Over the past few years I've noticed through regular wardrobe clear outs and ebay sales (then trips to repurchase items for empty space in wardrobe after said clear outs and ebay sales) that one main brand have always stood the test of time and my ruthlessness. I think I'm really just a big softie for the trainers I have been wearing since my teens. Vans...
Vans were set up in the mid 60's in California, and especially popular with skateboarders. Nowadays there is a bit of a One Direction inspired craze going on around Vans and Converse and I have seen so many teens wearing them again! But it's nice they've had a comeback, as the popularity boost means they are available in many different shops now with even a wider range of styles and colours. At the moment I have 4 pairs - Grey, Black, Acid Denim and Leopard Print. They have seen me through a multitude of situations:
A long days work in the film & tv industry - always comfy when I'm on my feet for hours (if Vans did a steel toe cap version I could safely wear them in the studio and in workshops too)
Running away super fast from Zombies across Glasgow (and surviving, by the way!)
Photoshoots with friends, for the lovely Kyle Gray in the middle and his t-shirt range (because black vans literally go with anything)
Roadtrips and adventures to Alton Towers with the girls (you won't see these shoes falling off my feet on a rollercoaster)
And finally I don't have a picture of me wearing my animal print ones - but here they are in all their glory. Apart from my doc martens and warm winter boots, I couldn't resist taking a pair in my suitcase to Iceland just in case. They actually weren't too bad with some thermal insoles but I only really wore them travelling.
As I mentioned earlier, they are available in so many different colours now - and when I saw they had collaborated with my second favourite feline Hello Kitty (Dexter is first, remember) I bought myself one of the backpacks from the new range:
Pretty awesome, right? My best buy of 2012 by far. But with a new year comes a new wishlist, and the following Vans from Bank Clothing.
(The final ones are for John, think he would look lovely in them!)
Do you have a particular brand or store that reminds you of your youth, and that you always end up going back to for quality and reliability? Not just for clothing, I mean accessories or even makeup too. I'd love to hear your stories (both good and bad)
Ayden x