Unique Fashion

Archive for October, 2010

Uggs are Australian sheepskin boots, known to be a warm, comfortable, and stylish option for chilly feet everywhere. It’s easy to spot the Ugg style, but is it just as easy to tell whether a pair of Uggs is the genuine brand, or a cheap knockoff? Not at all. Due to trademark disputes, Uggs are faked, and faked well, in many parts of the world.

Ugg boots, trademarked by the American company, Deckers, have recently been challenged by Australian shoemakers. Ugg boots (sometimes called Ug or Ugh) originated in Australia’s and New Zealand’s sheep-shearing cultures. The boots were made locally because their warmth was needed in high altitudes.

Deckers, which has the boots manufactured in China, claims to own the style and the brand name. Australians claim the name to be generic for sheepskin boots, and thus impossible to trademark. This discrepancy has led to the manufacturing of very similar boots in Australia, and these are the boots considered ‘fakes’ by Americans. The more expensive boots, made in China rather than Australia, are the ones considered ‘real.’

Here are the top 6 ways to tell whether your Ugg boots are of legitimate, Deckers-made quality.

1) PRICE. Brand-name Ugg boots are expensive. They cost around one hundred and fifty American dollars, and fakes can go for much less. If the pair looks new and it’s cheap, especially if it’s on ebay, it’s not Deckers Ugg.

2) PRINTING. Included with the purchase of a genuine pair of Uggs is a little care booklet, telling you how to treat your new boots. Real Uggs have very nice booklet printing, with raised embossed titles. Fakes can look almost as good. The only difference is that none of the text on the fake booklets is raised.

3) TAGS. Non-Deckers Uggs sometimes have uneven label stitching. Also, look on the labels for the manufacturing location. “Made in China” is Deckers; “Made in Australia,” or anywhere else, is a fake. Read the rest of this entry »

Just as not all business casual or club attire is equal, neither is all Goth fashion. As Goths, we tend to mold, shape and create our style to fit our individual personalities. Some of us tend to rely heavily on fishnet, bondage style jewelry and tall black leather boots, while others go for a more delicate and ruffled “Romantic-Goth” version of the style. Whichever you prefer, you can surely find it online or make it yourself. Even beginner-level crafters and tailors can take to the web (no pun) and end up with creative pieces for everyday wear.

Here are some things you might need:
Black clothes
Black fabric
Zippers, safety pins, D-rings

Find a DIY Goth Fashion project that fits your needs and skill level. Some places you can find instructions are Antimony & Lace, Gothic Beauty Magazine and Gothic Fashion Site. Choose a fast and simple DIY project such as a fishnet shirt. If you consider yourself more advanced, try making bondage pants or even a corset.

Annie at Deranged Designs sells handmade, vintage, and altered items in her online store. Her DIY ideas page tells you how transform a plain T-shirt using bleach or fabric paint. Try adding the name of your favorite band! Read the rest of this entry »