Turning Heads #linkup- Sandgrens Clog Boots:The Soho Review+ A Casual Look

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 

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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