21 May 2009 – Hippie Mama, originally uploaded by academichic.
Sources:
All remixed.
- Maxi dress – Gap, gift from the mother-in-law
- Scarf – Target
- Slippers – Cobian, purchased at Hawaiian Island Creations back home
End Notes:
I couldn’t let our week of flats go by without a small confession and a brief discussion of semantics. First, the juicy confession: my upbringing in Hawaii has resulted in a deeply held skepticism regarding flat sandals that are not “flip flops.” Second, every time I say the word “flip flop” I feel like I am denying part of my heritage. Yes, I have a heritage related to flat footwear.
Let me explain.
In Hawaii, the rubber sandal that mainland folk term “flip flops” are the footwear of choice. Most people just wear tough rubber versions purchased at a local drug store and wear them until the heel wears out. I grew up going to the mall, to church, and on hikes wearing these things. All that to say, when you’ve grown up completely surrounded by people wearing y-strap style footwear almost exclusively, it’s hard to accept the aesthetic of the current, dressier flat sandals: the t-strap, the gladiator, the complicated multi-strap wrap-around. I think they look terrific on other people’s feet, but I balk when I see them on my feet. I might need therapy to get over this.
But most importantly, in Hawaii, these rubber creations are referred to as “slippers.” But apparently, “slipper = flip flop” does not work on the mainland since “slipper = indoor house shoe.” All of this led to much angst and miscommunications when I first arrived on the mainland for college. For a long time I resisted using the term “flip flop” because, frankly, it sounds silly and how can you take that kind of onomatopoeic word seriously as a legitimate footwear option? After a few years I gave in, just for ease of communication, and now I will grit my teeth and spurt out “flip flop” in the rare instances when they come up in conversation.
21 May 2009 – Hippie Mama, originally uploaded by academichic.
On the other hand, I have upgraded from drug store rubber to a pair of sueded chocolate brown leather slippers purchased from a local surf shop the last time I was back home in Hawaii. Perhaps in a few years I’ll even be able to manage a t-strap sandal.
The rest of the outfit is an attempt to translate the laid-back local Hawaii attitude for a mainland late spring day: an easy maxi dress (which itself has a whole history of personal misgivings) and a patterned scarf to brighten things up. Whew. I bet you didn’t know that I had so much to say on this subject.
I love the way you’ve tied the scarf– it looks so chic and is absolutely beautiful with the color of the dress!
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Hahaha. Husband Mike told me about this terminology discrepancy AGES ago. Not to laugh at others’ misfortune (especially yours, E) but it makes me giggle to hear that being unable to call them “slippers” caused such angst.
Additionally, this color combo is dynamite on you.
I too struggle with the name “flip flop”. In NZ we call them “jandals” – possibly an abbreviation of “japanese sandals”? I’m not sure of the exact history of term. It’s much easier to say, I find, but no-one ever knows what I’m on about! (I live in the UK).
They aren’t slippers, they’re slippahs! :)
And for the same reasons, I have the same ‘issues’ with wearing flats. They just feel so casual to me.
@Joanna – You’re so right! I didn’t want to ruffle any more feathers with an alternative spelling, to boot! Growing up we had a sign outside my parents house that said, “Mahalo for removing your slippahs (but no take mo’ bettah ones when you leave!)”. I should get one for my house now.
I need a sign like that, too!
My mainland friends never understood why we ask them to take their shoes (and slippahs) off inside the house.
Haha, and in Australia those would be called thongs! I slip up and use the Aussie term on occasion and confuse people here, but that’s what I grew up calling them and “flip flop” sounds very silly.
I love the outfit, you’ve made a casual outfit look very chic!
As long as everyone is sharing terms for flip-flops, I’d like to mention that growing up in India we called those chappals (pronounced CHUH-puhls).
Nina Garcia, in her book “The One Hundred: A Guide To The Stylish Pieces Every Woman Must Own” calls flip flops “Havaianas.” I guess there’s a company by that name that makes nice flip flops. I kinda like the sound of “havaiana,” rather than “flip flop.” Of course, when I was a girl, we called them “thongs,” but you can’t do that anymore!
This dress looks so lovely on you – the color and the flow/fall of the garment. The orange scarf gives it a nice punch.
i’ve lived in the mainland for almost seven years now and STILL can’t call them flip-flops! they will always be slippers! i don’t care that people think i’m wearing my fuzzy bunny shoes outside! rubbah slippahs, unite! lol.
You are one stylish mamma to be! I have to be honest I LOVE flip flops! The maxi dress looks great on you!
My Hawaiian friends still call ‘em slippers. I can feel their discomfort when I call them flip-flops. But I HATE when they’re called thongs.
That scarf is such a cute edition the maxi dress!
. . . and your scarf looks like a lei! Very nice.
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