fitness

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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POWER STONE

by Amber on October 28, 2008 in Design

Recently I’ve become a gym convert. Which is completely out of character, I know… My enthusiasm is all down to one magic device however – the Creative Zen Stone! Petite, slinky and pared down (this picture is lager than life size!). Play, pause and volume, it’s all you need to let the sound wash over you.

And what’s on it? It holds a few tunes, but I thought I would share with you one of my current ‘press repeat’ mixes. It’s pretty bloghaus, but that’s totally fine with me!

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SWAB THE DECKS

by Amber on October 27, 2008 in Notebook

A quote to ponder! From an airport spa in Seoul. How is your ship faring?

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SPORTING CHANCE

by Amber on August 5, 2008 in Notebook


[Image from Adidias. This will totally be me in 3 months, wearing Lontus and looking hot!]

So, I’ve joined a gym. This may come as a surprise as I am the girl who previously stated “I will never participate in organised religion nor organised fitness”. We’ll just have to see how long it lasts! In any case, I see it as a grand opportunity to get some hot sporting gear. Specifically what I need is some trainers, so here’s a round up of some of the most stylish sports kicks!

I pretty much love everything Stella McCartney comes up with, so no surprises I found some fancy sneakers that made my heart beat faster from her Adidas range: the Lontu boot.

The shoes are not only flexible sports shoes, they have the ability to transcend single occasion wear. considered pretty enough to be featured in a Vogue spread, worn by Kate Bosworth as a mad ethereal ballerina, I can definitely see them worn casually to brunch or a dance party.

While not strictly sporty, these Marc Jacobs sneakers are incredible – they’re for men but that will not stop anyone. Candy floss or gun metal? How could I ever decide between the two? I am seriously considering canceling my gym membership to buy a pair. They’re around US$424 and would look marvelous with pretty much everything. I’m imagining wearing them with a singlet and some denim shorty shorts for summer, the casual basketball look. Dear loved ones, I will swap me birthday presents for the next 3 years for these, okay?

Next up, a recent offering from the ubiquitous sporting god Nike…

This is a bold wee number, Nike Air Max Plus for the ladies illustrated by Oliver Hibert. Hibert is a designer and illustrator who creates some very funny psychedelic work. These sneaks were inspired by Paris Fashion Week and come in 4 colour variations. I imagine they are completely legitimate shoes (as in, sports friendly) to wear at the gym!

Ah, there’s nothing like stylish clothes to inspire you into doing something you never really wanted to do! After looking through the options I will probably seek out my nearest Adidas store and try on the Lontus. Here’s hoping they sell them in New Zealand!

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