UGG Cavalieri Boots – Still UGGs but better looking

UGGs is one of those footwear brands that I have a love / hate relationship with.  On one hand, I love how warm, comfy, and soft the shearling lining of their boots are.  Yet, for all their functionality, the aesthetics of the boots have left much to be desired, especially since my feet look huge and clunky in them.   With the introduction of ‘The UGG Collection’ for fall,  UGGs is making leaps and strides in the looks department.  Take these  UGG Cavalieri boots from the Collection line  for example.  They have the equestrian looks that remind me of Gucci rider boots but are lined with UGG’s signature lining.  I also like that the boot shaft can be removed, which is great if you want a different look or want to go from warm to cool.

Now, there’s a price for beauty.  The UGG Collection  marks UGGs entry into the high end accessories market.  This means the shoes are made in Italy with luxurious materials but it also means the shoes start at $495.   The UGG Cavalieri boots are $995 at Zappos, which is priced right up there with Jimmy Choo, Louboutin, and Chanel.   Do you think they are worth the price or would you stick to the main, more modestly priced line?

Glittery UGGs: A Paradox?

How come I can understand statistics, html, French and molecular gastronomy, but I can’t wrap my head around glittery UGGs??

They come in a vibrant red as well, I later noticed on the website (this photo was taken in the new store in New York). Where does one wear sparkly cherry red UGGs? To a jazz dance convention? Anywhere else?

I’ve always thought of the UGG as a casual boot that you throw on on the way to the laundromat, and I’m just not sure that with this big shape, you can do sparkly, sequined satin.

The store was packed with European tourists, but none of them seemed to be buying this boot. They seemed to be interested in the more rugged look of suede shearling in neutral colors.

Lastly, this has an EVA outsole and padded insole, as well as satin and sequins, but does that really merit an almost-$200 pricetag? I’d rather buy a pair of cheap faux-shearling boots and save up for some expensive pumps!

UGG Classic Short Sparkle Boot, $170 at UGGAustralia.com

Snow-mageddon Boots

Farmers are quirky guys.  When they get together, two subjects ALWAYS come up:  the cost of fuel and the weather.  Mr. R5 has been looking at weather trends and there are indicators that this El Nino winter is here for a while.   This means that the southwest United States, particularly Arizona, will have a warm, wet winter with snow in the mountains.  For the rest of the country it usually means snow and ice storms that won’t quit till late March.  So get ready, folks, it is not over yet. 

Retailers have been getting ready for their spring inventory and are beginning to put lots of their winter boots on sale.  Now is the time to look and perhaps, buy winter boots.  These boots are not sexy, sky high, statement boots, but they will keep you warm and dry in rain and snow and will keep you from falling on your keister as you try to get from the parking lot to your office.

Starting with the higher end but wonderful boots.

La Canadienne Tami $360 at Zappos 

Sudini Sierra Waterproof Boots $179. at Zappos

Hazel Storm Boots Rocket Dog $46 at Macy’s

Wellingtons

Chooka Tattoo City  $60 at Dillards

Hunter Gloss $69 and $115 at Zappos.  The bright colored Hunters are $115.

UGG Wallingford $207 at Zappos  I know we all say mean things about UGGS, but they keep your feet warm, and they are well made. If I lived in a cold, rainy, snowy climate, you bet your boots I would buy a pair of these.

I am truly sorry for all who are snowed in.  I am even more sorry for all who are cold.  I am excited to see different weather in Arizona.  Sorry about that.

Choo and Uggs Co-branding

Last week Jimmy Choo and Uggs announced they are going to work together to produce a limited edition co-branded collection available in October 2010.  I am not sure how to react.  Nordstroms played a major part in the two lines talking to each other.  Jimmy Choo and Ugg were the Nordstrom Partners in Excellence recipients last year.   Apparently Jimmy Choo CEO, Josh Schulman met Ugg President, Connie Rishwain at the Nordstrom awards ceremony in Seattle last May.  They began talking and found out how much they admired each other’s shoes. 

What could a ChUggs look like?  (I made this name up.)

A shearling patent leather pump perhaps?

Or perhaps a stiletto sock:

I think I have seen something like this before.  *Shudder*  My photoshopping skills leave a bit to be desired. 

With all kidding aside, this collaboration has many in the shoe industry quite excited.  It will be interesting to see what they offer.

UGG Art and Sole Auction

UGG Australia recently collaborated with a number of popular designers in the 7th annual UGG Art and Sole (Charity) Auction with proceeds benefiting the St. Judes Children’s Hopital.  According to the St. Jude’s website, this event has raised more than $315,000 for the hospital to date.

From the UGG’s website:

In 2005, UGG® Australia decided to use St. Jude as the primary charity for every annual Art & Sole celebrity boot auction. Each year select high profile artists, actors, and musicians are asked to hand design a pair of Classic Boots to auction off on the brand’s homepage during a fourteen day period in December. All of the proceeds are then donated to further the research for St. Jude. Last year, the 5th annual auction raised more than $105,000. Celebrity participants included: Liv Tyler, Miley Cyrus, Eva Longoria, Matthew McConaughey, Ellen DeGeneres, Martha Stewart, Jessica Simpson, Sharon Stone and many more.
Details

Each participant that agrees to design a pair of UGG® Boots is sent an art kit which includes everything they need from paint to sharpie markers. When finished, each celebrity signs each boot and a headshot before sending back to us. Then the auction begins!
About St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital

St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital is internationally recognized for its pioneering work in finding cures and saving children with cancer and other catastrophic diseases. Founded by the late entertainer Danny Thomas and based in Memphis, Tennessee, St. Jude freely shares its discoveries with scientific and medical communities around the world. No family ever pays for treatments not covered by insurance, and families without insurance are never asked to pay. St. Jude is financially supported by ALSAC, its fund-raising organization.

This year’s designers included Manolo Blahnik, Betsey Johnson, Reem Acra, Giuseppe Zanotti, Rebecca Minkoff, LaROK, True Religion, Stuart Weitzman, Christian Siriano, Lauren Moffatt, Thomas Wylde, Chrome Hearts, PPQ, Zang Toi, Rebecca Taylor, Erin Wasson, Jenni Kayne, Miss Sixty, Leanne Marshall, Pamela Roland, Carlos Falchi, Eugenia Kim, Chloe Dao, and Rafe New York,

My favorite was the flowers and butterflies offering from LaRok (Final bid $2100)

But, the biggest winner for St. Jude appears to be this strappy, studded boot by Rafe New York which ended it’s bidding at $2750.

Final bids on the boots varied from that just-shy-of-3k high-bid down to a more modest $500 for these Thomas Wylde’s skull-themed boot:

Now, let’s play a game!

How many boots can you match to their designer without peeking at the auction link at the top of this story?

Answers are listed after the break below.

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