Every once in awhile the voice in my head that keeps chanting "Must…have…new…shoes! Must…have…new…shoes!" subsides to a dull roar, and I find myself able to contemplate one or two other topics for a brief span of time. Topics such as, say, old shoes. Or new shoes that don't come in my size so it doesn't make sense to buy 'em. Happily, when those moments of clarity materialize, it provides fresh grist for the blogging mill. As you'll read for yourself below!
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Spy vs. Spy
One benefit of being obsessed with clogs is that I'm able to while away the occasional hour or two just plundering the internet for pictures of shoes. Pictures, mind you. Even though the shoes might be exorbitantly priced (and therefore not worth purchasing) or hopelessly out of my size range (ditto), it's still a pleasure just to look and see what some imaginative footwear designer has dreamt up. In the case of these Saga House clogs from (I believe) the Swedish maker Krone, the result is a square-toed T-strap slingback perched atop a sizable heel. That's a whole lotta unusual packed into a single wood-soled shoe, innit?
But no matter how many times I gaze at this pair in the months since I first happened upon the photo last summer, I can't help but thinking of a cartoon image from my childhood: the cold war Mad magazine combatants of Spy vs. Spy (pictured here from TVTropes.org). Am I crazy? Or do you see the similarity, too?
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Dutch wooden shoes
Last weekend for the Saturday Flea Market here on Every Clog Has Its Day, I featured a pair of shoes listed on Etsy by seller AuntieMacassarsAttic. Auntie M., better known as Lisa van der Roest-Beck, wrote in to tell us,
BTW,...I just married a Dutch man in Holland this past May, and a lot of the Dutch farmers still wear their wooden clogs.
I took this great pic of an old pair that were nailed outside a barn in Tuitjenhorn, North Holland.
Thought you might like to see it.
We might indeed, Lisa! We might indeed!
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A visit to John Fluevog
A little over a year ago, regular reader Melissa Krebs started catching my eye in the comments section of ECHID with her penchant for exceptional exclamations. These usually were expressed upon glimpsing some breathtaking new clog that I had posted. "Holy crow!" was a frequent fave as I recall. Recently, Ms. K. shared with me a pic of her own recent John Fluevog purchase, and I'm pretty sure I shouted out something, too. Though the exact content of my own outburst remains lost to memory, the spirit of my zeal was similar in her own, and I'm pretty sure a verbatim transcript would reveal my reaction also to be comprised of four letter words. Suffice it to say, the Volunteer clog boot she had just received from John Fluevog is a darned fine example of the cobbler's art. Heck, yeah! (Also pictured is close personal friend Emma Peel.)
Seeing this pair, I was immediately inspired to wander off to the local John Fluevog emporium for a little shopping adventure of my own. The Rahab wooden sandal from John's Faith line recently went on sale for just $99.00, and after establishing that they did indeed have my size in stock, I figured it would be well worth the trip.
Lo and behold, Rebecca, the manager of the Chicago 'Vog store, was sporting a pair of the same Volunteer boots herself. They look great in photos, but in person they're devastating. Even more so than my paltry cell phone camera can reveal. (Note to self: if you're serious about this blogging thing, start carrying a decent camera with you.)
Adorable, no?
I was sold as soon as I spotted them on her. And my salesperson, Jack, was sent off into the treasure trove in back to fetch a pair in my size to try on.
What does this all have to do with clogs, you ask?
Well, I drove down to check out the Rahab wooden sandal...
...and while I was there, I figured I'd poke my toes into the Scout...
...or the Guide if they had a pair to fit me.
Then the Volunteer boot caught my eye. No black pair in stock in an 11, but I was willing to urge my feet into a tan pair just to check the fit. I wouldn't say I made them look anywhere as devastating as Rebecca or Melissa, but they were extremely tempting.
(sigh)
Alas, my own feet called out for a still larger size, and I was confronted with the possibility of leaving the store empty handed.
But then,...
...what's that I see?
A new wood soled boot style in the Fluevog oeuvre?
Actually, two!!
But, good God!!!
That first pair! It does have a wood sole. And a high heel. And an interesting toe. With lots of studs. And it laces up. Does it come in an 11?
Why, yes it does!
C-c-could you...could you bring me a pair...to try on?
You could?
(insert squeal of ecstasy here)
I came. I saw. I used my credit card. And now these gorgeously out of control 'Vogs are mine! Mine! MINE, I tell you!
And OMG! They're as smooth as butter on my bare feet!!!
Suffice it so say, this shopping trip was more satisfying than expected. And yes, the shoes had a lot to do with making it so much fun. But so did hanging out with John Fluevog staffers, Rebecca and Jack and the woman from Scotland whose name I've forgotten, but whom I managed to insult by asking her if she was British. Sorry! [UPDATE: Her name is Bekka. Sorry, Bekka!]
More photos of these military green Convictions from John Fluevog to come. They're a birthday present to myself so I don't feel quite right living my life in them just yet, but I'm sure they're destined to be one of my 10 Essential Shoes this coming year.
Woo-hoo!
And if that little tale of retail satisfaction isn't enough to brighten your day, let me leave you with the words of John Fluevog himself. Or at least the staff member deputized with writing this copy that accompanies each purchase:
Always hold on to the truth. Don't let others sway your heart. Don't compromise yourself for the sake of temporal groovyness. Be separate from the crowd that's awash with normality by standing on a firm foundation. Never waver in your love or faith, and in all you do, please wear my shoes.
Amen.
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[On my feet as I blog: I thought they looked so good yesterday that I put 'em on again today. I'm loving these Rosabella clog boots from UGG Australia. Especially now that it's cool enough in Chicago to wear them.]
Congratulations on your new purchase! Great Rings of Saturn, they look great at the end of your jeans! My goodness but you're going a bit nuts with new wooden shoes! what you need is a shoe patron, someone who will buy for you the shoes you love...
Posted by: Melissa Krebs | 08/30/2011 at 06:39 AM
A clog patron would be a wonderful thing! It should probably be someone with keen storage skills, too, to help me figure out how to manage my burgeoning collection! Though now that I think about it, it would be magnificent to be complimented for my shoe choices on a regular basis. Ha, ha, ha! I'd be unstoppable then!
Posted by: Lindsey Cochran | 08/30/2011 at 07:32 AM
Wow! You were right about the fantastic green boots. Those red boots are pretty amazing as well! How high is the rise on those heels, taking the platform into account?
Posted by: Tea | 08/30/2011 at 08:38 AM
Vogs rule! Your choice in the green boots was bitchin' but are they comfy?
Posted by: Debby | 08/30/2011 at 09:57 AM
I love Emma Peel! Not as a shoe possibility (though her fur looks very attractive), but as a cat.
Posted by: Johanna | 08/30/2011 at 01:20 PM
Your Fluevogs are fierce! I offered to manage a store for them in London. I guess they thought I was kidding but I am fiercely serious.
Posted by: London Lady | 08/30/2011 at 03:02 PM
@Johanna: Emma Peel of The Avengers television show inspired this tiny cat's name—she is delicate looking, but a fierce fighter. And of course she rocks her sleek black catsuit!
@Tea: the Vog "Convictions" are about 4 inches, taking into account the platform.
@Lindsey: just a wee tad excited in your Fluevog review, were you?! I can't actually blame you: I effuse all over my reviews too!
Posted by: Melissa Krebs | 08/30/2011 at 03:05 PM
On another Vog note, I have been drooling over a pair of Munsters. Calm down fellow clog connoisseurs, I know they are devoid of wood but they are amazing.
http://www.fluevog.com/code/?w%5B0%5D=search%3Amunsters&p=3&pp=1&view=detail&colourID=3132
Posted by: London Lady | 08/30/2011 at 03:32 PM
On another Vog note. I've had my eye on a pair of Munsters. Now calm down clog connoisseurs, I know that they are devoid of tree matter but they make my heart pound.
http://www.fluevog.com/code/?w%5B0%5D=search%3Amunsters&p=3&pp=1&view=detail&colourID=3132
Posted by: London Lady | 08/30/2011 at 03:36 PM
Sorry for the double post.
Posted by: London Lady | 08/30/2011 at 03:39 PM
I have been blessed with an abundance of amazing footwear. Now I just need some amazing places to wear them!
The green boots are the style named Conviction. The red boots (which also come in black) are the style named Certitude. The panels on them are stretch material which gives the boot a snug fit. Though I loved it when my sales clerk, Jack, described them as the style for people who are just beginning to explore the look. Admittedly wearing them is less of a commitment than doing up laces and fastening the buckles.
I measured my pair, and I'd say the heel is about 4-3/4" with a platform of about 1-1/4". So I'd say the rise about 3-1/2". I found them remarkably comfortable. They're lined completely with butter soft leather, and the footbed is nicely padded. I'm thinking this is a pair to live in day in and day out!
Posted by: Lindsey Cochran | 08/30/2011 at 03:47 PM
Comfy? Exceptionally so! Surprisingly so, even, given the higher heel. I have had a couple of older Fluevog styles that pinched me more than I liked, but admittedly I probably needed a larger size than I had purchased. But as I mentioned in another reply, the leather was supple, sleek, and smooth on the inside and the footbed plumply padded. I haven't yet worn them all day, but I would be surprised if they gave me much in the way of fatigue.
And yes, I did contemplate the black pair, but the green went so well with my jeans and the brightly colored shirt I was wearing at the time, I knew they were meant to be!
Posted by: Lindsey Cochran | 08/30/2011 at 03:53 PM
You're going to inspire me to give my own cat, Miu Miu, equal publicity someday!
Posted by: Lindsey Cochran | 08/30/2011 at 04:00 PM
Do they not have a London location? I would be happy to connect you with the manager I met at the store here as well as brother of John's (at least I think he's a brother) that I've traded some e-mail with. You could pursue it further through them.
Posted by: Lindsey Cochran | 08/30/2011 at 04:02 PM
You should totally give Miu Miu some publicity! Cats + clogs = perfect pair!
Posted by: Tea | 08/30/2011 at 04:13 PM
I actually owned a knock-off pair of those from HowCool.com years ago. I'd love to hear of your escapades rocking this style in London.
Posted by: Lindsey Cochran | 08/30/2011 at 04:27 PM
Nowhere to be found in London, which is mind boggling. Especially since John Fluevog has very strong connections with London in the past. The owner of British Boot Company (another one of my shoe obsession hang outs) knew him when he was producing an iconic punk style called Creepers. Besides my passion for clogs, I have an amazing Dr. Marten, collection, made in England only, of course.
Please do see what you can find out.
By the way, sorry for my clog digression but I own these:
http://www.britboot.co.uk/engine/shop/product/GCR02A/George+Cox+-+Red+Leather+Creeper+3588
Posted by: London Lady | 08/30/2011 at 04:54 PM
Brothel creepers! I had friends who wouldn't be caught dead without those back in the day!
Clog digressions are permitted. Encouraged, even. We clog fans are people who love all manner of novel and idiosyncratic shoes. When I'm not pursuing wooden soles, I'm often casting a longing glance in the direction of knee high boots.
I will do some digging. By the way, do you have retail and management experience? I should know how to introduce you properly.
Posted by: Lindsey Cochran | 08/30/2011 at 04:59 PM
I will. She's still a new pet and is consequently quite shy. I won't have much luck coaxing her to pose with any of my clogs. But maybe she deserves her own portrait...just for her name alone.
Posted by: Lindsey Cochran | 08/30/2011 at 05:21 PM
Gad, I wore loads of creepers at one time. And still have lots of my DMs—used to fly to London once a year (pre-internet sales for Docs) to buy them. Customs always had a fit with me coming through with six or nine boxes of shoes all strapped together with fibertape!
And I will also admit to a raging desire for John's Munsters—ever since Lady Miss Kier rocked her brightly colored ones [Groovin'] In The Heart.
Yes, Lindsey, we all want to see your lovely Miu Miu kitty—I guess we've seen many of your lovely Miu Miu shoes?! Obviously and image of the two together would be sweet, but you know how cats can be...
And is 20 comments an ECHID record?
Posted by: Melissa Krebs | 08/30/2011 at 08:41 PM
P.S. Spy vs. Spy? Brilliant! And hilarious! LOL'd until I was crying!
Posted by: Melissa Krebs | 08/30/2011 at 10:00 PM
I'll make it 22 comments: I'm a cat lover too and my own, big, ugly but oh so lovable cat died a little over a week ago. I miss her terribly. I had secretly been hoping to one day send in a pic of myself in some new clogs and my sweet cat curling against my legs. Just to show her off to my fellow clog lovers.
Posted by: Johanna | 08/31/2011 at 02:30 AM
23. It IS permissible to send in a pic of new clogs and a pic of your dear cat. I can post it as a "She would have loved these" photo essay.
Posted by: Lindsey Cochran | 08/31/2011 at 07:59 AM