Feeling Grounded

It's interesting to me how different pairs of shoes can impact you mood.   Whimsical. Confident. Sexy.  But when I feel the most grounded and strong is wearing a pair of knee-high flat boots... lacing optional.

It probably goes back to my teen years when I was learning English dressage and jumping.  I loved it.  I was learning and pushing my boundaries.  Plus, horses!

Since then, I've always loved an outfit that gives a nod to the equestrian.  From the tall black boots that make me want to stride, to polished jackets and tailored fabrics, I feel at home.  It's funny how rare is it to feel really good in my own skin.  I guess I need to wear my tall boots more often!

Le Sigh - Anthropologie Whipstitched Riding Boots

I don't need new boots, I really don't, but I saw these and just said "I Likey!" It's  my jumping and dressage past that is calling out to me.... Boooootttttssss......

Whipstitched Riding Boots from Anthropologie - $278

SD Review: Tsubo Kampot Boot

The folks from Tsubo have graciously let me test out another pair from their product line.  This time it is the Kampot boot.  These boots are so unique looking. They're just killer.

They're knee-high boots with a 3" heel that has almost a talon shape.  But these boots have the same cushion-y insole as their shoes, which means you can walk all day in them.

Did I mention I love the design of these?  The shaft is stiched together in waves, adding a unique embellishment without getting fussy or over accessorized. They're streamlined but not at all plain.

The interior has a bit of metallic sheen to it and is coupled with a soft lining.

The Kampots fit pretty true to size, are medium width, zip up inner calf and have two gussets for a bit of calf stretch.

But what's hard to beat are their grippy soles.  You can look fabulous and sleek while not slipping!  Amazing, right?!?

I prefer the black but the brown version done in multi-tonal pieces is funky too.

The Kampot boots are $200 and you can get either pair directly from the Tsubo site.

SD Review: Johnston & Murphy Virginia Boots

Sometimes it takes me a while to warm up to something. I resisted espadrilles and open-toe shoes for ages. Now I'm not sure if I could live with out them. It's not that I'm closed minded; it's more like I'm very particular.

One footwear item that I didn't realized how much I loved and needed until fairly recently was the flat boot. I've always preferred the heeled knee-high boot. I have them in several colors but about two or three years ago I really started noticing how much I liked the look of the flat boot, especially with tucked in jeans.

But there was a problem with this. First, finding the right jeans. I've really liked the matchstick jeans from JCrew for this. But then the boots. Buying knee-high boots can be pretty problematic. It adds another layer of complexity to my shoe shopping challenges. Not only do I need it to fit my small foot, but also my calf. I do not have straight calves. Many years of English dressage horseback riding and jumping lessons have given me muscular curvy calves. For some reason shoe companies think if you wear a small size shoe then naturally you have equally small calves. The diameter of the boot shaft will increase as the foot size does even though they are not really related.

Suffice it to say, I've been searching for the right flat boot.

When Johston & Murphy contacted me to let me know they were launching a footwear line for women (in addition to their men's line), I was very excited to try them out.

First I want to express my appreciation of the lovely and thoughtful and clever package they sent me.

They sent me all of their images digitally which was a smart way to ensure I receievd their information without clogging up my email!

But on to the boots, right!?!

They sent me the Virginia boots in black.

These boots are perfectly soft and clean-lined but with a great texture.

You're going to see I was totally smitten with the back zipper and snap tabs because I took a million pictures of them from this angle.

I love the brass hardware and the tabs so much. The shoe is very simple but gives off this strong, feminine yet kick-ass kind of vibe.

ZIPPERS!!!

Almost military but still dressy enough for skirts.

I have been wearing flat boots and jeans all winter but I am loving the look of flat boots with dresses for spring. They are not going away.

While these boots were from the Autumn line, Johnston & Murphy has put out an adorable collection for spring.

They have clothes and accessories too but you have to check out the new shoes. I love the Carmen ankle strap wedge and the Paige red patent driving mocs.


Keep an eye on these folks. They are doing really cute looks and the quality, from what I've seen, is great.

Thanks Johnston & Murphy, for letting me test them out!

Funky Functional

I'm going to be heading out to rainy Ireland soon and have been on the hunt for some boots to get me through walking and rainy weather. I started out buying a pair of the Jimmy Choo Hunter wellies but I wasn't as thrilled with the fit of them, so back they went. I did find a cute pair of plaid lined (perfect with the red and black wardrobe I'm bringing with me) duck-style boots from Target.

So these are going to be good for walking around town but I also plan on going riding if the cross-country course isn't too soggy. I found a nice pair of equestrain flat boots that I can dress up or wear in the saddle. If something happens to them then it won't be too big of an issue either.

I'll be putting these boots through their paces - lots of rain and cold, so I'll let you know how they work out.