I took just one pair of sandals for a month in Australia!
This is a sponsored post for Moshulu who I’ve blogged about before, and one that I am happy to support again as they are a small, independent UK brand who design their shoes and sandals in Devon. Apart from the latest science behind my super comfy sandals, I wanted to share how I managed to team one pair of sandals with all my outfits, old and new, for a four week holiday down under.
You may remember from last year how much I enjoyed my Moshulu summer sparkle sandals. (You can see how I matched them with various outfits here.) They were comfortable then but they are even more comfortable now taking things to the next level. This year Moshulu are sharing the science behind their latest sandals explaining exactly what made them an absolute pleasure to wear as I tootled round my house trialling them before I packed for my trip. Really comfy. But would they pass my 10k steps a day test in a very hot, sweltering Australia where even the most comfortable sandals can start rubbing? And would they go with all my outfits for a months’ holiday, and anything else I might buy along the way?
I chose the Jalapeno Metallic sandals from Moshulu’s new SS19 Comfort Sandals range because I usually take one bronze pair of sandals and one silver to go with everything. As these sandals are a lovely mix of gold, bronze and silver they would save me space and go with nearly everything I was packing. And they are really lightweight. So, apart from one pair of wedges, for some height, very light slip-on trainers, which I wore on the plane, and a pair of old flip flops for the beach, these were the only smart sandals I took with me…… and I’m glad to say they did me proud!
I try to coordinate colours when I pack, so sticking to browns for accessories, these sandals proved to be a winning combination as well as saving me space and weight. Travelling solo means I need my suitcases light enough to haul on and off the baggage carousels etc.
Packing brown accessories to go with everything and save space.
So how did the Jalapeno Metallic sandals fair comfort-wise? I am glad to report that these Moshulu sandals didn’t rub at all, but my other beach flip flops did! I felt like I was walking on air doing my 10k steps a day, sometimes much more. I just didn’t wear them on the beach as I wanted to keep them to dress up any outfit I might be wearing.
As you can see, the sandals work really well with blue denim shorts and cream and brown accessories. Beige is big in Australia this year so I couldn’t have done better sandals-wise.
Now, the science behind the reason these sandals are so comfy. There is no insole board (I’m told that this is what traditionally gives sandals their rigidity), instead the soft suede footbed uses a stitched construction making them like miniature trampolines! Lightweight, flexible and full of bounce! The suede underfoot is very soft so makes the sandals non-slippy: very important in a hot, sweaty climate. To top it off, 5mm of high density foam padding gives the sandals plenty of ‘bounce’, making them a delight to wear.
All in all, this is a great collection of sandals that we women of a certain age need to keep our feet comfortable. I really did float on air pounding the pavements of Sydney but, just as important , was how good they looked when I was off the beach and making more of an effort with my appearance!
Hiding from the sun in the wonderful Byron at Byron Resort & Spa. A great place for happy hour!
I didn’t go out of my way to shop for clothes that went with the sandals, but how well does this amazing boho-chic dress I found in Byron Bay go with the Moshulu sandals. I’m proud to say I only bought this one outfit from Byron Bay, from Arnhem Clothing, an independent fashion brand who only use sustainable fabrics and donate 1% of their sales to help the environment ………..
This is the coolest dress I’ve bought in a long time, in both senses of the word “cool”.
My bargain end of summer sale dress from Byron Bay.
…..and I only bought one new item in Bondi (till I discovered the Sunday Market, but that’s another story and another blog) from another independent store called Natalie Alamein. This shirt goes beautifully with my old denim shorts, which I live in in Australia, and will go well with jeans at home (with a vest underneath!) The headscarf was from Kirrikin in Australia who support Indigenous Australian artists involved in the design. And the sandals go just perfectly with this ensemble don’t they?
Both the new purchases were in the end of Summer Sales so girls, if you’re in Oz during their summer hols, leave your shopping till the end of January and leave space in your suitcase!
I do believe you can wear shorts at any age, it’s just a matter of finding the right style and accessories.
And finally, I had to make more of an effort for cocktails at a Fashion Exhibition in Sydney and the sandals even went with this old but still glamorous black and white outfit.
A dress I bought in Byron Bay two years ago with a beautiful very old wrap from Bali.
More importantly, we walked a total of 18k steps that night (well over 6 miles!) around Sydney harbour and my feet were really happy, if a little tired, and there was no rubbing at all! Result.
Sydney Opera House looking beautiful at sun set.
Meanwhile, my beauties are packed away waiting for another long hot summer in the UK or a little break in Ibiza, whichever comes first!
As ever, I would love to hear from you and am happy to answer any questions you may have about the sandals, packing or anything else you fancy in Comments below.
