"Warm Fuzzy Wuzzies"
(How and when to wear the Uggs and Emus)
Remember those not so slim or sleek suede boots with the sheep lining from last year? Remember how they were so warm and comfy that you had to wear them everywhere you went? Well after all the fashion snafus that were caught on camera and in person, Big Apple Style feels that it's time to give a little guidance to the warm fuzzies that have resurfaced for fall/winter '04.
First of all, regardless of whether you buy the real deal from down under, or a great knock off, do make sure that the sheep skin truly is soft and fuzzy. Not only will it be visually obvious that you've bought a cheap knock off, but if you have sensitive skin, the knock off may actually be an irritant...especially when your feet start sweating. Try to find a boot that has fur with a fluffy look and texture. If it already looks matted down and you haven't even left the store, chances are that the shoes will look terrible before the middle of the season.
 If you didn't already invest in a pair of emus or uggs last year, start with a sand, neutral, brown or black color before you explore the fuzzy color spectrum. These colors will be able to transcend from play to work (depending on your career and office atmosphere) without you having to match up the perfect outfit. We suggest that you splurge for the staple color so that your boots will survive more than one season. If you want to branch out into pinks and blues, opt for the less expensive knock offs. This way, when your tastes change, you won't kick yourself for paying close to $200 or more for shoes you don't want anymore.
 Since these shoes come in a variety of heights and styles, let's look at the most obvious fashion hazards. To be honest, these suede shoes aren't really attractive! They're just so comfortable that any hater is instantly converted to a believer as soon as they put them on. So, having said that, please avoid the overly furry shoes with fur crawling out and overtaking the entire shoe. Most likely, you don't live in Alaska, and since you're not Chewy from Star Wars, you look ridiculous. Nothing goes with shoes in this style, so save yourself the angst and leave them for runways.
Uggs and Emus can definitely be worn with skirts. We suggest shorter skirts regardless of the length of the boot. Like we've said many times before, the boot is very thick, therefore, longer hemlines can create a dowdy or "weighed down" effect. Keep your hemline at least two inches above your knee, and you should be fine. We like the tucked in look, and by all means go for it...if you bought a boot tall enough to accomodate this. DO NOT try to tuck pants into a low calf level Ugg. Besides the fact that the pant will continuously fall out, it's just not attractive. Also, don't get suede obsessed and wear an entire matching outfit of suede from head to toe. Not only is it scary, but it's also entirely over done and unnecessary.
 Regardless of whether you buy neutral or brightly colored suede boots, do make sure that you invest in a water repelant spray such as those offered by 3M Scotch Guard or Totes. We don't really recommend wearing your fuzzy boots in bad weather, but if you insist, atleast keep them protected. Also, make sure that you get them cleaned on a regular basis. There are plenty of at home cleaning kits or you could have them sent out to be professionally cleaned. Whatever you choose to do, please make sure that your shoes are always clean. It is definitely a no-no to stroll around the city in shoes that have seen better days.
The suede fuzzy ugg or emu boots are the definite must have of the season. So what are you waiting for, go out and dust off your fuzzy wuzzies or get a pair today!
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