UGG Boots Blog

We’re back after a little blogging hiatus with an always enjoyable Celebrity UGG Spotting! Today’s glimpse into celebrity UGGdom is brought to us by Glamour Magazine.  Ladies, (or gentlemen) please turn to page 56 in your July 2010 magazine.  Here we see Kate Hudson rocking a trendy, fabulous, floral print romper with her UGG Classic Tall in Gray! Do you wear your UGGs in the Spring? Perhaps with a fabulous floral piece? Let us know how you rock your UGG boots and if you haven’t tried a pretty floral romper or dress with your UGG boots, you should! Send us a pic!

Floral Romper and Classic Tall Gray

Last Monday evening I was indulging in one of my favorite weekly TV shows,  Big Bang Theory on CBS.  In this particular episode (titled “The Wheaton Recurrance”), Leonard tells Penny that he loves her and she replies with “thank you”. Ouch! Later in the episode Penny, Sheldon, and the guys bowling team is matched up against the evil Wil Wheaton’s team. While I was enjoying the comedic banter of the show I noticed that in more than one scene Penny’s character (played by Kaley Cuoco) is shown sporting the UGG Australia Classic Short in Magenta. I was so excited to see these boots in action on one of my favorite shows, they’re so bright and fun (just like Big Bang Theory)!

There seems to be a vast resurgence of sci-fi popularity in movies and television these days. For goodness sakes, Avatar was mentioned at the Oscars! Now, I enjoy sci-fi as much as the next person, but I tend to get easily distracted by inconsistencies. For instance, it always bugged me in Buffy the Vampire Slayer that her hair was always perfect after any physical altercation. Sure, I’ll buy that a 5′3” blond can beat 3 vicious vampires in a fight, but I simply refuse to believe she could kick serious butt, and then go to a bar looking like she just came from a salon. Also, why are the women in sci-fi flicks in outer space so poorly dressed? In Star Trek the women are rocking the mini skirts, but the men are in full on body suits. You know what is missing from these space adventures: Space UGGs! I mean, where better to wear some of the warmest boots ever made than in the beyond freezing temperatures of deep space? Storm Troopers would be extra dangerous in specialty white Classic Tall UGG boots, and Princess Leia could find comfort in some Classic Tall Sand UGGs as she calls Obi Wan Kenobi her only hope.

OK, so I may be dorking out a little here. And to be honest, UGG boots in space are probably better reserved for a spoof such as Spaceballs rather than an earnest sci-fi movie. If you think about it though, UGG should be marketing Comic-Cons, (for those lacking on the geek front, these are conventions for those who love sci-fi). Grab some Classic Short Chestnut to dress up as Chewbacca, or a pair of Classic UGG anything to be Buffy. (Cuz let’s face it, at the end of the day she is basically a So-Cal chick.) And just when you thought UGGs weren’t versatile…

Classic Tall Sand

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I saw something shocking on my way to work the other day. While bundled in a long sleeved shirt, wool sweater and coat, with a Pashmina, hat and gloves, I saw a man with his bike a the bus stop in SANDALS. He wasn’t overly well dressed for cold weather, in jeans, t-shirt and open jacket. Now, having lived in Oregon for the past decade I have come to be aware of what “true Oregonians” consider winter attire. This primarily consists of the inbred belief that flip-flops are a necessity year round, and sweaters and umbrellas are for tourists.

I do not uphold this belief. I love getting dressed up for winter, layering on leggings with my sweater dress and UGG Swell Tall boots, a sweater and a jacket, and a rotating army of scarves, hats and gloves. I don’t enjoy being frozen, especially knowing how easy a situation that is to avoid. So personally, I do not consider myself a “true Oregonian.” I like umbrellas, and only wear flip flops when it’s above 75 degrees.

Based on the population of Oregon, I’m probably in the minority. Although I have come to accept that these people are just immune to cold in a way I am not, I do still think they are crazy. I’m guessing that the good folks at UGG Australia caught wind of these people because look at what they have to offer: sandals with fleece!

Amelie

Yes, you heard me, UGG Australia has been making sandals with fleece sock liners and cushioning. They’ve got the casual flip flop look, like the Nomad and Gypsy, or there’s the Mar and Amelie for those who want a stylish wedge.

And of course, after a decade of mocking these poor schmucks who cheerily slush through snow in their Birkenstocks, I have to say that I actually like the UGG Australia sandals. There is something oddly appealing about some soft fleece to cushion your foot, no matter what the season.

So for all the “true Oregonians” out there, maybe the UGG Matala is a way to stay true to the bizarre Pacific Northwest winter fashion code, with fleece protection against dangers of pneumonia and frostbite!

Matala

So, you want to know what size to get for your UGG Australia boots. You like the Gaviota, the Classic Short, and have even been looking at the Dakota. Your figure, hey, I’m a size 8.5, I’ll get a size 8 for all of these! Hold on a second, though; each of these styles has a different sizing recommendation!

What many people aren’t aware of is that the sizing for UGG Australia shoes varies depending on the collection. The Gaviota is part of the Surf collection, which does stretch a little bit, but the most you want to size down is a half size.

Gaviota Black

On the other hand, everything in the Classic collection runs large and stretches with each wear. For the Classic Collection (which has such items as the Classic Short, Classic Tall, and Bailey Button) UGG Australia recommends that you size down a full size. If you’re a half size, hold on to your hat: while UGG recommends sizing down a half size if you are between sizes (a size 8.5 would then get an 8), we at FleeceFootwear.com have found from personal experience that we are far more comfortable sizing down a size and a half. Based on our experience, a size 8.5 would be happier with a size 7 Classic in the long run, primarily because this collection is known to stretch so much.

Bailey Button Grey

Confused yet? It gets better. At this point you’re probably thinking, “Great, most styles I get my regular size, and the Classic Collection I size down.” You’re mostly right, but there are more exceptions. The Dakota is one of the more fitted styles, similar to the Scalloped Moc and the Retreat, and for these styles its recommended that if you are a half size you should size up. So, someone who is a size 8.5 would get a size 9 in the Dakota, but may also have a size 7 in the Classic Short.

Dakota Tobacco

There is a lot of conflicting information and it can get confusing, especially since there are exceptions based on your personal footwear needs. Thankfully, we at FleeceFootwear.com have supplied a venue for consumers to give their sizing opinion; each style has an option to add your review of the item and to view what others have to say. And of course, you can always call our friendly customer service at 1-800-966-1780 for any of your UGG questions!

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There seems to be a near constant battle between modernity and history in literature, architecture, vernacular…and of course, fashion. The over arching opinion in the fashion world is that if it was in style a week ago, it’s too old to wear today. Yet, as brands like Chanel prove, there is nothing better than a classic. So, how to proceed? Dedicate yourself to only choosing the newest options, or live in the past with the oldies but goodies? Is it really possible to blend the classics with current trends without looking like a schizophrenic bag lady?

In some cases, no. I highly doubt that even Gisele Bundchen could carry off a Chanel suit with flashy Betsey Johnson pumps. However, there are ways to combine current trends with your wardrobe classics to create a look that is contemporary, stylish, and most importantly, you.

The first thing I look for when venturing beyond my well loved trousseau is color. If your clothing palette seems to revolve around grey, black and beige, the best thing you can do is branch out to a new color, even if it’s just another neutral. Expand your horizons a little, and your options open up. That’s why I love that UGG Australia comes out with new colors in their Classic collection every season. There are, of course, the core colors of Chestnut, Chocolate, Black and Sand, but why not get a little daring with the new Dusty Wysteria? Even if you are devoted to black more than an undertaker, this subtle purple will add just a dash of color without the abrasiveness of a more pigmented hue.

Classic Tall Dusty Wysteria

Maybe, like me, you avoid patterns and prefer to stick to a strict “one color per item” policy. In that case, let shoes be where you are daring! Check out the new Classic Tall Stripe Cable Knit in Dusty Wysteria Seashell Rose or Adriatic Blue Soothing Sea. The name itself will spice up your closet!

Classic Tall Stripe Cable Knit Adriatic Blue Soothing Sea

Much though I love UGG Australia boots, I do have to admit that the Classics are not for everyone. I do love my Classic Short Eggplant boots (probably more than I should), but there are some people for whom this look simply does not fit the image they want to portray to the world. Thank goodness UGG has some new styles, such as the very “in” tall and slouchy Highkoo.

Highkoo Grey

If you think about it, UGG Australia is proof that you can meld the old with the new; the Classic Short has been around since the ’70’s and yet each season the brand churns out new and exciting styles! Rather than discarding the items you’ve been happily wearing for years, just add a new kick to it. Embrace the old and welcome the new!

UGG Australia has become increasingly popular, worn by every teenage girl in America and flaunted on full page ads in Vogue magazine. However, with their popularity and rise as a fashion item also comes the fake UGG sellers and concerns over quality and authenticity. This naturally leads to an almost paranoid concern when purchasing UGG Australia products, especially online.

Consumers have certain expectations for the appearance and quality of the items they receive. The following questions regarding UGG Australia products have become rather common: Why might a color look ever so slightly different from last season? Why are my black UGG Australia Classic Short boots dying my feet black? How does water effect the surface of my boots?

The first thing to be aware of is that sheepskin is a natural fiber and these boots are handmade. This may seem obvious, but basically what this means is that every boot will be a little different. Of course, UGG Australia has strict guidelines regarding the quality and manufacturing of their product, but there will naturally be some slight variations because the shoes are made of a natural material. Man-made fabrics, such as polyester, are more consistent in their appearance and texture because they are based on a specific formula. I think we can all agree that sheep do not follow any such formula. It is logical, when you think about it, that each boot may have a slightly different texture to the fur and a slightly different reaction to the dye because sheep are unique, in their own sheepy way.

Each season UGG Australia makes slight adjustments to their shoes, trying to make it better each year, and also to throw off any fake UGG manufacturers who may try to mimic the authentic brand. That’s why the sole is sometimes different between seasons, and the dye batch may have a slightly different hue to it.

I think the issue that causes most consternation among consumers is when they purchase a black slipper or boot and are distressed to discover that the black dye is transferring to their feet. Believe it or not, this is normal. Black is a heavily pigmented dye, and sometimes not all of the dye gets fully absorbed into the fleece and suede. Dye transfer isn’t a sign that the dye is going to all come off, it just means there is a little extra on the surface. This is normal for all strongly dyed leather products, and after a week or so of regular wear you’ll notice that the dye transfer starts to significantly decrease. (And consequently, your feet/socks stop turning black). Eventually, it stops all together, once all the excess surface dye has rubbed off. Personally, I think a little dye on your socks is worth it for such a great boot!

UGG Classic Tall Black

Another great question is about the effect of water on UGG Australia boots. Leather boots like the UGG Australia Kensington are naturally a little more water resistant, and the Adirondack Tall (which is made for harsher weather) is advertised as waterproof, but the majority of UGG Australia boots should be treated with a waterproofing spray of some sort. Suede, like that on the Classic Tall and Classic Short, is a more sensitive type of leather. This type of leather is water resistant and will help protect your feet from damp weather, but that doesn’t mean that excessive moisture won’t alter the appearance of the boot. Historically this makes sense; the UGG Australia Classic boots started out on Australian surfers, not skiers in Massachusetts. It’s not a defect if you wear your boots in a downpour and they look stained by the water, even if you sprayed them with waterproofing spray. Even with the best precautions suede is generally not going to be the best type of leather for repelling water. What a great excuse for buying two pairs of UGG Australia boots: one for heavy rain and one for the rest of the year!

Of course, there are many other questions about UGG Australia products. Let’s face it, they make really great boots, and of course you want as much information as you can get your hands on! If you have any questions about authorized UGG Australia retailer FleeceFootwear.com, or about the brand in general please feel free to give us a call at 1-800-966-1780. Happy UGG Day!

In fashion, predicting the future is the name of the game; hence the phrase fashion-forward. You must give the customer what they need today while anticipating what they’ll want tomorrow.

This year, futuristic fashion made an appearance on runways, and in magazines, around the world. You won’t see models toting ray-guns or wearing Martian-esque jumpsuits—however; science and technology have made amazing advances and what is possible may still seem like science-fiction. Garments woven with optical fibers that light-up a brand’s logo, fabric with UVA-protection—laser-cut designs, as seen on the Marchesa dress Rhianna wore to the American Music Awards, are stunning examples of how ingenuity is impacting our clothing.

Never fear; you needn’t wear computerized t-shirts to incorporate the 2010 look into your wardrobe!

Take the timeless cuts that flatter you, anything architectural with clean lines, and be creative with materials. Looks can range from androgynous to hyper-masculine or feminine, so you have a wide range of possibilities. Experiment with volume and silhouette, cutouts (easiest to wear at your neckline or shoulders), and a-symmetry. Accessorize with anything inspired by geometric shapes.

If you are a minimalist, try a look inspired by Calvin Klein’s collection (black, grey monotone with red as a splash of color). Be monochromatic down to the nail polish you put on and for fun try metallic eye shadow and a boldly colored scarf, belt or bag—remember, UGG makes more than shoes; the Classic Messenger would warm up an otherwise neutral outfit. Lo Pro Drawstring will work for this look, or Bailey Button Metallic and Classic Short Metallic if you need a little more spark for an outfit.

If you prefer a lot of spark and color, check out the pastel and jewel tones in Viktor & Rolf’s show. I loved Indian designer Manish Arora’s brilliant collection; no color was left unturned! These more extreme looks seem to be what is inspiring celebrities—Rhianna and Lady Gaga are prime examples. (Anyone else think the video for Bad Romance appeared to be a futuristic take on the Bride of Frankenstein?) For this look, the only thing to remember is that prints should have a precise, crisp quality. I would recommend Classic Tall Sunflower or Classic Cardy Picante to brighten up any look. Mayfaire has the rainbow zip (Payton for kids) to give a little edge without distracting from the rest of an ensemble.

Above all, remember this: fashion and the future are two places of endless possibilities. Express yourself!

VOGUE Magazine has been operating for the past century, under the guidance of a small handful of leaders who have kept the stylish magazine alive through wars, depressions, and the transition to our current electronic age. Since the late 1980’s VOGUE has been spearheaded by Anna Wintour, a woman known for her fierce business sense and impeccable sense of fashion.

VOGUE's Anna Wintour

Fashion is an oddly controversial subject. For some, fashion is life, and great inspiration is drawn from the modern art creations of haute-couture. To others, it is simply a shallow endeavor undertaken by those who have nothing to do but think about their hair.

The discussion of VOGUE, and fashion in general, should be less about anyone’s external perception of it, but rather that it is simply a different reality. It is world of $15,000 dresses and trips to Paris and New York, a world where a $300 pair of designer heels is considered a bargain. While this may seem to be disgusting excess in a time of such economic instability, you have to look at it as you would any other art form. As a popular magazine, VOGUE functions as a journalistic and artistic publication, an example of very expensive and high powered industries of both business and art.

Fashion design is a form of wearable art. If people are willing to spend millions and millions of dollars on a Jackson Pollock painting that will simply hang on the wall, how is it any more ridiculous to spend $5,000 on an Oscar de la Renta dress that functions as a ready-to-wear representation of the designers’ vision? Rather than viewing fashion shows as skeletal women in overpriced, unwearable clothes, why not view it as a unique art form displayed on its own, moving canvas?

Oscar de la Renta

Modern art has crafted a very interesting niche in the contemporary art world. From minimalist oil paintings to vaguely formed sculptures and twisted metalwork, the very definition of “art” has come to be far more fluid and personal. The intensity of the experience is also magnified from a personal viewing. Textbook pictures of paintings by Mark Rothko used to evoke an amused reaction from me, but when I saw a piece of his work at the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art, I was floored. An image I used to view as oddly simplistic and boring took on a completely new dimension when I was able to see it up close.

This same idea applies to fashion; a 3×5 image of this season’s offering from the House of Dior can in no way compare to seeing it in person and in motion. Any media form that offers the this specific combination of journalism and images helps portray the beauty of design that an entire industry of individuals work tirelessly to achieve.

Fashion emphasizes the idea that beauty is indeed in the eye of the beholder. Coco Chanel, Dolce and Gabbana, Betsey Johnson and UGG Australia have all appeared in New York’s Fashion Week, and yet one would hardly think to pair a Chanel suit with the UGG Australia Classic Tall. Like the differences between Monet and Rothko, each designer offers a new interpretation for what can be created within their unique art form.

UGG boots on the runway