style Newsletter, with tips for living your best (real) life.
TL; DR
In this issue of Soap AF, I’m introducing “bubble breaks”. This little bubble is focused on a comfortable shoe alternative to wearing sneakers, where you will still feel put together.
You'll notice I also added more images to this one…(let me know if you like that).
Dear Reader,
As mentioned in the intro of this newsletter, some issues will be longer (like my last one), and some will be short. For the shorter issues that are focused on one quick idea and/or short list of shopping items, I’ll be calling them “bubble breaks”, as in: why don’t we take a quick break for this little bubble? Thought bubble, shopping bubble, bath bubble, soap bubble…
My first bubble is focused on a pair of shoes I bought recently and have been loving…CLOGS. If you’ve been paying attention, you’ve probably seen clogs showing up in a number of places lately. One of the most exciting might have been during the glorious Chloé (comeback?) show that recently debuted during Paris fashion week, where front-rowers were seen sitting side-by-side all wearing the same new platform clogs & sandals. This was Chemena Kamali’s debut as creative director for Chloé, who used to work there under Phoebe Philo, and later left for Saint Laurent, before this exciting return. The collection felt like a love letter to women and just super fresh and beautiful*. I’m typically not a boho girl, but this is not your average boho. I have an off-white ruffled Chloé blouse from back in the day that I haven’t worn in a long time that I can’t wait to wear again when the weather turns around. I’m also very much eyeing this gorg timeless blouse from DÔEN with a similar vibe.
I digress…clogs are looking fresh right now, and if you’re looking for another** classic alternative to wearing sneakers every day while still being cool and wearable, the right clogs can fit the bill. They’re extremely comfortable and can ground an outfit when you’re looking for a bit of a chunkier shoe. They’re also great year-round as you can wear them with socks when it’s cold out, and instead of sandals or slides when it’s warm (especially when you haven’t had a chance to get a pedicure***!) Here are my clog picks:
1. Birkenstock Boston EVA Clogs
These are the ones I recently bought and have been wearing nonstop since I got them. So easy to throw on as I run out the door for school drop-offs, meeting friends for coffee, running errands, etc. They’re super durable and I love how they are all black (including the entire footbed and buckles) and look like leather. And only $60! I linked to Anthropologie to buy because these have started to sell out in other places and Anthro still has almost all sizes. $
I first discovered this brand on the J Crew website a couple years ago and thought they looked cool. I would like them in white, especially since I have the Birkenstocks in black. And at $65 they are also super affordable! Note, the color they’re showing in the video on their website for most color options is the “coffee” color- the “bone white” color is a brighter cream/white (like the still photos) which I like much more. P.s. I saw last month that GP has these. $
3. Birkenstock Boston Leather Clogs
These are basically the same as #1 if you would rather have them in leather. And for some reason****, Matches has them priced lower than everyone else (the main Birkenstock styles rarely go on sale), so even with their $20 shipping charge (Matches is headquartered in the UK), it is still cheaper if you buy them there. $$
4. Birkenstock x Tekla Shearling-lined Suede Clogs
The shearling makes these more of a fall-winter pair. Not as practical, but the white ones are sooo pretty. I can imagine them as a luxurious house slipper. This collaboration brand Tekla is followed by several fashion people I admire, as well as Kelly Wearstler, and they are known for impeccable quality textiles. These shoes are still full price everywhere, but they are currently on sale at Matches, and through the end of today they are even an additional 20% off (with code “EXTRA20”)! $$$
5. Gucci Black Leather Horsebit Slipper Clogs
This is the quiet luxury investment clog to have for many years to come, that will instantly elevate and add “cool factor”***** to any outfit. They are almost out of stock most places but are still available in most sizes on their own brand site. Bloomindale’s also still has them in most sizes. And if louder luxury is more your style, here is the logo version. $$$$
Simple. Clean. Chic.
Xoxo,
Cher
*I was also obsessed with how her little son jumped out during the show finale, omg the cutest. Same with when Joseph Altuzarra’s daughter came out at the end of his presentation this year, (and his collection was also sooooooo good.)
**The first alternative is ballet flats! I mentioned these super affordable & chic ones that I bought in issue #3, and they’re still available in all sizes and still on sale! Also Laurel Pantin (iykyk) just recommended these ones because they’re so comfortable, and they’re still very reasonably priced. And! If you’re looking for an investment pair but still hate paying full price, these ones by The Row are currently 20% off at SSENSE (valid in their app only) but sizes are selling out fast.
***Not showing chipped nails (& maintaining good grooming in general) is one of my only steadfast style rules!
****Apparently they are getting ready to close! As someone who used to love shopping with them in the past (I still use their beautiful boxes to store my scarves) that is sad to hear. But it’s good news for anyone looking to score some new luxe items at a good deal – they are currently running an extra 20% off sale items (they rarely used to discount much) until the end of today with code “EXTRA20”. They also sent me a code via email for $100 off purchases of $300+, $200 off $600+, and $300 off $1000+ for full-priced items. Code for that is “MATCHES300”!
*****Ok that sounds dumb, but you know what I mean…
^Image of me wearing my clogs with roomy black pants this morning as I headed out the door to drop E at school!
Please note, any products I share are things I actually use and/or are genuine recommendations of mine. I may earn some money if you purchase through one of the links above. If you enjoy this newsletter and decide to purchase one of the items- using my links helps to support the continuation of this newsletter at no cost to you, so please use them! :) And if you need another reason to justify your shopping, it’s my birthday this week! Using my links to shop for yourself is a little gift to both of us ;)
If you ever want to see all my picks in one place, click here.
If you enjoyed this issue, please share it!
OMG LOVE!!!!!! I am a barefoot hippie gal from Wyoming. I will not wear plastic shoes………I am going on 61 years young and German on my Maternal side. I have loved Birkenstock for 40+ years!!! I love these shoes suggestions!!!!! Have a magical weekend! Namaste! Shelley Jo Graham