What if, hypothetically, I wanted a pair of comfy, trendy UGG boots? As usual, I would go online and check them out, look at assorted colors and sizes and then click that button that fills me with excitement and anticipation -- "order now."
But instead of asking me for my credit card number, bright red lettering shows up at the top of the screen: "Back orders will be filled July 2004. Please place your orders so you are on our waiting list."
Wonderful. So, I'm going to receive some thick sheepskin boots in the middle of July. At least I'll look stylish in the sweltering 100-degree heat. What's going on? Why can't I get my boots? My academic well-being is in danger; after all, I can't walk to class with cold feet. I won't be able to concentrate during lecture in Cabell if my poor toes are thawing. Something must be done!
I attempt to find out more about this issue and later bring it up in an effort to improve a rather painful conversation during rush. The girl I happen to be speaking with actually works at the Charlottesville shoe store, Scarpa.
Supposedly, UGGS are not only on back order because they are so popular, but also because there are not enough sheep in Australia that can be used to make these shoes. Wow, way too much information. Anyway, what's the deal with these boots? Why are they so popular, and are they worth the wait, not to mention the $110?
The boots were first brought to my attention in the December 2002 issue of Vogue, in which the boots were on Gwenyth Paltrow's "Celebrity Wish List."
I realized that the boots would soon become a hot topic when one of my guy friends asked, "What's up with the skirts and the snow boots?" To this day, the world may never know.
After asking a fashion savvy family friend of mine about the boots, she said rather cryptically, "UGGs started out as a favorite of the trendistas, and right now, they're a favorite of the fashionistas." Translation: UGGs started out as a trendy boot and were not really accepted by others, but now that more and more people have them, they are enjoying their short time in the fashion limelight before being shoved to the back of the closet.
"My mom and I bought a pair of UGGs a while ago and wore them all the time because they were so comfortable," said first-year College student Liz Gibbs. "All of my friends made fun of me for wearing the same stuff as my mom, but my I'm the one laughing now."
Indeed, UGGs are very comfortable. Supposedly, the sheepskin lining of the boots is so soft that it molds to the shape of your foot. The boots are so comfortable and warm that they were used by Australian surfers for years before they were in style, according to UGG.com. After riding waves all day, surfers would pull on the boots to prevent their feet from getting really cold after coming out of the freezing water.
Now, everyone is wearing UGGs, so much so that no one can get their hands on them. Demand for the boots peaked in the weeks before Christmas, where some people sold the boots for upwards of $300.
Right now, one can see the boots worn around Grounds in a variety of colors including baby blue, baby pink, chestnut and sand. They also come in a variety of styles including classic short and classic tall, and even come in casual clogs or slippers for kicking around in at home. The boots are frequently worn over tight jeans and look really cute, or, though somewhat incongruous, worn with a short skirt.
Compared to last week, this week has been pretty mild as far as weather. The birds are chirping, and you frequently see that far-off look in people's eyes during class, as if they can't wait to get outside and read a good book under the shade of a tree on the Lawn or on a towel in the dorm quad.
The livelihood of these aussie boots is in jeopardy. Maybe UGG will come up with an idea for some cute thong sandals? Maybe not. Either way, I have a feeling UGGs will hold on for a little while longer. After all, if guys can wear their rainbows into January, why can't girls where their UGGs into July?
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