Flip flop chat with Girl Two Doors Down designer Robbie Bernstein

I recently had the delightful opportunity to sit down with GTDD founder Robbie Bernstein, queen of the jeweled glam fabulous soles, to talk about the flip flops that adorn the feet of women all over.

Robbie Bernstein: I began my career in fashion with two jewelry brands I developed. When a prestigious department store did not pay me for a long time with my diamond collection, my cash flow vanished overnight.

I created Girl Two Doors Down when life had thrown me a curve ball, as I thought I was going to be in the jewelry industry forever. So, when I couldn't find comfortable flip flops that were also cute, I took matters into my own hands and put jewelry on plain flip flops to bring my feet and outfits to life. The jeweled flip flops got me noticed literally everywhere. Even men with their girlfriends in the grocery store would stop and say “Look at her shoes, honey!! Where did you get those?” 

SheKnows: How did you come up with the name Girl Two Doors Down?

Bernstein: Girl Two Doors Down is based on my personality and dating life. When I started the company in 2005, I wanted to create a company that came from my heart; more importantly, I wanted anyone who really knew me to see my authenticity shine through. I picked the name Girl Two Doors Down based on all the blind dates I went on during that time of my life.

I am laughing as I write this remembering those awkward first phone conversations when the guy would call to set up the date and start to ask the list of usual questions. When it came to the question describe yourself, I always say, “I am not the girl next door, I’m the girl two doors down.” It was classic every time I said it. There was silence on the other end of the phone as the men did not expect that answer or really know what the girl two doors down was all about. She is mysterious, sexy, fun and keeps men on their toes. ;)

SheKnows: I love stepping into GTDD's witty slogans -- where do you get them from? They are so cool!

Bernstein: They all come from me. It is actually funny as these slogans will pop into my mind at the oddest times, such as being stuck on the freeway in traffic, sitting at a singles table at a wedding and even sitting at a bar "people watching" while sipping on a glass of wine.

SheKnows: What inspired GTDD's latest collection?

Bernstein: I actually design my seasons not based on trends, even though animal print is hotter than hot this season, but based on what I simply think would look fabulous on a woman’s foot. I also want to make sure the flip flops can be worn season after season, like the perfect little black dress we all own in our closet. My aspiration is for women to wear my creations and know they will never go out of style as they are classic designs.

SheKnows: GTDD has quite a celebrity following. Who are some of its fans?

Bernstein: Eva Longoria was the first actress to step into my flip flops and become a huge supporter. Other celebrities followed including Jessica Alba, AnnaLynne McCord, Britney Spears, Emmy Rossum, Katherine Heigl, Christina Applegate and the list goes on. I especially like to say how honored I am that the stunning Halle Berry is a fan of my designs. Some weeks she has worn them almost every day as the flip flops are really that comfortable.

SheKnows: Robbie, Thank you for this wonderful interview and most of all thank you for the glam fabulous GTDD soles - they really are a girl's best friend!

More beauty and style

Vibrant necklaces that make a statement
Fun flip flop styles
Spotted: Heidi Klum in BCBGMAXAZRIA