MARY x NEW BALANCE 708
The sneaker trend... its in, its current and its so very comfortable!
I wear sneakers all the time over the weekend and more recently I've started styling sneakers in to my workday week attire... it adds a less formal look to my daily media job.
I was lucky enough to chat to the team at New Balance this month ahead of the launch of their brand new chunky 708 Sneakers which I had so much fun styling and adding to my wardrobe
All the details below,
M xx

What’s your take on the chunky ‘dad’ sneaker trend?
I wear sneakers all the time over the weekend and more recently I've started styling sneakers in to my workday week attire... it adds a less formal look to my daily media job.
I was lucky enough to chat to the team at New Balance this month ahead of the launch of their brand new chunky 708 Sneakers which I had so much fun styling and adding to my wardrobe
All the details below,
M xx

What’s your take on the chunky ‘dad’ sneaker trend?
What is it about them that you enjoy?
LOVE them, I can't get enough of wearing chunky sneakers with so many looks right now. I like that they make me feel on trend but in a casually effortless way, so I still feel polished/ edgy wearing them while being entirely comfortable.
How would you describe your personal style?
This is hard because I feel like my style is forever changing...
I guess what I would say that it is classic & clean a lot of the time but then sometimes a bit random and salty… I do like to wear things ahead of everyone else or differently/ a bit random just to show people how you can pull something off. I also like to mix designer pieces with the most affordable, which I think is super important - it’s not all about the price tag of something and if you put items together well this can reflect that.

This is hard because I feel like my style is forever changing...
I guess what I would say that it is classic & clean a lot of the time but then sometimes a bit random and salty… I do like to wear things ahead of everyone else or differently/ a bit random just to show people how you can pull something off. I also like to mix designer pieces with the most affordable, which I think is super important - it’s not all about the price tag of something and if you put items together well this can reflect that.

What’s the best way to make chunky sneakers work FOR you, not against you?
So although I think they suit so many looks right now and I have been wearing with almost everything I do also still think its important to tie them into your outfit wherever possible.
Piece together a basic look but add in a funky blazer, maybe a bright lipstick or try to tie in part of your look with the colour of your sneakers. So for example if wearing all black or all dark colours in your outfit then lighten up the entire look with a white or light sneaker and maybe even a bright lipstick. In a different look add light colours into your clothes to compliment the shoes, a white t-shirt under your dress, a light denim jacket around your waist or perhaps add a bag scarf that has white in its pattern. All simple things but also effective add ons to compliment.
Piece together a basic look but add in a funky blazer, maybe a bright lipstick or try to tie in part of your look with the colour of your sneakers. So for example if wearing all black or all dark colours in your outfit then lighten up the entire look with a white or light sneaker and maybe even a bright lipstick. In a different look add light colours into your clothes to compliment the shoes, a white t-shirt under your dress, a light denim jacket around your waist or perhaps add a bag scarf that has white in its pattern. All simple things but also effective add ons to compliment.
One of my favourite looks to put together right now is sneakers with flared jeans or pants and just a jumper or basic t-shirt - easy to wear, versatile and effortless.

Do you ever look to sports/active brands for Fashion inspiration?
All the time, I work full time in an office and although we dress smart casual most days I really look forward to weekends where I can dress almost entirely for comfort and in a mixture of activewear and fashion pieces paired together.

What’s the biggest ‘pinch-me’ moment that you’ve had with your business to date and why?
Oh I have had so many moments to be proud of with my little business but I guess it would be selling my By Mary t-shirts! Its crazy to think I can have an idea for something and people respond so positively to it, want to purchase them and wear something you have made! Plus moments like this, being interviewed by you.
I am lucky enough to work with not only New Zealand brands I love but international brands I love, sometimes I have to take a step back and be like woahhh this is pretty cool and humbling that these brands want to work with me. I am forever grateful.
Want to see more, check out the 708's HERE and happy shopping!
