The Work Clog

As the new Fall and Winter shoe fashions came up on us in late August, the clog intrigued me the most.  It has the nostalgic tone of the 70’s style that went hand in hand with Farah’s flipped hair do and oversized sunglasses.  In more modern times, I’ve only seen women sport a very dowdy version of the shoe that makes me wonder if they were really going for that homely look at the office.  Excited about the fresh modernized update on the clog, I immediately tried on as many as I could find in my vicinity.  The let down is that while they were cute, I couldn’t shake the feeling that I was that “other” kind of working girl, no matter what I was wearing while trying them on.  This was totally unacceptable for work.  But I was determined to find a work appropriate clog for the season.  And I finally succeeded. 

The ‘Ginara’ by Banana Republic is the perfect work clog.  I first tried them on in the cognac brown which was actually very nice.  I knew that I wouldn’t have that Stripperella feeling wearing these with a pencil skirt to the office.  I opted for the grey suede which Banana Republic actually calls “Smoke” only because I could actually use more grey shoes options in my shoe closet. ;)

What makes this pair a win is their shape and style.  They hang with the rest of the fabulous clogs out there in the 4” range, with about 1” being the clog platform.  The inner sole is entirely cushioned with a pad that you can feel hug your foot when you slip it on.  This delicious cushion padding makes it perfect for sporting them all day long.  The very simple and streamlined design of this clog keeps it clean and sophisticated.  There is some detailing with the seaming across the shoe but its very minimal in that Calvin Klein kind of way.  And you want that because since its a clog (a little over the top already) keeping it clean and minimal makes it more work appropriate.

The detail that most sold me on this clog was the tapered heel that balanced the shoe between Hookerville and frumpy gardening shoes.  It gave it enough sophistication to make it great pairing with work attire very nicely.  The strap in the back helps keep it nicely secure and from flying off should you take a misstep along the marble floors.  The edgy studs around the sides give the clog versatility to wear with more casual outfits, you know, the way clogs are intended to be worn. ;)  Priced at $140, it makes it a good investment for your shoe closet because it will make you very current and it is easily a shoe you will wear well into the Spring.  Leave it to Banana Republic to be able to make the more trendy fashions work appropriate.  Although, to be completely honest with you, I’ve had my money on them from the start. ;)  I’m off to New York City so I hope you all have a fabulous November weekend.  Stay warm! ;)