Christmas at Stotfold Mill 2011

As always, Christmas at Stotfold Mill this year was a wonderful family event. Hats off to the organisers for the fantastic attention to detail in the decorations and the warm and friendly atmosphere. Visitors had the chance to view the watermill in action, stock up on Christmas presents at the craft and gift fair, enjoy mulled wine and mince pies in the tea room, and meet Father Christmas in his enchanted forest.

 

Even if you missed the mill Christmas event this year, it is definitely worth popping in if you are in the area. Stotfold watermill is a fasinating building that has been lovingly restored and is one of the few working watermills left in the country. Visit the Stotfold Mill website for further details.

 

Here are a few of our photos from the weekend...

 

 

 

Agyness boots are back by popular demand

Must-have boots for autumn/winter 2011-2012!

Finally our prayers have been answered: a fashion trend that is practical and wearable. Biker Boots have taken the catwalks by storm and are already being sported by a number of stylish celebrities: Cheryl Cole, Fearne Cotton, Pixie Lott, Agyness Deyn and Alexa Chung, to name but a few.

Biker boots are so versatile as they can be worn with almost anything. They look just as great with floaty dresses as they do with a pair of jeans and a t-shirt. Now you too can be comfortable as well as super stylish with our Agyness Leather Biker Boots, only £24.99. Click here for more info.

Agyness Boots in Brown

Agyness Boots in Black

Christmas at Stotfold Mill

Come along to the Christmas at Stotfold Mill event on the 16/17th November. It's the perfect opportunity to meet us in person, have your Australian leather bush hat or sheepskin 'ugg' boots expertly fitted and stock up on this year's Christmas gifts. What's more, it's a wonderful experience to see one of Britains' finest working watermills in all it's festive glory. Delicious ince pies and mulled wine will be served in the tea room and there'll even be an appearance by Father Christmas himself.

It will be open 10:30am - 5:00pm and entry is FREE.

For more information visit the Stotfold Watermill & Nature Reserve official website.

Ucoming Events - new dates for the diary

Why not come and visit us at one of our upcoming events to have your Australian leather bush hat or sheepskin 'ugg' boots expertly fitted? You can also take advantage of a number of 'Show Special' discounts on our most popular products. Over the next few weeks you find us that the following events which will be sure to make for a great family day out.

13th November - Fowlmere Christmas Show, Cambridgshire

26-27th November - Christmas at Stotfold Mill, Bedfordshire

4th December - Peterborough Garden Park Christmas Market

New arrivals at Bobtails Trading Company

Check out the hottest new products to arrive at Bobtails Trading Company.

Wombat twin-faced sheepskin slippers

 

The new Wombat mule-style slippers are easy to wear and can be used both indoors and outdoors. They are made from super soft twin-faced Merino sheepskin from Australia and feature a durable molded outsole. This makes them extremely warm and comfortable as well as practical.

The new Wombat twin-faced sheepskin slippers are priced at £44.99 and are available in UK sizes 3-8.

 

Wombat Adelaide microfibre/faux fur boots

 

 

 

Based on the success of the Alice Boots, Wombat Leather have decided to introduce another microfibre style to their range of boots this autumn. Just like the Wombat Alice boots, the Wombat Adelaide boots feature a hardwearing sole, a reinforced heel and a silky soft faux fur lining. They can be worn up or rolled down (as seen above) and come in a Wombat branded dust bag to keep them clean when you are not wearing them.

 

The new Wombat Adelaide boots are priced at £29.99 and are available in UK sizes 3-8.

Long time no see! - Latest show dates

It's been an extremely slow summer with many of our usual events being cancelled. However, we had a great time last weekend at the Bedfordshire Steam & Country Show at Shuttleworth. There were lots of attractions and a real buzzing atmosphere. Let's hope our next events are just as successful.

We are currently scheduled to appear at the following events and will let you know as soon as more have been confirmed.

1st-2nd October 2011 - South of England Autumn Show and Game Fair, Ardingly, West Sussex

13th-14th November 2011 - Standalone Farm Christmas Gift and Craft Fair, Letchworth, Hertfordshire

Don't forget if you aren't able to visit us in person, check out our website for some great deals on Australian leather bush hats by Barmah and Wombat and snuggly sheepskin boots.

Get ahead with a leather bush hat!

Summer is finally upon us and while you’re daintily sipping cream tea on the lawn (or hiking through the Cornish hills with a tent on your back) spare a thought for the top of your head. An often forgotten and neglected part of the anatomy when it comes to protecting yourself from the sun, it can be very easy to call an abrupt end to your holiday because of sunstroke or sunburn.

The top of your head is very delicate and your scalp very susceptible to sunburn since suncream is quite difficult to apply over your hair. Not only that, but too much time in the sun with an uncovered head can lead to sunstroke which causes headache, dehydration and sickness. Fortunately, there is an easy way to protect your head from the sun and what’s even better, it’s fashionable too! Here is your guide to buying a sun hat this summer.

Go Australian! Australian bush hats have been a real hit this spring, with trendsetters like the new Duchess of Cornwall showing them off, and now’s the time to make the most of one! Wombat hats are made from quality leather and are durable, versatile and uber-stylish.

Choose something with a wide brim that will protect your shoulders and neck from the sun as well. It’s very easy to neglect areas that your hair normally covers when applying suncream but a wide-brimmed hat will offer even better protection.

Match your hat to your head shape. It’s often said that hats suit some people more than others, but really it’s just a matter of getting the right style to suit your face. If you’ve got a high forehead, consider a wide-brimmed hat that comes to just above your eyes. If you’ve got a long, thin face with high cheekbones, a cap can be very flattering, whereas a rounder face will suit a smaller brimmed hat.

Whatever you do this summer, enjoy the good weather without hassle by getting ahead with a hat. Find Wombat hats and many more at Bobtails Trading Company.

New in : Swiss + Tech multi utility tools

Better than a swiss army knife because they clip onto a keyring!

Swiss Tech Utili-Key® 6-In-1 Key Ring Tool £11.99

The smallest and most compact multi-use tool ever developed makes minor repairs, assemblies and hundreds of jobs an easy undertaking. The patented tool securely locks onto and releases from any standard key ring and easily fits into any pocket or bag. Tools vary by model and may include: Flat and Phillips screwdrivers, serrated and straight knife blades, bottle opener, nail file, nail cleaner and LED flashlight.

Swiss Tech Micro-Max® 19-in-1 £16.99

The new Micro-Max® 19-in-1 Series offers our most comprehensive and versatile set of tools to date. This solid stainless steel tool set, with its patented, quick-release and self-locking mechanism, folds out into 19 different professional-grade tools. Includes 2 hex wrenches, 6 screwdrivers, pliers, wire cutter, wire stripper, wire crimper, hand drill, file, bottle opener, 2 rulers (mm & inch), and 2 ruler extensions.

Caring for your leather bush hat

Hugh Jackmann and Nicole Kidman in the movie 'Australia'

Quality leather bush hats are a great all-weather hat. They will keep you comfortable come rain or shine and will stand up to any amount of abuse. However, here are a few tips to keep your leather bush hat looking as new as the day you bought it.

Take care how you put it on

Make sure you don’t squeeze the front of your hat when putting it on. This will push your hat out of shape, causing a sharp point in the leather and exposing it to damage. Tugging the brim to make sure your hat is secure will also change the distinct Aussie shaped style of the brim.

Take care how you store it

We recommend storing your hat on a peg or resting upside down on the crown to avoid it being pushed out of shape. Also, make sure that it is kept out of any direct sunlight. Just as overexposure to ultraviolet rays can be harmful to our skin, leather is also susceptible to damage. Extreme sunlight can cause the surface to become fragile and crack or the colour to fade. By all means, wear your hat in hot and sunny weather. That is after all what it was made for but do not leave it out on a sun lounger or on the dashboard of your car for example.

Keep your hat clean

Although your hat will have been treated, it may still stain if you are not careful and these stains can be quite difficult to remove. Try to keep your hat away from makeup food or any oil-based products. If you do accidentally spill something on your hat wipe it with a soft damp cloth. If a stain is particularly persistent you could try a leather cleanser. This is readily available from your local shoe shop or department store. After using a leather cleanser, we recommend replenishing your hat’s protective layer with an additional leather protector spray. This is also readily available from shoe shops and department stores. If your hat does become soaked through, leave it to dry naturally. If you use heat to dry it, the leather may shrink and the hat might not fit you anymore!

Repair any tears

Scratches are the most frequent kind of damage found on leather bush hats. You can cover them up with a leather dye if they are light. However, you might see these as a feature of the hat, adding a certain rustic worn-in edge. To repair any tears you will need a leather repair kit. These typically contain a liquid adhesive in several colours. Give your hat a through clean with a leather cleanser and allow it to dry. This is necessary because any dirt or oil on the surface may prevent the glue from sticking properly. Choose a glue in an appropriate colour and apply it to the area where the leather is torn. You may need someone to hold the leather taught while you apply the glue. When the glue has dried, take a piece of fine sandpaper and remove any excess glue. You will need to be very careful when doing this; otherwise you may scratch the leather. Clean the area again with a leather cleanser to ensure all excess glue has been removed then allow to dry.

For a selection of genuine leather bush hats by Barmah and Wombat Leather, please visit http://www.bobtailstradingcompany.co.uk/

Treat your dad to an Australian leather bush hat this Father's Day

Choosing the perfect present for dads can sometimes be really tricky. Whilst many men dream of receiving a sports car or a flashy widescreen TV, not all of us have such deep pockets and so end up giving our beloved fathers bog standard gifts like ties and socks that are often just shoved into a drawer and forgetten about. But if you want to give your dad something really special for Father’s Day this year, something that will he will actually enjoy and make good use of but that you can still afford, a leather bush hat is a great option.

Australian Leather bush hats are ideal for men who love the outdoors. Whether they enjoy hunting, fishing, hiking, gardening or simply walking the dog, a leather bush hat will keep them comfortable come rain or shine. Leather bush hats are designed for extreme conditions such as the South African bush or Australian outback but are just as effective in changeable climes such as in the UK. The wide brim keeps the sun off the wearer’s face as well as rain in a downpour.

Whatever your dad's personal style, we'll have something for him. At Bobtails Trading Company we stock a range of aussie leather bush hats by both Barmah and Wombat Leather in many different styles and leathers. Choose from cowboy or classic shaped brims and light and dark full grain and suede leathers.

To view our full ranges, visit us online at Bobtails Trading Company today or come and see us at one of our game fairs or steam rallies up and down the country. Details can be found on the events page of our website or on Twitter.

Kate and Pippa Middleton's aussie bush hats

In the months before the Royal Wedding the media spotlight shone brightly on bride-to-be Kate Middleton but since the big day, interest has shifted and a new star has emerged in the form of her younger sister, Pippa. With the jacket and bag she wore the day after the event selling like hot cakes women all over the world are clamouring to copy her glamorous but low-maintenance style. But whether you’re team Kate or team Pippa, a sure way of grabbing a slice of Middleton style is to wear a leather bush hat. Worn by both sisters on several occasions the leather bush hat is a casual must-have for any well-to-do young lady. Protecting you from all-weather conditions, the leather bush hat is ideal for attending hunts, horse trials, music festivals or simply going for a country walk.

Both sisters wear the classic flat-brimmed australian style but while Kate prefers a  dark brown full-grain leather, younger sister Pippa favours a lighter suede.

The Kate:

Foldaway broncho full grain bush hat by Barmah £45.99

The Pippa:

Foldaway squashy suede hat in hickory by Barmah £45.99

For our full range of hats, head on over to our website http://www.bobtailstradingcompany.co.uk/

Leather Bush Hats - The Ideal Festival Hat

With weather like ours, planning what to wear to a music festival can prove extremely difficult indeed. One minute it can be sunny and the next, tipping it down with rain. Combine that with the joys of camping where space is limited, you'll need to take items that are practical and versatile and won't be spoiled by a bit of mud.

When out in the sun all day you'll definitely need to wear a hat to keep the sun off your face and avoid the dreaded sunstroke but the right hat can also be an advantage in the rain too. Leather bush hats are the ideal all-weather hat. Designed to be worn in extreme weather conditions, the wide brim will keep you shaded and protected up to50 UV (not that we'll be expecting that from a British summer!) but will also keep the wind and rain off, allowing you to stay comfortable. What's more, these hats are made to last. They'll take no end of battering and they'll still look as good as the day you bought them. In fact, any little scratches will only add to that rugged look!

Visit our website now to browse leather bush hats by Barmah and Wombat Leather.

How to fit your leather bush hat

 

 

You might not think you need to be told how to put on a bush hat and which size is right for you. These are things you should know instinctively, right? However, after years of experience, Aussie cattle drovers have developed a certain knack, which ensures that the hat stays firmly on and suffers minimal wear and tear.

When trying on a leather bush hat, you may occasionally find that one size is too small but the next size up is too large. We recommend you take the smaller size. Leather is a natural material that will breathe and change shape over time. You might like to give it a head start by pulling it over your knee to stretch it. Soon your bush hat will mould to the shape of your head for ultimate comfort.

To put your hat on, smooth any hair away from your forehead and place the front of the hat on your head. The ribbon always goes at the back. Then, using the palm of your hand, push the hat down from the back of the crown. You can wear your hat with the brim level with your eyes or you can wear it pushed back in the typical laid-back Aussie style.

Take care not to pinch the front of your hat when putting it on your head. This will cause a sharp point which will be likely to wear. Tugging the brim to ensure the hat is on properly can also cause damage. By putting it on this way, your bush hat should stay firmly on your head, even on the windiest of days and you can maintain the iconic Australian shape of your hat and avoid any unnecessary wear and tear. When not being worn, we recommend that you rest the hat upside down on the crown or hang it from a peg.

 

Please visit http://www.bobtailstradingcompany.co.uk/ for a selection of genuine leather bush hats by Barmah and Wombat.

Where to get Pippa Middleton’s australian leather bush hat

It’s generally well known that Kate Middleton is a fan of the leather bush hat but did you know that Pippa Middleton is too? The younger sister of the Duchess of Cambridge, famed for her perfectly-formed bottom, is seen here with a group of friends, also partial to an aussie bush hat, presumably out on a hunt.

Pippa’s hat is a Barmah squashy suede hat in hickory and is available to buy online for £45.99 at Bobtails Trading Company.

Image source:  pippa-middleton.co.uk

What to wear with a leather bush hat

The leather bush hat may be a practical item that outdoorsy types have sworn by for decades but it’s also one of this summer’s most versatile fashion accessories. Here’s what to wear with your leather bush hat to look right on trend this season.

Look 1 : The English Rose



Wombat Outback bush hat £29.99; Barbour utility polarquilt jacket in olive £129,  tweed mini skirt, Joules £45.50; Ashbury Boyfriend shirt, Jack Wills £59; Gallway boots, Dubarry £125.

Leather bush hats are a wardrobe staple of the aristocracy. When attending hunts or horse trials a leather bush hat is an absolute must. Kate Middleton, Duchess of Cambridge is a particular fan and ever since she stepped into the spotlight as the bride of the future King of England, young women all over the world are striving to emulate her classic, well-groomed look.

To get the English Rose look, pair your leather bush hat with a Barbour (another of the posh girl’s wardrobe basics) and a pair of knee-high boots or Hunter wellies if particularly wet. Tweed is another English countryside essential, also often sported by Kate Middleton. Kate likes to keep her tweed skirts short for a young fresh look. Don’t forget to turn your shirt collar up and accessorise with pearls!

Look 2: All-American Girl



Hat (as before); American fringe flag vest, Topshop £30; light wash stud denim shorts, Miss Selfridge £35; Deena & Ozzy Khaki Suede Relaxed Boot, Urban Outfitters £68.

A leather bush hat is a great way to add a touch of the Wild West to an outfit. Slip on some Daisy Dukes, a vintage-inspired Tee (fringing optional) and a pair of suede desert boots. Finish the look by piling on bracelets and necklaces with earthy details such as stone and leather embellishments and add a pair of aviator shades. This is a really cool festival look.

Look 3: Safari chic

Hat (as before); khaki belted shirt dress, Marlene Birger £177; KG Lokesh sandals, Kurt Geiger £85; Sahara beaded necklace, Monsoon £15.

The key element to this look is a cotton shirt dress in brown, camel or khaki. Add a touch of Africa with some statement jewellery and strappy sandals featuring animal prints, beads and silver embellishments. This is a really easy look to pull off and can be worn by women of all ages.

source: http://www.justloveleather.com/?p=2302

For a range of bush hats by Wombat Leather and Barmah please visit bobtailstradingcompany.co.uk

How to look like Kate Middleton for less

Royal bride Kate Middleton may not be a  fashion victim but many of her sartorial choices are definitely out of the average woman’s price range. However, with just two key pieces you too can channel the Kate Middleton look.

1. The leather hat

Kate’s leather cowboy hat has become an iconic look even inspiring Ralph Lauren for spring/summer 2011. While there are numerous leather bush hats out there on the market, the most affordable ones that are still made from quality hide leather are those by new accessories brand Wombat Leather. All Wombat Leather hats are available for under £30.

2. Italian Leather handbag

Kate’s new favourite handbag is the Tod’s D-bag, named after the late Princess Diana. While the D-bag would set you back between $1,665 and £28,000 this lookalike by Kenneth Brownne comes in at only £95.

With these classy accessories, all you need now is a bouncy blow-dry, slick of black eyeliner and mascara and a casual jeans and blazer combo to look like Kate Middleton!

Source: http://www.justloveleather.com/?p=2282

Get the Ralph Lauren spring/summer 2011 look for less

This season at Ralph Lauren it’s all about leather. In the latest collection crisp white pieces, some with lace or frills, are combined with fringed suede leather shorts, trousers, dresses, waistcoats and jackets to create a sophisticated, feminine take on the Wild West. The looks are accessorised with dark leather belts with chunky silver buckles, distressed leather cross-body bags and leather cowboy hats. You can get the look for less by styling your own white shirt, dress or pair of trousers with one of these key accessories.

1. A leather cowboy hat

A firm favourite with princess-to-be Kate Middleton, leather hats have seen a surge in popularity with young fashionable women but as expected, they don’t come cheap. However, Wombat Leather, a relatively new brand, offer a range of stylish leather hats in both smooth, suede and distressed leather at reasonable prices. All their pieces are priced under £30.

2. A chunky distressed leather belt

Choose a wide belt made from dark brown distressed leather with a large metal buckle such as this one from Kenneth Brownne (£28.84). The dark colour and chunky, masculine style will strike a real contrast with a white, tailored or feminine outfit.

3. A distressed leather cross-body bag

Go for any tan-coloured cross-body bag that has a worn, vintage look. This one from the Rowallan Wyoming collection, made from thick, oil tanned buffalo leather has a great Wild West feel to it. Where as the Ralph Lauren embellished leather shoulder bag will set you back £855, this one is priced at only £64.99. What a bargain!

Source: http://www.justloveleather.com/?p=2255

Which Bobtails boots suit you?

These days it seems like we’re being tested for everything. Psychometric tests for job applications, situational judgement tests at work, tax return assessments, BMI indexing. So to go with the times, here’s something a little more light hearted and just for fun: what boots suit you?

Are you the sort of girl who likes to wrap up warm and snuggly in classic boots that will last you winter after winter, or are you more of a trendsetter in the latest fashion? We’ve got boots to suit every personality – find out which are for you in this virtual flowchart!

1.When you go out shopping, is your primary concern comfort and warmth?
Yes – go to question 2
No – go to question 3

2.Are you very active and tend to get things done quickly?
Yes – go to question 4
No – go to question 5

3.Do you fancy your style as a bit alternative?
Yes – Agyness Biker
No – go to question 2

4.Are you quite a perfectionist and take pride in small details?
Yes – Wombat Matilda
No – Ewe boots

5.If you were an animal would you be a swan or a tiger?
Swan – Mandy
Tiger – Alice

Answers

Agyness Biker boots
You like to be at the frontier of fashion and don’t mind a bit of work to look good. Celebrities are already espousing the biker style boots and these Agyness biker boots in black and brown are perfect if you want to stand out and look good.

Wombat Matilda
You’re a practical person who suits warm, comfortable boots which you can move around in easily, but are also stylish. These Wombat Matilda boots have hard wearing soles and are made of cosy sheepskin wool and feature an intricate stitching design on the back.

Ewe
You like to get things done in a hurry and don’t have time to hang about, so you need something both practical, stylish and low-maintenance to keep up with your busy lifestyle! These Ewe boots by Gumbies are made of strong high grade cow suede, dark in colour and are easy to get on and off with pull tabs. What’s more, they look great too!

Mandy
You take pride in elegance and style and like to pay attention to your appearance. These gorgeous microfibre Mandy boots fit your personality perfectly and are warm, soft and comfortable too.

Wombat Alice
You prefer variety in life and would love the combination of fashion and function in these Alice boots. You can wear them rolled up or rolled down to go with different outfits and they are made of soft-faux fur with a practical hard sole – perfect for looking stylish on the weekends while ensuring that your feet are kept warm and comfy on the trek round the sales!

Source: http://www.justloveleather.com/?p=1065

Ugg or ugly? - The Ugg Boot Road Test

We compare Australian-style boots from UGG Australia, Wombat Leather, J.U.S.T. Sheepskin, Bearpaw and Emu.
First sported by Aussie surfers in the 70s, then LA celebrities in the 00s, ugg boots have now become a wardrobe staple for many British women. But choosing which boots to buy can be a difficult task. There are so many different ones available on the high street and on the internet. In the quest to find the perfect pair of ugg boots, we put 5 different classic pairs from different brands all available in the UK to the test. Which Aussie-style boots came out on top?
UGG Australia                                               
Women’s Classic Short     £150.00

UGG Australia is generally held to be the go-to brand for ugg boots so much so that the name ‘ugg boots’ has even become synonymous with the UGG Australia brand. And it’s no surprise. UGG Australia boots are well made from quality materials and the extensive marketing and high price have established them as an exclusive luxury item. But I can’t help but wonder how much of their retail price is for the quality materials and workmanship and how much is for the status that wearing a pair of ‘UGGs’ brings. To wear a pair of UGG Australia boots is to buy into the LA celebrity culture and lifestyle. UGG Australia is after all part of a large US corporation and the boots are made in China! All in all, these Women’s Classic Short boots are warm, comfortable, very good quality and available in a range of different colours. Apart from the price, the only negative point is the sole, which although better than many other brands, still does not have a particularly good grip and I imagine would wear down relatively quickly.
Wombat Leather                                        
Wombat Classic      £85.00

 
Wombat Leather is a relatively new brand of sheepskin boots that are made in Australia from luxury Australian merino wool. Although the range is very small with only a few styles and colours, their core classic boots are really special. These genuine Australian sheepskin boots are excellent quality as well as excellent value for money. Out of the 5 pairs of boots tested, the sheepskin was the softest and finest and they had the sturdiest heel and sole. The heel had the strongest reinforcement to prevent the collapse often seen in poorer quality boots and the sole was the thickest and had the most grip. This makes them perfect for cold and icy weather.
J.U.S.T. Sheepskin                                      
Women’s Short Classic Sheepskin Boot …..£95.00


Although not quite as soft as the Wombat Classic boots, these short classic boots from J.U.S.T. Sheepskin were also good quality and good value for money. They kept my feet very warm and were very comfortable to walk in. However, I had the same problems with them as I did with the UGG Australia boots. During the test there were patches of ice on the pavement and I felt that these boots didn’t offer much grip. Also despite the heel being reinforced I still felt my feet slip around a bit. Overall these are a lovely pair of boots and I would definitely recommend them, although they are probably best kept for weather when you can be sure of your footing!

Bearpaw                                                      
Emma 8”Sheepskin      £69.99


Out of the 5 pairs of boots tested the Bearpaw Emma 8” were by far my least favourite. Although described as sheepskin boots, on closer inspection only the insole of the boots was actually made from sheepskin. The outer is made from suede leather and the lining is just wool that isn’t even particularly soft. The Emma boots look nice from a distance but up close you can tell that they are not particularly good quality. The sole also has the poorest grip out of all the boots tested. Admittedly they were reasonably warm and quite comfortable but I would not recommend them as I really don’t think they are worth the money. 

Emu Australia                                                                     
Stinger Lo      £125.00
 
Like the Wombat Classic, the Stinger Lo from Emu Australia is a very sturdy boot that is made to last! Although the grip is not particularly impressive the sole is dense, the heel is well reinforced and the insole has an arch support. These boots are very comfortable and would be fantastic for walking long distances. During the test my feet stayed well supported and did not move around at all like they did when wearing the boots from UGG Australia, J.U.S.T Sheepskin and Bearpaw. Like the Wombat Classic the Stinger Lo boots are also made in Australia from luxurious merino sheepskin, however this high quality comes at a cost. They are an excellent boot  but unfortunately not as good value for money as the Wombat Classic or the J.U.S.T. Sheepskin Women’s Short Classic.

Source: http://www.justloveleather.com/?p=804

Barmah Hats Review | Just Love Leather

Barmah Just Love Leather: "Anyone who enjoys hiking holidays will tell you that you can never guarantee good conditions. I have been to Scotland, Wales, Germany and Switzerland and the weather in the mountains is always the same. One day it can be blazing hot and the next it can be pouring with rain, or perhaps snowing, even in the middle of August! Because of this it can be difficult to know what to wear on your head. About seven or eight years ago, a friend introduced me to leather bush hats by Barmah. At first I was a little sceptical as I thought a traditional Australian hat would look out of place in the Swiss Alps, or rather I didn’t want people to point and say ‘Look! It’s Crocodile Dundee!’ However, an Aussie bush hat really is the most practical kind of hat for wearing in the mountains. The wide brim keeps the sun off your face and the back of your neck, protecting you from sunburn on good days and in the rain, it keeps water off your face and from running down the back of your neck too. Barmah hats sit closely against your head and will not move even in strong winds. What makes Barmah hats particularly good not just for hiking holidays but for any holiday is that they are lightweight and foldable. You can fold a Barmah hat flat and then keep it in the accompanying canvas bag. As you don’t have to worry about it being squashed and pushed out of shape you can simply put it in your suitcase or rucksack without it taking up too much space. ."

Stotfold Mill Steam Fair and Country Show 7th/8th May 2011

How to wear your sheepskin boots

Ugg boots may have started out as a trend amongst LA celebrities in the early noughties, but they are no longer a fashion item. Sheepskin boots have gone mainstream and are now considered by many women to be a basic wardrobe staple. As a result they are extremely versatile and can be worn with almost anything but here are a few tips to make sure you look your best when wearing them.

Sheepskin boots are available in short and long styles. If you are unsure which ones to go for, take a cue from your body shape. If you have a relatively long torso and shorter legs, then ankle-height boots are perfect for you. Worn with skinny jeans or leggings they will elongate your figure making your legs look endlessly long!

Sheepskin boots may go well with lots of different outfits but they are not suitable for every occasion. They are a comfort item and do not look right with formal outfits such as evening dresses or suits. In my opinion sheepskin boots look best with jeans or other casual trousers and a simple top. How you wear them will, of course, depend on the style and fit of your jeans. Skinny or slim fit jeans look great with the legs tucked into the boots. This creates a really sleek and slim silhouette. If you have wide or boot leg trousers, these are best worn over the top of your boots. If you try to tuck them in the material will bunch up and this may be uncomfortable, especially with jeans. 

You don’t need to wear socks. In fact, it’s better if you don’t! Sheepskin is a naturally thermostatic material meaning that it will regulate the temperature of your feet keeping you comfortable all year round. In winter the sheepskin will trap your body heat keeping you warm and cosy and in the summer, the sheepskin will wick any moisture away from your feet increasing the circulation of air, allowing your feet to stay cool!

But however you choose to wear them you will still look stylish as well as being warm and comfortable! Please check out our selection of sheepskin boots at Bobtails Trading Company today.

Confirmed dates for Game and Country Shows

Hey everyone! It's been a while since we've seen you all. The first few months of the year are always quiet but never fear, show season will soon be here. We've just confirmed 4 dates for events coming up this spring/summer where you can come and meet us in person and check out all our products, from bush hats to sheepskin boots, aussie roadsigns, smoker bags and even a few cuddly toys. More dates of country fairs and steam rallies will be posted on the events page of our website as soon as they are confirmed.

16-17th April - Kelmarsh Game and Country Fair, Northants.

  7 - 8th May - Stotfold Mill Steam Fair and Country Show

29-30th May - Highclere Game and Country Fair, Berks.

18-18th June - Sussex Game and Country Fair

Where do ugg boots come from?

An ugg (or ug or ugh) boot is simply another name for a sheepskin boot. Considered by many to be the warmest and most comfortable kind of footwear, ugg boots, originally from Australia, have been around for decades. However, over the last five years or so their popularity has spread from Australia and New Zealand, to celebrities in LA and then to the UK.

The term ugg (or ug or ugh) boots has been used in Australia to denote this style of footwear since the 1950s and should not be confused with UGG® Australia, which is a brand owned by American Deckers Outdoor Corporation, manufactured in China. The name ugg is thought to have been coined by Australian surfers and derived from the word ‘ugly’.

Ugg boots are thought to have been first made popular by surfers from Perth, the largest city on Australia’s west coast. This kind of footwear was just as popular with Australian surfers back in the day as they are now. They wore the boots to keep their feet warm after coming in from the ocean. What is great about them is that sheepskin is a naturally thermostatic material. It will keep feet at a comfortable temperature no matter what the weather.

From Perth the popularity of ugg boots spread across the whole of Australia and came to represent the laid back way of life. On the East Coast of Australia it was discovered that the boots were just as suitable for wear in the snow as they are on the beach. Having a similar climate, ugg boots soon spread to California and became a hot trend amongst celebrities in LA. Nowadays they have become a classic item of footwear and a wardrobe staple for many women all over the world. There are many different styles and colours available and they can be worn with almost everything, skirts, trousers or dresses and at any time of the year. They are fantastic for keeping warm in winter but will also ventilate feet and draw any sweat away from them in the summer keeping them cool.

The best quality boots are made from merino sheepskin. There are many fake sheepskin boots for sale on the internet but these will not have the special qualities of real sheepskin boots and may not last very. Ensure that you always buy your boots from a trusted retailer!

All about sheepskin

Sheepskin has been a popular clothing material for hundreds of years, keeping people warm in winter as well as comfortable in summer. Also known as shearling or fleece, sheepskin remains a timeless choice. It is a versatile material, which is great for all types of clothing, from coats to hats and gloves. In recent years, sheepskin has been most popular for boots and slippers.

In Australia the sheepskin or ‘ugg’ boot has become something of a national symbol and is now globally recognised as the origin of this style of footwear. When the first European colonists arrived in Australia hundreds of years ago, they found the mild climate and large expanses of natural grassland ideal for rearing sheep. In this colonial environment where settlers had only few possessions and resources, including food, were often scarce, sheep were highly valued both as a source of food and clothing material. Over time lamb and wool became the primary crop and chief export for the whole of Australia. Today 30% of all wool used worldwide is produced in Australia from over 100 million sheep and Geelong, a town on the south east coast of Australia, is hailed as the wool capital of the world.

Over 80% of Australian wool comes from a distinct breed, specifically adapted to the conditions of the Australian countryside, known as the ‘Australian Merino.’ These sheep are highly valued for their thick and fine quality fleeces. The quality of this particular kind of sheepskin makes it ideal for footwear. It allows for a durable and hardwearing suede texture of the exterior of the boot and a soft and lightweight wool interior. Moreover, it makes the boots suitable for wear at all times of the year. Sheepskin boots are equally as comfortable in extreme cold as in the height of summer. In cold conditions the fleece insulates the feet by trapping body heat and in warmer conditions the fleece keeps feet cool by drawing any perspiration away from the skin and allowing air to circulate. Sheepskin is thus known as a thermostatic material. This means that is keeps feet close to natural body temperature regardless of the temperature outside. Furthermore, because sheepskin contains lanolin, when worn barefoot, as is traditional in Australia, sheepskin boots will moisturise feet, keeping the skin soft and supple. It is no wonder that sheepskin ‘ugg’ boots are so popular.

Happy Australia Day Everyone!

Kate Middleton's aussie style

At Bobtails Trading Company we were so excited to hear that Prince William and Kate Middleton will finally be tying the knot. We have long been a fan of Kate’s cool country style, especially when we found out that she was a fellow aussie hat wearer. Make like Kate and head over to www.bobtailstradingcompany.co.uk to get yours now.

Barmah Foldaway Broncho - Premium full-grain cattle hide bush hat - £45.99

Barmah Foldaway Squashy - Hickory suede bush hat - £45.99

Wombat Outback - soft split cow hide bush hat - £29.99