Neat TREND! How wood you like some cute clog boots?
August 31, 2010 by karenvitt
Filed under Neat STUFF, Neat TREND
By Marianne Schnell, NEAT contributor
Chances are if you’re a Portland gal you own more than your fair share of cold weather boots. But living in the Northwest, where cool temps and rain rule, there’s always a good reason for yet another booty call. Meet your new BFF: The clog boot. It’s a hybrid of sorts that merges a sturdy wooden sole with a leather/suede upper boot, resulting in a stylish mix of comfort and practicality Portland women crave.
“Clog booties bring modern and Old World womanly style together,” said Jennifer Thomas, owner of the multifaceted Jet boutique on Mississippi Avenue (where currently you can find the artful Coclico clog ankle booties shown right for about $415).
Traditional Dutch clogs were made to withstand rural conditions, and with modern upgrades they’ve become the perfect fit for a Portlander on the move who wants to ditch her agonizing heels in favor of a more comfortable platform. Thomas also credits the clog style for clean lines and practical durability in winning her seal of approval.
As clog boots slowly clomp to the states from overseas, Portland boutiques are set to spoil us for Fall 2010. A variety of cool clog booties are in stores already, with plenty more on order for the coming month. Don’t expect Ikea prices on these imports, as clog boots are built to last. That makes them not just a trend, but a staple worth investing in.
Get clogging at some our favorite local shops:
Zelda’s Shoe Bar
Ah, the home of the has been! No, really. Northwest 23rd Avenue’s stylish source for designer shoes houses the uber-authentic Swedish Hasbeens “465” Jodphur ankle boot (shown top and right, about $400). Though the brown nubuck is currently offered in store, there’s already a waiting list for the next shipment of black and navy. Zelda’s Shoe Bar, 633 N.W. 23rd Ave.; 503-226-0363. www.zeldaspdx.com
Jet
Owner Jennifer Thomas has the recipe for the perfectly Portland layered fall look: “Pair the Coclico Ndakinna bootie with the new Jet Long Sleeve Cowl in grey bamboo, Jet Basic Legging in black, grey or brown with a Jet Ballet Skirt. Add a soft and cozy scarf from Wooden Ships and lipstick.” Wow! The only thing better than new shoes is an entire ensemble to go with it!
Solestruck
While you’re trying on Matt Bersnon’s “Rogue Bootie”, be sure to peruse this Pearl District shoe stop’s endless online boot selection using one of its showroom computers. Jeffrey Campbell’s industrial Underground studded clog boot and the sherpa-lined Denmark clog bootie were the first of countless styles to catch our attention. It’s no wonder this local Portland business has already become one of Jeffrey Campbell’s top retailers in the US — and you can shop in store or online. Solestruck, 718 N.W. 11th Ave.; 503-224-3591. www.solestruck.com
Nordstrom
Here we stumbled (literally, see we need clog heels!) upon the surprisingly on-trend Ugg Lynnea clog ankle boot. In contrast with the cozy yet over-exposed classic Ugg Boot, these offer up a stylish versatility worthy of public consumption. Nordstrom, 701 S.W. Broadway; 503-224-6666. www.nordstrom.com
Anthropologie
Never one to leave a gal hanging (or keep her wallet from dangling), our trusty feminine wonderland Anthropologie gives us a taller take on the clog boot trend. Check out these gorgeous tall Uppsala clog boots, and don’t be surprised if you happen to come home with a floral dress, fancy door knobs, a yummy candle and an apron you found on the sale rack as well. Anthropologie, 1115 N.W. Couch St.; 503-274-0293
Johnny Sole
Be sure to pop into downtown’s iconic streetwise shoe shop this fall when its selection of clog boots arrive. We just got off the shoe horn and they’re expecting a shipment from super cool brand Miz Mooz. Just one more thing to look forward to as we step into fall on sturdy, comfy clog heels. Johnny Sole, 815 S.W. Alder St.; 503-225-1241
www.johnnysole.net
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I’m wary of the Miz Mooz brand. Last spring I bought a cute pair of Miz Mooz only to get them home and realize the two shoes were very different. Even my husband could see it. I took them back to Nordies, and they couldn’t hook me up with a pair that looked the same, despite pulling out three other boxes. That’s pretty sad.
I <3 these!!
love it!
Um, Coclico is amazing. I didnt think that I could pull off clog booties until I saw that pair.
PS I love my miz mooz!