My daughter first introduced me to the pleasures of Etsy.com years ago. It's a holiday tradition for her to pick out a piece of jewelry from one of the innovative designers and craftspeople who've made their internet home on this haven for creative types. But it was only this past year that I realized there's a whole bevy of vintage retailers who are making their discoveries available through Etsy. As internet friendly and tech savvy as I may be, I'm a little slow on the uptake sometimes. Fortunately, the news eventually sank in, and now I make Etsy one of my regular stops when I go searching the web for interesting shoes to share.
Today I've got a couple of vintage clogs to share from the virtual racks of LadyMoonVintage. I love her recognition that find a vintage item that both speaks to you and actually comes in your size "conjures up a special feeling and attachment to the piece." What shoe fan among us hasn't run across a pair that seemed to be waiting patiently just for us? It's such a gratifying feeling to make a purchase that you felt was just meant to be. No wonder we find ourselves hustling to the shops again or prowling the internet hoping to score once more.
Clog fans who've seen a few summers will recognize the QualiCraft brand immediately. Back in the day they were one of the major makers and distributors of non-Swedish clogs. Somebody help me out here if you can remember what retailers were carrying their line. I seem to recall seeing them on the racks at a lot of mall based shoe stores. The Wild Pair and Baker's and Kinney Shoes all come to mind. But correct me if I'm wrong.
Interestingly, nearly all the QualiCraft shoes I remember were in that very reddish-brown leather with the same reddish-blonde wood soles. They put out lots of styles. But weren't they all the same coloration? LadyMoonVintage hasn't posted this pair on Etsy yet, so you're getting something of a pre-release exclusive peek! If they catch your eye, be sure to contact her and express your interest. (They're a size 7, by the way.)
What first caught my eye among LadyMoonVintage's listings was this pair of traditional Båstad clogs. The style is known as the Dürer. And although I've seen it in person in blue and brown and on the web in black and red (and even red, white, and blue), I didn't realize style had also been made in grey. Who knew? It's a different look for a shoe that's a staple in the clog world. And you know as far as I'm concerned, I'm in agreement with Arby's: different is good.
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