21 Responses for "Fashion Police: Uggs Must Die!"

1. MissKoco November 16th, 2007 at 11:47 am 1

   AMEN!

2. Haterette November 16th, 2007 at 12:46 pm 2

   Bite me FMS!

   Uggs are totally comfortable and they keep your feet nice, warm and cozy.

   I’m sorry but if you’re preaching the fight here for Korean women to have more choice, part of that choice is that they can wear shoes or boots that THEY like and that are comfortable for them. Simply because YOU don’t necessarily like them is irrelevant.

   I’d rather see them wearing comfy Ugg boots instead of feeling as if they have to balance on stilettos. Those shoes which are also usually cheap and badly made will ruin their feet but also their overall posture and health: http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/foot-problems/WO00114

   Furthermore, clearly you’ve not been to the Ugg website. They US site has tons of designs http://www.uggaustralia.com/ProductsList.aspx?gID=w&categoryID=283&page=1 The Korea site, doesn’t have the same variety though. However, with Koreans doing more international travel, I don’t see them as limited in their choice of Ugg designs.

   However, ultimately my point is so what if you or anyone else doesn’t like them?

3. FMS November 16th, 2007 at 1:22 pm 3

   Sure, have choice, and there are a million shoes that aren’t Uggs. I just think they’re…uggs. They look like socks with a hard bottom, sort of how Crocs don’t look like shoes to me, either. And since everyone in Korea seems to have had the same pair (seemingly unwashed for some reason, with like brown parts on the bottom), they just look all the more unsightly to me.

   People can have choice, and we’re all free to disagree, surely. If you want to talk up the good points of Uggs, feel free. The more debate we have here, the better, and the readers benefit. Are there any Uggs in particular that are looking better these days? Admittedly, I just see the one pair here in Korea, which I obviously think look like their name suggests.

   Maybe it’s not logical, but when I see Uggs, I feel like they’re a big pair of stinky socks that don’t get washed like they should. Anyone else get that feeling? They just look like socks to me.

4. manim November 16th, 2007 at 2:37 pm 4

   Urghhh….I’m gonna say it, you’re a guy. Wear heels 9-5 for a week, and let me know what you think. Sure, there are millions other shoes, but really, I often wonder how I braced the colder months before they were Uggs. Talking about choice…

   1. Boots: If you’re like me, who pretty much think of pumps as mandatory footwear(as often the case for working women), wearing heeled boots after work is just not an option. First, even the best of them hurt like hell after awhile. Second, I don’t know…I always felt like I should’ve brought a whip along when I wore one. Third, I’m not built like Kate or Sienna; I can’t really wear skinny jeans or tight and tuck it in them; which usually means frozen ass. Wearing them with a long skirt screams….you know what I mean. You can always opt for flat kind which usually looks either like riding boots or rain boots. I don’t ride horse and not young enough to appreciate the happiness of jumping on puddles. There’s a third option, which is the ’slouchy’ kind; I like them, but I’m not sure you will. If you’re not familiar with them, they look like oversize “socks.” There’s also ankle boots, but…unless you’re over 5′8″ or proportionately blessed(ala Sarah Jessica Parker)…I’m either, you’ll like you just survived “Saw.” Ohhh…there are others novelties, like westerns(love them, but sort of awkward during the colder months), mukluks, and moon boots, but I’m pretty sure you won’t like those either.
   2. Non-boots: I’m a girl. I can’t wear sneakers, a pair of jeans, old t-shirt, a blazer, and be cool. Flats are summer shoes, unless you’re a ballerina. Wedges, pumps, platforms…for reasons stated earlier.

   Care to suggest any…

5. FMS November 16th, 2007 at 2:59 pm 5

   True, true. As the saying goes, to know someone, you have to walk in their shoes. Not much to say to that other than, “Touché!”

   I’m glad we got some conversation going, and I do myself find myself feeling guilty for hating something that obviously looks comfortable…but I really have an aesthetic aversion to the Uggs, as I do to Crocs, which I also hear are comfortable, but I’d never wear out of the house.

   I do like the fact that we’re drawing out some good talking – what do others think about the balance between comfort and aesthetics in both footwear and fashion in general?

6. ghettogeek November 16th, 2007 at 3:35 pm 6

   if you live in a very cold area… for sure you needed it! like thick snow! >

7. ZenKimchi November 16th, 2007 at 4:02 pm 7

   Uggs turn all ankles into cankles.

8. Haterette November 16th, 2007 at 4:27 pm 8

   Comfort versus aesthetics? Let me put it this way, when men trouble themselves over that question, I’ll take it seriously.

   And since I LIKE Uggs. I think the two merge wonderfully.

   That would be me and a big selection of Hollywood. I reference Hollywood ’cause that’s my home.

   The thing is you’re not alone in your Ugg hate, but it’s hate. Here is some Ugg-hate straight out of L.A., speaking of Hollywood: http://www.laist.com/2007/04/26/ugg_enough.php

   So maybe we should swap names or you just need to put up the Hateraide label on this particular post. I’m not with this one because it’s really just about what you and others don’t like.

   I tried a pair on, fell in love with the comfort, they were hella cute, I bought two pairs and I’m Ugg-loyal now. They’re wonderfully comfortable boots and shoes.

   I’m pro-Uggs, beeyatches.

9. FMS November 16th, 2007 at 4:52 pm 9

   Umm…but it doesn’t snow in LA? ㅋㅋㅋ

   Let the UGGS Wars begin! Hehe.

   But you have to admit…CRUGGS are going way too far and are an unholy alliance, sort of like elves and orcs. Even if we are sworn enemies, we must ally in the face of this new scourge to our lands and peoples.

10. manim November 16th, 2007 at 5:21 pm 10

    Me…I’d get the most expensive shoes I can afford. It’s really one of those things that you really get what you pay for. Yes, expensive shoes are more comfortable. No, that doesn’t mean that you have to shell out $400-$500. Wait a couple of months, and search for the ones you want on eBay. Your shoes, more so than the rest of your outfit, should really follow your style, as opposed to ‘fashion.’ I’m a Marc Jacobs’ girl, and few years ago I scored 6 pairs of round-toe pumps on eBay, some for less than $100. I still wear them regularly, and I can’t think of any of my outfits that won’t go with one of them. Oh…wear flats as often as you can; Tods makes some great driving shoes(again eBay). And if you feel that they make you look ’shot-ta-ri’, either your skirt is not short enough or…you’d better pull-up your pants(super-low-waist jeans are for supermodel).

11. FMS November 16th, 2007 at 5:50 pm 11

    I agree completely. I’ve told two Korean female friend with complexes about “short legs” that if they want to make them look longer, either go with flattering pants or capris with the right heels (flats aren’t even an option to most shorter women, especially if they have thicker calves), or to actually RAISE their normal hemline, since showing more leg in the right way can make you look like you have more of it, especially with the heels these girls are wearing.

    But then they go and wear those silly black calf socks that emphasize only one thing: “I have big calves!” Certain fashions are made for certain people, but hey, that’s what’s in, right?

    My two cents on the matter is that shape is important, but the standard is basically anorexia-thin = pretty legs. And buying the right shoes - I agree. Spending $300 on two decent pairs of shoes you can do something with and won’t kill your feet is worth all the $30 Myeongdong specials that follow the trend but you throw away, while completely destroying your feet.

    Myself, as a man, I’m pretty picky with my shoes, but the problem is that an American size 11 (295) is still not generally carried by most Korean brands. And then there’s the tapered nose that is popular here, but which I dislike for myself. I like a really square front, not a taper-to-square one. Anyway, i stock up on several pairs in the US every year or so and wear them wisely.

    And as for certain styles being right for certain people – I wish some younger women seen out wearing something that is doing the exact opposite of what they seem to be intesnding it to do is frustrating.

    You don’t see me in muscle shirts or tailored suits tapered to the waist – I’d look ridiculous in that, even if some tall, thin Korean man can look fabulous in something like a the shiny, tapered stuff that’s popular today. Same thing with black calf socks or leggings – some people look good in it, some people just look like they’re unwisely following a trend that doesn’t suit their look, but just found it on page 78 of ‘Ceci the Perky’ and ordered it online.

    Whew - that’s a lotta fashion talk in one comment - gotta run…!

12. Gomushin Girl November 16th, 2007 at 9:07 pm 12

    Dude, why do you have to start in on the crocs again? I was sitting there nodding along about how ridiculous uggs look (I had ignored the comfort angle because when I tried on a pair once and only once in a store my feet were immediately so overheated I had to rip them off and run out of the store.) But in light of your crack on crocs, I hereby propose a mutual defense treaty with the uggs fans. They’re comfy, I like ‘em, and as Haterette has pointed out, men can start criticizing them when they’ve walked a mile in my stilettos. I think they’re ugly as can be, would never wear them myself, but you’ve pushed me to the limit FMS!
    God Save the CROCS! Long Live the UGGS!
    Even I won’t defend the crugs though . . .

13. Haterette November 16th, 2007 at 10:03 pm 13

    Just give it up FMS. You’re outnumbered.

    As KRS-One from BDP said, “ya strugglin’”:

    Ya Strugglin’

    [Kwame Toure']
    Africans in America try to identify
    totally with their master in every respect
    They are the only ones who can not do it
    but they are the ones who will go to all extremes to do it
    * laughing * (check it out) * then laughing some more *
    They can not be disguised
    but they will attempty to disguise themselves

    [KRS-One]
    I’m on a search, not for a car or a miniskirt
    But the words I wish to exert
    will hurt, damage or upset the ego
    You wanna be macho, yeah, but we know the deal
    Jheri curls just ain’t gettin it
    KRS-One is only down for pickin it
    Pick the afro, need no Soul Glo
    or Carefree Curls, that’s just a no-no
    Where oh where, are all the real men
    The feminine look seems to be the trend
    You got eyeliner on, chillin and maxin
    See you’re a man with a spine extraction
    So what I’m askin is plain to see
    Are there any straight singers in R&B?
    All I see, is the light-skinned buffy
    Tryin hard, to be Mr. Tuffy
    Yet in fact, you’re Mr. Softie
    with the beige contacts on, yo you lost me
    I ain’t with it, never will, never have
    How can your son even call you dad?
    Your skin is bleached and your nails you just buffin
    Take a look at yourself man, YA STRUGGLIN’

    [Kwame Toure']
    Africa is so strong, that once she puts a stamp on you
    four hundred years of cold weather, death,
    and all that fryin your hair shall not disguise you
    As a matter of fact, she is so strong
    that no matter what chemicals you put in your hair
    she will come back and snatch it up
    * audience laughter *

    [KRS-One]
    Tell me
    Are you proud man, of who you are?
    Or does your pride come out of a jar
    Cause if you bought it, put it on, or sprayed it on
    I tell you right now, it won’t stay long
    Cause if it ain’t natural, it ain’t kosher
    It’s like buyin and wearin a culture
    If that culture ain’t yours naturally
    it’s his, not yours, actually
    You better wake up and smell the coffee
    Look in the mirror and think Mr. Softie
    People change, when they are ashamed
    of how they look or from which they came
    Are you ashamed, of original black?
    If you’re not, why does your hair look like that?
    Why is your nose straighter, from surgery?
    I think you’re really in a state of emergency
    You’re not sane to the African aim
    so you’re insane, and you need to obtain
    ANY, average rap album sculpture
    and study it, JUST, to learn your culture
    Even though, you don’t think it’s music
    It’s the blackest you’ll EVER get so use it
    The blue-eyed black man to me is buggin
    Take a look at yourself man, YA STRUGGLIN’

    [Kwame Toure']
    * audience laughter *
    Yess.. capitalism will confuse these people, have them totally confused
    They will try every way to identify with their masters, every way
    Go to extreme lengths * laughter *, I’m telling you, seriously!
    Capitalism will confuse them y’know tell them the truth’s a lie
    I saw a sister the other day and I spoke to her about her hair
    she said, “I don’t care what you say, I’m still gonna get my perm!”
    I told her, “It’s not a perm, it’s a temporary”
    * audience laughter *
    Try in every possible way to identify

14. FMS November 17th, 2007 at 12:29 am 14

    A mutual defense pact between Crocs and UGGS? KRS-ONE songs quoted in their entirety?

    I have no choice but to lay down my sword forever. But I ask that you not humiliate me by forcing me to wear Cruggs before my people. That would be the ultimate indignity.

    I yield to thee!

15. manim November 17th, 2007 at 4:15 pm 15

    FMS,
    Tapered-square toe shoes goes well with blings and a wide-rimmed hat, and that’s the only way you should wear them.

16. Gomushin Girl November 17th, 2007 at 5:43 pm 16

    I know what FMS is getting for Xmas ^^V

17. auxetoiles November 20th, 2007 at 8:14 am 17

    Okay, I usually just lurk, but the temptation to weigh in on this topic was too great to resist

    As an Aussie, I’m so used to uggs that I can’t see the ugliness! They’ve been mainstream “fashion” here - albeit bogan (Aussie version of trailer trash) fashion - for about 50 years, and therefore well before I was born. Maybe having seen them your whole life gives you some kind of immunity…? So the “years out of date” comment you made had me LMAO!

    Also - not to be argumentative, just posing a question - how does one judge when something is out of date? Surely that’s when people stop wearing them in favour of a new fashion trend? I’ve just got back to Oz from a trip to London, Paris and New York - arguably some of the most up-to-date fashion cities in the world. Uggs were EVERYWHERE. Moreso than in my home country, where there’s still a bit of a stigma attached to the good ol’ sheepskin boot. Surely fashion depends to a certain extent on “majority rules”? If so, they’re still in fashion IMO (and a triumph of comfort over style, LOL).

    Gotta agree with you on crocs, though. Comfy as anything, but I really only use them for putting washing on the clothesline and gardening. They never pass the front door!

    Wow, that ended up longer than I meant it to - sorry. Love your site, FMS - keep up the good work!

18. Gomushin Girl November 20th, 2007 at 9:10 pm 18

    Jump on in, Auxetoiles, the water is fine!
    As for when something is out of fashion . . . well, probably when you see good ol’ Gomushin Girl sporting the look in public. Then you should feel free to go home and burn any similar items^^
    In the case of uggs, though, I’m betting fms is alluding to the great tidal wave that swept the states, what, two or three years ago when you couldn’t go anywhere without seeing young ladies with sheepskin to the knees. They were odd and endearing for a bit, and then people started to wonder if you really needed such a warm boot in May. Especially in Los Angeles.
    Crocs too have their season though. During the rainy season I wore mine all the time because they provided more protection and grip than a sandal, and couldn’t be ruined by the water ~ nice things all when you’re ankle-deep in rainwater. The main design line ain’t one for beauty, but my “ballet flats” pretty closely resemble normal shoes.

19. Tristan June 26th, 2008 at 12:32 pm 19

    I completely agree with you FMS. If Seoul had a larger variety of styles…maybe that would change my perception on the matter. However, I find it kind of sad that Seoulites tend to follow trends (never mind how ugly or ridiculous they look). Noting that, I can’t think of a better comparison to make with uggs than big, stinky, dirty, thick socks.

20. Gomushin Girl June 27th, 2008 at 10:31 pm 20

    seoul does have a large variety of styles. but following trends for better or for worse is embedded in the mentality. nevertheless, there’s always lots of people around smart enough to buck the trends that don’t suit them and dress in whatever style does.
    that said, Uggs must . . .oh, wait, defense pact! my crocs stand in solidarity!

21. gossip girl July 20th, 2008 at 7:36 pm 21

    love ur site!!

    hahaha love all the comments too!
    look like fms is defeated by us girls. lol
    i definitely agree that we shouldn’t wear “the it” clothes if they don’t shape our bodies well. i do follow trends but not the ones that make me look “blah.” im a short gal (5′2) so i don’t look good in jeans most of the time, they’re too long for me. ahh. n i love flip-flops but i agree they make one look s short. i should invest in some of those stilettos.

    uggs–i do agree that they should be out. ..but im not gonna lie, during the winter, i do wear them. i should get a different pair of boots (stylist ones). california is cold but i don’t think uggs r necessary.