When I started this blog at the end of 2003 I used to post links to fun things, musings on life and my travels. I barely ever make entries anymore and I put that primarily down to twitter and facebook. Google reader would have also been on that list, but once they castrated the sharing features it’s become less of a place for me to go to share content. Google says plus is the viable alternative, but I say when your content size on the screen is barely a third of what reader was, it’s no wonder I don’t want to go to plus to share. The other reason is plus’s lack of interoperability. There are no APIs to plus that allow developers to latch on to yet – like the awesome google reader for the ipad app Flipboard. They have a share to facebook and twitter, but the plus share is noticeably lacking. Google is very much losing their way and as a google lover this hurts me to say it.

I’ll still be updating this blog with my travels as well as stuff that needs a fair amount of words to say, but for day to day stuff you can find me on facebook and twitter. Just like everyone else.

That evening I finally met Claire (cakesinaus) in person for the first time and fell in love over an 18 hour marathon evening that ended with me staying the night in her hotel room and the two of us just talking for the duration of that whole time (we were proper ladies and there was no frisky business). Both of us knew pretty quickly that something was happening, but neither of us were sure what given that she lived in Sydney and I was a Brisbane girl. Thankfully both of us had enough frequent flyer points and cash to see each other every weekend for the next three months as we got to know each other properly. Changes in my ex-partner’s life at the same time meant that it was a good time for her and I to finally put the house on the market, while I also applied for a mid-career break from work which I had mentioned in my august 12th blog post. Everything came in to a perfect storm at the beginning of December when I sold my house, had my career break approved and settled my accident claim. I had blown up my life and was moving to Sydney.

Claire and I were weary of the lesbian u-haul jokes about moving in on the second date but it felt absolutely right for the two of us to be together.  The only small issue was that Claire was in the UK all of December on a pre-Amy booked trip to see family and friends for Christmas. I flew down on the 28th of December, my stuff arrived on the 29th at 5.30am and I was picking up Claire from the airport at 7.30am the same day so we could begin our life together. An added bonus was that work had a project available for me to work on remotely, so no longer was I having a career break, but I was moving to a 4 day a week, 7 hrs a day remote from home work situation. Especially great given that there is a pool in Claire’s complex and it was still summer. It also means I can ease in to a new life, while avoiding the added stress of a new job. My employer offers many opportunities for work/life balance and it’s only because of modern technology that I can live and work in an entirely different state to my actual workplace.

So somehow I have fallen in to this amazing life in a new city, with a new girlfriend (who is an absolute keeper and ticks all my boxes) and the same job only less hours and from home. My plans to be a global nomad have curtailed a bit since I don’t want to go without her now. Her job has less opportunities for holidays, but Claire loves to travel and we have many trips booked for the rest of this year. I’m just in shock that all the things I asked for from those two blog posts came about because of those blog posts. I’m extremely lucky and very much in love – with my girlfriend, her dog Elvis and her adopted city of Sydney. It’s not “Lucky I’m with Aami” – it’s Lucky Amy indeed!

1. Grouplove – Never Trust a Happy Song Grouplove - Never Trust A Happy Song I can’t remember where I first heard of them, but it seemed like they were everywhere in December 2011/January 2012. Might have had something to do with the fact they were touring and I was lucky enough to see them at the Factory in Marickville. A fun pop/rock band that evokes hints of the Wonder Stuff, The Pixies, Molly Ringwald and California Surf Culture. When you look at the band you’d think they were a band created by John Hughes – you have your Molly Ringwald, the long haired metal guy, the crazy Irish drunk, the 80s electronica drummer and the faux lead singer from the Flaming Lips in his smock. All these random elements combine to make a quirky and fun summer album about sleeping at friends houses, smoking dope on a road trip to the beach and how love will save your soul. This is the album everyone needed after the GFC brought everyone down. Most Played Song in itunes – Love Will Save Your Soul Official Website
2. Rihanna – Talk That Talk Rihanna - Talk That Talk It’s interesting that for an album this promoted, my first exposure to it was a blog post about all the covers on youtube people had done for “We Found Love”. This was even before Rihanna had promoted it! With the popularity of David Guetta last year, it made sense for Rihanna to hook up with Calvin Harris and bring the dance anthem of this year. Her performance on THe X-Factor UK was incredible too, dancing in the audience and all, while the official video showed us her acting chops (well at least a little). But the album isn’t just one song, Rihanna brings her skill and sexiness to the entire record. She sometimes overdoes it by being a little obvious, but your forgive her when she brings something as strong as “We All Want Love” and “Where Have You Been”. This is the amazing dance pop album Beyonce should have delivered. Most Played Song in itunes – We Found Love Official Website
3. Coldplay – Mylo Xyloto Coldplay - Mylo Xyloto Everyone knows Coldplay, so no need to introduce them. This record was everywhere and “Paradise” is now their biggest hit. Concept albums can be hard to pull off but they did well – I am also loving the neon colours they are using in their videos and concerts, such a spectacle. Brian Eno’s influence is all over the album to the point where they gave his influence a name – it’s the “Enoxification”. Rihanna also makes an appearance on “Princess of China”, one of the strongest songs there, along with “Charlie Brown”. Also like Rihanna they had one of their most memorable performance on The X-Factor UK. I’m sure anyone who saw it will be purchasing tickets for their upcoming tour in seconds. Most Played Song in itunes – Paradise Official Website
4. The Head And The Heart – The Head And The Heart The Head And The Heart - The Head And The Heart Got this album because the song “Ghosts” was in the top singles top 50 songs of 2011, but didn’t really think to long and hard about the album. That is until Claire and I happened upon them as the support for Grouplove. They immediately blew the socks off us and I am shocked to admit I think I enjoyed them more than I did Grouplove (perhaps because it was unexpected). I’ve always loved male and female vocalists together and when they play live you can’t help but stare at Charity Rose – especially when she pulls out the violin. They are a folk/rock/country mash with sweet melodies and harmonies. The lyrics pull you in – “one day we’ll all be ghosts” sounds so depressing, yet when they sing it sounds so uplifting. Most Played Song in itunes – Down In The Valley Official Website
5. Pains Of Being Pure At Heart – Belong The Pains of Being Pure At Heart - Belong Happy sounding songs with utterly painful lyrics haven’t really had a heyday since The Cure and Joy Division, so it’s great to see a band pick up the mantle. Foster the People led the club with their perfect single, but the Pains had what I felt was a more complete album. Ok, so the vocalist is a little bit airy in his voice, but I just think that adds to the effect. “Anne with an E” is gorgeous and “My Terrible Friend” is just good fun. When you have thrashed your Cure albums to death, pick up this one for something new. I’ll be interested to see what this band brings to their next album. Most Played Song in itunes – Heart In Your Heartbreak Official Website
6. Robert Francis – Before Nightfall Robert Francis - Before Nightfall One of my cheats since this album was released in 2009, but I only heard it this year. This was the perfect soundtrack for my introspective beginning to the first half of the year – when I was still tender and sore from the accident and dealing with the reality of rehab. Robert has an amazing vocal range (think and just a great sound. Reminds me of Ryan Adams. The songs are all runaways and drug addicts and depressing stuff like that. “Junebug”, “Darkness”, “Climb a Mountain” are great highs, but “Mescaline” is the heroin of the record. Most Played Song in itunes – Mescaline Official Website
7. Architecture in Helsinki – Moment Bends Architecture in Helsinki - Moment Bends This was an album I thrashed on the way to being happy and was my soundtrack to my first fall since the accident. Falling over was actually a good thing cause it indicated that I was no longer being super careful about walking. It was the good leg that took all the damage anyway. I have loved this band for a long time and this was by far their most accessible record. They were great fun live when I saw them at the HiFi Bar – almost the best concert I saw all year (Passenger was the winner). This is a real laze by the beach and catch some rays while drinking cocktails, then dance the evening away record. “That Beep” was a huge hit for them – for whatever reason it reminds me of Billy Ocean (WTF?). A quirky art school band that is good fun. Most Played Song in itunes – Desert Island Official Website
8. Emm Gryner – Gem and I Emm Gryner - Gem and I Apparently this Canadian artist has been round since the 90s but this is my first exposure to her. Album came out in 2010 and I was only made aware of it due to her collaboration with Sara from Tegan and Sara on the album. “Top Speed” is not the best song on the album – that goes to “Troublesome” – a duet with Tom Dunne. The entire record is basically collaborations with different artists (mostly ones I haven’t heard of – although Joe Elliott makes an appearance – Def Leppard!!!). The one that is the most quirky, yet awesome is the duet with Bubbles from the Trailer Park boys “Get Brave”. Emm could probably have been as big as Alanis Morissette, she had that 90s girl rocker thing going on in her back catalogue. It’s worth checking out her other stuff, because a lot of it still sounds current. So many good songs in this album. Most Played Song in itunes – Troublesome Official Website
9. PJ Harvey – Let England Shake PJ Harvey - Let England Shake Another concept album in the list and in a lot of ways I think this is smarter than coldplay’s (der, PJ Harvey is a lyrical genius). “Let England Shake”, the opening salvo to the record drips of Nick Cave influence (due to Mick Harvey’s production – he is a bad seed). It’s pure comedy and drama in the “Last Living Rose” when she sings: Goddamn Europeans! Take me back to beautiful England And the grey damp filthiness of ages And battered books This will be the one album on my list that is assured to be on the classic albums of the decade lists in 2020. Most Played Song in itunes – The Words That Maketh Murder Official Website
10. Gotye – Making Mirrors Gotye - Making Mirrors Can’t go past the biggest and most amazing single of the year in “Somebody that I used to Know”. Gotye has always delivered excellence and it’s great that the world now recognises it commercially. For me the album is odd because all the songs I highly rated are in the middle – normally I love at least something in the first two. “Smoke and Mirrors” is a trapeze ride, “I feel better” is a cheery love song I identified with and “In Your Light” is simple pop. I had to laugh when I was getting the link for the youtube video – one of the comments was “Glee better not find this”. Most Played Song in itunes – Somebody that I used to Know Official Website

Ones that didn’t make the list – only just

• Example – Won’t Go Quietly (Dance/Rap with an English outlook)
• LMFAO – Sorry For Party Rocking (Everybody’s Shufflin’, wiggle wiggle it)
• Seeker Lover Keeper – Seeker Lover Keeper (Even though I’m a woman is gorgeous)
• Paris Wells – Various Small Fires (Aussie female vocalist with sass – “Get It Started” is where you should start)
• Book Of Mormon – Original Cast Recording (The broadway musical done by the guy from South Park, very very funny)
• LA Noire – Official Soundtrack (From the xbox game – great Jazz and moody noire)

So what is my answer when people ask “How is your leg”? To most people, the answer I give is “80% good”, to a few it’s “not so good”, but to me, I walk around carrying a world of hurt. It’s probably the worst thing that has happened in my life (which doesn’t count bad things that happened to other people that affected me). It’s a constant irritant, it hurts in a nagging way whenever I walk, I hesitate at every road crossing, uneven surface and look jealousy at people who run without care. I’m making progress though, because I’ve just managed to try kneeling this week, which isn’t as painful as it once was. I worry that it’s always going to feel like I have to treat my knee with kid gloves but I’m hoping that it will be stronger than the unbroken leg now I’m rocking the robo 2.0 version.

I’m not beauty conscious but I flit between being angry I have this ugly big scar down my leg to thinking it’s a cool thing that gives me character – it shows I’m at least living a little bit. I plan on getting a tattoo of the Vespa key on it just to make sure it’s obvious what the cause was.

Mentally, I hate all cars, I hate anyone that has no patience for pedestrians and I’m a really bad car driver now too. I’m also a really really bad passenger, so generally my preference is to stick to buses and trains. The great thing about returning to public transport though is I have to walk a lot more now, which gets me outdoors and exercising. I’m not angry at the lady who drove the car that caused the accident as I understand that people make lapses in judgement, I just wish that people understood that cars deserve respect and attention when driving them. Yes, I do want to ride scooters again, no I haven’t just yet.

In terms of my life I’ve come to some realizations – which I guess is expected when an event like this happens to you. Spending so much time indoors while recovering has made me want to get outdoors more. Why am I spending what is essentially my youth in an office while there is beautiful blue skies and nature waiting for me. I really enjoyed having to swim, cycle and play tennis as part of my rehab and a lot of that tailed off as soon as I went back to full time work. Most people manage to achieve both exercise and work in their life, but somehow I can’t achieve that balance – or if I do it doesn’t last long enough. I’m not looking to become a triathlete like my overachieving younger sister, but I would like to do more than I’m doing – I just need to stop making excuses.

I’m definitely hatching plans to change my work/life balance and potentially get to do my lifetime career dream – global nomad. It wouldn’t be forever, but I quite fancy the idea of being a displaced traveler for at least a year (or maybe longer if I can stretch it). I don’t think I’d be able to go too long without family and friends though, so I’d have to pop back for visits. That’s probably the other big change in my mind – which is a combination of my solo trip to Thailand/Vietnam and the accident. The love from my family, partner and friends has always been so subtle and constant throughout my life that I thought I was just this super secure person that didn’t need anyone. Because I don’t mind being by myself I thought I’d be ok solo and in reality I am, but I do need that subtle love that the people close to me provide. “Hello obvious” says everyone, but to me it was kind of a shock – mainly because the way people do it. It’s when they call bullshit when I’m acting all tough and strong and give me a safe platform to fall apart on. It’s the people who are actually interested in your answer when they ask how you are doing. It’s your divorced parents coming to clean your back deck and help plant your front garden while making it fun at the same time. It’s friends making the effort to visit in hospital when you appreciated just the card to start with. It makes me want to be a better friend and try and be there more for other people.

So in summary, it’s one year on, I’m still sore, I’m a little bit fucked up mentally, I love my friends and family more than I did before and I have some exciting plans for my future. Over 1000 words to say that.

1. Washington – I believe you Liar Washington - I Believe You Liar A Brisbane girl by way of Papua New Guinea and now a Melbournite, I first noticed her when she supported Sia at the Hi Fi Bar and bought her EP then and there. I picked up an addiction for the song Cement off the EP when I was in Thailand and sucked down the full LP off iTunes when it came out. Drooled over her cool librarian looks in the italian themed video for Sunday Best and was stunned in to awe with the song How to Tame Lions. Can’t wait for her next Album Most Played Song in itunes – How to Tame Lions Washington Website
2. Sally Seltmann – Heart That’s Pounding Sally Seltmann - Heart That’s Pounding Cameron was my gateway to the introduction of her (I only knew her as New Buffalo and liked that period too). This album though was a lot more adult from her with lyrics that were easier to identify with. It’s been said that this album came out of gaining song writing confidence after her success writing the Feist song 1234. I recommended On The Borderline to everyone I spoke to – especially those that had a hard time getting out of bed. She may be a little “twee” and “girly” for some people, but when you are feeling like shit, this is a great album to kick you in the butt and get you moving. Lots of piano and 60s girl style beats. Most Played Song in itunes – Set Me Free Sally Seltmann Website
3. Tiësto – Kaleidoscope Tiesto - Kaliedoscope I know it’s not a 2010 release, but I added it to my library in 2010, so it counts for me. This album is laced with great artists like Jónsi, Nelly Furtado and Kele from Bloc Party. What interested me though was obviously the Tegan and Sara track (being a huge fan) which turned out great – mix my still new dance fascination with my favourite indie/rock girls and see me grin. I thrashed this on my ipod while I was in Thailand – a country that loves youth and dance music (at least in the beach towns). There is not one song on this album I rated below 3 stars – all killer no filler! Most Played Song in itunes – Escape Me (Feat. C.C. Sheffield) Tiësto Website
4. Passenger – Flight Of The Crow Passenger - Flight Of The Crow A bit of a departure from the previous album, this is moody folk piano sad songs for those introspective times. The guy who calls himself Passenger is an english dude who decided to busk around Australia and collaborate with a bunch of famous aussie musicians like Katie Miller-Heidke, Josh Pyke, Boy & Bear and Katie Noonan. This album was my soundtrack to the breakup of my 14 year relationship because there is nothing like wordy love songs and a folk guitar to make you feel mournful. Thanks kissability from twitter for the shoutout of this album which switched me on to it. If you like Damien Rice, you’ll love this album. Most Played Song in itunes – The One You Love Passenger Website Sorry, only version of the song youtube has is a “Lost” tribute:
5. Mark Ronson And The Business International – Record Collection Mark Ronson And The Business International - Record Collection A comeback from Boy George, a song with Simon Le Bon and the cool kids of Rose Elinor Dougall, Andrew Wyatt and Alex Greenwald – how could this fail? Sure, Boy George’s voice doesn’t have the power he had 50 000 snorts of cocaine ago but who cares with lines like “I used to know her when my home was sober”. Plus, as a bonus, you have jamaican drums! The title track is just as good with Simon Le Bon in control and who wouldn’t fall in love with a song about enjoying riding their bicycle – if Queen can do it, so can Mark. Put this on at a party and people won’t realise it’s the same album, yet they all groove as background. The cover is brilliant too. Good fun and I just want to hug it. Most Played Song in itunes – Somebody To Love Me Mark Ronson Website And how is awesome is this video using old tapes of Boy George: Mark Ronson – Somebody To Love (Official Video) Uploaded by PayeTaChatte. – See the latest featured music videos.
6. Robyn – Body Talk Robyn - Body Talk She released 3 albums this year, Body Talk 1, Body Talk 2 and Body Talk. It was a great way to spread out the joy, but if you aren’t interested in the slower versions of some of the songs, Body Talk is like the best of. Robyn is the voice of the jilted female, the woman overlooked for the pretty one and even the other woman. “None of Dem” is a menacing beat that restrains itself while pouring bile over everyone and everything (it’s awesome). Hang with Me is like the tour song that makes you wish you were her best friend and her lover – willing to be her support to her shining star. Call Your Girlfriend is about finding someone and accidentally falling in love with them but are attached – she makes it a sweet breakup. Dancing on my own is pop dance electro sad girl in the corner sweet brilliance. Oh Robyn, how I love you. Most Played Song in itunes – Dancing On My Own Robyn Website
7. David Guetta – One Love David Guetta - One Love Yep, another 2009 album, but I will forever associate this as 2010 since When Love Takes Over was the only thing I saw or heard anywhere I went in Thailand. Deservedly so since the Kelly Rowland song is pretty bloody awesome – my number 1 single of the year easily. Remixes of Black Eyed Peas, Kid Cudi and Akon just go off in the car, in the house, in the club, at the beach and in the kitchen. Great beats, great singers, great album. Most Played Song in itunes – When Love Takes Over David Guetta Website
8. Little Red – Midnight Remember Little Red - Midnight Remember I’m a bit sheepish to admit that I discovered this band thanks to multiple plays on the Sunrise tv show on Seven. They kept advertising that Little Red were going to play live and just a snippet of “Rock it” was enough for me to go hunting for them. Driving base line, harmonies, piano and electronics with a lazy delivery about rocking it (a song that doesn’t rock out in the slightest). Slow Motion is another highlight, but the whole album is one you could put on in the car with your parents and no one would be offended in the slightest. These guys know how to craft a pop song, but they haven’t yet reached their peak in the album writing game. There are hints of 60s beach boys, 80s yacht rock and some soft blues/soul chucked in. The geekiness of these guys is part of their appeal for me. Most Played Song in itunes – Slow Motion Little Red Website
9. Vampire Weekend – Contra Vampire Weekend - Contra Vampire Weekend have enough cred with me now that if they release an album I will get it regardless of whether I’ve heard it enough. If you don’t think they are talented, try playing one of their songs on Guitar Hero or Rock Band and see if you can sing or play the guitar fast enough – Cousins is a great one to try. It’s hard I tell you! They’ve kept with the wordy and african influences and although it doesn’t have an “A-Punk” song on it, it’s still a great second album after a huge amount of buzz coming of their first one. Who cares if the lady on the cover is suing them since she didn’t give permission to use it. Most Played Song in itunes – White Sky Vampire Weekend Website
10. Bersarin Quartett – Bersarin Quartett Bersarin Quartett - Bersarin Quartett I spent two weeks in hospital in August in a room with three other women. When one of them has Alzheimers at night and wants to have fights with the nurses, you need some way of relaxing or getting to sleep. This was my go to album for when I needed to tune out and heal. An instrumental ambient style album, yet with an orchestra and electronic beats it was enough to soothe my soul. “Oktober” is just a work of art while “Mehr als alles andere” has elements of Four Tet in it. Yes, 2008 was when it came out, but I’m breaking rules baby! Don’t try and listen to this album when you want to amp yourself up. Most Played Song in itunes – Mehr als alles andere Bersarin Quartett Website

Ones that didn’t make the list – only just

• Lindstrøm & Prins Thomas – II (Similar to Bersarin Quartett for relaxation)
• Kruder & Dorfmeister – The K&D Sessions  (For lazing poolside or in the chill lounge)
• Various Artists – Long Gone Whistle (if only for Adalita’s version of Lonesome)
• Mates of State – Crushes (Covers of their favourite songs – Laura is a highlight)
• Goldfrapp – Head First (Started off strong, but somehow faded)

Being alone allows you the freedom to make your own choices, but it also means you can’t share your triumphs and failures with anyone else. Jumping off a longtail boat at Phi Phi Island was one of my favourite memories, while lying curled on a bed in Udon Thani scared to make a phone call about a bus trip was one of my lows. But being alone doesn’t feel like being alone now with social networking. I had a twitter army there for me the time I vomited up my breakfast all over myself in Thailand before I had even left the harbour. They may not have been there to clean up the mess (that was left for me) but my twitter friends did help me see the humour in the situation.

Coming back to work after a holiday like that was extremely difficult (I had a tan to maintain for god’s sake!) but I put a good four months in before my next break. And a break it was – my leg. A Vespa ride to work mixed with a woman not looking resulted in me flying over her car superman style and landing on the tarmac. 2 weeks in hospital, 2 operations and 3 months at home to heal meant I got more time off, but it was definitely not fun this time. I became great friends with a pair of crutches and was thankful I had an ipad to keep me entertained with books, tv and comics. This time my support network was in the flesh, with lots of visitors in hospital and at home to help me feel loved and needed. I learnt what it was like to have a fear of basic things like stairs and getting out of bed – an unfamiliar feeling for someone who is usually too stupid to fear things. I was also stupid to think I’d get over it quickly – 5 months later and I still can’t walk properly or go down stairs.

Just before I had my accident, my granddad died and while I was in hospital my dog died (both of old age). Thinking bad things come in threes  I thought I was safe until my girlfriend of 14 years and I decided to break up in early November. A truly heartbreaking decision but we part on good terms and as good friends, sad that we couldn’t make it work. So now we have to deal with all the things that come with separating our lives – including the sale of our house. There are lots of things we both will miss about this home since we renovated it to make it ours but it is especially annoying that the breakup comes just as we finally put the new kitchen in with the dishwasher I’ve been pining for since we moved in over 10 years ago.

So as you can see, I’m pretty anxious to get rid of this year and focus on making the next one a good time. Tomorrow I’m going to try to ride a bicycle as my first order of the new year and I’m going to lose some of the weight I had to lug around on crutches. I know in the scheme of things my tale of woe is rather minor, but I’m used to having a good life and this year wasn’t one. Operation “regain my spark” starts tomorrow.

Happy New Year to You, may it be better than my year was in 2010.

THINGS I’M LOOKING FORWARD TO DOING WHEN I CAN WALK

• Carry things like plates and cups
• Ditch my orange Andy Warhol bag which is my constant companion to move stuff around the house
• Walk around the block and eventually up the big bastard hill on my street
• Get in to the car without huffing and puffing
• Stand up in the shower
• Have a bath
• Join the tennis fit thing at the tennis centre
• Sleep with my right leg completely under the covers
• Sit in a chair comfortably with both feet flat on the ground
• Get my own food at a buffet
• Cook some complicated meals
• Keep on reading lots of books
• Hang out in a cocktail bar for a few hours
• Go outdoors as much as I can!!!!!!!

Brand: Vans
Model: Half Cabs
Style: Blue and Red
Bought: Footlocker, Melbourne Central Shopping Centre
Price: $50
Date: June 20, 2010

Favourite feature: Wide toe and padding around the ankle

Most wearable location: Kicking around the skate ramp or riding a Vespa

Other people say: No one ever really notices them

What attracted me to the shoe: First vans I ever coveted were some basic black and whites old skools my cousin Leif’s that she was wearing when she came back from Chicago in the 90s. I then saw some in a Harley Davidson Iron 883 ad which made me lust for a pair again (as well as the bike). I spent a lot of time checking out Vans in Thailand but in the end found I was looking for a ghost shoe. I found these for $50 in the Vans store at Melbourne Central Shopping Centre but they didn’t have my size. They sent me down to the foot locker store in the same shopping centre cause their stock records claimed they had some. I had to wait about 30mins for them to find it but eventually I walked out with them. Which was great cause the shoes I had been wearing were killing me.

Why does the shirt match: Red, blue, Harley Davidson ad, Ben Sherman, Mod circle, Vespa. It’s quite a simple game of relations really.

All this sounds great but what are they like to wear: Super comfortable and roomy at the toes, but maybe a tiny little bit too spacious. I wouldn’t wear them on a long walk, but they make good daily kickabouts.

Brand:

Favourite feature: They are fancy enough to wear at most formal events

Most wearable location: Fancy restaurant or a not uptight wedding

Other people say: That’s pretty blingy!

What attracted me to the shoe: Firstly the price, Combined was having a sale and I was only down in that part of town for a training course for three days – so it was serendipity it was there. Plus I knew they’d go with my silver and black shirt – much more than the Nike Air Force Gold Quilts I had been wearing with it.

Why does the shirt match: It’s really kind of obvious. This is a formal shirt I wear at weddings and funerals and since I’m rarely seen in anything other than sneakers I needed something that matched but didn’t go too far out there.

All this sounds great but what are they like to wear: They don’t have the foot support that a nike shoe has so they aren’t good for long periods of standing still or walking, but they can last a few hours or so. The excel at the sitting down part and looking cool, but are way more comfortable than a converse all star that is for sure.