Page 7 - Monthly Archives: October 2024

Beach trips with the family are wonderful, but in reality, they take a lot of coordination and preparation from the whole family in order to make them go by without difficulty. As a family-owned business living in Cornwall, we know better than anyone that in the chaos of getting everyone ready, we forget to pack both essential and non-essential items that might make the day go a bit smoother. Here are some things you should definitely remember to bring with you if you’re taking the kids to the beach this summer.

Make sure the beach stays fun and safe - pack adequate protection against the heat and UV rays: sunscreen and a sunhat are essential and no one should take a trip to the beach without them, especially the young ’uns. Nothing ruins a glorious day at the beach quicker than sunburn or heatstroke. Don’t forget to apply sunscreen BEFORE you get to the beach and to reapply it after swimming.

The Altruist sunblock is water-resistant, so it’s ideal for wet and sandy

It’s not ideal that travel is still severely restricted around the world, but the UK is still home to some pretty amazing and stunning locations. If you’re taking a staycation this year, here is what you should take with you depending on the location.

Come rain or shine, there is always something to do in London! A trendy spot offering a diverse range of activities, the capital city is the most popular holiday spot for many, promising all day and all night fun, with hundreds of cafes, bars and restaurants, free museums and some of the most iconic attractions in the UK. You can spend the day walking through the city centre or shop until you drop, from local boutiques to some of the most luxurious brands in the world. You’re going to have to pack the comfy ones for this staycation because no matter how you choose to spend your time, you’ll be walking a lot! We recommend:

Women's

Havaianas Slim

Havaianas Slim Flatform

Ipanema Maxi Heart

Men's

Reef Fanning

Havaianas Brazil Logo

Rider

The new generation of Havaianas started with the Slim. A more feminine version of Havaianas’ classic Tops, with a tapered sole and flattering slim straps, Slims continue to dance off our shelves and we now stock more than 71 colours and styles including Metallic, Crystal Glamour Swarovski, Animal, Crystal Poem, Floral and Tribal.

Next Havaianas launched You, with a subtle stepped heel and eco-leather strap. You Metallic has been the must-have sandal of the year – we have struggled to keep these magnificent metallics in stock. We’ve just taken delivery of the new Summer 2017 shades – coral, black, light pink and light blue – so if you have your eye on a pair, we suggest getting yours early.

Now Havaianas has done it again. “Consumers love Havaianas. We are so lucky because usually, brands have to work so hard to speak to their consumers, but for us it’s totally different… it really was the consumers which pushed the brand

The UK’s transition out of the European Union has brought about a lot of changes. But one thing you may not have thought about is how this will affect the way you shop online.

Previously, the same rules applied for goods supplied from the UK and the EU. Now, things have changed.

While at face value online shopping may look the same, there may be some differences you should be aware of, as they can often bare unknown costs - what some may call the “Brexit Tax”. All of these charges can add up to more than the items’ value. Your order may also be delayed, and this process can really put a damper on your online shopping experience.

So, what exactly are the differences between shopping from the UK and outside, and how can you avoid the extra hassle and charges?

When you buy from a shop in the UK, such as the Flip Flop Shop, your order is delivered on time and there are no incurring fees or taxes. What you pay at checkout is the final price.

Because

Colleagues and friends value your knowledge and rounded opinions. Your wardrobe is mostly black – but you do black well! Your style is understated, though you like the touch of glitz on your black Lulu FitFlops

You are known for being efficient and well organised. Friends always compliment you on your well-put-together outfits. You work hard but are rewarded by excelling at whatever you turn your white Gizah Birkenstocks to.

You always land on your chic silver Havaianas. You are cool and together – the perfect person to have around in a crisis. People are drawn to your quick wit and well-thought-out world views.

You are vivacious and fun, with a passion for life. You put your heart and soul into everything you do – jumping in with both red Havaianas Red range. You have big emotions and are loving and loyal to friends and family.

You’ve fallen on your gold Ipanemas and are outstanding at everything you take on. The life and soul/sole of the party, you are often the first on the dance floor.

How many ways can you think of to use an old flip flop? For this bearded Aussie, there was only one: striking the ends of a set of carefully-tuned PVC pipes to bash out some techno (or ‘acoustic bass synth,’ as he calls it) – and he does it in the middle of a shopping centre to a large crowd.

The tie-dye-T-shirt-wearing busker bashes a bass drum – well, more like a box – while he rocks out in the centre of the shopping centre in Adelaide, South Australia, using only his flip flops to bash the ends of the pipe (to create different beats) and slap his thighs to mimic a clapping sound – or was it high hats he was going for?

Either way, this video of Pipe Guy performing in Rundle Mall, in August 2014, has been seen a colossal 8.7 million times.

This psychedelic chap has quite a following on social media too, with more than 46,000 Likes on his Facebook page, where people have left requests for him to teach them the art of making flip flop/pipe tunes following a gig in an Indian desert.

Back

Havaianas are one of the top dogs in the flip flop world, and the story behind the brand is a vibrant one in equal measure. In fact, you could say it’s as colourful as the flip flops themselves!

At the Flip Flop Shop we like to get to know our brands and understand what gives them their va va voom. We adore Havaianas flip flops for their signature materials and eye-catching colours, but when you dig a little deeper then you realise that there’s so much more to love about ‘em.

To do this digging, a few weeks ago we set off on a quest for stories, adventure and flip glorious flops, to Casa Rio – home of the Havaianas’ HQ.

And what an amazingly elaborate HQ it is! Casa Rio is a villa in a gated complex on the outskirts of Madrid, surrounded by lush green trees, and other striking villas in large grounds. (You could easily imagine bumping into Cristiano Ronaldo walking along the road!) The Havaianas team were incredibly welcoming and we were privileged to have access to everything

Flip flops. They’re just a pair of basic flats, right? Well, no not really. Flip flops come in a variety of styles, from blinged up and girly to simple and sporty. There’s something out there for everyone, regardless of personal style.

Here are the main types of flip flops you’ll come across, along with a few suggestions for that particular style.

While most flip flops are a variation on the standard thong style, the ankle strap style adds a little more stability, and looks more like a sandal. The great thing about this particular style is that it can be dressed up or down depending on the occasion.

Wedge Flip Flops are a relatively new entry to the footwear fashion industry, and they’re a comfortable and flattering alternative to high heels. Perfect if you’re hitting the beach or if you just want to look casual yet glam on the school drop off.

If you’re more likely to be seen soaking up the rays on the beach rather than indulging

In our ongoing series on trends, we look at the young and fun alternative to pastels - bubblegum colours. Thanks to stars like Nikki Minaj and Katy Perry, Japanese modern culture and the popular Vivienne Westwood Anglomania for Melissa shoes, bubblegum colours have never been more popular - and the more cartoon-like the better. The jelly material more commonly remembered for those beach shoes worn in the 90s is now better known for this particular trend.

What better way to get Katy Perry’s look than to wear the shoes she’s been seen in? For a more subtle take on the look, go for something a little more grown up, but still have that pop of colour that you’re after. Add to this pretty details which match your outfit and you're set.

Previously, we spoke about the girliest trend - pastel. Understandably, not everyone loves the overly girly look. Which is where Sports Luxe comes in. Sports luxe is exactly what it sounds like - a luxurious take on the sporty look. We’re not talking shell suits here - but tailored and practical looks and lots of bright colours. Imaging a neon vest top with smart skinny black trousers and heels or fashionable but practical footwear.

If you’re after a laid back look for the day or an unusual evening look, Sports Luxe might be your trend to try this season.

What qualities are we looking for? Practical, super-comfortable, luxurious and clean lines while adding a little detail to your outfit.