Fur, Feather and Sheepskin the Top Shoe Trends for Fall 2016

When the models hit the runway for the Fall 2016 fashion shows in New York, Paris, Milan and London this past spring, they were sporting a variety of fur, feather and sheepskin footwear, and now that fall is finally almost here, it’s the perfect opportunity to score your own stylish shearling shoes to keep you warm in the cooler weather. From traditional sheepskin boots to fashionable Minnetonka fringe boots and handmade shearling slippers, The Sheepherder has everything you need to keep your feet comfortable and warm this fall and winter.

Sheepskin Shoes on the Runway

As far as the fall fashion shows were concerned, the shearling-accented footwear included Miu Miu’s colored sheepskin slides embellished with crystals and Maison Margiela’s hiking boot featuring ribbon laces and a shearling tongue. Even the men’s runway shows featured fashionable footwear with sheepskin accents, including shearling clogs and simple suede or leather high-tops with sheepskin tongues, Coach’s answer to the kangaroo-lined loafers Gucci debuted in January.

Handmade Women’s Shearling Boots

These may seem like an extravagant purchase for most of us, but even for those of us who aren’t walking the runway on a daily basis, there are plenty of sheepskin footwear options out there that are both practical and stylish. For women looking for a warm, comfortable shoe that can be worn inside and out, check out our Minnetonka Ladies Ankle Boot, a beautiful boot made with genuine sheepskin, a slip-resistant indoor/outdoor sole, and a versatile flap that can be folded up around the ankle for added warmth.

Sheepskin Slippers for Men and Kids

We also have authentic sheepskin slippers and boots for men, one of our most popular being the Men’s Minnetonka Hardsole Slippers, a moccasin-style shoe lined with 100% sheepskin wool to help keep your feet warm in the cooler fall and winter months. The shearling slippers also feature a durable suede construction and a hard rubber sole for indoor/outdoor wear. If you’re looking for genuine shearling footwear for the little ones as well, check out our Children’s Sheepskin Slippers, handcrafted using genuine shearling sheepskin.

Order Your Shearling Slippers Today

At The Sheepherder, all of our sheepskin garments are handmade to order using the highest quality shearling, which means your sheepskin slippers, jacket or gloves will be the perfect fit every time, and will surely hold up against the elements. So, get a jump-start on your fall shopping, and treat yourself to a pair of authentic, durable shearling boots or slippers, guaranteed to last you for many falls and winters to come.

Hot or Not? Sheepskin and Other Clothing Items That Should Never Be Placed in the Dryer

A clothes dryer can be a lifesaver when it comes to doing laundry, but there are certain materials and clothing items that should be kept as far as possible from the high heat and rough tumbling of a clothes dryer, including sheepskin. Authentic sheepskin hides, like the ones we use in our shearling coats, slippers and other garments, are tanned and processed in such a way that they remain durable over time, can withstand the elements, and naturally wick away moisture from the skin. However, if you don’t use the proper technique to wash or dry your sheepskin garment, it can lose it shape, color or texture, and may even become ruined.

How the Dryer Can Ruin Your Sheepskin Garment

The first thing you should do after purchasing a genuine sheepskin garment, is apply a rain and stain shield to the suede or leather outer, to protect the natural material from water-spotting and excessive soiling. If your go-to sheepskin slippers or boots do become soiled over time, it may be tempting to wash them and then toss them into the dryer for a quick cycle, so you don’t have to go even one day without wearing them, but shearling can actually become discolored or take on a different texture in the washer, and may shrink and lose its shape in the dryer’s high heat, leaving your favorite boots looking misshapen and worse for wear.

How to Properly Clean and Care for Sheepskin

If the wool interior of your sheepskin garment becomes soiled or water-spotted, the best way to go about cleaning it is to hand-blot the affected area with a rag, cold water and mild detergent, being careful not to soak through to the suede. Carefully rinse and hand-blot the excess moisture from the boots using a clean, dry towel, and, rather than using a clothes dryer, set the shearling garment out in the sun or on a towel so it can gradually air dry. If the suede or leather of your shearling garment becomes overly soiled, you should take it to a professional dry cleaner that specializes in removing stains from leather and/or furs.

Other Materials Sensitive to the Dryer’s High Heat

Sheepskin boots are one of the most popular types of footwear out there, and, over time, they can become soiled and grimy from everyday wear. One of the most important things to keep in mind when it comes to properly cleaning and caring for authentic sheepskin, is to treat the spot or stain as soon as possible, rather than letting it set and become more difficult to remove. Like sheepskin, there are certain other materials and clothing items that should never be placed in the dryer, including bras, chiffon, embellished items, running shoes, bathing suits and pantyhose. If possible, these items should be hand-washed with a mild detergent and then air-dried, or taken to a dry cleaner for professional care.

Need a Unique “Christmas in July” Gift? Sheepskin Will Do Just Fine!

For the United States and Canada, there are no national holidays that fall between the first week of July (Canada Day on July 1 in Canada and Independence Day on July 4 in the United States) and Labor Day on the first Monday in September, leaving a stretch of about two months without any holidays. So, many people like to celebrate “Christmas in July,” to break up that dry period and have a little midsummer holiday fun. If your friends or family like to get into the Christmas spirit in July, and you need a fun and unique Christmas in July gift, check out our wide selection of handmade sheepskin garments and accessories for the entire family!

Christmas in July first came about because the holiday in the Southern Hemisphere is celebrated during the summertime months, and residents of Australia, New Zealand, Argentina, and other countries south of the equator began hosting Christmas-themed events in the month of July, which, for them, is the peak of the winter season. Retailers in the U.S. and Canada followed suit and began holding large sales for Christmas in July, seeing it as an opportunity for merchandising, following the peak of summer product sales in June and early July. The “holiday” took off, and many people now look forward to getting in the Christmas spirit in the middle of July, while still celebrating the actual holiday on December 25.

Traditionally, Christmas in July is celebrated on various weekends throughout the month of July, and in the Northern Hemisphere, the holiday is deliberately ironic, occurring during a month that is typically hot and sunny, rather than cold and snowy. Still, some people go the whole nine yards for Christmas in July, throwing a holiday party, putting up an artificial Christmas tree, hanging their stockings from the mantle, and exchanging gifts with friends, family members and coworkers. For some people, Christmas only comes once a year. But for those who celebrate Christmas in July, you have two opportunities to get in the holiday spirit and give an awesome gift.

If you’re looking for a unique gift idea for Christmas in July, check out our selection of fine sheepskin apparel and accessories for men, women and children, many of which can be enjoyed year-round. For the tech-savvy teen, consider gifting a handcrafted shearling iPhone case that doubles as a padded, durable cover for eyeglasses or sunglasses. A pair of genuine sheepskin slippers is the ultimate gift for anyone who likes to shuffle around the house with a cup of coffee in the morning, and a soft and cuddly sheepskin bunny rabbit or teddy bear makes for a perfect Christmas in July gift for kids.

Christmas in July definitely isn’t a holiday that everyone celebrates, but it’s a fun way to get in the holiday spirit during the warm summer months. So head on over to the Sheepherder website at CustomSheepskinJackets.com now to find the perfect Christmas in July gift for everyone on your shopping list!

What Do Mila Kunis, Tom Hardy and Matilda Ledger Have in Common? A Love for Sheepskin

It may not seem like Mila Kunis, Tom Hardy and Matilda Ledger – the daughter of actors Heath Ledger and Michelle Williams – would have much in common, besides their celebrity status, of course, but there is one thing that links the three of them together…their love for sheepskin! Whether they are filming a new flick, or, in Matilda’s case, heading into school with Mom, Mila Kunis, Tom Hardy and Matilda Ledger all seem to prefer comfortable sheepskin garments to more extravagant attire.

During a long day of filming her latest movie, Bad Moms, in New Orleans this past January, Mila Kunis slipped on a pair of luxurious sheepskin boots to grab a quick lunch with her co-stars on set. Obviously a big fan of the comfortable footwear, Kunis has been spotted wearing shearling boots on numerous occasions, including while enjoying a romantic walk with her husband, Ashton Kutcher, and while heading to the set of her breakout film, Black Swan, way back in 2009.

Tom Hardy is also a big fan of sheepskin, and, while filming his movie Animal Rescue in New York City last year, the actor donned an attractive blue coat with a comfy sheepskin lining. There was also the stylish shearling bomber coat Hardy sported for an Esquire UK photo shoot last spring, and that iconic trench-style sheepskin coat he wore as Bane in The Dark Knight Rises. Even when he’s not in front of the camera though, the actor tends to gravitate towards the comfort of sheepskin, and who can blame him?

Even 10-year-old Matilda Ledger has the sheepskin look on lock, donning a pair of tan shearling ankle boots while heading to school with her mom, Michelle Williams, in New York City this spring. The spitting image of her late father, Heath Ledger, Matilda is just as fashionable as the Dark Knight star was before his death, and she apparently has the good sense to choose a pair of boots that are both comfortable and stylish for a walk around the city with Mom.

Plenty of people take their style cues from fashion-forward celebrities, and now you can get your own pair of shearling boots like Mila Kunis and Matilda Ledger, or a custom sheepskin jacket like Tom Hardy’s, from The Sheepherder, an Alma, Colorado-based shop locally owned and operated by Diane Blessing, who has been creating handmade sheepskin garments for more than 30 years. With a full collection of fine shearling outerwear and accessories for women, men and children, The Sheepherder is your one-stop shop for everything sheepskin!

Jon Snow Was Wearing Sheepskin Boots When He Came Back to Life on GOT

If you’re not caught up on Game of Thrones, read no further, because there will definitely be some spoilers in this post!

We all know by now that, in the second episode of season six for the incredibly popular HBO series Game of Thrones, which aired on May 1, one of the main characters, Jon Snow, played by British actor Kit Harington, was brought back to life after being stabbed to death by his brothers in black at the Wall. What many of you don’t know though, is that Kit Harington was actually wearing a pair of sheepskin boots while filming the shocking resurrection scene!

For those of you who are die-hard fans, we know it’s sometimes hard to remember that Game of Thrones is just a show and not real life, so when a behind-the-scenes video cropped up online of the cast and crew filming Jon Snow’s resurrection scene, one of the biggest reveals in television history, it came as a bit of a surprise to see that the former Lord Commander of the Night’s Watch was brought back to life while wearing not his signature black “crow” gear, but rather a pair of gray sweat shorts and brown sheepskin boots.

We can’t blame Kit Harington for wanting to stay cozy and warm in sheepskin boots while being brought back to life at the Wall, where it seems to be freezing cold and miserable pretty much every single day, especially now that summer is over and winter is expected to last for the foreseeable future. When they are made from genuine shearling, like ours are, with cozy wool on the inside and durable suede on the outside, sheepskin boots cradle your feet in comfort and offer exactly the protections you need in any type of weather.

Originally made popular by surfers in the 1960s who couldn’t wait to slip into the luxurious footwear after a long surf session, the Ugg-style of boot has become even more popular in recent years, and can now be found in nearly every household in the United States. From teenage girls to grown men and fashionable moms, sheepskin boots are loved by all, and for good reason. From winter to spring to summer to fall, authentic shearling boots will be right there with you, easily slipped on to run some quick errands in town or for a romantic date night with the hubby.

Our sheepskin boots at The Sheepherder are made from top-quality hides that naturally repel moisture, keeping your feet warm in the winter and cool in the summer, so you can be like Kit Harington and stay warm no matter how cold your body gets! If you’re considering buying a pair of sheepskin boots, check out our selection of genuine shearling footwear that will last you for years to come.

Sometimes Even Lambs Need a Nice, Warm Sheepskin Coat!

After being born without a speck of fleece on his body, a baby lamb in the UK was gifted a cozy handmade sheepskin coat by a caring and generous farmer last month. According to The Sun, a lamb who was born completely bald was abandoned by his mother in a field in the cold and rain, but farm hand Sally-Ann Fisher found him and was able to revive him. Then she set about trying to find a way to keep the lamb, nicknamed Little Skippy, warm during the cold snap that had struck the Ramsbury, Wiltshire area of England where Skippy was found.

According to Sally-Ann Fisher, “Skippy was born outside and his mother had triplets and he was the third one to be born.” The other two lambs were perfectly healthy, but Skippy was born without any wool or birth coat, so he was rejected by his mother. Fisher’s solution for keeping Skippy warm was to borrow a bit of fleece from a neighboring farm and fashion a wrap-around shearling coat to protect him from the unexpected chilly temperatures. Lucky for Skippy, in addition to his sheepskin coat, he also has a selection of jackets he can wear to stay warm, made from old sweaters with the sleeves cut off.

Although it’s unusual for lambs to be worn without a fleece, Skippy’s lack of a birth coat does not appear to be due to any health problems, Fisher says, and the farmers taking care of him now have called him a “born survivor.” Lucky for Skippy, natural sheepskin is an incredibly warm material, and, even though he doesn’t have any fleece of his own, the shearling coat the farmers were kind enough to give him should offer the protection he needs to survive the cold weather.

Like Skippy’s fancy new coat, all of our handcrafted shearling garments at The Sheepherder are made from genuine sheepskin, not the imitation sheepskin you often see at big-box stores and third-party retailers. The hides we use at The Sheepherder have a silky wool on one side and a durable suede on the other, and, when processed correctly, the sheepskin we use to make our garments feature a hide that naturally wicks away moisture from the body and keeps you cool, even in warm temperatures.

Our sheepskin garments, outerwear and accessories at The Sheepherder are made entirely by hand, on-site at the Sheepherder shop in Alma, Colorado, where owner Diane has been creating custom shearling garments since 1989. All of our sheepskin items are made from the skins of domestic sheep raised commercially for their meat, and are handcrafted 100% in the USA, based on your own specifications for fit, color and style. That means that each sheepskin jacket and vest you order from The Sheepherder is a one-of-a-kind item made especially for you!

Authentic Sheepskin Gift Ideas for Mother’s Day

If you’re looking for the perfect gift to show Mom how much you love her, a custom sheepskin item is definitely the way to go. Handcrafted using the highest-quality skins from domestic sheep raised commercially for their meat in the Rocky Mountain states, many of our shearling garments and accessories are custom made to order, which means your Mother’s Day gift will fit her perfectly, based on her own unique measurements and style preferences. The following are this year’s top picks for sheepskin Mother’s Day gifts from The Sheepherder.

Ladies Sheepskin Scuff Slippers

Nothing says love like a luxurious pair of authentic shearling slippers made from the finest sheepskin available. The scuff style of the sheepskin slippers makes them easy to slip on or off, and the wear-resistant cowhide sole means they will last a lifetime with the right care!

Minnetonka Shearling Ankle Boots

For a little added warmth and comfort, check out our Minnetonka-brand sheepskin ankle boots, which feature a luxurious shearling flap that folds up around the ankle, and a slip-resistant hard rubber role for indoor/outdoor wear any time of year.

Unique Sheepskin Eyeglass/iPhone Case

If Mom is constantly misplacing or scratching her eyeglasses, the perfect Mother’s Day gift could be a shearling eyeglass case made with durable suede on the outside and soft shearling on the inside. This unique gift also doubles as a protective case for her iPhone or smartphone, and makes both items easy to find inside her purse.

Handmade Sheepskin Pillow

For a special Mother’s Day gift for the home, consider our one-of-a-kind shearling pillows, made entirely of genuine sheepskin, from the inside out. Filled with soft wool batting for a nice cozy construction, the pillows feature a unique color-block sheepskin pattern on one side and a durable suede or leather on the other.

Genuine Shearling Driving Gloves

Even with the warmer weather spring typically brings, a nice pair of authentic shearling gloves can still come in handy for drives into town on those brisk evenings, or for moms who live in places that get cool or downright cold weather year-round. Made with a soft and supple sheepskin interior and a sturdy suede outer, they make a great Mother’s Day gift any mom would enjoy.

Order Your Sheepskin Mother’s Day Gifts Today

Because many of our sheepskin garments and accessories are handmade to order, it’s a good idea to get a jump on your Mother’s Day shopping and place your order as soon as possible. Whether she is more apt to appreciate a pair of genuine sheepskin slippers, a protective sheepskin eyeglass case, or a handmade shearling pillow for her home, The Sheepherder has plenty of unique and stylish Mother’s Day gift ideas Mom is sure to love!

Sheepskin Boots: From Fashion Fad to Forever

Considering their name comes from an abbreviation for “ugly,” it’s pretty remarkable that Ugg-style sheepskin boots have been around for so long, evolving from their humble beginnings as the crude shearling boots Australian surfers wore to keep warm, to global fame as the preferred fashion footwear for everyone from Rihanna and Kendall Jenner to Tom Brady and Ben Affleck. Whether you, personally, are a fan of the sheepskin boot or not, there’s no denying that the cozy footwear has staying power and will likely remain a fashion favorite for years to come.

Sheepskin Boots Go with Any Outfit

For supermodel and Ugg’s first “global women’s ambassador,” Rosie Huntington-Whiteley, who has owned a pair of the sheepskin boots since she was 16, Ugg boots are all about personal style and ease of wear. “There are no rules really. I mean, I feel that you can wear the same outfit that you would wear with a different pair of shoes but with Uggs. I think it works really well. So I’ll be wearing mine with my skinny jeans and T-shirts, and a blazer or a cool bomber jacket.”

Huntington-Whiteley raises a good point here about substituting shearling boots for just about any other type of shoe, which is likely the main draw for the warm and cozy boots. It seems that Ugg-style sheepskin boots are one of the only types of footwear to transcend fashion trends year after year, while also effortlessly going with just about any outfit, whether you’re sporting a pair of leggings and a sweater, a mini skirt and bomber jacket, or skinny jeans and a T-shirt.

Anyone Can Wear Shearling Boots

Derided by many as the fashion fad that refuses to die, sheepskin-lined boots have somehow avoided going the way of the clog, Crocs, Birkenstock sandals and other regrettable fashion fads, and remain the favored footwear for mothers running errands in town, teenagers enjoying a Saturday shopping spree, and celebrities donning their off-duty uniform and jet-setting around the world for their next big appearance. From the fashion-forward A-lister to the regular Joe, the Ugg-style sheepskin boot is the common denominator.

Get Your Own Authentic Sheepskin Boots Today!

So what’s the secret behind the shearling boot’s unstoppable success? According to The Guardian, it’s the footwear’s ability to effortlessly straddle the line between “public glamour and private style,” telegraphing a message of “’I’m worth it’ but also ‘this is me, off-duty.’” The one factor that keeps many style-savvy individuals from purchasing a pair of sheepskin boots, however, is price. Fortunately for you, you can get a pair of genuine shearling boots from The Sheepherder for a fraction of the price. Check out our selection of Minnetonka-brand pug-style and fringe sheepskin boots, and get in on the fashion “trend” that’s here to stay!

Transition Your Sheepskin Vests and Boots from Winter to Spring

The official first day of spring was March 20, and while some parts of the East Coast actually saw snow that day, the weather has been getting progressively warmer as we get ready to head into April. And with this promising glimpse of a mild spring, there’s no doubt some of you have already begun switching out your closets, trading your winter coats and boots for floral blouses, jean shorts and summery espadrilles. One garment you don’t have to pack away for the season though is your sheepskin, which can play double duty in your wardrobe and easily transition from winter to spring.

When you purchase a genuine sheepskin garment – as opposed to faux or imitation sheepskin – you’re getting an item that’s made from the natural hide of a sheep, which has a silky wool on one side and durable suede on the other. Unlike synthetic shearling, authentic sheepskin features hollow fibers that, when processed correctly, allow your skin to breathe and naturally wick away moisture from the body, keeping you warm in the winter and cool in the summer. That means you can wear your favorite sheepskin vest all year round, whether the temperatures are in the 30s or the 60s.

One of our most popular sheepskin garments for spring is our Ladies Wrangler Sheepskin Vest – the perfect addition to any casual outfit, and paired best with your favorite jeans and comfy flannel shirt or lightweight sweater. Our shearling vests for women are attractive and form-fitting, and feature toggle buttons made from genuine antlers shed annually by deer and elk. As you’re organizing your closet this spring and deciding what to pack away until next season, you’ll definitely want to hang on to your stylish shearling vest for some of those cooler spring nights.

Another sheepskin staple that transitions seamlessly from winter to spring is your favorite pair of shearling boots – yes, the ones that have kept your feet nice and toasty warm all winter long. It’s true that nothing beats authentic sheepskin when it comes to staying warm and protected from the elements, but your shearling boots can just as easily keep your feet nice and cool this spring and summer, not to mention comfortable. The Sheepherder is an official retailer of Minnetonka-brand products, and we have several different types of shearling boots for sale in our shop, including traditional pug-style sheepskin boots and fashionable fringe boots as well.

We’ve clocked in a few chilly days the past couple of weeks, but there’s no doubt that an early spring is in the cards for us, and no matter what April turns out like in terms of weather, you won’t regret having that sheepskin around. So be sure to check out our wide selection of sheepskin jackets, slippers, vests and boots at The Sheepherder shop or on our website, and get a jump on your spring wardrobe today!

Top 5 Best Sheepskin Valentine’s Day Gifts for Men

We all know that men are nearly impossible to shop for on Valentine’s Day, but lucky for you, we’ve got a few ideas up our sleeve for the perfect Valentine’s Day gift for men, and they’ll all have the main man in your life bowing down to your shopping prowess. When it comes to purchasing a romantic Valentine’s Day gift for men, you can’t go wrong with sheepskin, a natural and luxurious material that is also incredibly durable and attractive, no matter how you wear it. The following are our top five picks for the best sheepskin Valentine’s Day gifts for men.

1. Handmade Sheepskin Slippers – Nothing beats stepping out of bed and into a pair of toasty warm sheepskin slippers, featuring a wear-resistant cowhide sole for added comfort and durability. Our men’s shearling slippers are made from 100% genuine sheepskin, with a breathable wool interior that makes year-round use a must.
2. Shearling Aviator Hat – Is your beau always complaining about how cold his ears get in the winter? There is nothing warmer than our stylish sheepskin bomber hat for men, complete with ear flaps that can be folded up or down, protecting both his ears and chin from the winter chill.
3. Sheepskin Steering Wheel Cover – We can attest to the fact that warming up the car on a winter morning is no fun, especially when the steering wheel is freezing cold. Surprise your husband or boyfriend this Valentine’s Day with a shearling steering wheel cover to keep him nice and warm on his commute to and from work!
4. Men’s Sleek Shearling Gloves – Driving gloves made from authentic sheepskin make a great Valentine’s Day gift for men, especially for guys who spend a lot of time in their cars during the winter, or who enjoy the occasional evening stroll around town. These beauties are made from soft and supple shearling, with a durable suede exterior that blocks even the coldest winter wind.
5. Genuine Sheepskin Vest for Men – If your shopping motto tends to be “go big or go home,” why not splurge on a custom sheepskin vest for your Valentine this year? We have a variety of authentic shearling vests available on our website, all of which are made to order with 100% genuine sheepskin, based on your beau’s personal specifications for fit, color and style.

Give Your Valentine the Gift of Genuine Sheepskin

Sheepskin has been around for decades and the natural, durable material has a masculine look that any man would love, which makes a custom shearling garment the perfect Valentine’s Day gift for even the most hard-to-shop-for man. So, this year, rather than falling back on the same old box of chocolates and movie ticket gift, give your Valentine a sheepskin garment that he will love and that will last for years to come. Talk about the gift that keeps on giving!