All About UGG Boots - The Comprehensive Guide

The first time my eyes beheld UGG boots was circa 2003. They were the UGGliest things to ever hit the fashion scene. I cringed every time I saw women wear them. To me they depicted the ultimate sloppy, lazy persona of walking out of bed to mingle with people of Wal-Mart. Boy was I ever wrong.

I bought my first UGG boots 3 weeks ago out of necessity: to be comfortable, warm, and agile enough to run after my toddler son should we be out and about meandering all over town (during the colder seasons). So, for my 33rd birthday, UGG boots were the gift to myself.

It took me a while to actually hit the store to try on these boots. I'm the "research-ad-nauseum-ad-infinitum" type of consumer. I read endless reviews, and then weigh the pros and cons - especially when it will be a big purchase. Let's face it, these boots aren't cheap - they're a luxury to own. Avoid buyers remorse? You betcha!

Below are things to consider when buying the UGG boots:

• Decisions, decisions, decisions 
  You get to the store and find yourself in front of the UGG section and are inundated with a plethora of different styles. That was me! I didn't know which style to try on, so I asked the shop girl to get 5 different styles in my size and in different colors. It's literally like finding the perfect wedding dress - it's a big decision so you have to come out of the experience totally in love with it. I tried on everything. Shop girl didn't seem to mind. I created a positive rapport with her prior to asking for help.
• *** Coloured insoles can rub off on your white socks.
• Losing Your UGG Virginity 
  You will love it! The first time I stepped into the style featured above, it felt like my feet were enveloped and bathed in the warmth and coziness of clouds. My gosh, it was absolutely wonderful. So snug and comfortable. Warm toes are the way to go.
• Size & Fit
  In most boots, I usually get 1/2 size larger since I wear thick socks, but UGG boots only come in whole sizes. Make sure you try on different sizes and get the boot that is perfectly sung and comfortable to walk in. Don't just walk a couple of feet with them at the store, walk around the whole perfume and make-up section if need be. 
• Socks or Not To Socks
  Some people suggest that you don't have to wear socks when wearing UGG boots, but it's better if you do. Feet sweat and when they are marinated for long hours day after day of use... the shoe will cause absolute disgust in the aroma area of the senses. People suggest to powder the insides to absorb the sweat, but it can get disgusting in there. WEAR SOCKS! 

• *** If you have long toe nails, I suggest trim them. In the long run, long toe nails will rub on to the top of the boots and will create a hole. (See picture) If you wear socks, this could be prevented.
• Arch Support & Insoles
  There is no arch support with such UGG boots. If you have plantar problems, put your inserts on top of the sole. It doesn't lift up. Worn out insoles? No problem, you can buy insoles here: Insoles 01, Insoles 02. 
• Leather/Suede Protection
  There is an UGG kit you can buy - but you can get away with just the UGG Sheepskin Water and Stain Repellent. It will do the job. I even used the spray in some of my suede jackets and pumps. Spray once a month for protection.
• Storage
  Once you decide on a specific style, ask for an untouched pair - meaning, boots that have not been tried on. These boots will come with a shoe form. Keep these in order to maintain the boot's form when storing them away. They are fantastic. 
• Wet & Dry Weather
  Avoid wearing UGG boots when it's wet outside. These boots are made of sheepskin, and when it gets wicked wet, they tend to smell. Also, a drop of water fell on my boots the other day, when it dried, it created a watermark. If you bought the UGG Kit, you can remove the stain using the brush. Watch the video in the link for more information -or- remove the watermark stain by rubbing it back and forth. 
• *** Avoid cooking when wearing these boots. Oil and grease will stain the boots... permanently.
• Real vs. Fake
  First of all... to eliminate such the problem, purchase UGG shoes only in trusted department stores or online shoe stores that are legitimate, see link below, otherwise there is a chance that they will be fake. You don't want to get duped. Second, there are things to look for when buying Authentic UGG shoes:

• Look through this gallery from the official UGG website to learn how to spot fake UGG boots
• The tags inside the boot should have some kind of reflective security label sewn in the left shoe or in the shoe box. (see picture) 
• Buying online? Here is a list of authorized online retailers.
• Things I Missed
  I missed a lot here. If you have anything to add, leave it in the comments section.

My UGGs in action:

In With The Classic

I've been agonizing for weeks in search for the perfect cross-body bag of quality grade at the right price. There were some Kate Spade and Coach bags that I adored but were way above my budget. Then there were the cheap ones that completely turned me off. I just needed a small little bag that could carry money, mobile, keys, and lip gloss. Let's face it ladies, those are basically all we need at any given time. 

This morning, I was going through my old stash of purses and my eyes lit up when I found the little D&D bag. I remember purchasing it with my mother when I was a sophomore in high school, circa 1997, in one of the D&D factory outlet stores in the state of Maine. It brought back so many good memories.

The bag is absolutely classic. After 16 years, the style is still relevant and the leather is still in good condition. That's the secret to buying purses - always go for the classics, the ones that will never go out of style. Shelling out a little more for quality is worth it in the long run.

In conclusion, I encourage you to look and dig in your closet before purchasing something new. You'll never know what you'll find.

Flat Shoes How I Love Thee

When I was in my early and mid 20's I would suffer the consequences of walking miles upon miles on = > 3" heels. I had blisters, swollen feet, corns, cuts, and plantar fasciitis. I inevitably started to accept flat shoes (heel = < 1.5") a few years ago when we started traveling and walking everywhere to explore.  I got used to wearing flats and likewise got used to accepting how short I am next to my 6'7 husband. I still wear my platforms and stilettos every now and then - I could never give them up - but the difference now is that I'm willing to pay a little more for comfortable heels. In conclusion, I love flat shoes because I no longer suffer and my feet love me. The good news is that there are millions of gorgeous flat shoes out there for me to gawk upon and one day give a home to.

Practicality is a Flaw

Tonight's frustration almost led me to make an impulsive purchase at Tiffanys.com. Ever since my sophomore year in college, the company's site had been an inspiration to the layout of my personal websites. The sophisticated glitter also made me wish that one day I could wear its striking beauty. Up until now, I haven't mustered up the courage to purchase anything Tiffany & Co. because even through frustration, my mind is clear. Sometimes I hate how practical I am. I cant wait till the day when a moment of impracticality hits me.

Ahh... End of Summer

My favorite, EVER, fashion season is the FALL season. Coincidently, it's also my favorite season. It reminds me of the good old days when fashion was my life. Recently, I've been focused so much on my career that fashion has taken a seat in the back. Who has time for shopping?

Nonetheless, on my lunch break last week I decided to hit Talbots at the mall and there was an unexpected splurge. Hey, I was due for it and the experience was absolutely DIVINE!!!!

I browsed the Talbots website today and lusted over some classic pieces that hopefully, one day, will make it to my wardrobe:

{ Talbots.com }

It's funny that my preference evolved from glam to classic sophisticated simple.

Rump Shaker - Booty Pop

{ Listen to this song afterward : Wreckx-N-Effect, Rump Shaker }

Picked up the mail today then browsed through a Bed Bath & Beyond catalog with a $5.00 off coupon at the back. Fliped through it and saw the, Booty Pop, ad for $19.99. It would cost me $15.00 if I use the coupon. Could it be possible? The answer to my flat bottom problems?!?!? It was a riot. I was laughing and crying simultaneously. Might head over to good old BB&B this afternoon to check it out. Maybe I'll chicken out once I have it in my hand and abandon all desire to purchase it... but maybe it's too good to pass up. The husband doesn't need to know. I guess I'll just tell him that my ass started firming up after months at the gym? He would never believe me. ha ha! We'll see what happens. :-)