Saturday
Aug132011

Planning Stages...

Shoe Party Saturdays ;)

Still in party planning stages as we continue to leave you with a little bit of mystery....

Friday
Aug122011

FlashBack Friday!!!!!

Happy Friday!!! I am celebrating my Fluevogs today....check them out in Shoe Reviews.

Hugs and Leather Soles, Abigail Dagmar

Thursday
Aug112011

Every Color, Twice in Red!

Thoughtful Thursday :)

When the shoe fits...Buy it in every color...and twice in red (or whatever color happens to be your favorite).

I find red is every bit as versatile as black but tons more fun! Designer Chistian Louboutin paints the soles of all his shoes bright red—regardless of their color.

A red pair of shoes is what sparked my own personal love affair with shoes as I confessed in my about me shoe-story.

Just two nights ago a new friend of mine quipped that every woman should own a pair of shoes in red...I couldn't agree more though five pairs would be even better...hmmm....I just realized that I don't know how many pairs of my shoes are red. I will have to count and get back to you on that one.

Love and Red Shoes, Dagmar

Wednesday
Aug102011

Green Bananas

Workin' Wednesday :)

I love my "shoe-stomers"! I have learned and laughed and fallen in love in the shoe business and want you to know i have appreciated all of you!

I have always believed in buying multiple pairs of the same shoe if I have fallen in love with them and that brings to mind a set of very senior sisters that used to buy shoes from me.

Extravert Sister: These shoes feel soooo good... I must have them! How many colors do they come in....I want them all!

Introvert Sister: HOW MANY COLORS DO THEY COME IN??!? are you kidding me? I don't even buy green bananas any more....we might be gone before they ripen and you want to know how many colors these shoes come in!

Extravert Sister:...(eye roll)...She just doesn't love shoes the way we do darling...lets wrap them all up:)

It's your call on the green bananas but be sure to buy multiples when you find shoes you love and fit you perfectly!

Love and Lots of Shoes, Dagmar

Tuesday
Aug092011

Caring for Your Birkenstocks

Tips on Tuesday :)

I have heard many people say "Birkenstocks just last forever!"and many folks expect exactly that...forever! I am dubious about big terms like forever but with proper care one could feel confident about a "mighty long time".

When your Birkenstocks are new you should notice the cork has a shiny coating.  This coating or sealant protects the cork from the elements and keeps the cork from drying out and crumbling away.  About twice a year look over your Birkenstocks to make sure the cork still has its shine--if not--it is time to apply cork sealant.  Birkenstock makes their own brand of cork sealant and has the advantage of an applicator brush attached to the lid.  Any glue that dries clear (like good 'ol Elmers) will suffice.  Be sure to coat the entire cork surface and allow to dry completely before wearing again.

Each time you look over your birkenstocks you should also check to see how far down you have worn the soles.  Birkenstocks are re-soleable for about a third on the price of replacing them entirely...I once had a college professor that had a pair of Birks that were older than me...he kept the cork in good shape and re-soled them every couple of years. 

It is most cost effective to have them re-soled before you wear out the soles all the way into the cork layer. Once you have hit the cork re-soling will cost you quite a bit more cash since the cork will require repairing before attaching the new soles.

Birkenstocks do have two weaknesses--moisture and intense heat.  If your Birkenstocks get really wet be sure to let them air dry completely before wearing them again.  Moisture breaks down the cork, glues and linings causing an early demise.  If you live in the NorthWest you you might think you don't have to worry about intense heat--but think again!  It can get VERY hot inside your car and if you left your Birkenstocks in there to bake you won't be too happy with the results.  Typically, the EVA soles shrink back and delaminate from the cork midsole....bummer...and this is not considered a defect...it is considered "you musta baked these in your car..." oooppppsss!

For years of Birkenstock bliss just make sure you look them over at least twice a year and avoid intense heat and moisture.