Roller Girl – The Cutest Skates

by Amber on June 14, 2009 in Notebook

A question from Courtney, a beleaguered disco-bunny:

“…I just want a pair of roller skates! Where would I buy these?”

Alice Dellal

Dearest Courtney,

I know, me too. I’m sure you want more than a simple pair of roller skates too… you want the cutest ones out! A pair so ace you’ll want to wear them 24/7. Just imagine the fun to be had skating around your house in the morning, pouring cereal for breakfast and opening the curtains… Le sigh!

You’re going to want to try them on for a good fit, so to start off your search by popping into your local big box sports retailer first (in New Zealand I suggest Rebel Sport). If you have children sized feet you’re probably going to be in luck – kids always seem to have great skates. If you can’t find anything, fear not, your next move is to turn to the internet!

Here are my top 5 picks from the online skate merchants I found:

1. I declare the Riedell Palomino Deluxe Ladies model to be the Cadillac of roller skates! Hand coloured in teal, red or any other colour you like, they will be sure to turn heads as you whip past:

teal-skates

2. However don’t worry if you’re on a tighter budget – Zappos will sell you these sweet pink wheeled women’s Chicago Rink Skates for an affordable US$55:

chicago-rink-skate

3. I read about the Preen x Nokia skate collaboration on Fur Coat No Knickers last year. Alice Dellal was the face of their skates-love-child and associated UK events (as seen above). Who knows if you’ll be able to find the skates now (try eBay), but they too super-styling to ignore:

preen-roller-skates

4. The Rollergirl website sells a ton of different styles, so do look there – there’s something for everyone, including vinyl skates for vegans and others who don’t want to wear leather. I really liked the Electric Lady style in pink but they allow you to customise your lace and wheel colour combination.

electric lady skates

5. If you’re going to get into Roller Derby, you’re going to need more hardcore equipment.

Roller Derby’s Classic 300 Women’s Quad Roller Skate features a freestyle boot with quilted leather lining and reinforced ankle support for a better skating performance. The Vacuum Chrome Nylon chassis, with the Double Action Cushion Aluminum trucks, provides enhanced control. The 56mm Grip Lite Speed Urethane and ABEC-3 bearings wheels provide a fast ride with smooth traction.”

Now I don’t know what it all means but it sounds extreme. Here’s a a visual reference – I’m digging the green:

roller derby skates

Phew! There’s lot to choose from. To finish, I leave you with a styling suggestion from French Vogue – pair your skates with bubblegum coloured acrylic bangles, a sequined mini and delicately patterned hosiery.

vogue-paris-skates

Your location may vary – but no doubt your satorial excellence and the fun you’re having with your new wheels will cause you to writhe on the ground in glee! ❤

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{ 4 comments… read them below or add one }

Becca June 14, 2009 at

I smell a revival! You will of course be wanting some matching jewels… http://www.tattydevine.com/boutique/index.php?cPath=120_143

Kate June 14, 2009 at

Great post! I got my chicagos from this trademe seller. They don’t have any listed at the moment but it might be worth asking as they’ll probably get more in.

Amber June 15, 2009 at

Becca: After looking at so many pretty pairs, I’m really keen to get some skates too. Not for Derby, but disco, definitely!

Kate: Thank you for the sweet tip!

Courtney June 18, 2009 at

Thank you Amber, you are a Guru, I swear.
Amazing

x

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