Desigual Spring 2014, New Arrivals and Sale Items!

For those of who have visited our shop in Lionhead, or maybe some online shoppers, you might have noticed our inventory of clothing is unlike any store in the valley. Tessa has a great eye for unique styles from brands like Desigual, Van Deurs, Cream, Asha, Kask and several more. As I have mentioned before, Tessa Clogs is the only shop in the United States that sells the Van Deurs clothing line.

Clockwise from top left: Desigual scarf, Black Viky skirt (also available in pink),
Summer Pant, Panu Bolas Scarf,  and Desigual Bambobay Scarf

 Desigual is based in Barcelona, Spain; its philosophy is based on positive, tolerance, commitment and fun. For the first time, Desigual presented a show at the New York Fashion Week, it was the Spring/Summer 2014 collection. When I see someone hesitant about Desiguals bright prints, I tell them to try it on. Most of their products are made with a combination of cotton and viscose, so it helps show off curves but hides things you don't quite want to show off. It is too often that the person who originally hesitated, can not wait to show off what she has tried on. She will throw the curtain to the side and say,"I can't believe I almost didn't give it try", and then proceed to try on a skirt and a few shirts as well. Please browse through our new arrivals for Desigual, and also check out the new sale items.

Clockwise from top left: Kask Longjohn, Rider Yellow Ski Socks, Purple Heli,
  Crew Base Layer,  Pink Turtle, Black Calle socks, and Kask google 

For those looking for something reasonable to wear in the cold, Kask supplies us with bright crochet hats, merino socks and base layers. Founded in 2001 by two guys who really enjoyed making hats for their friends and family, Kask has transformed into making base layers, socks, and goggles, and they continue to develop new products.

Check out our newest sale, with items up to 70% off!

- M

Sale, Life & Work

 Our 70% off sale is still going on - we have sold about half of our sales items, act now before you miss out.
 
What I have a hard time with in making a Blog, Facebook, Twitter or any other type of public relation social media announcement is making one that is personal, humble, factual and at the same time trying to sell because I need to make a living but not seem like an bragging idiot. Do I accomplish this - I have no idea - so I do appreciate those that read and understand what we are trying to do.

For example - today - our kids had a snow day from school - big deal you say - well it is - in 35 years here in Vail, there have only been 2 snow days - yes, only 2.  The past 2 days or I should say 30 hours we have received over 30" of snow.  That is just crazy and for us snow farmers it is liquid gold.  So what do you do as a merchant living in a ski town - the 6" rule is in effect (6 inches of powder snow or more).  We worked both of these Powder Days but our work days started a bit later - instead of getting our store open at 10am we opened between noon and 1pm.  Did we loose any sales by not opening earlier - maybe but unfortunately I don't think so. 

I do have to say - yesterday skiing home to Minturn - was probably one of my top 5 ski runs ever.  Perfect powder snow, absolutely no tracks on an untouched mountain canvas where I put my line down for 1,500 feet where I aired a small cliff, landed and continued the run down to the river bed.  The picture is not me but as I try to express my self in words the photo may help to convey the feeling of skiing powder snow - freedom.

Life in the mountains - I would almost compare it to a ranchers or farmers life. It is a lifestyle that we truly love although it has proven to our family that we will never be driving a low mileage car* or even be able to save much money for our kids college tuition. We try to teach our kids that a life lived with a continual appetite for knowledge and physical activity is a life that will be rewarded with health and happiness. What else can we wish for?

How was this blog entry - I hope I conveyed that we do have a Super Sale going on and that this be acted on.  I let those know we do not have many snow days here in the high country and that powder skiing is addictive. 

Cheers

*I am laughing inside as I type low mileage car - I almost want to say we will always own one piece of s**t car - Adam Sandler says it best - horrible language but a truly funny song - it is on youtube and imo is hillarious70% off Sale at Swedish Clog Cabin

70% off, It's a Magic Number

we are overstocked at Swedish Clog Cabin and need your help!   Hand Made, Hand Painted - NEW Tessa Clogs and Bracelets    Shamus we miss you 2008-2013, Svea - you bundle of love welcome to our family   70% off - it's a magic number check out our sale - our below cost loss is your reward - stock up on some presents or gifts for yourself do you remember School House Rock - 3 is a magic number - if you are longing to hear and see this again - this link will take you to youtube where you can watch the cartoon and 90's band Blind Mellon   Tessa Clogs New We are embracing our Nordic roots with new Scandinavian Designs.  Our New Hand Made Tessa Bracelets mixes traditional Swedish Ribbon and Leather for a unique Scandinavian look, wear one or stack a few of the them together.  Our new Ski and Dala Horse Tessa Clogs designs will always make you dream about life here in the mountain.  So if you are not wearing Tessa Clogs and/or living in the mountains - as our friend Warren Miller would say - "if you don't do it this year, you will be one year older when you do" - so get your Tessa Clogs now.         Tessa Clogs and Traveling TSA security, long flights, swelling - wear Tessa Clogs, life is SO MUCH EASIER with clogs, take them off put them on .  Why deal with laces, buckles and normal boring shoes.      Shamus & Svea just truly sad, Shamus had to deal with the road of cancer and we put him down in December.  We had roughly one month of no pet therapy, but now Svea is family and that empty part of our lives is now filling back up.    TessaClogs.com is the home of Tessa Clogs but also the home of Swedish Clog Cabin, our retail store in downtown Vail, just 100 yards from the Eagle Bahn Gondola.  Besides all the wonderful Tessa Clog choices we also have a super selection of Scandinavian clothes, food, books and gifts. Thanks for reading and looking - Chris & Tessa Manning Please check out our retail web site at http://www.tessaclogs.com/ for more news and information!

 Tessa Clogs / Swedish Clog Cabin 70% off SALE

Celebrities Wearing Clogs, Men Wearing Clogs, who wears clogs?

People often associate clogs as folkloric footwear, but some types of clogs are considered as fashion wear, such as Swedish clogs.

For similar styles, visit our site.
Photo Credit: Runwaydaily.com

 You can spot many celebrities in these comfortable, yet fashionable shoes. From the Olson twins, Anne Hathaway and Miley Cyrus, to Sean P. Diddy Combs. Clogs aren't limited to the boho casual types, nor are they limited to one gender, or age, they are a versatile shoe that can be enjoyed by anyone and everyone. Not to mention the many professionals who work on their feet all day, including chefs, doctors and nurses.

Clockwise from top left; Casual clog wear, Chris Manning wearing Black,
Model on Runway, Black, Male wearing clogs-street style, Brown Mountain Oil

Chris Manning, co-owner of Tessa Clogs and the Swedish Clogs Cabin, wears the clogs daily and swears by their reliable comfort and durability. Noting their aren't too many people who realize that Tessa Clogs also sells men's clogs, Chris dedicated a blog titled, "Real Men Wear Clogs". 

From top; Red Zin Decorative nail, Black Oil, Brown Oil Decorative Nail

From Karl Lagerfield, MaxMara, Chanel,  Louis Vuitton and many others, the stapled high heel clogs seem to keep appearing on the runways. Inspired by this trend Tessa has added decorative nails to her high heel collection. What a simple change can do to an already loved clog, the stapled high heels come in black and brown oil as well a oxblood or merlot color. Tessa clogs even contributed to a runway show in Sweden for Höllviken in 2011.

From top left; Snake Print, Brown Oil, Navy Blue Klara, Red Pirate. Brown Oil Becky,
 Tessa and Kids, Biking with clogs, Hiking with clogs, and climbing with clogs

Parents weary of their toddlers in clogs need to only look at Tessa and Chris' three children, who have grown up wearing them. The whole family lives an active lifestyle; camping, climbing, skiing, etc., and they can be found wearing clogs while participating in some of them. You can check out a previous post by Chris Manning regarding biking in clogs.

There you have it; celebrities in clogs, men wearing clogs, models wearing clogs, and toddlers and kids wearing clogs. If you don't believe that these are indeed stylish and comfortable, stop by the store and also check out our new arrivals!

-M

Clogs Made in Sweden, Handpainted in Vail!

As the gift giving season starts consider this; how many of the gifts that you give are made in China?India?Mexico? What about something made in Sweden? Better yet, something in Vail, Colorado?

Swedish Christmas Stocking

I recently gifted my mother a pair of Tessa Clogs Black High Heels with the snap-strap. The clogs are made in Sweden, and hand painted by Tessa in Vail,Colorado. I am relieved that every holiday I can just send her a new pair of straps and maybe include some Cream leggings or Desigual printed socks. Recently added to the snap strap inventory are hand painted holiday themed straps, and hand painted Black High Heel Clogs.

Left to Right:
Black Christmas in Vail ,Black Vail Mountain ,Black Oil High Heel
Black Oil Lucia ,Black Christmas extrawide

For my sister who has been eyeing my mom’s new clogs, a pair of clogs for herself, some glӧgg, and Lele hand knit and embroidered hand warmers. I wasn't sure what glӧgg was when I first started working at Tessa Clogs last year, and as Christmas was approaching I noticed that it was flying off the shelves. Glӧgg is a mix of spices that you typically add red wine too, or for a non-alcoholic version you can add fruit juice. Glӧgg is great for something to sip on while sitting around the fire reminiscing or getting to know new people.

Glӧgg Concentrate ,Lele Love,Heart Arm Warmers

For my brother I will have to give him an assortment of Swedish chocolates, Ligonberry jam and of course chocolates. You can never go wrong with chocolates and at Tessa Clogs we have plenty of it! Caramelized almonds in milk chocolate, dark chocolate drizzled over whole hazelnuts, caramelized pistachio nuts in dark chocolate, caramel with a touch of sea salt, mint with milk chocolate, Lindt, Marabou, and of course an assortment of Toblerone.

Lastly, I will get myself that beautifully embroidered pillow; it is embroidered with bright threads on velvet fabric in pink, green, purple and dusty blue, and finally the Van Deurs tunic. Tessa Clogs is the only store in the United States that carries the Van Deurs line. Both the dress and the tunic would look great with some leggings and boots (check out Tessa’s Van Deur outfit here).

Van Deurs Tunic ,Beige Velvet Pillow

If you want to avoid the crowd visit our website, or come into the store and any one of the friendly associates here at Tessa Clogs can help you. I know what I am giving this holiday season, do you?


-M

We LOVE Winter!!!

First off - I am sorry for not keeping all of our fans aware of what is going on in the clog blog world.

Second - Winter is Here!  Vail Ski Mountain is now open for the 2013-14 ski season.  We will not be making it up on the slopes for a few more days but it is a holiday today for those that can.

Speaking of Holidays, they are right around the corner - we are sending out today a new email with wonderful goodies - if you are not on our email list - sign up here and/or send us a quick note at info@tessaclogs.com to let us know you want our latest news.

My Colorado Mountain Ladies
Our family above is sporting items that can all be found at our store in Vail at Swedish Clog Cabin or on line @ tessaclogs.com.  Tessa is wearing a new line by a Danish company called van Deurs (we are the only store in the USA carrying this line) matched up with our Brown Oil Boot Zoe.  Our oldest daughter is wearing a Natural Life T-Shirt paired with our High Heel Leopard Clogs.  - Our middle daughter is wearing our Brown Mountain Malin Clogs with a Tessa Designs Top and Skirt (made and designed here in Vail, Colorado).  Our youngest daughter is wearing a Mimi & Maggie Dress  (Tabitha Peasant Dress) and our Blue Zoe Clogs.

Sad news - our lovely Berner - Shamus - has cancer - so his experation date is sooner than most.  He is in great spirits but the tumor on his jaw makes him look like junk yard beast or the Cujo clone.  The photo below is from back in September and he is still looking close to normal.  We are giving him all our love, prayers and hope but not sure how much longer we will have his company. sucks

Thanks so much for reading.  I will leave you with a taste of my Halloween costume that I wore at a black light climbing competition - I actually won the award for best costume (and not my climbing).  Cheers

they're here - Tessa Extreme High - Red or Natural

July is and has been a busy month for us:  kids out of school, Vail and Minturn Markets going strong, shipments arriving, visitors back in Vail shopping and spending money keeping our store, Swedish Clog Cabin hopping.  The only problem is that some folks would say our house is a mess, we might say it has that lived in look.  Oh well, if something has to sacrifice while we are busy it will be the housework.  On those hours where we have time off, we would rather be spending it with the family playing outside then inside trying to clean.  So for those that have the same issue with that "look" in the house - just explain to others that you are going for the "lived in" feeling. 

Speaking of shipments arriving - they are HERE - our Extreme High Red or Natural Lilly Sandal.  They look and feel FABUOLOUS.  We only have enough inventory for the summer so put your order in now to guarantee you a pair.

 

 

Cheers for reading and happy summer!