Boogie to the Left

Roller skating, a once popular past time of the 70s, has once again hit its stride. A trip down to the local rink guarantees memories of fast paced good times, cheezels and slushies for not only kids but adults too. Gliding around the rink, in what I guaranteed my parents would by the best 7^th birthday present ever, a new pair of roller skates with customized pink laces, the exhilaration of the moment was everything I’d always wanted and was for the next 12 years of my life.

Original roller skates

The history of skating however started with a Belgium musician John Merlin in the 1760s. Merlin’s plan for the night was to enter the masquerade party wearing his new metal-wheeled skates whilst playing the violin. As exuberant as his plan was, Merlin unfortunately crashed into a large mirror and suffered serious physical injuries, although his pride may have been the most hurt thing of the night.

Flash forward to the disco age of up and down beat music, roller skating literally took off around the globe. With clips such as Roller Boogie, Patrick Swayze in Skatetown and Cher’s Hell on Wheels, skating became a popular sport and social activity among all ages, with dance movements, roller hockey and the now extremely popular roller derby. 

Roller Boogie (1979) - roller disco 

At Shorties we have in two different pairs of skates, one black with blue wheels, red laces and a cool LED thunder bolt on the side and the other white pair with fun rainbow laces and funky pink wheels. These skates are perfect for starting out on the rink. Comfortable and stable the wheels are made from a high quality urethane, not plastic, so they last longer and keep you moving at your fastest between limbo and bull rush with the other roller skaters. 

So if you feel like lacing up your own or your kids boots there's still a few places left in greater Sydney where you can.

Check them out in store!

RollerFit: Robyn Webster Sports Centre, Tempe / Ph: (02) 9335 2299

Skatel Penrith: 120 Russell St, Emu Plains / Ph: (02) 4735 6699
Maximum Skating: 75 Anderson Rd, Smeaton Grange / Ph: (02) 4624 9500

uimi

Want to get cosy in the Winter months with an ethical home decor label? Look at these 70s inspired textures, prints and tones from uimi.

These soft natural fibres of extra fine Merino Wool and Baby Alpaca are perfect to cuddle up in through the coming colder months.

The unique knitwear brings together vibrant colours, bold patterns, beautiful textures and the highest quality renewable natural fibres; from fine Australian merino wool to luxurious Egyptian and organic cotton.

Every uimi product is designed and manufactured in our studio and knitting mill in Melbourne, Australia.

Miva Wooden Toys - Since 1946

These beautiful European toys and have been lovingly handmade in Czech Republic by Miva Vacov since 1946. They have stood the test of time, as loved now in the 21st Century as they were 70 years ago.

Ethically made, each toy is crafted using beech and maple wood which is FSC (Forest Stewardship Council) certified and sourced from the mountain regions of Central Europe. All of their paints and finishes are 100% non toxic and water based. All other materials used are also 100% non toxic and all of their toys comply with both Australian and European safety standards.

Bring one of the wooden heirlooms into your family today!