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Last year Ugg boots shot to fame, with help from Hollywood starlets. But most of those furry boots now reside in the back of the closet. This season, it's all about Crocs.
For the uninformed, Crocs are lightweight slip-ons made of a resin called Crosslite and perforated for ventilation. But these colorful shoes won't be fading from the fashion scene anytime soon --- thanks to a few friends and their Jibbitz.
And no, this is not jibberish.
Jibbitz (jibbitz.com) manufactures "jewelry" that owners of Crocs snap into the air holes. Designs range from flowers and patriotic symbols to animals, hearts and even sports symbols for $2.49.
Sheri and Rich Schmelzer got the idea for their Boulder-based company when Sheri and her three kids started sticking charms into their Crocs' holes. "Originally, we designed the jewelry for children," she said. "Now parents and grandparents want Jibbitz for their Crocs."
What began in the family basement has burgeoned to 6 million Jibbitz sold to date. It helps that the Schmelzers were friends and neighbors of the Crocs company owners.
And what Jibbitz do the Schmelzers wear? "I change every day," Sheri said, "but I like the big flower. And my husband wears the skull and crossbones and a purple peace sign in his Crocs."
Copyright 2006 The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
