This is the badge B&B proudly displayed in March of 2008.
The comfort shoe industry has been booming lately, as Crocs and Uggs try to dig themselves out of the ugly, publicly unacceptable hole they’ve been living in since their birth. You’d never believe me if I showed you some of their new designs – I’m almost… considering advocating them as a fashionable brand!
They’re definitely trying to catch the ever-wandering gaze of the fashionable community at large with their YOU by Crocs line. They’ve titled all of their new kicks with such proud, ambitions names as “Fabulous Fashionista, “Complicated Contessa“, and “Daring Diva“. Even “Mischievous Minx” made her way into the new Crocs family. While the majority of non-boot pieces stay under $100 (when on sale, anyway), boot lovers will have to cough up somewhere in the range of $220 retail for a pair of YOU by Crocs kicks.
Take a look at some of their new designs and tell me, honestly… Do they make you reconsider Crocs as a brand?
Unquestionable Queen
$150 $112
Oh, I also have to add that their mini-descriptions for each shoe are pretty ambitious, as well… Here’s the blurb about the Unquestionable Queen:
regal and refined, the unquestionable queen is the connoisseur of all things fashionable
Don’t even get me started on the lack of capital letters and necessary punctuation… And yes, I refuse to edit on their behalf. If they can convince America to wear rubber shoes in public, they can withstand some ridicule from a snooty fashion blogger.
Impossible Girl
$280 $209.99
the impossible girl’s sense of adventure is firmly supported and her heels elevate her from the rest of the crowd
I dig the red… I dig the heel… But do I dig the crazy ’70s buttons on the side?
Top Shelf Leather
$149 $37.99
stir things up in this sexy spin on the classic mary jane
(I’m pretty sure they’ve taken all the sex out of Mary Jane by slapping a huge, plastic wedge on her ass.)
Mischevious Minx
$160 $119.99
mischief follows the minx wherever she goes. she knows that a flirtatious twinkle will keep her one step ahead of all that surround her
Cute story, but a bootie with a kitten heel screams “school marm” to me.
Complicated Contessa
$280 $209.99
vivacious and provocative, the contessa struts her stuff with cool self-confidence
It pains me to see how close they were to doing this boot really well… And hey, who knows – it might look acceptable on.
So, what do you think? Obviously my commentary is a touch on the harsh side… I’ve been burned, what can I say?! However, I can’t ignore the vast improvements upon their designs. Plus, the fact that they’re all waterproof, ergonomic, recyclable and odor resistant (glamorous selling point!) definitely wins my momentary affection.
How did these new ideas sit with you? Tell me in the comments!
xoxo.
View Comments (11)
These are surprisingly cute! Especially the first pair-- I could see myself wearing those regularly to work!
I have to look at these the way I look at my own Ugg boots (which are surprisingly good looking-- no one believes they are Uggs)- which is I wear them with a bit of smugness knowing I can surprise people telling them who they are by. I think it's time that Ugg and Croc realize that they can put what it so appealing in their shoes in to something with a far more fashionable style.
I wouldn't wear them personally (not my style) but I can honestly say, I think they look great! I can definitely see some stylish people rocking these.
eye4style´s last blog post was Get the Look: Cate Blanchett in The Curious Case of Benjamin Button!
I don't like any of them... :\
I couldn't rock any of them.
Fabulously Broke in the City
Just a girl trying to find a balance between being a Shopaholic and a Saver...
Fabulously Broke´s last blog post was Taking screenshot notes for yourself (Firefox Scrapbook & Evernote)!
No.
I wouldn't pay that price for a company that is still untested when it comes to comfortable and well-made heels.
Their original shoes are hard PLASTIC for Christ's sake.
Jen´s last blog post was Inspiration for Goals; Goals as Inspiration!
Being a huge advocate of Miss Elle, I will abide by her advice and see these for what they area - a croc!
So good to have you back, Miss Elle!
So close ... and yet, still so far away. I could do the first pair of wedge Mary Janes, maybe, but the rest are near-misses. Interesting to see the company aim for a different demographic, tho.
Sal´s last blog post was Belated Apologies!
Much better, but I still don't plan on wearing Crocs. They should stick to their original styles, and live with the naysayers.
I had a funny experience with Uggs (a company in a similar position) - I mentioned that I don't like Uggs on Twitter, and a spokesperson from the company instantly contacted me via Twitter and introduced me to their new designs...these companies ARE trying...but should they? When their signature look is lost? I say, be yourself-if you chose to create a unique shoe that people will either love or hate, then stick with it! Don't try to change your look to mimic other trends.
Anna, aka "ShoeSmitten´s last blog post was Pura Lopez N601 Peep Toe Pumps From Endless.com!
Hmmm...well some of these are actually pretty cute...pricey though. I guess if they were insanely comfortable they would be worth it. Kudos to Crocs for trying to expand. Even though I don't own any Crocs, they are hugely popular where I live.
Trace´s last blog post was What I'm Wearing - Giving Back and Getting Comfortable!
i'd like them better if they didn't put a wedge heel on EVERYTHING!
Thsi reinforces that they are truly dreadful. I'm sorry but please...
Crocs are great for kids and maybe (a big maybe) for adults at the beach but that is it!
Make Do Style´s last blog post was Resolution update!!