DIY Project: Colorblocked Laces

Minnetonka DIY: Colorblocked Laces by Land of Nams

A cute and colorful DIY project for your Tramper Boot laces!  As soon as we spotted this adorable colorblocking tutorial created by Namrata on her blog Land of Nams we knew it was a DIY we had to try this summer!

Will you be colorblocking the laces on your favorite pair of Minnetonka boots this summer?

Instructions:
1.  Use the masking tape to tape up the laces at a regular interval. Namrata used 1.5 inch intervals.  
2.  Paint laces using fabric paint in your preferred color/pattern.
3.  Let dry overnight.
4.  In the morning, take off the masking tape et voila!

Store Spotlight: North Standard Trading Post

North Standard Trading Post of Toronto, Ontario

Meet Pam and Frank the owners of North Standard Trading Post

 

Minnetonka Store Spotlight:  North Standard Trading Post 1662 Queen Street West  Toronto, ON, M6R 1B2

Meet owners Pamela Hopson and Francesco Fiore in our Q&A and learn more about North Standard Trading Post of Toronto!

What is your Minnetonka story?
We are a clothing and lifestyle shop for men and women that pays tribute to the North country that we value so much.  Our brands have to inspire emotions of simple and quality made pieces, as well as tell a great story.  Pamela has been wearing Minnetonka Moccasins for years, and has always loved their styling, comfort, and quality. Minnetonka was an easy choice for us because it fits our vision perfectly.

What is the most popular Minnetonka style in your store?
The Infant Fringe Bootie in tan and brown suede! These mocs fly off the shelves for the little ones and they also make the perfect gift for new moms and pops!

What is your favorite pair of Minnetonka mocs?
We love anything with the Thunderbird pattern. Not only does it tell a great story, it is a fun design on the footwear. We have the Thunderbird II and the Thunderbird Boat Moc in our store and although we love all the styles, these would be ranked as our favourites. We do also like when new styles come into play, for example, the Full Leopard Moc adds an awesome pop to our assortment.

How do you like to style your Minnetonka moccasins?
We love Minnetonka moccasins because you can wear them with anything! Right now, since the warm weather is hitting, we love pairing them with denim shorts and oversized loose knit sweaters. They really give that effortless, comfort-cool styling that we love to any outfit.

What are a few must see destinations near your store?
We love our little nook of Toronto because it has a great community.  We are right in-between two wonderful neighbourhoods: Parkdale and Roncesvalles. Both are packed with independently owned shops, art galleries, coffee shops, and phenomenal restaurants. A few steps west of us is a destination for antique shopping with more than 10 antique and vintage stores jammed onto one block. We also love to spend our days off exploring High Park – Toronto’s largest public park – which is a short walk west of our store. It’s full of nature trails, ponds, wildlife, and a small zoo.

Blogger Spotlight: Bubby & Bean

Melissa of Bubby & Bean in her Minnetonka 3-Layer Fringe Boots

Melissa's Minnetonka must-have for summer, a pair of Thunderbird II mocs!

A chic boho look styled with a pair of Hi Top Back Zip Boots

Blogger Spotlight:  Melissa of Bubby and Bean

What’s your Minnetonka story?
Minnetonka has been a part of my life for as long as I can remember.  I had several pairs of Thunderbird mocs as a little a girl, as did my sister.  We wore them everywhere!  My parents wore Minnetonka moccasins too.  When it was time for a new pair, we’d take a family outing to a little general store a few towns away.  I remember thinking it was such an adventure – once we got there, we’d get to pick out a special treat (usually a piece of candy) along with a new pair of Thunderbird moccasins.  Minnetonka shoes have always been the epitome of casual, classic style to me, and I’ve always had at least one pair in my closet.

If you could explain your style in one word or phrase what would it be?
Modern bohemian.

Whose style inspires you?
I’m inspired by so many different styles – everything from ’60s mod to ’70s hippie to current, edgy looks.  But I find the greatest inspiration in everyday people who dress for themselves.  I love it when I see someone on the street wearing an outfit that looks equally effortless and unique.  I like the idea of incorporating current trends in small ways, but to me the best overall style is defined by individual personality rather than than what’s “in.”

What’s your favorite trend this season?
I love the bold stripes that are big this summer.  Stripes are so timeless.  I also like the free-spirited, boho trend that’s continued into this season from last year.

What song do you currently have on repeat?
It’s a tie between Joni Mitchell’s “California” (years will pass but I always seem to go back to that song) and First Aid Kit’s “Wolf.”

What’s your favorite city and why?
I’m a Chicago girl and that never really goes away – so Chicago will always have my heart. My favorite city to visit is and always has been San Francisco.  It’s so diverse and eclectic but still down-to-earth, and the food, music, art, and culture are unparalleled.  I also love that it’s right on the ocean and so close to my favorite natural area in the country, the Redwood forests.

My Minnetonka must-have item is…
The Thunderbird II in grey.  I am not exaggerating when I say that I wear these every single day.  Sometimes it’s out with friends, sometimes it’s to casual business meetings, sometimes it’s just to get the mail.  But on any given day, they will be on my feet at some point!  I love how versatile they are – they look equally amazing paired with a feminine dress as they do with a pair of cut-off jean shorts and a t-shirt.  They’ll always be a staple in my wardrobe.  

Visit Bubby & Bean today and enter to win a pair of 3-Layer Fringe Boots, Thunderbird II Mocs or Hi Top Back Zip Boots to sport this summer!

Store Spotlight: The Indian Tepee Gift Shop

The Indian Tepee Gift Shop of Bolton Landing, NY

The Indian Tepee Gift Shop's staff are always happy to help customers find the perfect pair of moccasins!

Carol, the store's Minnetonka expert, holding her favorite Minnetonka style - a pair of 3-Layer Fringe Boots

Minnetonka Store Spotlight:  The Indian Tepee Gift Shop Bolton Landing, NY 12814

Meet owner Skip Lower, and the store’s Minnetonka salesperson Carol Barboza, in our Q&A and learn more about The Indian Tepee Gift Shop of Bolton Landing on Lake George!

What is your Minnetonka story?
Our Minnetonka story dates back to 1960, when we first began carrying Minnetonka moccasins at our store.  It all started as a series of traditions for families each year.

Carol Barboza, our store’s Minnetonka expert, began selling moccasins in 1971. She has sold Minnetonka products to both children and parents alike. A Minnetonka fitting by Carol, who has watched the customers and their families grow and expand each year, is a notable experience in itself and is much of the reason we have been able to carry on this Minnetonka tradition across generations of families.   

Now it is common to see four or five generations of customers being fit for new moccasins at the same time. We enjoy making our customers happy and ensuring they find a shoe that is both comfortable and stylish and that comes as the result of a tradition of visiting our store each year.

What is the most popular Minnetonka style in your store?
The most popular moccasin style in our store is the Thunderbird Boat Moc in brown.

What is your favorite pair of Minnetonka mocs?
Carol’s favorite Minnetonka style is the 3-Layer Fringe Boot in black.

What are a few must see destinations when visiting Bolton Landing on Lake George?
One of our favorite things is to take a dinner cruise of Lake George on a local steamboat. While on the cruise, you’ll pass by 44 of our 170 islands where visitors camp. You will definitely see a variety of tents and lots of marshmallow toasting while passing the islands. Beside the many campers, you are sure to see many of the locals fishing and enjoying an evening boat ride. The evening sunsets are amazing to watch as they radiate beauty across the crystal waters of Lake George.