Hello Ladies! Happy Holidays and Turning heads Tuesday. It was relaxing and a break that I needed, I am glad to be back to ‘see” you all, and your fashion. I will be sharing some blog goals later into the New Year, and also sharing some of the new fashion items Santa brought. One is this Rebecca Minkoff Jungle Green Love bag. It is Love indeed! Speaking of Love, I must inundate you will Gibson and Truffles Santa pictures. Why not right? Today’s look is a bit more casual for me with grey jeans, clog boots but a touch of “jess” with the antique beaded neckline, brooch and a pop of color with my new bag.
However , today I am sharing with you something new, or perhaps unexpected when you think of my shoe collection. I am reviewing and styling Sandgrens Swedish clog boots! Lets just say I feel a woman can not have too many boots! ( or is it shoes?) I was contacted and read the website and was impressed with the history and amount of detail that goes into each pair of shoes. Quick! We are going to try something, what is the first thing that comes to mind when I say the word, “clog”. Let’s try a game of stream of consciousness. For me, it is wood. 8 yrs old, open back. I was trying to picture the last time I wore clogs and I was able to find a picture of me when I was about 8, wearing a pair of clogs with a strap on the back of the open heel. I was smiling, so I must have enjoyed wearing them then. When Sandgrens Clogs contacted me, and after I reviewed he website; I was able to see that there were many great styles of clogs and clog boots that were modern and trendy, in great colors and workmanship, much more than the open back clog that we often think of. I had to show you the day I went out with a skirt as to what they look like with pattern tights as well as jeans. I also loved that this art was “in the family” and generations have and continue to work at the factory.
Been Loving Grey Nail Polish this season. Watch was won from a Giveaway: AIBI watch. New RM Love Bag in Jungle, Santa
Sandgrens Clogs have been made in Sweden since 1846. They are considered the oldest brand of clogs in the world. The shoes are made of the highest quality materials: wood bases, ,metal hard wear and fine leather. The Clog making business was passed down to Master clog builder and in the 19th century , Sandgrens stands out as one of the few clog companies left to still be made in Sweden. Read more about their mission here.
When I spoke with Sara, she told me that she grew up around clogs, that her father makes the clogs in the factory and it has been in the family business. I thought this fascinating as she would be able to see just how they were handcrafted and produced. The time and energy that went into making this iconic footwear along with the company keeping abreast of fashion and lifestyle, made Sandgrens stand out. The company also honors traditions and does not believe in taking the easy way to making clogs. Fine craftmanship and heritage is what they are proud of. Sandgrens makes so many different types of clogs there seems to be a pair for the most discerning taste. They have clog boots, clog sandals, metallic clogs ( where were these when I was 8), high heel clogs. I really liked the diverse collection that Sandgrens offered. For a “Behind the Scenes Look” at the making of the clogs, click here to view a video.
After scoping the website, I knew I needed a low heel. Since I have a connective tissue disease, Ehlers-Danlos, which affects my muscles ; I have to wear shoes with a small heel, at most 1.5 inches, so I needed support, and cushion. I have to be very particular about the shoes I wear. Once perusing, I came across several pairs of stylish booties. I am on a bootie/boots craze right now, as I seem to be each fall/winter season, and I loved the selection for this 2015 season. The SOHO boot, being the one I chose, had a low heel and was dyed black to match the color of the leather. I liked this feature and decided to try the SOHO. I went with the size chart, as i usually wear an 8, and picked the 39, which was recommended for 7.5-8. I also liked the detail of the buckle on the side of the boot, where I could adjust this if needed but it mainly added a bit more style .I had to admit, I was not sure if a wooden boot was going to be comfortable with someone prone to muscular knots.
However, when I received the boots, only 5 days later from Sweden, the leather was beautiful, soft and I loved the side zipper and buckle. WHen I tried on the bootie with tights, they were slightly big, but I expected this, and compared them to my other size 39 pair of Zara boots. The main difference was the width. Being a clog, the width of the shoe was going to be slightly wider on my foot, but I also read that clogs are meant to have some looseness to them, as is the style. I added a thin orthotic, and would wear an ankle sock with the boots, keeping my feet warm and providing more cushion. From the Sandgrens’ site ” Clogs are designed to allow your heel to “slip” when you walk, even if you have a closed back clog.It also generally takes a couple of weeks to get used to your new clogs.”
The wood is Alder wood, a wood I am familiar with as my USA Stratocaster is made from Alder Wood and many electric guitars are. I noticed the website’s description of the boots, and making of the boots often contained words such as symphony, melody, harmony and I loved this description, as it described clog making as a type of art where each facet of making the shoes would be like music forming a composition..
I loved the style of the boot, very fashion forward as to being able to style them with leggings, skinny jeans, skirts, and sweater dresses. I love wearing patterned tights, thus the eye would be drawn to the boots and legs with this combination. The construction and passion for making these Swedish Clogs is evident, and the customer service couldn’t have been any better. Service is very important to me, and I was helped throughout, with my emails being answered quickly and efficiently. Thanks Sara! Check out Sandgrens!
* These Soho Boots by Sandgrens Clogs were gifted to me. The opinions in this review post are that of my own. ** Ann Taylor Beaded grey cardigan ( like this), Grey jeans, brooch( etsy) earrings: 1928, Handbag: New! Rebecca Minkoff Love Bag in Jungle Green( Santa) love this too, AIBI Watch; (won on a giveaway, here HAPPY NEW YEAR AND BEST WISHES FOR 2016!! jESS XO
Some other favorites on the Sandgren Clogs Website: The Chukka Boot and/ The Berkeley Boot
Linking up: with Visible Monday, Still Being Molly, Share in Style ( every other Mon), SHoe andTell , How I Spring Manic Monday, Monday MingleLinkup with Lisa Tues: Garaytreasures Link Up Style Sessions,Walking in Memphis Bless Her Heart Wed: The Pleated Poppy, Get Your Pretty On,Random Wednesday, Style Me Wednesday Watcha Wearing Wednesday, Jersey Girl Texan Heart Trendy Wednesday Momsmorningcoffee Thurs: A Labour of Fashion,Reason to Dress, Throwback Thursday Friday:Passion 4 Fashion ,Style Elixer Fun Fashion Friday / Forage Fashion
As your HOST , PLEASE FOLLOW me on INSTAGRAM. ( I follow back and will be having more giveaways this year)
Most clicked this week: Alissa from the Adored Life. I love this windowpane cream and black dress! So elegant. Check out her curls!
PINTEREST PIC OF THE WEEK! in love WITH THE CAPE THIS SEASON. These and ponchos. Santa surprised me with one. Will share later. This burgundy cape is so luxe looking! Color and Grace
38 Comments
Frances
January 3, 2016 at 1:19 amhttp://www.patagoniastoreonline.com
Lovely post! Very well written. Keep in touch.
Mary Murnane
December 31, 2015 at 11:04 amVery cool boots, Jess! And of course I love the pics of your sweet doggies!
Wishing you all the best in 2016! Happy, Happy New Year! Xox-M
Jess Jannenga
January 2, 2016 at 6:04 pmThank you so much Mary!! My pups wag their tails when I get out the Santa suit.
Same to you Mary! Best wishes xx
Thais Gomes
December 31, 2015 at 7:12 amI love the boots and the green bag!
Happy New Year Doll!
BLOG | Taislany
Jess Jannenga
January 4, 2016 at 12:25 pmThanks so much! The RM bag was a great surprise! Stop by tomorrow for the linkup and happy new year! xx
jolylook
December 30, 2015 at 3:02 pmI grew up with clogs, I’m half Dutch you know and as I can remember they are comfortable to wear.
Love your handbag that Santa brought
Your puppy’s look so cute in their Christmas outfits.
Happy New Year
Catherine
Joly Look
kelseybang
December 30, 2015 at 11:19 amlove how you mixed all the grays! super cute outfit!
kelseybang.com
Laurie Duncan
December 30, 2015 at 10:20 amI love clogs and those are really cute! I have a pair of Dansko and hope to get another for spring! 🙂
Laura
December 29, 2015 at 10:10 pmGorgeous bag! Love the color!
garaytreasures
December 29, 2015 at 8:34 pmOh wow these boots look amazing. I have never seen clog boots before and they look so comfortable and of good quality too. Thanks for sharing these!
Rachel xo
http://garaytreasures.com
Grace Liang
December 29, 2015 at 1:01 pmI may have to check it out about those cool boots. Looking so well made and comfy. You dogs are so cute. Of course always a big fan of your style! Thank you so much for featuring me. Happy New Year!
Don’t forget to stop by for our fashion linkup party!
Grace
http://colorandgrace.com
thelifbissue
December 29, 2015 at 11:21 amI really appreciate the story behind these clogs, they make everything so personal, love it. Hope you enjoyed the holdiays Jess. Love, Kirsten xx
http://www.thelifbissue.com
asallows
December 29, 2015 at 10:56 amI love that little teal bag! It adds such a great pop of colour.
https://forsevenseasons.wordpress.com
Dawn Lucy
December 29, 2015 at 10:53 amSuper cute! I’ve always loved clogs! And of course I love seeing your babies! Wishing you all the very best in 2016, Jess!
OXOX
Dawn Lucy
http://fashionshouldbefun.blogspot.com
Nicki
December 29, 2015 at 10:49 amI loved this post! Being of Swedish heritage and a lover of all things Swedish, I am very interested in these boots. Sure do wish they would gift me a pair! They are soo cute, thanks for telling us about them!
Not Dressed As Lamb (@notlamb)
December 29, 2015 at 10:27 amI’ve always been a fan of clogs, Jess, though I’ve only ever bought a pair of backless heeled ones that were on trend a few years ago… I rather love these boots! Before I wouldn’t have thought they’d suit your style but they totally do – love all the shades of grey!
Thank you for hosting sweetie, and Happy New Year to you and yours 🙂
Catherine xx
http://notdressedaslamb.com
Shauna
December 29, 2015 at 10:12 amYou and the pups look so cute! Hope you had a wonderful holiday, and wishing you the happiest of New Years! Thank you for continuing to host the link up for us!
Shauna
http://www.lipglossandlace.net
Kim Tuttle
December 29, 2015 at 10:10 amLove this look! Especially the color of your bag. Hope you enjoyed the holidays! Have a happy new year xo
Amy Ann
December 29, 2015 at 9:58 amThese sound like a really quality boot with great support. I like the ones you picked for your pretty grey outfit.
Amy Ann
Straight A Style
stinedurfdl
December 29, 2015 at 9:56 amThose boots are fabulous…solid but still so cool! And I’m loving the color. How cute are the pups in their little Christmas outfits?! My dogs would have a fit if I tried that…lol!
Debbie
http://www.fashionfairydust.com
sandypatti
December 29, 2015 at 9:01 amFabulous in grays, and I love those new boots. You’re right, the jewelry makes it all the more “you.” xox
-Patti
http://notdeadyetstyle.com
Julie @ Running in a Skirt
December 29, 2015 at 8:16 amSo cute! I had a pair of white clogs back in the day and wore them everywhere!
Your dogs are adorable!
[email protected]
December 29, 2015 at 8:07 amSuch cute dogs! You look great as always, Jess. Thanks for the link up!
Elle Spann
December 29, 2015 at 8:01 ami love all that grey! happy new year:)
elle
Southern Elle Style
Amy Johnson
December 29, 2015 at 7:52 amLove your sweater and boots! Those tights are so cute too! Adorable puppies!
shbowdoin
December 29, 2015 at 7:00 amHi Jess,
The clog booties are so cute and so are your little doggies, all decked out for Christmas. May you have a blessed New Year!
Shellie
http://www.thefabjourney.com
Monica
December 29, 2015 at 6:34 amLoving this casual look. I really love gray too. And oh my goodness your fur babies!!!! They are too cute!
http://www.jerseygirltexanheart.com
Jess
December 29, 2015 at 6:14 amHi Mica, this is my first love bag but own about 4 or 5 other Rebecca Minkoff bags currently, she has always been a favorite.? Christmas was great, Have s happy New Year friend!
Thanks for linking to Turning heads Tuesday!
Jess xx
Tiina L
December 29, 2015 at 4:55 amJättebra! That was Swedish for super great ( my Swedish is a bit rusty…) quality and craftmanship is getting so rare these days, and it is extra important in shoes. And I just have to say your dogs look so cute! Happy new year, Jess!
Jess
December 29, 2015 at 6:18 amHi Tiina! Love it, yes I was impressed with their history and workmanship, have to have great shoes, and these may stand the test of time! Happy New Year! Jess xx
Alex
December 29, 2015 at 3:25 amThose booties are great. I also love the grey lace up ones. It’s great that they are looking out for the tradition and craftsmanship. It’s been neglected a lot with goods in general recently and I think it really shows in the product.
Also, you are looking great in grey and of course, the dogs are making adorable santas 🙂
Thanks for hosting and wishing you a Happy New Year!
Alex – Funky Jungle
Irene Papadopoulou
December 29, 2015 at 3:11 amso pretty! love the booties
thank you for hosting the link up
Irene
http://www.thedailylace.com
Katie D (Hello Katie Girl)
December 29, 2015 at 2:21 amLove your bag! The color is just gorgeous! I also adore the clog boots. Thanks for hosting!
Rebecca
December 29, 2015 at 1:27 amWow love how sturdy and chic those boots are! Wishing you a wonderful New Year!
Rebecca
http://www.redtagchiclosangeles.com
Mica
December 29, 2015 at 1:14 amYour dogs are so cute in their little Christmas outfits, adorable!
Also, pleased to see Santa brought you your first RM bag, woo-hoo! It really is love isn’t it? I have that style and I’m smitten with it too.
Thank you for the link up!
Hope you had a merry Christmas!
Away From The Blue Blog