Remember to make a comment to be entered in the Personal Training Giveaway. Contest ends tonight, February 3 at 9 PM PST.
With the flood of boots on the market lately it can be very difficult to choose. I write about boots frequently. I’m often asked, “How many boots do you have?” Well, I don’t own everything I show on the blog. I think almost all have been featured; now you will see it in one post.
I am thrilled by the trend of recent years of “tucking in”. Boots have many great details now that need to shown off. They add texture and interest to your outfits. I wear boots like shoes. They are much more comfortable to me because for starters they cover the entire foot. I don’t need to worry about the cut and where it might rub. Boots are often sized a bit wider. If I choose the right heel, I’ve found the perfect mix for me personally.
So here we go. I’ve had this Born pair for years. They really need to be replaced, but I haven’t found the perfect pair so it will wait until next year. These will stay in my closet because when it’s pouring down rain and I’m dodging puddles, they are a great choice. The cushioned foot bed even 4 years later is like a slipper. You will note that they are not a real high boot and are tighter around the calf. I actually like these better with a skirt but they work for both!
Two years ago I decided I wanted to try tucking in my jeans and towards the end of the season I found these at The Rack. I can’t even find a brand name in them. For $60 they were a steal. These are mid-calf. That scrunched look is great with jeans or leggings.
This fall I added a bootie. It’s just a little more dressy and works with outfits that need something a step above the other two. Belvedere by Soft is still available in Black or Brown.
Last year I wanted to add a casual style in brown that looked good with skinny jeans/leggings and long sweaters or coats. These from Naughty Monkey fit the bill. Search this brand and you’ll see more styles–all under $100.
This year I added the brown “riding” style from Clarks called Lyme Grass–also available in black. I paid full price and they are worth every penny.
Can I wear these two with skirts? Some yes, others no. I’ve had a problem with a tall brown dress boot too detailed for this post. Suffice to say: I made some poor choices. Zappos bailed me out of one buying mistake. Another is sitting in my closet perfect for long boot skirts. While that look is still very much in, it is not a flattering style on me personally. I have a couple of dresses and one skirt that calls for that dressier boot. Now I see the current trend of a more generous calf circumference and more room around the ankle which allows room for tucking. However, I like a higher, more fitted boot with a dress/skirt. Just my personal opinion
And then… yes, they are BLUE! I never would have thought of wearing blue boots. I had seen this same pair from Eric Michael in a boutique for $250 in brown. My price: under $100 last spring at Endless Shoes. I guess others thought blue was weird. The color is great with denim and brighter outfits I wear in the spring. (We could wear boots in the Pacific NW until June). Complete strangers come up to me and say, “I love those boots!” Along with the Clarks and the black Born, these are 8-hour boots.
And finally, from the Nordstrom sale rack, a taupe bootie by Vince Camuto. Macy’s also carried them in chocolate and black. These are my “going out” boots as the higher heel prohibits anything beyond an hour. Great for sitting in movie theatres and restaurants!
Final Count: 7! My motto that comfort and style mix is evident here. So would I choose the same things if I had to start from scratch? Do YOU need that many boots? The answers coming in a follow-up post tomorrow.
